Indianapolis: Mopar Friday notes

CLERMONT, Ind. (Sept. 1, 2000) - Darrell Alderman, driver of the Team Mopar Dodge Avenger, impressed a packed house during Friday's first qualifying session for NHRA Winston Drag Racing's 46th annual U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The three-time Winston Pro Stock World Champion earned the fifth-qualifying position with a 7.018-second elapsed time at 195.28 mph.

"That was a good run," Alderman said. "It was a little light after about 60-foot, but I'm very pleased. The car was very smooth through the gears. I also thought the right lane was outstanding as well."

Alderman's stable mate and driver of the other Team Mopar Dodge Avenger Scott Geoffrion, barely missed the field with a solid 7.065/194.80 run. Geoffrion is 17th after day number one.

"The car has more in it," Geoffrion said. "Once we dial in the clutch, we'll be in great shape. With the two late sessions tomorrow and Sunday, I'm confident we'll make the show."

Larry Morgan's Dodge Motorsports Avenger failed to qualify with a 7.137/194.38 outing. It was the first pass for Morgan's brand new Dodge Avenger.

Todd Patterson and the Dodge Motorsports Dakota R/T Pro Stock Truck missed the qualifying field after posting a 7.709/174.39 effort. Patterson explains the run.

"We know what we need to go faster," Patterson said. "We were really light in the clutch department. We have a lot of power and now we need to put it to the pavement."

The Team Mopar Dodge Dakota R/T of Dale Eaton missed the field after running a 7.798/172.01 combination. Dodge Motorsports Dakota R/T driver Craig Eaton also failed to qualify when he broke loose at the starting line and ran a 7.836/162.16.

The Matco Tools/Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger Nitro Funny Car of Dean Skuza grabbed the 16th-qualifying position after smoking the tires at half-track and running a 6.227/147.07.

"We had a little too much clutch on that run," Skuza said. "We had a good launch, but we moved around in the groove a little too much."