Indianapolis: Mopar Racing Monday notes

CLERMONT, Ind. (Sept. 4, 2000) - Dodge Motorsports Dakota R/T driver Todd Patterson made a second round appearance during Monday's 46th annual NHRA Winston Drag Racing U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Larry Joe Seay nipped Patterson at the top end with a 7.63-second elapsed time at 175.23 mph. Patterson ran a 7.646/174.77.

"The truck made a good run out there," Patterson said. "I'm happy that we are starting to go a round or two. We have been qualifying well, but our elimination rounds have been pretty bad."

Patterson defeated Randy Daniels in the first round. Daniels suffered mechanical woes, while Patterson ran an impressive 7.679/174.48 combination. It was Patterson's first round victory of the season.

Darrell Alderman, driver of the Team Mopar Dodge Avenger, lost in round one of Pro Stock eliminations when a slower Allen Johnson eked out a victory. Johnson held a holeshot advantage (.458-.442) and ran a 7.022/194.86. Alderman clocked a 7.013/195.73.

"We had a nice run," Alderman said. "He just got me off the line. The car reacted pretty well to the cooler weather conditions. It's disappointing to lose in the first round."