Indy ORP: Clay MIllican Sunday notes

Steady Millican qualifies 10th at U.S. Nationals
Tennessee-based Top Fuel team races Doug Herbert Monday

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2008 -- The battle plan crew chief Lance Larsen devised coming into the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals called for getting the Hope4Sudan/Lend America/Nitro Fish Top Fuel dragster to make consistent qualifying laps.

By the time the sun went down Sunday night, Larsen accomplished his goal and his quickest 1,000-foot time of 3.893 seconds at 311.20 mph placed him No. 10 in the 16-car line-up for Sunday's eliminations. He races Doug Herbert (No. 7, 3.878 at 312.06 mph) in the opening round.

"I know I've said this every day, but Lance Larsen is just getting us to make runs," said a happy Millican, of Drummonds, Tenn. "He keeps making little changes to see what he can get away with on the tune-up."

The team debuted two weeks ago at Reading, Pa., and Millican notched a semifinal finish.

"He tried something on our last run Sunday that worked okay, but it did get the tires loose," added Millican. "We are excited about getting to race at the U.S. Nationals. I really feel comfortable in the car."

-credit: ksm