Indy ORP: Doug Herbert final report

Herbert Goes to the Quarterfinals in U.S. Nationals

In Monday's eliminations at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals from O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind., Doug Herbert and the SnaponFranchse.com team advanced to the quarterfinals but suffered a loss to Cory McClenathan in the second round.

Herbert, the No. 7 qualifier, defeated No. 10 qualifier Clay Millican in round one. The SnaponFranchise.com dragster had a strong run of 3.918 at 311.85 mph as Millican struggled to get down the hot track.

Cory McClenathan, the No. 2 qualifier, had lane choice for the second round of eliminations and chose left, which put Herbert in the lane that many drivers had struggled on throughout the weekend. With a reaction time of .069 over McClenathan's .089, Herbert was quicker off the lane. Both dragsters smoked the tires but McClenathan was able to get down the track quicker, defeating Herbert 4.521 to 5.041.

"We knew we really needed to be on top of our game to beat Cory," said Herbert. "He's a tough competitor and I respect him but that doesn't make the loss any easier. I'm really happy for my buddy Steve [Johnson] for getting the job done in Pro Stock Bike. Winning at Indy, that's one that he'll never forget."

-credit: dhr