Joliet: Cory McClenathan preview

Cory McClenathan Ready as POWERade Season Hits Critical Juncture

Cory McClenathan's resume includes  two Top Fuel low qualifying awards from
races at Route 66 Raceway since  1998.  But, he believes, there's more in store.

"I don't know  what my problem has been at that track," says McClenathan, "
because it's one of  the best tracks we race at.  I just haven't been too
successful there, but  I do believe our Carrier Boyz FRAM Boost dragster is
capable of getting the job  done this weekend."

The CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals, the next event in the NHRA POWERade Series unfolds Friday through Sunday at the Joliet, Ill., track. It is the only stop here this year

"I am  confident that (crew chief) Wes Cerny, (assistant crew chief) Tony
Shortall and  the crew will give me a race car that can win races."

This stop is  the 10th of 23 events and, McClenathan noted, is important
because it kicks off  a critical three-race stretch.

"Realistically, I think we  can still make a charge toward the top in points,"
 he said.  "Wes is  getting more comfortable with the tune-up on our new car.
This will be its third  race (since the old car was destroyed in an accident
in Bristol, Tenn.).   It has been a learning experience for Wes and Tony."

McClenathan is ninth with 423 points, which puts him 86 behind No. 5 Larry Dixon.

"The car qualified No. 2 at Topeka (Kan., May 28) and was consistent going down the race track during qualifying," McClenathan continued. "But on race day the tune-up was too much for the track to handle and we shook the tires and lost in the first round.

"These  next three races may separate the contenders from the pretenders.  We
go to  Englishtown (N.J., June 16-18) and then have a night race at St. Louis
(June  24-26).  The latest race results show more drivers are beginning to
step up  (competitively) and I want our FRAM Boost dragster to be among the
leaders.  I want us to get hot on it."

McClenathan Takes Time to Go Skeet Shooting

Cory McClenathan  proved he can to more than shoot the bull.  He can shoot
flying clay  targets.

In an unusual competition, it was McClenathan vs. Robert Hight at Redlands (Calif.) Shooting Park. Hight, recognized more for driving John Force's Auto Club Ford Mustang Funny Car, is an accomplished shooter. McClenathan, meanwhile, is an avid shooter.

"We had  a good time," McClenathan said. "Robert is an excellent shooter and
I don't do  too badly.  I know how good he is.  This gave us both a chance to
get  away from racing.  We had a blast and that was a bonus."

The outing was organized by NHRA's National Dragster.

"Skeet shooting  was good practice for me. It brings new meaning to hand-eye
coordination. That  will help me get our FRAM Boost dragster off the starting
line better," added  McClenathan.

No scores were released but Hight was the best shooter in the driver category, and McClenathan wasn't far behind.

-cbr-