Larry Dixon Indy IRP test notes 2004-08-25

Dixon and Miller Crew Continue Indy Prep at I.R.P. on Wedneday

CLERMONT, Ind. (Aug. 25, 2004) - After making two test laps down the historic quarter mile at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Tuesday afternoon, two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and the Miller Lite Top Fuel team were back at it on Wednesday, making four additional passes during the open test at I.R.P. prior to the running of the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Sept. 1-6, at the multi-purpose race facility.

The 35-time NHRA winner powered his Dick LaHaie-tuned rail to an effort of 4.629 seconds at 293.86 mph on his second run of the day. On his final attempt, the 1995 NHRA Rookie of the Year raced to a pass of 4.815 at 235.02, after Dixon clicked off the engine before the finish line.

"What I really like about our team is that they just don't give up," team owner Don Prudhomme said. "Even after winning last weekend, they're testing and trying some things with the clutch and engine and the runs that they've made were very impressive. They never made any runs through the lights because Dick (LaHaie) prefers not to do that for safety reasons. It always amazes me how well he adapts to new parts and situations. I'm looking forward to the race at Indy."

Dixon and the Miller Lite boys will make the short drive to the Don Prudhomme Racing shop in Brownsburg, Ind. to continue preparation for next weekend's U.S. Nationals. Nitro qualifying at NHRA drag racing's annual Labor Day-weekend gathering in the motor sports capitol begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. The teams are scheduled to make two additional qualifying attempts on Saturday, Sept. 4 (4:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 5 (12:45 and 4:10 p.m.) to set the field for Monday's final eliminations which kick off at 11 a.m. (CT).

-www.snakeracing.com