Larry Dixon Phoenix test notes

Dixon Makes Quickest Run to Conclude 2005 Testing for Miller Lite Team

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Jan. 31, 2005) -- Two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon blasted his Miller Lite dragster to its quickest performance in testing Monday at Firebird International Raceway as Don Prudhomme's Miler Lite team completed preseason testing.

The 35-time NHRA winner opened testing Monday morning by powering to a run of 4.530 seconds at 313.15 mph. It was the second straight 4.53-second elapsed time for the Miller Lite/Lucas Oil rail after Dixon recorded a run of 4.538-seconds on Sunday afternoon at F.I.R.

The 1995 NHRA Rookie of the Year then used a tune-up from champion crew chief Dick LaHaie to stop the Firebird Raceway timers in 4.505 at 324.90 to conclude testing for Prudhomme's team. Dixon's dragster exceeded 276-mph at the 660-foot (1/8-mile) mark on team's final effort.

0x285cOur goal was to work on the engine and clutch and as the weekend went on we were able to make the car go quicker and faster,0x285d Dixon said."I think that we didn't make as many runs as we thought we were going to make, but Dick LaHaie was please with our progress and performance of the race car. We were able to sort through various clutch, ignition and engine pieces and he feels fairly comfortable to take this combination to Pomona (Calif.). Dicko has had all winter to work on a game plan, so I'm not surprised we're done testing. LaHaie is really good and he's happy with our progress."

The Miller Lite/Raybestos crew will head to the Don Prudhomme Racing shop in Vista, Calif. to prepare for the 45th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals, Feb. 10-13, at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway to kick-off the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season. Dixon is a three-time Winternationals winner.

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