Memphis: Cory McClenathan final report

Tire Shake Slows McClenathan in Opening Round at Memphis

Tire shake helped bounce Cory McClenathan and the FRAM Top Fuel dragster from competition Sunday in the opening round of the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.

McClenathan gave the throttle a quick pedal to get rid of the shaking that began almost at the hit of the throttle. The dragster hooked up, but by then Rod Fuller's dragster was pulling away.

McClenathan was timed in 5.005 seconds at 223.50 mph to Fuller's winning 4.594 at 314.68 mph.

"That was the first first-round loss we've had with the new car," McClenathan said. "We had a good opponent in that round and he did run 4.59, but he still was vulnerable.

"It's tough to be the first the first pair down the track on race day. We had a good 60-foot time, but the tune-up was too aggressive. Now we'll get ready to go to Dallas next week."

The team now heads for Texas and the O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, near Dallas, Friday through Sunday.

-credit: sgr