Memphis: Cory McClenathan Friday notes

FRAM Dragster Fifth after Opening Day at Memphis

MEMPHIS, Sept. 14, 2007 -- Cory McClenathan continued smiling Friday night at Memphis Motorsports Park, thanks to the performance of his FRAM Top Fuel dragster.

McClenathan held the down the No. 5 position following the first qualifying day for Sunday's O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals, stopping the timer in 4.585 seconds at 321.42 mph at the site of his first NHRA Top Fuel victory.

"I'm very satisfied with the way things are going," he said. "I don't think anybody realizes how well this team is performing. We've only been together four races and we're making a lot of progress. I think we should be able to improve tomorrow. I think Keith (Adams, crew chief) and Tony (Shortall, assistant crew chief) and all the guys are working well together. They do their jobs and give me a good car to drive, and that means a lot."

McClenathan has two more attempts tomorrow to set the field for eliminations.

-credit: sgr