Memphis: Cory McClenathan Saturday summary

McClenathan grabs No. 12 spot in qualifying at Memphis

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (August 21, 2004) -- Cory McClenathan, from Anaheim, Calif., and the Top Fuel team of Carrier Boyz Racing struggled though qualifying but held on to take the No. 12 spot when qualifying ended today for the 16-car Top Fuel field at the NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals.

"We struggled through the weekend with a problem of dropping cylinders," said McClenathan, who notched his first of 28 career wins at this track in 1992. "This is a condition that has haunted us for several races now. Crew chief Todd Smith and the team are working overtime to get the problem corrected. I am optimistic that we can have this corrected in time for eliminations tomorrow.

"Having won my first race ever at this track brings back fond memories every time I come back here. I would like nothing better than to bring home another win here, this time for Berryman Products and the Carrier Boyz."

McClenathan best qualifying pass of four attempts was a run of 4.750 seconds at 297.94 mph under overcast skies this afternoon.

In elimination tomorrow, McClenathan will face Brandon Bernstein in the opening round. Bernstein qualified No. 5 with a pass of 4.583 seconds at 320.51 mph. The pair has met eight times previously with Bernstein winning six.

McClenathan enters the NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals seventh in the POWERade Top Fuel point standings. He now has 856 points which places him just 37 points out of sixth and 74 points out of the top five.

Final eliminations get underway tomorrow at 3 p.m. This time is subject to change and reflect Central Daylight Time (CDT).

ESPN2 will air same-day television coverage of eliminations from 10 p.m. until midnight on Sunday (August 22). Television time is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.

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