Millington: Doug Herbert eliminations summary

Herbert pleased with performance in semifinal finish.

MEMPHIS, Sept. 22, 2002 - Doug Herbert had mostly nice things to say about his experiences in the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park Sunday.

"All-in-all, it was probably one of our best performances of the year on race day," Herbert said shortly after his Snap-on Racing Top Fuel dragster lost a close decision to Tony Schumacher for the second time in six days. "I was happy with our performance all weekend. The car ran better and I think we have in pointed in the right direction."

Herbert was leading Schumacher in the semifinals when the car spun the tires, dropped a cylinder and slowed to a 4.773-second, 297.35-mph clocking that enabled Schumacher to get by with a 4.706 at 311.56. Herbert had a .465 reaction to a .510. "We were ahead at 1,000 feet," added Herbert.

The Cherryville, N.C. driver began the day with a 4.729-6.428-second victory over Scott Weis and followed with a 4.651 at 316.38 to stop No. 1 qualifier Andrew Cowin's 4.7090 at 303.64.

"Wes Cerny's help on the tune-up was a major ingredient in our performance," Herbert pointed out.

He was able to gain ground on sixth-place Doug Kalitta in the NHRA POWERade standings. Herbert has 1047 points and Kalitta 1085.

The Snap-on Racing crew returns to action in the Craftsman 75thAnniversary Nationals, Friday through Sunday, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

Qualified: No. 8, 4.745 at 308.85 mph; First round: Herbert, 4.729 at 306.53 def. Scott Weis; Quarterfinals: Herbert, 4.651 at 316.38 def. Andrew Cowin, 4.709 at 303.64; Semifinals: Tony Schumacher, 4.706 at 311.56 def. Herbert, 4.773 at 297.35

Pro Winners: Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; Tony Pedregon, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin Jr., Pro Stock,

-dhr-