Phoenix: Dave Grubnic preview

NHRA's Dave Grubnic is focusing on a further run in Phoenix

Chandler, Ariz., (Feb. 22, 2006) - Last year at the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals, StriVectin-SD Top Fuel dragster pilot "Aussie Dave" Grubnic, 43, marched to the semifinals of the event on the strength of 4.53-sec., and 4.57-sec., runs in the first two rounds of final eliminations respectively. Unfortunately the temperature began climbing the thermometer in the Arizona desert air just enough to help Grubnic's 7,000 horsepower rail rocket lose traction and the round in his semi-final lap on a more slippery paved quarter-mile drag strip at Firebird Int'l Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., just outside of the Phoenix city limits.

At this season's running of the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals this weekend, Feb. 24-26, native Australian Grubnic and his black and pink-decorated StriVectin-SD team are looking to go even further in eliminations and to pick up their first win of the just-underway 2006 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

"I really thought we were going to win it all in Phoenix last year," Grubnic, an Ennis, Mont., resident said. "We only qualified in tenth, but our car was running great on Sunday. These race cars are so close to the edge of performance vs. traction that it just sometimes bites you, especially when you don't expect it."

"Of course, we want to make sure we get qualified solidly in the field this year and hopefully apply all of our notes on Firebird and make a run for the trophy. We'll just see what happens, but hopefully I'll be hoisting a Wally (trophy) in the winner's circle Sunday with a larger-than-life grin on my face to give Connie a late birthday present."

Grubnic's crew chief, team owner and drag racing legend Conrad "Connie" Kalitta will celebrate his 68th birthday this Fri., Feb. 24.

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