Phoenix: Doug Herbert preview

PHOENIX, pre-race: For Doug Herbert, driver the Snap-on Tools/Racebricks/Doug Herbert Performance Top Fuel dragster, the recent NHRA season-opening Winternationals could just as well been considered a successful test session for the team. Herbert entered the first race of the season in Pomona without the aid of any pre-season testing but still walked away from the event with a semifinal finish, tied for third in the POWERade championship point standings.

"That was a great way to start the season," said Herbert, "now we hope to keep our momentum rolling in Phoenix." Herbert will be considered a favorite in Top Fuel this weekend at the 22nd annual Checkers Shuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Herbert had a good weekend last season at Firebird Raceway, the high desert quarter-mile and multi-purpose facility just south of Phoenix. The North Carolina resident and pilot made his first run into the magical 4.40-second elapsed time zone, with his quickest run ever. Herbert also recorded the fastest run of his career, an incredible 330.63 mph, en route to a quarter-final finish.

"After the way we ran at the first race in Pomona we know we're headed in the right direction," Herbert said. "We just need some more work and some more runs. Wayne Dupuy (crew chief) and Jim Brissette (tuning consultant) are both brilliant guys and together they'll have this Snap-on Tools dragster winning rounds consistently in no time."

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