Phoenix: Duane Shields wrap up

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Federal Mogul Dragster driver Duane Shields suffered a disappointing first round loss at this past weekend's Checker-Schuck's-Kraegen Nationals at Firebird Raceway, just outside of Phoenix.

Shields, of Las Vegas, qualified strong with an elapsed time of 5.447 at 258.02 mph that put him in the No. 6 in preliminary standings. In the first round he ran the quickest and fastest Blown Alcohol Dragster pass of the weekend with a 5.379 at 261.57 mph, but lost to Mike Strasburg's holeshot aided 5.523 at 255.43 mph.

"I was just concentrating too hard on cutting a light," said Shields.  "I
guess I over did it.  It's hard on everybody when you lose on a holeshot
like that.  We'll just have to put it behind us and move on."

The next stop on the Shields Racing schedule is this upcoming weekend's Division 7 Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series event in Tucson, Arizona. Shields hopes his new performance will help carry him to success in Tucson.

"We are real encouraged by the car's performance this past weekend," said Shields. "Hopefully next weekend we can turn that into a win."

- Will Hanna