Phoenix: Matt Hagan Saturday notes

NHRA ROOKIE CONTENDER HAGAN SNAGS NO. 8 IN PHOENIX QUALIFYING

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 21, 2009) - NHRA Rookie-of-the-Year contender Matt Hagan enjoyed four full qualifying sessions, dry weather and good track conditions to qualify the BrakeSafe Rear-End Collision Avoidance System Dodge Funny Car in the No. 8 spot for the NHRA Arizona Nationals.

In only his second national event driving for Don Schumacher Racing, Hagan posted his quickest pass in his first attempt on Friday, a 4.106-second lap at 298.93 mph, which was followed by a 5.156/143.69, a 7.332/93.21 and another strong 4.131/300.20 in the final session.

"I think we have a good handle on the BrakeSafe Rear-End Collision Avoidance System car right now," said Hagan, who faces Pomona runner-up Jim Head in the opening round of eliminations. "We have lane choice, so I feel confident that we'll pick the better lane out there. It's going to be a good race tomorrow. Jim Head is right there in No. 9 so I think it's going to be a tight race.

"I think we've got the advantage right now because we're going down the race track and we're doing well.

"Tommy (crew chief DeLago) has a good handle on the car and I feel good about that left lane, and I think we'll be just fine. We'll just wake up tomorrow and see how it goes."

-credit: dsr