Phoenix: Smith makes Dodge debut

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 16, 2001) - Veteran driver and tuner Rickie Smith took his maiden voyage in a Hemi-powered Dodge R/T Pro Stock mount while attempting to qualify for Sunday's Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Smith slid his semi-factory backed Mopar entry into the 16th position with a 6.964-second lap at 198.82 mph. The King, N.C resident still wasn't satisfied with his position however.

"I know I can get this thing to run once I chase down these electrical problems," quipped the two-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock national event winner. "We would have made a much better run if the car wasn't missing so much down the track. It looks like we can get it in the low 6.90-second range if we get it figured out."

Team Koretsky owner and driver Kenny Koretsky just missed the 16-car field with a 6.991/197.39 combination. Following a near brush with the wall in his first-qualifying effort, the future Team Mopar competitor made a clean pass during the second session.

"We spun the tires in third and fourth gear," Koretsky said. "We know we have a lot of power. I think we have a 6.90-second pass in this thing. We'll just have to wait and see tomorrow."

-Team Mopar-