Phoenix: Tom Hammonds final report

TEAM HAMMONDS OUT IN FIRST ROUND

(PHOENIX., Feb. 24, 2008) -- A good showing today in the first round of eliminations was not enough for Team Hammonds to advance in competition at the 24th Annual Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals, Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix.

Hammonds ran 6.723 seconds (204.26 mph) against Warren Johnson. He pulled out the gate fast, but could not sustain his speed to the end of the track. With weather and track conditions being the best of the weekend, the team's set-ups did not accommodate. Too light on the clutch and not enough gear ratio played a major part in the team not advancing.

"We did not make the necessary adjustments to run the number we needed to run," explained Hammonds.

Looking ahead to Gatornationals, Team Hammonds will examine the engine and evaluate all runs. Testing on a home track in Holt, Fla. will give them the best conditions that are similar to the upcoming race. Forging ahead to a win is still the goal of the team.

-credit: thr