Pomona Haas, Jeter Thursday Qualifying

POMONA, CA. - All it takes is a good baseline to find the right combination, and the newly aligned team of Jerry Haas and Brad Jeter are off to a good start. On the first qualifying attempt at the 40th annual, NHRA AutoZone Winternationals, Jeter piloted the Haas-owned, Chevrolet S-10 Pickup to a 7.660/177.02. The defending series runner-up produced an effort that netted him the ninth spot in the 16-car field after the first of four sessions.

Handling the driving chores for Haas provided more excitement than butterflies for Jeter.

"I can't tell you how long I waited for that run," explained Jeter. "From the time that we teamed up, I have eagerly awaited the opportunity to make the first run at Pomona. The run felt good and I can't help but think that we have more improvement that we can make tomorrow."

Haas, who is a 12-time Car Craft All-Star Award recipient, knew what to expect with their first run taking place in the right lane. He was also breaking in a brand new Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins engine.

"We were running a new motor that was basically unproven," explained Haas. "The right lane is traditionally .03 slower at Pomona, but we didn't let that hinder us. We just went up there and gave it our best. Brad handled himself very well and we'll be patient. The second session should provide an improvement for us."

The duo will participate in the second qualifying session of the Pro Stock Trucks at the NHRA AutoZone Winternationals, tomorrow starting at 2 PM, PST.