Pomona: Larry Dixon Thursday summary

Dixon Sits Seventh after Thursday Qualifying at Pomona POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2004) -- Two-time defending NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and his Don Prudhomme-owned Miller Lite team began their quest for a third consecutive NHRA Top ...

Dixon Sits Seventh after Thursday Qualifying at Pomona

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2004) -- Two-time defending NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and his Don Prudhomme-owned Miller Lite team began their quest for a third consecutive NHRA Top Fuel crown Thursday at Pomona Raceway when Dixon powered his Dick LaHaie-tuned dragster to a run of 4.662 seconds at 316.82 mph.

The three-time winner of the historic season-opening event qualified in the seventh spot following the first day of qualifying at Pomona Raceway.

"We went from point A to point B and we have something to learn from," Dixon said. "The weather may be a factor this weekend. If we get the rest of the runs we'll be in good shape and if we don't we'll still be in good shape because at least we're qualified.

"I think everybody on this team is disappointed that we didn't run a 4.60 or better. That was the number that we were looking for. It all goes back to the new personality with the engine and clutch components that we're still learning with this car."

Dixon, who hasn't qualified lower than sixth at the Winternationals the past six seasons, will look to improve on his 4.662 effort when qualifying resumes at 3 p.m. on Friday. The Miller Lite team also will have two qualifying attempts on Saturday.

The K&N Filters Winternationals will be televised on ESPN2. On Saturday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 will broadcast two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET), and on Sunday, Feb. 22, they will show two hours of final eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).