Pomona: Mopar Thursday notes

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2001) -Three-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock World Champion Darrell Alderman led the way for the Team Mopar contingent with a 6.914-second pass at 200.74 mph during the first round of qualifying for the AutoZone Winternationals at Pomona Raceway today.

Alderman's Dodge R/T, powered by a 500-cubic-inch Hemi engine, also officially eclipsed the 200-mph mark with his effort. The Morehead, Ky. resident grabbed the 15th-qualifying position.

"I like the speed we put up," Alderman said. "I didn't think the right lane was as good as it could have been. We have a starting point, but we can improve."

It wasn't the best results for the newest Nickens Racing Pro Stock driver. Mark Osborne, who drives the other Team Mopar Dodge R/T, failed tech inspection after running a respectable 6.902-second elapsed time at 199.05 mph.

"We were disqualified because of the spoiler lip," Osborne said. "Unfortunately, we were 1/16th of an inch off. We were just too short.

"All in all it was a good first run in the Mopar," Osborne said. "We know we've got the power and we'll get in the show. I'm not too worried."

Dale Eaton and the Team Mopar Dodge Dakota R/T barely missed the Pro Stock Truck field when he clocked a 7.561-second pass at 178.54 mph. The Arizona resident was 17th in qualifying.

"It wasn't a smooth run," Eaton said. "It shook in second gear and we had problems in the clutch department. For what it's worth, it's okay though. We'll get in the show."

-David Harris