Pomona: Tony Bartone final summary

BARTONE AND DUNN RACING EXPERIENCES EARLY EXIT AT WINTERNATIONALS

POMONA, CA. (Feb. 12) -- The Jim Dunn-led Lucas Oil Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Car driven by Tony Bartone experienced a rare dropped engine cylinder and was unfortunately eliminated in the opening round of competition at the 46th annual running of the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals.

After qualifying 14th in the quickest Funny Car field in the 55-year history of the National Hot Rod Association, recording a great time of 4.802 seconds, 318.17 mph, Bartone was paired against defending champion, Gary Scelzi.

In their race, the Lucas Oil pilot strapped a major hole-shot on his opponent (.097 - .133) and led briefly only to have Scelzi drive around him running a time of 4.775 seconds, 324.05 mph to Bartone's slower elapsed time of 4.914 seconds, 293.79, a time reflective of his being on seven cylinders.

"Unless you win, you always want to do better," said Bartone with his distinctive New York accent. "It was a good start for the team and we ran some impressive numbers in qualifying. We have a great season of racing to look forward to, but of course, we cannot be pleased going out in the first round.

"We had a solid start to the season when you think that a lot of good cars didn't make the field. We've got build on what we have already learned this season and I'm looking forward to Phoenix."

Bartone and the Jim Dunn team will now move to the Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix in two weeks for the Checker Schucks Kragen Nationals on Feb. 24 -- 26.

-jdr-