Reading: Dave Connolly Saturday notes

Connolly Will Start Second at Maple Grove
Torco Racing Fuels Chevy Runs 6.606 Seconds

READING, Pa., August 18, 2007 -- Dave Connolly proved to be a good prognosticator Saturday when he drove Evan Knoll's Torco Racing Fuels Chevy Cobalt to a 6.606-second elapsed time at 208.75 mph. It was the second-quickest Pro Stock run of qualifying for Sunday's Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

After cruising to runs of 6.73 and 6.74-second times Friday, Connolly said improving conditions would enable him to qualify solidly in the field. He races Greg Stanfield (No. 15, 6.646 second at 207.85 mph) in the opening round.

"We made the good run when we needed it," said Connolly, who shut off early on his final run. "Qualifying position doesn't win races."

He has three wins this year and secured third place in the first part of NHRA's Countdown to the Championship. The second round begins at Indianapolis, Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

-credit: ekr