Reading: Larry Dixon Saturday summary

MOHNTON, Pa. (Oct. 9, 2004) - Larry Dixon continued to post consistent elapsed times behind the wheel of Don Prudhomme's Miller Lite dragster Saturday at Maple Grove Raceway en route to claiming the No. 8 qualifying position. Dixon's ...

MOHNTON, Pa. (Oct. 9, 2004) - Larry Dixon continued to post consistent elapsed times behind the wheel of Don Prudhomme's Miller Lite dragster Saturday at Maple Grove Raceway en route to claiming the No. 8 qualifying position.

Dixon's 4.581-second, 318.47-mph pass on Friday's second qualifying attempt was good enough to earn the No. 8 qualifying position and give him lane choice in the first round of Top Fuel eliminations. The two-time defending NHRA Top Fuel champion made two passes on Saturday afternoon at the Eastern Pennsylvania facility, using a tune-up from veteran crew chief Dick LaHaie to record a runs of 4.597 at 317.49 and 4.583 at 319.90.

The former NHRA Rookie of the Year will do battle with No. 9 qualifier Rhonda Hartman-Smith in the first round of Top Fuel eliminations at 11 a.m. (ET) on Sunday. Dixon is 16-1 in his career against the only full-time female driver on the NHRA circuit.

ESPN2 will broadcast two hours of final eliminations coverage from the Lucas Oil Nationals at 5 p.m. (ET) on Monday, Oct. 11.