Reading: Whit Bazemore Friday notes

BAZEMORE RUNS TO NO. 12 SPOT FRIDAY AT READING

READING, Pa. (Aug. 17, 2007) -- Whit Bazemore and his Matco Tools Top Fuel team continue to work towards earning a coveted spot in the Countdown to the Championship. The 20-time NHRA winner qualified 12th Friday at Maple Grove Raceway with a run of 4.668 seconds.

On its opening qualifying attempt, the Matco Tools rail suffered a mechanical malfunction and coasted to a 12-second elapsed time. That placed Bazemore 15th in the order. Crew chief Lee Beard and crew made the proper adjustments as Bazemore powered the Matco-backed rail to a performance of 4.668 seconds at 320.28 mph to card the 12th quickest pass of the day.

"We pedaled it and got down there and ran 4.66," Bazemore said. "We were trying to run a mid-4.50. All things considered, it was a good run. Hopefully, it's cooler on Saturday and we can move up a few places. It was a frustrating day for the team, but these hard times are what make you good."

-credit: dpm