Richmond: Doug Herbert Saturday summary

Herbert qualifies Snap-on Tools dragster at the Torco NHRA Nationals

RICHMOND, VA, qualifying: Snap-on Tools Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert returned to Virginia this weekend, qualifying for the rescheduled Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals. Persistent rain postponed the event for one week but the weather was perfect when the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series tour returned to complete the race this weekend.

After endless showers postponed the Torco Nationals last weekend, the racers and fans who returned to Virginia Motorsports Park were treated to dry, clear skies and cold temperatures. Herbert and the crew of the Snap-on Tools dragster were in full test mode in Virginia, already concentrating on a solid, consistent tune-up for the 2007 season.

Delays pushed the start of the first Top Fuel qualifying session until late in the afternoon Friday. Herbert was on a strong run on his first attempt but problems at the top end slowed him to a 5.117 at 244.38 mph and he finished the first session in the No. 15 spot. Conditions improved for the night session and most of the fuel cars stepped up their performance. Herbert recorded a 4.752 at 264.70 mph, hurting the motor at the end of the run and dropping to 17th on the Top Fuel ladder. The 39-year-old veteran racer had two more chances on Saturday to qualify for the 16-car Top Fuel field.

Saturday was once again clear and cold and Herbert and the crew were eager for another pair of opportunities to qualify the Snap-on Tools dragster for Sunday's eliminations. Herbert improved again on his third attempt, recording a 4.642 at 305.70 mph, to move into the No. 14 qualifying position. "Dougzilla" remained consistent, running a 4.710 at 277.22 mph on his final attempt to finish qualifying 14th.

"We're out here testing," said Herbert following qualifying. "Hopefully we can learn something that can help us during the last couple of races and next year. That's really what we're doing right now."

-credit: Doug Herbert Snap-on Racing