Richmond: Tom Hammonds Friday notes

TEAM HAMMONDS RUNS NEW CHASSIS AT VIRGINIA NATIONALS

(PETERSBURG, Va., Oct. 10, 2008) -- Team Hammonds ran their new chassis today at the third annual Virginia NHRA Nationals and were pleased with their start though they did not make it into the top 12 qualifying field. After two runs, Team Hammonds sits in 21st place of the 23 car field.

"It's a new car, and we still haven't figured it out yet. The crew loves it and are very happy with the way it performed today," said Kenny Tom, Team Hammonds Crew Chief.

For the first qualifying round, Hammonds registered an elapsed time of 6.662 seconds (207.15 mph). Running in the right line, Hammonds spun the tires at the start of the run, which had him playing catch-up from the line. To rectify the spinning for the second qualifying run, Tom adjusted the gear ratio on the No. 20 Race for Achievement Chevy Cobalt.

Hammonds improved his e.t. by six thousandths of a second clocking 6.656 seconds (207.62 mph) for the second run and yet it was not a clean run in the left lane. He veered to left of the track, which Tom attributed to the wheelie bar.

"We discovered after the run that the wheelie bar came loose. This caused it to lift and go to the left." Tom's game plan for tomorrow's qualifying sessions is to repair the wheelie bar sensors and adjust the transmission ratios in hopes of making it to elimination Sunday.

"Overall, we love the car, and it will be good eventually. You have to give us the runs tomorrow."

Pro Stock's third qualifying competition starts at noon tomorrow at the VirginiaMotorsportsPark.

-credit: th