Seattle: Doug Herbert final summary

Herbert upbeat despite disappointing first round defeat

SEATTLE, WA, post-race: Doug Herbert remained confident about the future despite a first round loss at the 19th annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Washington. The driver of the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster overcame a mid-week crew chief change to qualify 11th in the 16 car field, but the team is still working to create a solid tune up for race day.

Sunday was another hot one at Pacific Raceways, with temperatures above 90-degrees for the third consecutive day. Herbert entered eliminations from the No. 11 qualifying spot after posting a 4.703 at 308.64 mph on Saturday. The 8-time national event winner squared off against Hillary Will in round one. They were the third pair to go down the tricky Seattle quarter-mile. Herbert had a huge advantage off the starting line with a .040 to .114 reaction time but the Snap-on Tools dragster began to smoke the tires past half track. Will scooted by to take the victory with a 4.903 at 279.67 mph to Herbert's 5.365 at 212.13 mph.

"We need to create a run log," said Herbert, "so we're developing data to work with on each run. It's disappointing to lose in the first round but I really feel the car will run good at next week's race. Jim Brissette and John Smith will have something to work with now and they will continue to hone in on a solid set up. The Snap-on team is having a meeting to make sure everyone understands their job and knows what we need to do and what we expect. I think when we get to Sonoma next weekend everything is going to be just fine."

-sor