NHRA

Sonoma: David Baca Saturday summary

Infineon Raceway a special place for David Baca Qualifies No. 7 SONOMA, Calif. (July 31, 2004) -- David Baca's home track of Infineon Raceway, the site of this weekend's NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals, is also the site of several first for the ...

Published: Aug 1, 2004, 3:18 PM

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Infineon Raceway a special place for David Baca
Qualifies No. 7

SONOMA, Calif. (July 31, 2004) -- David Baca's home track of Infineon Raceway, the site of this weekend's NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals, is also the site of several first for the Brentwood, Calif., driver.

Driving a Top Alcohol Funny Car, Baca advanced to his first final round in 1988 at Infineon. One year later, again at the Sonoma track, he took that one additional step winning the TAFC title. Infineon was becoming a special place to race for Baca, who was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.

After turning professional in 2002, Baca returned to Infineon in 2003 with his Top Fuel dragster and, as if scripted, advanced to the final round before being denied the top spot by Larry Dixon. The "Hollywood" script would now call for him and the D. Baca & Family Dragster to take all the marbles this year.

"Infineon Raceway is a special place for me. I would love to go all the way this year," said Baca. "We always have so many friends, family, company clients and fans here; it makes me want to do well. But Top Fuel is not easy. There are so many teams out here that are well financed that it is difficult to advanced for an independent team like D. Baca & Family.

"That doesn't mean that we aren't going to try and that doesn't mean that we can't win. If we are to win, we must do everything right each and every time down the track. And, oh yes, we must have a lot of luck."

In the fourth and final qualifying session, Baca clicked the Infineon Raceway finish line clocks in 4.669 seconds, the second quickest run of the final session, which places the D. Baca & Family Dragster No. 7 on the qualifying sheet for tomorrow's eliminations. Baca will square off against Brady Kalivoda in the opening round. Kalivoda qualified No. 10 with a run of 4.719 seconds at 312.13.

"I knew yesterday we had a good hot rod," said Baca following qualifying. "That last pass was especially satisfying since the sun was out and the track was hot. Crew chief Rick Henkelman had this hot rod ready to run. I think we're ready for tomorrow and would like nothing more than to take my first win right here at Infineon Raceway."

Final eliminations for all classes start at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Time is subject to change and reflects Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

For those not in the Sonoma, Calif., area, same-day television coverage of eliminations can be seen on ESPN2 from 8 until 11 p.m. on Sunday (August 1). Television time is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and subject to change at anytime. Check local listings.

-h&bm-

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