Sonoma: Doug Herbert Saturday notes

HERBERT EARNS FOURTH CAREER NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITION

Sonoma, Calif. (July 28, 2007) Doug Herbert, driver of the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster, earned his fourth career No. 1 qualifying effort this weekend at the 19th Annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, Calif.

Herbert drove the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster to the quickest pass of the weekend late Friday evening, when the dragster passed through the lights in 4.55 seconds at 315 mph.

As the sun came out on Saturday afternoon, making it down the track proved difficult for a majority of the Top Fuel dragsters. Not only did Herbert and the Snap-on Tools team make the fastest pass of the weekend to claim the No. 1 qualifying position, they made good solid runs, regardless of track condition, on each attempt.

"After Friday night, I had doubts our run would hold up for the No 1   .
position," said Herbert, "but I'm excited it did                       .

"Winning on race day is all about doing the right thing at the right time, and I think we are finally in a position to do just that. We have been working on getting our act together, and it's started this weekend.

"We are about five rounds out of the No. 8 position, so going rounds this weekend is really important to us. Making the next phase of the Countdown has been our goal since the beginning of the season, and we only have a couple races left to get it done.

"Starting from the No. 1 position tomorrow will definitely help. Nothing would be better than getting closer to the Countdown and celebrating in winner's circle."

Herbert and the Snap-on Tools team will face Morgan Lucas (No. 16, 4.69 at 313 mph) in the opening round of eliminations.

-credit: dhr