Sonoma: Larry Dixon Friday summary

SONOMA, Calif. (July 30, 2004) - Two-time defending NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon powered his Miller Lite dragster to the No. 5 qualifying position Friday at Infineon Raceway after clocking a run of 4.661 seconds at 312.42 mph.

The defending event winner at Infineon Raceway used a Dick LaHaie tune-up to power to the 4.661, 312.42 effort on Friday's final qualifying attempt. Dixon opened qualifying at the Bruton Smith-owned track by driving his Miller-backed rail to a run of 4.798 at 299.00.

"With the amount of changes we had to make to compensate for the recent rule changes and having no previous experience, I think Dick LaHaie and the crew did a great job," Dixon said. "The track wasn't an issue for us because of the 85-percent rule. The car is down on power because of the 85-percent, and track conditions aren't a factor at this time."

The 34-time NHRA winner aims to move up in the Top Fuel order when qualifying continues at noon and 3:30 p.m. (PT) on Saturday afternoon at the multi-purpose racing facility.

ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights from the FRAM-Autolite Nationals at 7 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, July 31 and show three hours of final eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Aug. 1

-www.snakeracing.com