Steve Harker Memphis summary

Aussie Steve Harker scores another runner-up finish MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aussie Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Steve Harker scored a runner-up finish during this past weekends Lucas Oil Drag Racing event at Memphis Motorsports Park. Harker faced off ...

Aussie Steve Harker scores another runner-up finish

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aussie Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Steve Harker scored a runner-up finish during this past weekends Lucas Oil Drag Racing event at Memphis Motorsports Park. Harker faced off against Daniel Wilkerson in the final round of competition and despite having the better performance throughout competition, Harker slowed due to clutch and transmission malfunctions.

Harker, a resident of Gainesville, Ga., lead the Memphis field into Sunday eliminations making three strong runs across qualifying with a best time of 5.642 seconds at 256.60 mph. Harker came into the Lucas Oil event leading the Division 4 points chase and has already made a final round appearance this season at No Problem Raceway just outside of New Orleans two weeks previous.

The team's performance continued into Sunday competition with Harker pairing up against Casey Beal in round one of eliminations and posted a 5.657 at 255.29 mph pass to take the win. Harker than defeated Oklahoma native, Brandon Lewis in the semi-finals laying down another strong 5.674 at 254.90 mph run.

"We were feeling confident going into the final round of eliminations," comments Steve "The car had been running consistently in the 5.60's all weekend and we were looking to repeat the elapse time in the finals."

Harker was the favorite going into the final round match-up against Daniel Wilkerson who qualified behind Harker in the No. 2 position. As the pair reached the 330ft timers, Harker's clutch and transmission failed to perform, Harker pedaled his Alcohol Funny Car but was not able to catch Wilkerson 's quicker 5.894, 251.91 mph pass with Harker slowing to a 6.285, 195.56 mph.

"The car started to get the 'Hoosier' shuffle so I shifted low gear to help drive the car though but something in the clutch or transmission let go and I was not able to recover," said Steve "It's a tough way to loose especially with the car running as consistent as it had been all weekend. We are happy though that we went rounds which has given us a stronger lead in the division points."

The next race event for the Harker Motorsports team will be at Houston Raceway Park for the NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals across March 30 - April 1.