Tate Branch Topeka preview

Branch looking to heat up in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. - NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Tate Branch will be the first to tell you, he has typically struggled during hot weather races. However, Branch and partners George and Jane Etterman are excited about their chances going into this weekend's O'Reilly Summer Nationals at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan. Based on their performance in Atlanta, Branch feels the Bar's Leaks team is ready to do battle this weekend.

Branch, from Artesia, N.M., cites the team went in a different direction in Atlanta to combat the hot weather conditions, and may have found something.

"We always do good in the spring and fall, but have always struggled during the summer," said Branch. "We started doing the same old things in Atlanta, but then changed directions, and the car responded. Last weekend in Great Bend was some really tricky weather and track conditions that we probably won't see for a while, so we're just going to put that race behind us and try to pick up where we left off in Atlanta."

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions, and one final session Saturday morning. Eliminations begin with round one on Saturday evening, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news in alcohol racing.

-ber-