Topeka: Bob Vandergriff Jr Saturday summary

VANDERGRIFF BEGINS FROM LUCKY No. 13 AT TOPEKA

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 27, 2006)- Bob Vandergriff Jr. is enjoying the heat of summer. With temperatures in the mid-90's, it's apparent that summer is here for the O'Rielly NHRA Summernationals at Heartland Park Topeka. Vandergriff drove his Jim Dupuy-tuned UPS Top Fuel dragster to a very consistent showing during qualifying for the second week in a row. Vandergriff posted runs of 4.828, 4.723, 4.832, and 4.730 on his last run on a blistering 130 degree track. Last weekend's consistency garnered Vandergriff his first Full Throttle Award.

"Jim Dupuy and the crew seem to have a handle on the race car," Vandergriff said. "We are happy about getting down the track on all four qualifying passes. I hope that we get to take the UPS car for four more passes on Sunday."

Vandergriff draws Tony Schumacher in the first round of Sunday's elimination's.

-vm