Topeka: Bruce Litton Saturday qualifying notes

TOPEKA, Kan. - Bruce Litton pointed out after a dismal Friday qualifying attempt that he and his Wix Filters-sponsored team was going to head in another direction. Their new coordinates led them to the end of the rainbow.

Litton took advantage of favorable weather conditions at the NHRA Advance Auto Parts Nationals in Topeka, Kan., to hammer down the ninth spot in the sixteen-car Top Fuel field.

Needless to say, the veteran enclosed trailer dealer from Indianapolis was pleased with the outcome.

"I'm happy with what transpired here," explained Litton. "We found some good weather combinations that will benefit us down the road. We're going to stick with our game plan and try to bring in a win in the first round."

After the disappointing first day of qualifying, Litton found the right combination on the second day and tremendously improved from Friday's 11.465 aborted run. Litton remained glued the length of the Heartland Park quarter-mile and blasted out a 4.796,307.72 to ascend into the tenth spot. He only dropped one spot during the course of the session and ended up 11th going into the final attempt.

Litton only made one run on Friday and based on his solid position in the program would have sat out the final qualification round. However, there was more data to be gathered and the veteran saved his best attempt for last. He left the line with a furious charge and ended up the ninth quickest with a 4.742, 292.46.

He will face Tony Schumacher in the first round of final eliminations.

-www.brucelitton.com.