Topeka: Cory McClenathan final summary

Cory Mac drops close race

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 29, 2005) -- Cory McClenathan, driver of the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM AirHog Top Fuel dragster, was turned back by Scott Kalitta in a close race in the opening round of the NHRA O'Reilly Summer Nationals.

Kalitta, who covered the Heartland Park Topeka quarter-mile in 4.556 seconds, defeated the quicker McClenathan, who stopped the finish line lights in 4.537 seconds.

"The guys did a great job," said McClenathan. "Todd Smith (crew chief), Bob Bauer (clutch specialist) and the crew really turned this car around this weekend. This FRAM AirHog is really going in the right direction now. Unfortunately, their driver let them down.

"I completely gave it away. It's uncharacteristic of me. I hesitated on the starting line and I shouldn't of. We had the car today to beat him (Scott Kalitta). Once again, the driver let one get away. I feel bad for the team, FRAM and all our sponsors and for the Carrier Boyz."

After three consecutive races, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series takes a weekend off. Next up for Cory Mac and Carrier Boyz Racing is the CarQuest Auto Parts Nationals (June 9-12) at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., near Chicago.

-cbr-