Topeka: Dave Connolly final summary

Dave Connolly drives Carrier Boyz Cobalt to runner-up at Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 28, 2005) -- At the NHRA O'Reilly Summer Nationals, an event at which he though he might not race, 22-year-old Dave Connolly raced his Carrier Boyz Racing Pro Stock Chevrolet Cobalt to a runner up position.

In the opening round, Connolly turned back Kenny Koretsky in a race that was never in doubt. Connolly cruised the Heartland Park Topeka quarter-mile in 6.777 seconds to 6.839 seconds for Koretsky.

In the quarterfinals, Connolly was away first at the green gaining an advantage of three hundredths of a second. He turned that three hundredths into a hole shot win over Warren Johnson, winning by .0014 of a second. It was Connolly to the finish line first in 4.796 seconds. WJ was an eyelash behind in 4.767 seconds.

Connolly was victorious in the semifinals when Stanfield broke and the Elyria, Ohio driver advanced to his 12th career final round and fourth of 2005 against defending event and POWERade champion Greg Anderson. With the track temperature around 125-degrees, Connolly recorded an elapsed time of 6.778 seconds in the semifinals.

Against Anderson in the money round, Connolly spun the tires and that gave Anderson the breathing room he needed to take the win light in 7.768 seconds. Connolly chased Anderson to the finish line in 7.907 seconds.

"It was a Cinderella story in the making," said Connolly following his runner-up finish. "Greg Anderson got in the way and it didn't have the finish we had hoped. But Greg is tough and he made a good run.

"We probably set some type of record for wheel speed and came away with a terrible 60-foot time. After the wheel spin the rest of the run was normal.

"For us to even be here, then get qualified and make it to the final was a win by itself. Even though we didn't get the win light, we have nothing to complain about.

"The way the Carrier Boyz stepped up to the plate and carried us through this weekend was just terrific. You couldn't ask for better guys to work with."

Andy Carrier, who along with his brother Mark owns Carrier Boyz Racing, restated his and Mark's intentions regarding further involvement with a Pro Stock team.

"This weekend was a one-race deal," said Carrier, "but what a weekend. Connolly, Terry Adams (crew chief) and the guys did great and Mark and I would look forward to continuing to work with this team if things can be worked out.

"As soon as we get back, we will continue to work with Mike Dzurilla (Bullet Motorsports owner) to negotiate an agreement that is satisfactory to both Mike and Carrier Boyz Racing. If, and when, that is accomplished or when that is no longer a reality, we will immediate make known the outcome regarding a Pro Stock team for Carrier Boyz Racing."

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

-cbr-