Topeka: Doug Herbert final report

SnaponFranchise.com Team Runs Strong, Misses Mark

TOPEKA, Kans. (June 1, 2008) Doug Herbert, owner and driver of the SnaponFranchise.com Top Fuel team, piloted his 8,000 horsepower hot rod to a solid run during the first round of eliminations at the NHRA Summer Nationals, just missing a move into the second round by .04 of second.

After qualifying in the fast half of the field in the No. 6 position, Herbert lined up against Hillary Will for the right to move into the second round. Herbert launched the SnaponFranchise.com dragster first (.041 of a second to Will's .065 and the quickest reaction time of the first round) and took the early lead, but the SnaponFranchise.com dragster passed through the lights in 4.67 seconds at 308.43 mph, just .04 of a second behind Will's 4.63 second pass.

"We had a decent run out there today," said Herbert. "We could have beaten half the cars in the field, but luck wasn't on our side. It wasn't our day.

"The good news is this team isn't going to give up and there are plenty of races left in the season. We are going to stay focused on being in contention to fight for the championship. We are going to stay positive and come out ready to win in front of all our Snap-on folks next weekend."

-credit: dhr