NHRA

Topeka: Mark Whisnant Saturday summary

Whisnant qualifies 13th in Topeka. TOPEKA, Kan. -- Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, has qualified 13th for the 14th Annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan. This morning in the second session ...

Edited: May 27, 2002, 2:53 AM

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Whisnant qualifies 13th in Topeka.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance Pro Stock Chevrolet Cavalier, has qualified 13th for the 14th Annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan.

This morning in the second session of qualifying Whisnant piloted his Cavalier to a 6.875 / 200.47 mph to secure a position on tomorrow's eliminations ladder.

"We had to dodge rain drops to do it, but we are in the show," said Whisnant.

"It seems like the rain has been following us around. Again, this weekend, we had a situation where we needed to make every run count. It can make things pretty tense knowing that even a small mistake will mean the difference between racing on Sunday or going home Saturday night.

When eliminations get underway Sunday morning Whisnant will meet rookie driver Gene Wilson in Round 1.

"I have never raced against Wilson. He has a reputation for being a good competitor. He has lane choice, but that will not be a problem.

"I plan on doing what I have done so far this year. I will race the racetrack, and not get caught up in who I have lined up next to me. There are a lot of great drivers in this class, some legends of the sport, but if you let that intimidated you then you have lost before you have started.

"Tomorrow I am going to just take it one round at a time, and concentrate on getting down the racetrack mistake free. If I can do that I think I should be able to go some rounds here in Topeka."

Eliminations at the 14th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol Syntec will begin at 11:00 AM CST on Sunday May 26.

-rwpr-

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