2007 NHRA NATIONAL EVENT SCHEDULE
Listen to Trackside Interviews with Champions, Drivers and Crew Chiefs
Robert Hight
Hillary Will
Bob Vandergriff
Dave Connolly
Ed Iskenderian
Cory McClenathan
Robert Hight
Jim Yates
Tony Bartone
Hillary Will
Whit Bazemore
Byron Hines
| Strong Start Tough Finish for
Taylor ANAHEIM, CA — Going into the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Pacific Division 7 contest at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Arizona, Dennis Taylor knew the competition would be stout. With enough entrants on hand to fill a 16-car national event field, this eight-car qualifier stood to send nine good racers home early. In spite of that harsh fact, the Plumbing Concepts crew was ready. Friday’s first attempt brought cool conditions, though the track surface was plenty warm. Right out of the box, Taylor racked up a fine 5.72-second run at just under 250 mph – good enough for the number five position. Dennis noted, “I left some on the table during that first run, as I shifted it a little early.” In spite of that, the tune-up was safe enough so that nothing was hurt in the motor. By Saturday’s opening session, temps were still cool at 60 degrees, and the track was 10 degrees colder than the previous afternoon. Looking to improve, Taylor was in the last pair of cars and smoked the tires at the hit of the throttle. Though a few competitors did improve, the previous 5.72 kept the Plumbing Concepts team in the number-eight spot -- still quicker than nine other cars. The final qualifying shot found the crew enthused, but those feelings faded when delays set in. On-track problems with other classes kept the Top Alcohol cars in the staging lanes for hours, and Dennis finally got his chance at around 7:00 pm. The first pair saw one racer bump into the field, as Taylor was now ninth. Dennis left the line hard and started getting loose, but in second gear it settled down and ran good numbers. At the top end, it moved towards the wall and out of the groove. Taylor added, “I had to click it off at 5.4 seconds, and managed to sacrifice a 5.71 out of it. That got us back on the bump spot, but it wasn’t strong enough to keep us in. We’ll be ready for Houston (March 30).” For more information on Dennis Taylor’s marketing partners, please use the following links, or call the phone numbers below. PlumbingConcepts.com — Southern California’s most progressive contactor and private-party services provider. DeltaFaucet.com — America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial faucets, with 55 years of product innovation, Delta’s motto is “We work wonders with water.” LucasOil.com – See why professional and sportsman competitors in all racing disciplines worldwide rely on the superior protection of Lucas Oil Products. Choose Lucas Oil Products for your street car, truck, boat, or off-road vehicle. Taylorfreezers.com — Since 1965, Taylor Freezers (no relation) of Southern California has been distributing and maintaining a complete line of quality food service equipment. Its professional staff can assist with selection and supply, installation, store design, training, and after-sale service. Financing and lease options are available for a variety of profitable equipment. Call (800) 927-7704. AdamsPolishes.com — Discriminating gearheads use the complete line of premium car care products from Adam's Polishes. TaylorMotorsports.com — Serving your racing safety and crew apparel needs, Taylor Motorsports is drag racing’s most knowledgeable Hans® supplier. MetroMMP.com — For the best in weatherstripping, seals, and moldings, look to Metro Moulded Parts to “Seal the Deal” and help bring your automotive project back to “like-new” condition. Call (800) 878-2237, or click for free catalog. Metro can also serve your industrial weather-sealing needs. Moroso.com – Nearly 40 years ago, Moroso Performance pioneered the development of unique racing products, and that commitment continues today. Shaker Shirts — Specializing in personal, team, or business-related screen printing, Shaker Shirts offers premium graphics design and top-quality, brand name apparel. Call (626) 960-3333 for your screen printing needs. Bear State Heating & Air Conditioning — Serving Southern California’s HVAC needs for residential and commercial properties. Call (714) 237-1740. |
