The unique format of the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals does not intimidate Pro Stock racer Shane Tucker.
The Australian who is campaigning the Auzmet/StructGlass Chevrolet Camaro for the entire NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series for the first time is qualified No. 13 for tomorrow’s race and will face Matt Hartford, Roger Brogdon and Chris McGaha in the first round. During the two days of qualifying Tucker posted consistent times and crossed the finish line under power every run which gives him a significant amount of confidence for race day.
“The track was really tough at the top end today. My Auzmet/StructGlass Camaro was really moving around in the last session,” said Tucker. “I feel good about race day tomorrow. Rob (crew chief Rob Tucker) has been working on a good base line tune-up and I think we will have something for the first round. I like four-wide racing because you just need to be one of the first two race cars across the finish line. I am excited about getting to eliminations tomorrow.”
In the first qualifying session today Tucker took off and crossed the finish line stripe in 6.724 seconds at 204.57 mph which held him in the No. 12 qualified position. It was a slight performance improvement which was impressive considering the warm track conditions made the racing surface tricky for all the Pro Stock teams.
In the final session running with Alan Prusiensky, Chris McGaha and Jeff Isbell, Tucker slowed slightly with a 6.748 second pass at 204.29 mph. The team was hoping to improve but they picked up some valuable information they will insert into the tune-up for race day at The Strip. Tucker had his hands full at the top end as his Camaro Pro Stocker was moving around as it closed in on the finish line.
In Tucker’s previous two races in the four-wide format, both in Charlotte, the up and coming NHRA star narrowly failed to advance to the second quad. Tucker will be looking reverse that trend tomorrow as eliminations get underway.
