The Rapisarda Racing and Cory McClenathan combination posted a personal best to qualify in 13th place in a day of drama at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix.
On their third qualifier the car pushed out a head gasket near half – track and oiled the track. Their time disallowed and they were also penalized five championship points.
Undaunted the minnow Oz team regrouped changed the engine and then returned to the track to clock a superb personal best of 3.86/314.61 on their final attempt.
“It was a credit to Keith Stewart, our tuner and the boys on the team who gave me a great car for the last qualifier.” said McClenathan. “An added bonus was when we got back to the pits was that all the parts looked good as well.”
In Round one of eliminations on Sunday Rapisarda Racing take on 2011 runner up and current points leader Spencer Massey. Cory Mac trails Massey 2-0 going into Sunday’s showdown.
images courtesy Christie Mokotupu
