Rapisarda Autosport International finished day one of qualifying in ninth spot with a silky 3.83/317 mph pass at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois, after rain forced organizers to cut qualifying to a single session.
“We were thrilled with the run and Dad was rapt,” said co- tuner Santo Rapisarda Jnr.
“It was smooth, straight, with all candles lit and significantly we damaged no parts, which is always a good sign. Our plan was to set a time, not push to hard and that’s how things worked out.
A bit of Coors Light signage being applied to the Rapisarda rocket
“To finish day one as the Top Privateer team is a real boost for the crew. It was disappointing to get only one lap but Chicago weather can be fickle at the best of times.” Santo Rapisarda said
Santo and Christie enjoying Chicago racing“Tomorrow’s weather looks similar to today with the threat of late afternoon showers. So our plan is to push harder on our first run. I’m confident that the car has a 3.70 and 320 (mph) in it and that’s the number we will be shooting for.” he concluded.
Seven- time NHRA champ Tony Schumacher leads the field ahead of veteran Doug Kalitta and current points leader Shawn Langdon.
