Atlanta: Lump wants to win at Atlanta

COMMERCE, Ga. (Pre-Race) - Brian "Lump" Self, driver of the Lump Cylinder Heads Chevrolet S-10 Pro Stock Truck, heads to Atlanta, Ga. this weekend for the running of the 21st Annual Advance Auto Parts NHRA Southern Nationals, May 3-6.

Self, who did not return to Gainesville for the rained out Gatornationals, has had the last three weeks off. During those three weeks, Self and his Lump Cylinder Heads team have not remained idle.

"Having the last three weeks off has been good for us," said Self, of Houston, Texas. "We've had three weeks off, and have spent the whole time either in the shop or at the racetrack testing. During all the testing and thrashing we have been doing we have found something that I think is going to make a real difference for both Jeff (Teammate Jeff Naiser) and I.

"We got behind back in March in Gainesville, and have been struggling ever since. We knew we where close to finding the problem, and we were starting to make some headway in Las Vegas, but we still didn't quite have our finger on it.

"We figured what we needed to do was to get back to work and start making laps until we had this Chevy S-10 sorted out, and that is just what we did.

"I think I have spent more time out at Houston Raceway Park that I have at home in the last three weeks. We have literally worn motors out; we have done that much testing. The good news is that it looks like all our hard work has paid off.

"Jeff and I have both picked up our numbers on the top end and the bottom end. But what is really cool, is that we still have something to work with. I think we could pick up even more and that is a good place to be especially coming into Atlanta.

"Atlanta last year was a one lane racetrack. I have to believe that it is going to be that way again this year. Knowing that, we have to be prepared to make a shot every time we get in that good right lane. If we don't, we could end up on the trailer Saturday night, but I don't think that is going to happen to us.

"Done our home work, paid our dues, however you want to say it. If we win in Atlanta this weekend, it is because we have work harder than anyone else out there. We have worked our hind ends off. If that counts for anything, I hope it all adds up to a win sometime soon."

Qualifying at the 21st Annual Advance Auto Parts NHRA Southern Nationals begins on Friday May 4, and continues on Saturday May 5. Eliminations get under way at 11:00 AM EST on Sunday May 6.

-BSR