Baton Rouge: Erica Walsh-Credeur wrap up

BATON ROUGE, La. - Rookie Federal Mogul Dragster driver Erica Walsh-Credeur didn't maul the competition in her debut outing at this past weekend's NHRA Division 4 Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series event at her home track, State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, La. She did, however, accomplish her personal goals for the weekend by qualifying for the eight car show and getting seat time.

Walsh-Credeur, of Lafayette, La., qualified No. 8 with an elapsed time of 6.073 seconds at 252.10 mph in her BlackMax Downhole Tools backed dragster. She then had to face the red hot No. 1 qualifier Joe Fuentes in round one. As in her qualifying run, Walsh-Credeur launched into heavy tireshake, and was forced to shut off early when she got out of shape near the 1000' mark. Fuentes had no such problems and took the win with a 5.525 at 254.09 mph over her own 6.199 at 231.42 mph.

"My goal for the weekend was to qualify for my first race," said Walsh-Credeur. "The car shook pretty hard on our good qualifying run, and I had to pedal it, and it still ran a 6.07. I know the car has a lot more left in it. We got beat in the first round, but we're mainly trying to get seat time this season. We're going to gear up for Houston, and see what we can do."

The next race on the Walsh Motorsports schedule will be the O'Reilly Nationals at Houston Raceway Park, Mar. 22-25. Walsh-Credeur hopes to improve on her Baton Rouge showing in Houston.

"The car is ready to step up," stated Walsh-Credeur. "We have all of the good equipment. We have a pretty good crew, and the more seat time I get, the better we're going to do. It's all about me getting some more seat time and getting the game down pat."

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