Bristol: Doug Herbert final report

Mechanical Failure Results in First Round Loss for Herbert

Doug Herbert, competing in his second NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event of the season, qualified the Mail Terminal Services 'Mail From Home' Program/B.R.A.K.E.S. dragster No. 11 in Bristol but fell in the first round of eliminations to Tony Schumacher, who went on to win the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

With the advantage off the line, .056 to .068, Herbert was in the lead until the 800-foot mark when his engine blew up due to a malfunction with the air that controls the fuel system. The mechanical failure allowed Schumacher to drive around the slowing dragster to score the win.

"Scott Gaddy and the guys did a great job this weekend," said Herbert, who was the first Top Fueler to make 4-second and 300-mile-per-hour runs at Bristol. "I thought the car ran well considering we haven't competed in conditions like this since we were running a full season."

Herbert was proud to have Mail Terminal Services and the 'Mail From Home' program on his 8,000-horsepower machine. The Mail from Home program honors the service personnel fighting in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq by sending packages and letters of thanks from NHRA fans. Hundreds of fans filled out 'Mail from Home' postcards in Doug Herbert's pit area throughout the race weekend that will be sent to troops stationed in those areas.

"It was great to work with Rodger and Karen Comstock, of MTS," said Crew Chief Scott Gaddy. "They're great people and I have a lot of gratitude for what they do with the Mail from Home program to support our troops. I hope to have the opportunity to work with them again."

Herbert will compete next at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at the zMAX Dragway, Sept. 16-19.

-source: doug herbert PR