Charlotte II: Doug Herbert final report

Herbert Breaks Pulley, Out in Round One

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 20, 2010) -- Doug NHRA veteran Doug Herbert suffered a first round loss to Tony Schumacher during eliminations on Sunday from the Third Annual O'Reilly NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Herbert beat Schumacher off the line, .043 to .086 and was ahead until half track when a pulley broke on the IRWIN Tools dragster and it lost power. Schumacher took the win 3.856 to 4.641.

"Man, Tony is a tough competitor but I really thought we had it," said Herbert, competing in his second race for IRWIN Tools. "I didn't even see him for most of the race. I don't think I've ever had a pulley break, but that's just how it goes sometimes. Stuff happens that is out of your control, that's just drag racing."

The weekend was a huge success for Herbert's charity B.R.A.K.E.S., which held its Third Annual Benefit Dinner on Thursday night and raised enough funds to train over 500 teen drivers. Herbert was honored at the event by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer with the Palmetto Patriot Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their fellow citizens.

"The Benefit Dinner was awesome and it was great to be out racing again," added Herbert. "I was really happy to have so many guests from IRWIN Tools at the races. They had a really neat display in the midway and got to interact with a lot of NHRA fans. I think they had a great time and I really look forward to doing more with them."

-source: doug herbert racing