Memphis: Clay Millican Saturday summary

Memphis, Tenn. - September 20, 2003 - Clay Millican, of Drummonds, Tenn., drove his 104+ Octane Boost/Lehman Racing Top Fuel dragster to the number six qualifying position for Sunday's finals at the NHRA O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park. [104headshotsmall.jpg]

Millican's best run came in the second qualifying round on Friday night, where he clocked an elapsed time of 4.587. Saturday's weather proved to be much warmer, which affected most of the Top Fuel field, as few drivers were able to better their times from Friday. Millican achieved his top speed of the four qualifying runs, however, in Saturday's second run with 320.05 mph.

"Being at my home track and having so many of my friends and family here has been very fun," said Millican. "I'm excited about tomorrow's eliminations and hope that we can get the car down the track fast. It would be awesome to get my first NHRA win in front of my hometown crowd."

This is just Millican's second Top Fuel race in Memphis. His first race at the NHRA Mid-South Nationals was in 2000, when he and his crew were new to the Top Fuel scene. Millican has since become the 2001 and 2002 IHRA Top Fuel Champion, and is on his way to a third straight championship this year. Millican has gradually built his NHRA schedule, as he raced in just four events in 2001, seven in 2002, and is scheduled to appear in 12 races this year.

Millican will face number 11 qualifier Paul Romine in the first round of eliminations on Sunday, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pit and spectator gates open at 7:00 a.m.

-lr-