Pomona: Duane Shields and Dale Carlson preview

POMONA, Calif. - Federal Mogul Dragster owner and driver Duane Shields will be looking to make a strong showing during this weekend's AutoZone Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. with his two car Federal Mogul Dragster team.

The Las Vegas, based team made it's two-car debut last year at the season-ending AAA Auto Club Finals in Pomona, and has high expectations for this season. Last weekend, the team raced it's No. 2 car driven by Dale Carlson at the Division 7 opener in Phoenix. Qualifying for the event was rained out, and the racers were forced into eliminations without having any qualifying runs. Tricky track conditions lead to a first round exit for Carlson. The team hopes to have a different story this weekend.

"We did a lot of work to Dale's car over the offseason to make it identical to mine," said Shields. "Last year when we debuted the team, his car has some older pieces, along with different tires, gears, and motor size. This year that is all the same as my car, so we are looking for both cars to be really competitive right off the bat. I'm looking for both cars to qualify in the top half of the field. We are going to try the new BAE billet aluminum block in my car, so we are looking forward to that as well. We really want to go some rounds this weekend."

"Also we want to get some good exposure for our new sponsors, MOSH BMX Bicycles which will be on my car, and Giant Bicycles that will be on Dale's car," continued Shields. "Short Line Express Markets are still the primary sponsor."

In addition to looking for a win in Pomona, Shields is looking for big results out of his two car team for the season as well. To honor NHRA's 50th anniversary season, Shields' car will run a special nostalgia candy color paint job for the 2001 season.

"Our primary goal this year will be to run the two car team at the national events, and to focus with my car at more divisional events," said Shields. "We really want to get more exposure for our sponsors at the national events. We will run my car in Division 6 and run Dale's car in Division 7. Our next event with the two car team will be Las Vegas."

Qualifying begins on Thursday for the Federal Mogul Dragsters at noon. On Friday, they will have two more qualifying sessions at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.