Pomona: Herbert upset with early loss

Snap-On Racing
Herbert Falters In Opening Round Of Winternationals

POMONA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2002 - A dejected Doug Herbert left Pomona Raceway much earlier than what he wanted on Sunday and made plans to test his Snap-on Racing Top Fuel dragster this weekend at Phoenix before the next NRHA Powerade event at Firebird Raceway, Feb. 22-24.

"It looked like our car would be going down the track all weekend, but we didn't get down the track on our last three runs, so we'll definitely be testing at Phoenix," Herbert said following his first-round loss to Don Lampus in the season-opening Winternationals.

Herbert had a slight starting-line advantage but his dragster began shaking the tires before spinning them and Herbert shut off early, finishing with a 6.291 at 142.19 mph to a 4.665 at 315.56.

"We thought we'd back (the combination) down before the run but it was still too aggressive," Herbert added. "It shook and I grabbed the brake, but then it smoked the tires."

In new co-crew chief and tuner Johnny West's first two 2002 runs, Herbert had times of 4.653 and 4.665 seconds. In his next three outings, he went 8.578, 7.541 and the 6.291 seconds.

"We should be able to get things sorted out at Phoenix," Herbert concluded.

He's tied for 11th with 32 points.
Qualified: No. 10, 4.653 at 315.93 mph.
First round: Don Lampus, 4.665 at 315.56 def. Herbert, 6.291 at 142.19.
Race winners: Top Fuel, Larry Dixon; Funny Car, John Force; Pro Stock, George Marnell

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