Pomona: Randy Fleming preview

Fleming set to drive second car for Harrington in Pomona

POMONA, Calif. - Former NHRA Division 5 Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion Randy Fleming will find himself in a new role at this weekend's upcoming K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. Instead of competing as both owner and driver, Fleming will only have to focus on driving behind the wheel of Bernie Harrington's new second team car.

Fleming, from Independence, Mo., sold his Division Championship winning car last month, and then received an offer to drive Harrington's second car in Pomona. Harrington intends to lease the car out later in the year, and plans on using Fleming's driving expertise to market the car's availability, and get the car lined out.

"This is just a one race deal for now," said Fleming. "I'm going to help him throughout the season with his car. Since this race is so close to his home, and we had everything to put this car together, we're going to try to bring it out to Pomona and go some rounds with it."

Fleming acknowledges it will be different driving someone else's car. However, he also is looking forward to driving without the stresses of being a team owner.

"I'm not going to drive any differently," stated Fleming. "It will be easier to drive someone else's' car, without having to worry about buying all the parts and pieces. It is a new car, though, so that will be on my mind I suppose."

In addition to his driving, Fleming will bring his crew lead by Ted Lake. Fleming and Harrington hope to use the combined knowledge of both teams to be a double-threat in Pomona. With the event being their first race together, Fleming hopes to be able to reach into the 5.80's (elapsed time) or better.

"I will be happy with some 5.80's," cited Fleming. "That is what we are shooting for as a team."

Qualifying begins on Thursday for the Top Alcohol Funny Cars. Qualifying will resume with two more sessions on Friday, followed by first round of eliminations on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event Sunday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news from Pomona.

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