Pomona Thursday Leaves Mike Thomas Wanting More

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 3) -- Pro Stock racer Mike Thomas began the 2000 season of NHRA Championship Drag Racing like many of his peers, running a conservative lap down historic Pomona Raceway in an attempt to get a read on his car and the track. Thomas' sole pass on the day produced middle-of-the-pack numbers of 7.031 seconds at 196.50 mph, which placed him in 19th place out of 35 competitors.

"We were so light on the clutch that time I'm surprised we got anything out of the car at all," said Thomas. "I guess this track is a lot better than we thought it would be on Day 1. I could tell that my Finish Line Racing Engine was producing plenty of power, we just missed the clutch set-up slightly. A lot of people missed it so we're not alone.

"I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. We'll be in the left lane, which appears to be a little quicker, and I know we'll have the car dialed in much better to what this track can hold. We'll be fine and I expect us to step up considerably."

Thomas and the rest of the Pro Stock field will have three more chances to qualify for this event. One session will be run tomorrow and two more will be contested Saturday.

All race action can be seen on ESPN2 with same-day coverage of the elimination rounds. Qualifying highlights will be broadcast from 9:30-11:30 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Feb. 5. Final eliminations will air from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (EST) Sunday, Feb. 6.