Shane Heckel Rusk preview

Heckel armed with new horsepower for Rusk

RUSK, Texas - After damaging their record setting engine at their last race at the Texas Motorplex, NHRA Competition Eliminator driver Shane Heckel was concerned about getting his potent 500 cubic inch engine repaired in time. Engine builder Taylor Lastor of TRE Racing Engines not only delivered Heckel a repaired motor for this weekend's Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Cherokee County Motorsports Park in Rusk, Texas, but found additional horsepower after letting Matt Bieneman of MBE Performance work with the cylinder heads.

Heckel, the current B/Dragster National Record Holder, from La Porte, Texas, hopes the new horsepower and hot weather will be the combination for his team's success this weekend.

"Taylor and the guys in his shop did a great job getting the motor repaired from the damage we did to it in Dallas," said Heckel. "Matt Bieneman from MBE Performance made some gains with our cylinder heads that turned into a pretty good power increase."

"It looks like the weather is coming to us," Heckel commented. "I think the small motors are going to suffer in the heat, and our 'rat' motor should still do good."

Heckel will also be able to enter the weekend with the peace of mind of knowing his daughter Brooke is in good health.

"My daughter has been fighting some kidney problems the last few months, and it's really been a strain on my mind," explained Heckel. "She just had surgery and she's doing good, so that will be a big load off my back going into this weekend. Hopefully we can get her a win."

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