Topeka: Larry Dixon Friday summary

From the Snake Pit:
Larry Dixon qualifies no. 1 after first day at O'Reilly Summer Nationals

TOPEKA, KS (May 23) -The 2002 NHRA POWERade defending champion Larry Dixon and the Miller Lite team qualified No. 1 after the first day of racing Friday at the O'Reilly Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka. Not only was the second pass of 4.509 ET (327.11 mph) enough to secure the No. 1 spot, it was also the quickest run made by the dragster during night qualifying sessions. Earlier, the Don Prudhomme owned car ran a 323.89 mph lap at 4.616 ET in route to the pole position.

Although Dixon has a qualifying average of No. 3 (out of 16 car field), the exceptional second run still came as a surprise. "Normally, on the night runs we'll run a little bit better but not great," said Dixon. "We come back on Saturday and run our best runs for the weekend on Saturday, I don't expect for that to happen this time, (laughs) we set the mark pretty high. If we could run in the low 50's that would be wonderful, but you really have to see what the weather is like.

While the Miller Lite dragster appears to be comfortable with the current NHRA points lead, Dixon is quick to point out the obvious. "There is not enough of a points lead at this point of the year to where there's any kind of cushion." He added, "There's too much racing left, too many things that can happen, as we've seen. Two races before that, (referring to B. Bernstein's crash, Englishtown NJ) I wrecked a car. You prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

Here's hoping for the best, a first time win for Dixon and the Miller Lite Dragster at Heartland Park Topeka.

Catch ESPN Saturday May 24th, at 5PM (ET) for qualifying action. On Sunday, May 25th, don't miss the premiere of "Junkyard Mega-Wars: Speedway Showdown" on TLC at 9PM and Midnight ET/PT.

The show features three teams: Indy, Stock Car and Dragster racing. Showing the talent of the boys behind drivers, Rusty Wallace, Gil de Ferran and Larry Dixon. The teams are challenged to build a vehicle from the ground up, from only junkyard parts, and then compete against your archrivals on three courses: a drag strip, twisting road track and half-mile oval, all to win the Junkyard Mega-Wars' Triple Track Trophy. For more information, click on: tlc.discovery.com/fansites/junkyard/speedway/speedway.html

Tune in to ESPN2 on Monday May 26th, for eliminations and finals at 3:30-6PM (ET).

-www.snakeracing.com