Justin Humphreys wound up a memorable first Mac Tools U. S. Nationals Pro Stock appearance with a drive into the quarterfinals on a hot Monday at O’Reilly Raceway Park.
He ran the third-quickest elapsed time of the day in the first round (6.692 seconds at 205.76 mph) in defeating Richie Stevens. His RaceRedi Motorsports/Knoll-Gas Energy Pontiac GTO had a large lead early in the 1320-foot run thanks to a. 036-second reaction time to Stevens’. 093. Stevens was timed in 6.721 at 205.66 mph.
Humphreys started eliminations from the No. 6 position, but he couldn’t hold lane choice for his second round race against Dave Connolly. Humphreys left first (. 026-seconds to. 033) against Connolly, the No. 3 qualifier, but Connolly stopped the clock at 6.704 seconds (206.39 mph) to a 6.749 at 205.72 mph for Humphreys.
“I feel confident in the car now, ” said Humphreys. “We are beginning to run well. I feel comfortable with Bob Glidden (renowned Pro Stock driver/tuner), Richard (Maskin, engine builder) and (crew chief) Eric Luzinski. We had a good elapsed time for the right lane against Connolly.
“I think we showed people what we are capable of doing. ”
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