TOPEKA, Kan.—Top Fuel driver Alan Bradshaw is no stranger to the Winner’s Circle at Heartland Park Topeka. In fact the Odessa Texas resident has won two times in his three final round appearances at Heartland Park while driving in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. Bradshaw’s 2003 victory even helped him secure his 2003 TA/D World Championship while driving for Randy Meyer.
“Topeka is just one of those fun places to come to, ” Bradshaw said. “Winning is difficult in this sport and when you have success at a track you look forward to racing there again. Plus the fans in Topeka are second to none and they really get into it, and that gets me even more pumped up as a driver. “
Bradshaw hopes to add his first Top Fuel win to his two previous victories in Topeka during this weekend’s O’Reilly Summer Nationals, and Bradshaw feels his Vis Viva “Living Force Energy” car is up for the challenge.
“Maybe I’m the forever optimist, ” Bradshaw said. “But that 4.55 we ran two weeks ago in Bristol (Tenn. ) given the conditions, makes me believe we are one step closer to finding a balance on the tune-up, which has obviously been overly aggressive more often than not. “
Bradshaw also reset his career-best speed mark in Bristol during his round-one matchup against Tony Schumacher with a 327.59 mph blast down the quarter-mile.
So far 2008 has been a roller-coaster season for the whole Vis Viva “Living Force” Energy team, with back-to-back no. 1 qualifiers serving as the highs and a couple of DNQs serving as the lows.
“Regardless of the ups and downs so far, I tip my cap to this crew, ” Bradshaw said. “They have never given up and they work their butts off each and every time we race. It would be easy to throw your hands up, but these guys continue to be as strong a team as you could ask for. For me this season has been like building a puzzle and sometimes losing a piece or two. I think we finally have the all the pieces on the table for Topeka, now we just have to put them together correctly. “
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