With only three of four qualifying runs completed because of rain on Saturday, Cory McClenathan secured the No. 5 position, driving the FRAM Top Fuel Dragster at the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals.
He recorded his quickest pass of 3.841 seconds at 310.63 mph in Friday night’s second session, held under the lights and in cool conditions. His other laps were a 5.058/136.50 (No. 7), and a 3.888/300.33 in his final attempt.
“We did OK,” said McClenathan, who was No. 1 qualifier at the season-opening event last weekend in Pomona, Calif., and reached the semifinal round. “The FRAM car is still running good. We’re just a win waiting to happen.”
A second rain shower delayed the completion of the Funny Car round, which followed Top Fuel. “It’s a little tough for the fans,” said McClenathan. “They came out here to see some action. But it didn’t rain all day, so they got to see one good Top Fuel run, and they got to see two good runs yesterday, especially when the second session turned out to be a night session. That is always cool for the fans.
“It’s a little hard on us, though, because it’s a little tough to see sometimes, when it gets dark out there. At the same time, I think the crowd definitely got their money’s worth.
“We’ll be OK. We’re qualified good enough to go out there and go toe to toe with anybody.”
McClenathan, third in the point standings entering this event, faces Mike Strasburg in the opening round of Sunday’s eliminations.
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