Cannon's Murray Anderson-built '53 Studebaker had a blown hemi for power, and the team had the car in "outlaw set-up" with larger tires, less weight, and more blower overdrive. Their quickest and fastest effort of the day was a 4.14 at 182.14 mph on the eighth-mile track.

"That's the first race I've won in five years," Cannon declared after making a solo pass in the final round. "I know I was lucky here today, but it still feels pretty good!"
(Ian Tocher Photos) [2-10-2004]

 

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RETURN TO THE KING

Brandon Bernstein returned to the seat of the Budweiser King at the Phoenix test sessions for his first runs in the car since his May 18, 2003 incident at Englishtown.

"The car started to shake, so I had to shut off," said Brandon, "but the experience was just great! When I started the car, it was just as if I'd never gotten out of the car."

On Feb. 9 Brandon had a couple of very competitive passes, running 4.55 and 4.56 at 321 mph. It looks like 2003 NHRA Rookie of the Year is ready for his journeyman season. (Ron Lewis photo) [2-10-2004]