NHRA Quotes and
Photos from St. Louis

The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series made its 9th annual stop at Gateway International Raceway June 24-26, for the Sears Craftsman Nationals. After long absences, all four professional categories saw the return of familiar faces to the winner’s circle with Brandon Bernstein prevailing in Top Fuel, Ron Capps earning his first win for Don Schumacher in Funny Car, Kurt Johnson dominating in Pro Stock, and Angelle Sampey defeating her teammate in the Pro Stock Bike final. As usual, it was excessively hot and sticky at the St. Louis-area track, and as usual, the whole story can be told through the racers’ comments in NHRA and team press releases.

TOP FUEL

"The monkey's off our back." -- Brandon Bernstein after winning his first race since at Topeka in May 2004

"I didn't know what to expect with making a major change so suddenly, but the guys have responded real well and they are excited about what we're doing.” -- Doug Herbert on his mid-season crew chief switch from Rob Flynn to Wayne Dupuy

"It's going to take a good run down the track because Scott has an unpredictable car and he could smoke the tires or run the quick time of the round.” -- Herbert after qualifying ninth, on having to face Scott Kalitta in the opening round of eliminations

"We have never raced in 140-degree-plus track temperatures and with the hotter than normal conditions we knew it would be tough to get our car down the track. We went for a soft set-up on our dragster just to get it down the track in one piece.” -- T.J. Zizzo on placing ninth after the first two rounds of qualifying

"It seems twice as hot when you're not qualified.” -- Scott Weis on sitting 17th halfway through qualifying

"We've had some good luck here in the past.” -- Doug Kalitta after securing his third number-one starting position this year, referring to winning at Gateway in 2001, 2003, and 2004

"As always, tomorrow is fresh ground for all of us. It's going to be hot again and we'll all have to make sure we cover our bases as a result." -- Tony Schumacher after qualifying second, on the challenges of racing on a hot track

"We have consistency and that will win you races. You have to go A to B and we feel confident about our chances.” -- Morgan Lucas after finishing third with three good passes in qualifying