Vegas Final Round Notes

By Darr Hawthorne
Photos by Zak Hawthorne
4/12/03

MORE OF THE SAME IN TOP FUEL

The Top Fuel finals brought two very strong dragsters that have battled for the top qualifying slots so far in this short season. Number 2 qualifier Larry Dixon (photo) defeated Mike Strasburg, Doug Herbert, David Baca, and then #1 qualifier Doug Kalitta in a tight race 4.608 to Kalitta1s tire-hazing 4.695 to grab the Vegas crown. Rookie Brandon Bernstein was defeated in the semis by Kalitta, but Doug still trails Bernstein, third in points.

The new "hitter" in Top Fuel is second-generation pilot David Baca. He qualified third for the Vegas race in his Johnny West tuned, American Racing Wheels-sponsored ride. Since Baca took over the Henkelman/Baca dragster after the departure of Cory Mac, he has qualified for the first four races this season and made it to the semis at the Gators and Vegas. This guy's going to win one soon -- he's got the power, determination, and a fresh attitude.

After Las Vegas the score is two-two going into the bottom of the second inning. Dixon with two wins Brandon with two wins and Dixon has now had the NHRA POWERade points lead for the last 27 consecutive races. Dixon and crew chief Dick LaHaie's dominance of the Strip at Las Vegas covers the last three straight events held there. For the Fall Vegas race my money is on Dixon.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Debuted at Vegas was the new carbon fiber body on the Bilstein Engine Flush Top Fuel dragster driven by Darrell Russell. In order to be sure of a spot on Sunday's elimination ladder, crew chief Wayne Dupuy made one solid pass in the number 6 spot at 4.614. The last two sessions on Saturday were made with the new Brad Hadman-built skin; they smoked the tires on the first pass and then on the final run of the day improved with a 4.608 at 315.05, remaining 6th.

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