NHRA Quotes from Brainerd

Compiled by Ian Tocher
8/18/04

Following a well-deserved break after the grueling Western Swing, the NHRA’s best were back at it Aug. 13-15, at the 23rd annual Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd (MN) International Raceway. And as usual, they told the whole story through quotes contained in NHRA and team press releases.

TOP FUEL

“After the changes, I don’t think the track conditions will be a factor at all. It’s up to the teams to make power and to make the cars go quicker and faster.” —Larry Dixon on the recent rule changes NHRA has imposed on the nitro burners

“We just need to keep chipping away at it (the points lead). All we can do is race each round and try to win that round, the rest will have to sort itself out.” —Doug Kalitta on chasing Tony Schumacher for the points lead

“The car was floating along hauling butt, even with a little wheel action at the starting line. Getting out to half-track the clutch was coming in one to one and the car was getting real aggressive on me. I didn’t feel at ease with it and at that point I lifted.” —T.J. Zizzo on his first qualifying attempt

“Everything went by so fast that I thought I was in Star Wars going warp speed. People shouldn’t be allowed to have this much fun.” —Morgan Lewis, who replaced the fatally injured Darrell Russell, on his first qualifying experience as a Top Fuel driver

“The last time we met he whipped us. Lets see if we have something for him this time.” “Now that we have a new baby, I am going to have to go rounds to make money for Maddie’s college education fund.” —Zizzo after qualifying 11th, on his first-round pairing with Schumacher

“I looked over after I completed my burnout and I could see they were having some issues with their blower belt. We just patiently waited for them. Plain and simple I lost

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concentration and it cost us the race. It may be due to the extended time off between events but I’m not going to make any excuses. There are a lot of things I felt I could have done better and I should have been more mentally prepared.” —Zizzo again, on the terrible reaction time that ultimately cost him the race when Schumacher slowed suddenly at the top end

“Top Fuel is a lot more cut-throat than alcohol but still very professional at the same time. I grabbed the brake for the first time during the run. You can feel everything in that car, tire smoke, shaking, everything. Of course it’s disappointing to go out in the first round but it’s all a learning experience.” —Lucas after his opening-round loss to John Smith

“The day started good but just didn’t go far enough.” —Cory McClenathan on losing in the second round to Schumacher

“I’ve been on the other side of those type races before, so it was nice to win one for a change.” —Schumacher on his holeshot win over David Grubnic in the final

“Poor Dave. I could hear him and feel him and I thought I even saw his nose a few times, but this one was mine. He’ll get his, believe me.” —Schumacher again, referring to Grubnic’s six final-round appearances —including four this year —without yet reaching victory lane