Compiled by Ian Tocher
Photos by Jeff Burk, Ron Lewis and Steve Gruenwald
3/21/06
he NHRA POWERade tour made its annual stop at historic Gainesville (FL) Raceway Mar. 17-19, to contest the 37th annual ACDelco Gatornationals, widely considered to be one of the crown jewels of national events. When the clutch dust finally settled it was David Grubnic standing in the Top Fuel winner’s circle, joined by Ron Capps in Funny Car, Tom Martino in Pro Stock, and Angelle Sampey in Pro Stock Motorcycle. And as always, the racers told the story in their own words as taken from quotes in NHRA and team press releases.
TOP FUEL
"I think the fact we tested with the new Goodyear tire and then stuck with it through the first two races helped us today. We've learned its personality probably a little better than some of the other teams."—
David Grubnic on the new tire compound that all teams must use starting with the Gainesville event, after Melanie Troxel went up in a cloud of tire smoke in the final round against him
"We were No. 1 qualifier here last year and the year before that, so sure we're disappointed not to make it three in a row.”—
Grubnic after slotting into the number-three starting position
"We ran it all year because we knew it would eventually be mandatory and wanted to be on the top of our game.”— Morgan Lucas on the new NHRA-mandated tire after qualifying fourth
"I no longer have first race jitters. I'm much more comfortable in the car with each pass I make. Thing seem to be coming together for me.”—
Hillary Will after qualifying 6th at the third Top Fuel event of her racing career