NHRA Quotes from Houston
Compiled by Ian Tocher
Photos by Ron Lewis
4/3/06
he NHRA’s 19th annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals went off Mar. 31-Apr. 2, at Houston Raceway Park, with Brandon Bernstein returning to the winner’s circle in Top Fuel, Ron Capps recording his second-straight Funny Car win, Mike Edwards prevailing in Pro Stock, and Angelle Sampey earning her second victory in as many Pro Stock Motorcycle races this year. And of course, the racers told the whole story in quotes taken from NHRA and team press releases.
TOP FUEL
"This has turned into an amazing weekend. Being a Texas boy, to come home and do well for this team is great. Dad's going into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Wednesday and now we can go in there with a trophy in hand. That's my present to him right there.”— Brandon Bernstein on giving his famous father, Kenny, his first win of the year by defeating Melanie Troxel in the final round
"Actually, when they told me at the other end, I thought they were lying because it was April Fool's Day. I said, 'Show me proof,' and they did.” — Cory McClenathan on earning his 30th career number-one starting spot by edging Doug Kalitta by just two thousandths with a 4.531-seconds pass at 329.42 mph
"It was a wild ride, for sure. Lee (Beard, crew chief) had her hopped up just a little too much.”— Rod Fuller on getting up on the wheelie bars twice in his first qualifying pass
"It's an absolute must that we go rounds and total points. It's time for us to make a move."
— Tony Schumacher after qualifying 4th