Compiled from team press releases by Kay Burk
Photos by Ron Lewis and Joe McHugh

TOP FUEL

Urs Erbacher survived a massive engine explosion in the first round of Sunday's eliminations at Houston Raceway Park that destroyed his Century Asphalt Top Fuel dragster. Despite ample engine carnage, a shredded rear tire, and the destruction of at least a third of his rear wing, Erbacher was uninjured in the incident and managed to get his car to a safe stop beyond the finish line.

"Thank you to Brad Hadman because he saved my life today," Erbacher said, referring to the respected chassis builder. "We started this year with a brand Hadman car and I hope it's not damaged too bad. At least we know the safety components all work.

"We had a great race going and I didn't see Larry (Dixon, opponent). I was about to start celebrating when there was a big boom from the engine and then it all broke loose. I've never experienced something that bad. I was just concentrating so hard on staying in my lane because I did not want to interfere with Larry and to get the car stopped. Thankfully, no one was hurt. We can always repair the car."