Cox (near lane) and Tommy Franklin purge their nitrous systems prior to their semifinal run.

The Smithfield, NC, driver ran a strong 3.787 in the final round against Lizzy Musi and Cox won the race on the starting line as Musi ran a quicker 3.768 at 203.43 but had a .264 Reaction Time.

“We weren’t really having a staging battle,” Cox said of the two drivers taking their time to stage. “I just go up to the starting line and do whatever I feel. It just happens that she didn’t want to go in and I didn’t really feel like going in either. It was nothing personal, we were just having a little fun.”

Cox had many people to credit with the team’s performance. “I want to thank Rick Jones and JJ at RJ Race Cars for everything they did to get me back out here, as well as Bryant (Marriner) for getting behind me when we tore the car up,” Cox said. “My main crew guy, Dennis, took a whole week off from work and spent every minute of every day with me for the last two weeks getting everything sorted out. Charlie Buck also helps me out with the horsepower.”