Harker scores national event win at O'Reilly Summer Nationals

Topeka, June 2, 2009: Australian NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver, Steve Harker used consistency to win rounds at this past weekend NHRA O'Reilly Summer Nationals. Harker competed against twenty other Top Alcohol Funny Car teams at Heartland Park Raceway through hot temperatures and tricky track conditions.

Harker came out strong in the final qualifying session to take the number one position with an impressive 5.637 seconds pass at 254.86 mph. In round one of competition Harker lined up against the Van Hauen Brothers Racing team. Harker had a trouble free pass and wheeled his Chevy Monte Carlo to another strong 5.657 at 256.65 mph run to take the win.

Kirk Williams was unable to show for round two of competition after a terrible engine explosion and a fire in the first round. Harker ran a solo pass and was able to secure lane choice for the semi-finals with his quickest pass of the weekend a 5.625 at 255.29 mph.

The semi-final match up was a repeat from the Lucas Oil Division Four Series event two weeks previous in Houston where Tony Bartone was the victor. But this time Harker was able to get starting line advantage and hold on for the win and advance the team into the final round with a 5.681 at 253.47 mph pass.

Harker paired up against west coast racer, Sean O'Bannon for the final round at the NHRA O'Reilly Summer Nationals. This was a repeat of the finals from here last season where Harker is the defending event champion. O'Bannon had the starting line advantage but Harker had that made up by the 60ft timers and held on to take the win and his 4th career NHRA National event win with a 5.656 at 253.47 mph.

"We had another fun and successful weekend racing, the car has been performing like we want it too and I have to give special credit to my team" comments an excited Harker "We could not do this with out the support of our sponsors i40, Inc, Lucas Oil, Hedman Hedders, OMS Graphics and Southern Safety Supply."

This event is fast becoming a double celebration date for Steve and his wife Jenelle as they celebrate their 34th Wedding anniversary with this win for the second year in a row.

Steve and his team now travel onto the NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL and will represent the South Central Division Four in the Jegs All-stars event that will showcase the 'best of the best' drivers on Saturday of the prestigious National event.