Runner-Up Finish for Steve Harker at United Association Route 66 Nationals

Joliet, June 10, 2009: Once again Aussie Steve Harker took his I40 Inc Chevy Monte Carlo to the final round at this past weekend United Association Route66 NHRA Nationals scoring a comfortable runner-up finish.

Harker qualified in number three position with runs of 5.610 seconds at 250.64 mph and 5.56 seconds at over 257 mph. Harker's team had their work cut out for them going into first round of eliminations as they faced off against Chris Foster in what was to be a one of the closest races of the day. Harker took the win over Foster with an impressive 5.608 seconds pass at 254.55 mph to Foster's 5.657 elapse time.

Second round match up saw Harker in another wire to wire battle against Mick Snyder however Harker had the horsepower to hold on for the win with fantastic 5.583 elapse time to Snyder's 5.604 seconds pass.

Harker than paired up against division three driver, Bobby Martin and this time Harker took an early lead and never looked back laying down a 5.574 at 256.55 mph run to Martin's 5.795 seconds pass driving his way into the final round.

No surprises here, Harker faced off against thirteen-time World Champion Frank Manzo in the money round. Having gained lane choice over Manzo, Harker looked set to take on the champ in a great battle for the 'Wally' however Harker's day ended about 150ft out as his I40 Inc Chevy Monte Carlo went into serve tire shake and Harker had no choice but to watch on as Manzo took home the win.

"We had another fantastic weekend here in Chicago" comments Harker "The past couple of years this track has been tricky for us but I was excited to finally get a handle on the car and put down some consistent passes that saw us making the final. As always the team did an awesome job and I certainly keep them busy all weekend long as we chased the tune up a little. I am looking forward to taking a short break from the funny car and focusing on a new long skinny car that's turned up in our trailer but we will be back on track with the funny car in July to hopefully keep this I40 Inc, Lucas Oil, and Hedman Hedders Funny Car at the top of its class." says Harker

As mentioned, the Harker Motorsport Top Alcohol Funny Car team is taking a short break before heading to Houston Raceway Park across July 24-25 for the third round of the Division Four Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.