Vandergriff advances to Quarterfinals in Memphis

 2006 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 17 of 23
O'REILLY NHRA MID-SOUTH NATIONALS
Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park
Race Date: Aug. 18-20, 2006



Vandergriff advances to Quarterfinals in Memphis



MEMPHIS, Tenn., (August 21, 2006)- Bob Vandergriff Jr. left Memphis with a 
big smile on his face after competing in the rain-delayed final elimination's of 
the O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park. Vandergriff was 
smiling not only because his UPS sponsored Top Fuel dragster went to the 
second round of elimination's, but primarily because he can see a difference in 
his team. Crew chief Jim Dupuy is making good decisions with the guidance of his 
brother Wayne, who officially joined the team this weekend.

"I'm glad to see our team get back to where they belong," said Vandergriff. 
"Jim [Dupuy} and Wayne work very well together. It was awesome to see them 
produce consistent runs on their first race together in over a year. I'm sure that 
once they have a few more laps under their belt, we are going to see the UPS 
car become quite competitive. I'm proud of how far they have come, despite the 
hot and humid conditions that plagued Memphis this weekend."

Vandergriff defeated "Hot Rod" Fuller in the first round of elimination's on 
Sunday. Then came the rains, and the lightning, and the thunder, and then 
finally the postponement until 9 am Monday morning. Vandergriff would meet Morgan 
Lucas in the first pair of Top Fuelers to run. Vandergriff left the line 
first, but didn't have enough for Lucas, posting a time of 4.720 seconds at 312.35 
mph to Lucas' 4.637/294.95.

Vandergriff will head to the shop to organize and prepare for the prestigious 
Mac Tools US Nationals on Aug. 31-Sept. 4 at Indianapolis Raceway Park.