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NHRA Extra: Krisher Has Backup Car After Pomona Flip

14 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

No one had higher hopes going into the NHRA Pro Stock season than Ron Krisher -- or a more spectacular start. Krisher appeared to have Kurt Johnson, a three-time winner last year, beat in first-round eliminations at Pomona but lost control, hit the wall, and flipped several times. Krisher emerged without serious injury but his new Eagle One Pontiac Firebird was destroyed and he'll go to another car at Firebird.

Last year, Krisher was a consistent Pro Stock qualifier, but his goal for this season is to contend for wins. To that end, Krisher hired Mike Edwards -- seventh in points with two victories in 1999 -- as crew chief and purchased Finish Line Racing Engines so he would have an exclusive powerplant supplier. "My back is sore, but I'm more disappointed about wrecking the Eagle One car," said Krisher. "That was a very fast car and they don't come along very often."

Also: Jay Payne, driver of the Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro, made the championship round of the Federal-Mogul Funny Car sportsman class at Pomona, but lost to Larry Miner by .042 second.

Text provided by Valvoline

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