NHRA's McClenathan Ready for FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals
Contact: John Cardinale (707) 933-3907 McClenathan Looks for Victory at Infineon Raceway at FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) - The FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts, July 28-30, is more than just an average stop on the POWERade Drag Racing Series for Top Fuel driver Cory McClenathan. The 15-year NHRA veteran last visited the winner's circle in 2002 at Pomona, and he'd like nothing more than to claim the victory at a race backed by his team's sponsor. "I love that race in Sonoma and it's going to be a huge one for us once again because Honeywell and FRAM have so much going on there," said McClenathan, driver of the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM Boost2 dragster. "You can't forget that it's a big deal if you can win your sponsor's race." McClenathan has enjoyed a long and successful career in NHRA drag racing, including 28 career wins and 47 career final rounds. He has posted a career-best elapsed time of 4.463 seconds, and is no stranger to qualifying well - he qualified sixth at Infineon Raceway last year. He enters this weekend's second leg of the Western Swing in Seattle in ninth place in points. He was the top qualifier in Houston and reached the finals before losing to Brandon Bernstein in Columbus (Ohio.). "I really feel that this is one of those years we can actually be in the hunt," said McClenathan. "With people like (crew chief) Wes Cerny and (assistant crew chief) Tony Shortall on board, I really think we could have a great year." The trip to the Sonoma Valley is also a winner for McClenthan for reasons that have nothing to do with championships or event wins. "It used to be that I liked just going to the races, but now it's just kind of mixed. As I've gotten older I've become more of a wine drinker and that's kind of cool, too," said McClenathan. "Plus, track owner Bruton Smith has turned that track into an incredible facility with all the improvements. Now it has the whole package - the wineries and the condition of the raceway." WHAT: FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 WHEN: July 28-30 COURSE: World-famous quarter-mile drag strip 2005 CHAMPIONS: Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel); Gary Scelzi (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Bike) 2006 PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.3 million TRACK RECORDS: Top Fuel - ET (elapsed time): 4.524 seconds, Brandon Bernstein, 2005; SPEED: 329.02 mph, Larry Dixon, 2005 Funny Car- ET: 4.759 seconds, Tony Pedregon, 2005. SPEED: 325.69 mph, Del Worsham, 2005 Pro Stock- ET: 6.676 seconds, Kurt Johnson, 2005; SPEED: 206.95 mph, Greg Anderson, 2005 Pro Stock Motorcycle - ET: 6.968 seconds, Andrew Hines, 2005; SPEED: 196.13 mph, Andrew Hines, 2004 PRO SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES PACIFIC): Friday, July 28 - Qualifying sessions at 3:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Saturday, July 29 - Qualifying sessions at 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Sunday, July 30 - Final eliminations begin at noon TICKETS: $10-$135, parking is free. 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com <http://www.infineonraceway.com/> or www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/> . Gates open at 7 a.m. each day ### --------------------------- John Cardinale VP of Media/Community Relations Infineon Raceway Highways 37 &121, Sonoma, CA 95476 wk: 707-933-3907 cell: 707-334-9805