Baca saves best for last, preps for hottest driver on tour

DINWIDDIE, Va. (Oct. 14) -- Mach 1 Air Services Top Fuel dragster racer David Baca used a final-round 4.661-second pass at 291.82 mph to push his way into the elimination field of the inaugural Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. The move sets up a first-round showdown between Baca and reigning series champion Tony Schumacher, who qualified No. 1 with a 4.512.

"This track has been a real challenge for all of us, especially our team," Baca said. "There is new asphalt out there from mid-track to the finish line and it's very green. There is basically no rubber on it at all and that's why so many guys are spinning their tires out there. We're all playing on the same field; it's just a very tough deal."

The NHRA tour last visited Virginia in 2000. Baca began his career in Top Fuel in 2003.

"It's all new to me but based on the world record numbers we saw in pro Stock, the track can be very, very good," Baca said. "Once they run some more races on this new surface and get some big power cars here that can put rubber down at the top end, this place will be good for all of us. I bet next year will be awesome.

"It is nice and smooth and the weather conditions at this time of the year are very favorable. We just need to figure out how to go some rounds tomorrow and make this trip worthwhile for us, Mach 1 Air Services, and the rest of our sponsors."

The inaugural Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals will be shown from 7-9:30 p.m., Sunday, on ESPN2.

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For more information, contact Don Armstrong at 713-202-4849.