Tire Smoking, Harker Out In Round One

Topeka, KS – Rookie driver Diana Harker and the Randy Meyer Racing Team may have confronted one of their toughest weekends on their racing schedule at the NHRA O’Reilly Summer Nationals this past weekend, but the Lend America A/Fuel Team is moving forward from their experience.

Diana Harker look set to make a strong start at the weekend’s event after battling the tricky weather conditions by making strong pass of 5.73et and 5.64et during Friday’s qualifying sessions placing Harker 10th. However the team’s success would soon be short lived as Saturday’s final session saw Harker up in smoke at the hit and quickly bumped to the number 15th position going into eliminations.

Round One Eliminations paired Harker against last year’s winner, Jim Whiteley who oddly enough faced off against Harker’s twin sister, Kate in the same opening round at this event last year. Following the same fate as her sister, Harker would be defeated by Whiteley, who laid down an impressive 5.37et at 266mph pass as again Harker’s car went up in smoke at the hit.

“It’s definitely been a real challenging weekend for the A/Fuel teams and certainly a hard learning experience for us. To smoke the tires twice in one day, especially in these bad conditions has left us wondering but the positive side is that the car is making power again. I believe we have learnt from this experience and as a team we will continue to move forward and make a good show for our sponsors, Lend America, Aeromotive, Lucas Oil, Hedman Hedders, ARP, Taylor Cables and Aeroquip.” Said Harker