McClenathan holds steady in fourth place in Reading qualifying

DON SCHUMACHER RACING
2009 NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 17 of 24
25th annual NHRA NATIONALS
Maple Grove Raceway
Mohnton, Pa.
Aug. 21-23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell, 203-243-2438;
jstropus@earthlink.net

MCCLENATHAN HOLDS STEADY IN FOURTH PLACE IN READING QUALIFYING

MOHNTON, Pa. (Aug. 22, 2009) - With only two rounds of qualifying (out of
four) completed because of rain in two days for the 25th annual NHRA
Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, outside of Reading, Pa., Cory McClenathan
held steady in fourth place in both Top Fuel sessions, and will face Clay
Millican in Sunday's first round of eliminations.

During Friday's only qualifying round, the driver of the FRAM Tough Guard
Top Fuel dragster posted a 3.903-second lap at 312.21 mph, which was
followed by a 3.916/274.94 in today's single run.

"Having only two sessions just makes it hard for everyone," said
McClenathan, who has already clinched a spot in the Countdown to 1 playoffs,
which begin for the top 10 drivers following this event and the next one in
Indianapolis. "We're thankful that we went down the track and we learned
something on both runs. We know what the car can do.

"This FRAM Tough Guard car keeps getting better all the time, so we'll be
ready for tomorrow.

"The rain and the long delays make for a tough show for the fans, a lot of
waiting around for the crew guys and then late nights. We don't know what
will happen tomorrow, but we'll take it if it's a late day for us. Hopefully
that means we're going rounds.

"We know we have to get this event in because of the Countdown. We'll do
what it takes to get it done."

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