Harker Gives Home Crowd Something To Smile About!

Commerce, GA. September 16, 2009: Australian NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver, Steve Harker had his work cut out for him going into competition at this past weekends Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event held at Atlanta Dragway. Harker battled against some of the top drivers in the class to win the event with an impressive 5.63 seconds pass at 256mph.

Harker, who resides just thirty minutes from Atlanta Dragway, qualified his 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo in the number 2 position with a 5.668 seconds run at 255mph. Harker missed the number one qualifying spot by merely thousands of a second to driver, Tony Bartone with his 5.660 seconds run.

In the first round of competition Harker lined up against John Sullivan. Harker had a slight starting line advantage over Sullivan and was able to keep his Lucas Oil, Hedman Hedders Monte Carlo ahead running another 5.65 at 255mph pass for the win.

Semi-final competition was a big match up for Harker who paired against, Connecticut driver, Mickey Ferro. Ferro earned the starting line advantage over Harker but was unable to hold out Harker's impressive 5.643 seconds pass. Harker earned lane choice over Tony Bartone in the finals by a mere 0.001 seconds.

Harker made a lane change in the finals, taking the right lane for the first time in eliminations. Bartone left the starting line a little too soon tunring on the red light and handing the win to Harker, who saved his best run until last and made his quickest run of the weekend, an impressive 5.63 seconds run at 256mph.

The Harker family would like to thank all who attended the event this past weekend including sponsors, friends and fans. Your attendance made for a very memorable weekend. Also, a special thank you to the Managers and Staff at Atlanta Dragway for their support and promotion for the event and the wonderful job for making the event a smooth and fun weekend.

Steve Harker and his team now travel to Belle Rose, Louisiana for the South Central Division Four Lucas Oil Event this coming weekend.

Steve Harker Bio

Steve Harker has been competing in the sport of Drag Racing for over 30 years. The transplant Australian had his career best season in 2008 making thirteen final round appearances and finished 2nd in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Funny Car Championship.

Harker is also the reigning Lucas Oil South Central Division Four Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion. Steve is joined by his identical twin daughters, Kate and Diana who compete in the Top Alcohol Dragster category.

Steve's career best elaspe time is a 5.526 seconds pass at over 260.56 mph. In 2009, Steve celebrates his twenth year behind the wheel of a Top Alcohol Funny Car as an owner, driver and crew chief.