IHRA: John Long Scores Big Win in Super Eliminator
22 June 1999
CORDOVA, ILL.--- Super Eliminator driver John Long's performance proves that perseverance pays off. Clicking on his win light in the final round of the Amalie Oil Summer Nationals provided the Indianapolis, In.,-based, printer with enough motivation to aid in his pursuit of points leader Larry Snyder. He clicked off strong runs and enough consistency to produce his second IHRA national event win since 1998. Long was ecstatic in the Winner's Circle."I couldn't think of anything better for us to accomplish," smiled Long. "Well, maybe the world championship. But, we'll try to accomplish one goal at a time. I owe a lot of thanks for this win to my family and my crew. I owe a big thanks to the IHRA for providing the Super Eliminator racers a place to race."
Long made a strong opening run in qualifying with the Spectra-One Race Cards and solidified himself a place in the program early with a 6.33/214.04. He ended the session in the second spot. Though he held a comfortable spot in the field, Long proved himself as one not to rest on his laurels. He blistered the racing surface to a 6.285/214.83, which was good enough for the second spot.
The temperatures were warmer on Saturday and as a result provided no improvement in qualifying for the third session for Long. He posted a 6.35/215.13 for his efforts. Long improved during the final session with a 6.22/216.76.
When Greg Good couldn't answer the call into the first round, Long was steady and sure, posting a 6.322/186.90 single run. Nothing short of good luck followed Long as he entered the second round opposite Scott Ray. While Ray was having a bad day with a red light and car breakage, Long again took the win light on a 6.243/216.06 run.
Long took a bye run in the third round, which he needed. The car launched hard with a 1.02-60 foot time, before Long shut it off and coasted through the quarter-mile. He gave up lane choice to Terry Munroe in the final round of eliminations.
Long's hard work paid off when he met Munroe at the starting line. Not only did Long take the starting line advantage, but when the blown-big block of Munroe left the line, hard tire shake forced a shut off. Long cruised into an easy victory with a 6.374/215.62 pass.
Long and his Spectra One Motorsports Printing Team plans to continue their championship conquest at the IHRA CARQUEST Empire Nationals in Leicester, NY, July 9-11. Long, along with each Super Eliminator contestant, will be afforded four qualifying runs during the course of the event and the quickest sixteen entries will compete in final eliminations on Sunday. This event will be televised on ESPN2 with the dates TBA in an upcoming issue of Drag Review.
Spectra One Motorsports Printing has developed a reputation for creating some of the most vibrant and attention getting handout cards in motorsports. Some of racing's biggest names have made Spectra One their choice for printing team handout cards and promotional items. For more information contact Spectra One at 317 579-6565 or visit their website at allegra-spectra.com.
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