Qatars Al-Anabi Racing, Larry Dixon increases lead in NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel standings

13^th Annual United Association Route 66 Nationals – Route 66 Raceway; Joliet, Ill. Post-Event Wrap-Up

Top Fuel – Larry Dixon

Qualifying: Larry Dixon was the No. 1 qualifier at the United Association Route 66 Nationals.  Qualifying was reduced to just three rounds due to persistent rain showers on Friday, but the Al-Anabi dragster was the quickest of the field when the cars finally took the track late Friday night. Dixon’s 3.814-second pass was a Route 66 Raceway track record at that time, and it allowed Dixon to claim the No. 1 qualifying position for the third time this season and 43^rd time in his career.  Dixon’s speed was 317.42 mph.

Eliminations: Prior to the semifinal round, rain storms delayed competition for nearly five hours.  Dixon defeated Tim Cullinan and Antron Brown before the rain delay.  After the delay, Dixon defeated Doug Kalitta with a track-record 3.786-second pass at 320.20 mph. In the finals, Dixon defeated Tony Schumacher and set the track record again with a 3.773-second pass.  It was Dixon’s fifth win in 10 races so far this season.

Point Standings: Dixon has increased his lead in the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel point standings.  He now leads second-place Cory McClenathan by 159 points.

Dixon on Route 66 Raceway: “Anytime you win, it’s huge, and tonight was a great win for the Al-Anabi Racing Team.  Those guys (U.S. Army Team) have gotten the best of it when we meet in the final round so it’s nice to sneak one in on them tonight. It’s important to try to take the wins, especially when we meet them in the final round. I am proud to win this race for our Al-Anabi team, Sheik Khalid and the people of Qatar.”

Funny Car – Del Worsham

Qualifying: Del Worsham entered the third and final round of qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals in 17^th place in qualifying meaning he was not in the show.  The Al-Anabi team recorded a 4.225-second pass at 296.50 mph to make the show as the No. 9 qualifier.

Eliminations: Worsham faced Tim Wilkerson and lost a close race in the first round of eliminations.

Point Standings: Worsham will remain in 10^th place in the NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car point standings.

Worsham on Route 66 Raceway: “The Al-Anabi Toyota made some good progress last race, but we did not improve this weekend.  The good news is that we’re starting a stretch of seven races in eight weeks and four straight so we get to get back up on our horse next weekend in New Jersey. Like I’ve been saying all season, our Al-Anabi team is working as hard as we can to get ourselves straightened out, and we’ll stay with it until we are successful.”

Next Race: The Al-Anabi Racing team will be back in action June 11-13 at the 41^st annual NHRA Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J.