Thu, 26 Jul 2007, 11:18 PM Dragquake a Seismic Success for Herbert and the Snap-On Tools Top Fuel Dragster

Courtesy of Lisa Powers

SONOMA, Calif. -- The earth moved today in Sacramento, but not because of an earthquake. Doug Herbert and the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel team fired the Snap-on Tools dragster for DragQuake, an experiment of seismic proportions.

Melvyn Record of Infineon Raceway had a front row view of the action, sitting in the cockpit of the Snap-on Tools dragster as Herbert and the Snap-on crew brought the 7,000 horsepower racing machine to life.

As Herbert hit the throttle, members of the local media and several fans were taken aback by the sheer power and noise created by the powerful nitro-burning engine.

As those watching took in the excitement of hearing and seeing a Top Fuel dragster in person, Dr. Doug Brittsan, of Brittsan CPT, measured the movement of the earth with a mobile seismograph.

Once the dragster had been shut off, Dr. Brittsan got to work evaluating the data. End results? The movement of the earth created by the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster was equivalent to an astounding 3.9 on the Richter scale.

"The biggest earthquake Sacramento could have would measure .2 g's of horizontal acceleration," said Dr. Brittsan, "and we had a reading of over two and half times that, .56 g's of horizontal acceleration when he hit the throttle. It was just wild!"

"We were thrilled to have Doug and the Snap-on Tools crew come out to Sacramento today," stated Melvyn Record. "This is one of Infineon Raceway's biggest markets, and forty percent of our spectators will come from Sacramento. Giving the people the opportunity to see what dragsters can do was really special, and being in the Snap-on Tools dragster as it registered a 3.9 is something I won't soon forget."

Herbert and the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel team enjoyed being part of the experiment as well.

"We had a lot of fun," said Herbert. "We set up at RPM Indoor Karting Racing, so the guys all had a chance to do a little go-kart racing last night.

"Today was just cool. Firing up the car and finding out it measured a 3.9 on the Richter scale was just awesome. I think we were able to show just how powerful these cars are. Now let's hope everyone comes out to see it in person this weekend at Infineon."

Doug Herbert and the Snap-on Tools team will be racing this weekend at the 19th Annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Qualifying action for Top Fuel dragsters is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Snap-on Tools Company LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture and construction. Products are sold through its franchisees, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.5 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin. For additional information on Snap-on, visit www.snapon.com.

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