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MORRISON, Colo. -- in Denver after Defeating Teammate Grubnic During Sunday's final eliminations of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo., just a few miles from Denver, Doug Kalitta, driver of the 8,000-horsepower "Big Red" Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster, became the first elimination-round winner in the new era of 1,000 ft. drag racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. In the opening round, Kalitta, the No. 9 qualifier (4.027 sec., 291.01 mph), faced off against his Kalitta Motorsports teammate and No. 8 qualifier (4.026 sec., 294.37 mph) Dave Grubnic, driver of the DHL Top Fueler, as the pair of racing vets began the day of eliminations for the pro classes. Both drivers had their "hands full" as both of their respective charges struggled to maintain traction on the tricky drag strip at Bandimere, but Kalitta's rail was able to "stay stuck" just a little better than Grubnic's bright yellow racer to get the win, 4.455 sec., 259.76 mph to 4.878 sec., 199.76 mph. In the quarterfinals, Kalitta rolled to the mile-high starting line to race against Cory McClenathan. Kalitta's Mac Tools machine again had problems with traction after the race started, while McClenathan was able to "go the grand" with fewer troubles and get the win over Kalitta, 4.403 sec., 237.38 mph to 4.197 sec., 270.59 mph. Beginning with the event in Denver, the NHRA instituted a new racing distance for the nitro-fueled classes of Funny Car and Top Fuel dragster to 1,000 ft., as opposed to the traditional distance of 1,320 ft., or a quarter of a mile. The unprecedented action is intended to be a temporary safety solution to help the drivers of the world's quickest and fastest racing safely bring their cars to a stop more efficiently. Kalitta is now 9th in POWERade championship points, while Grubnic falls to 10th in points. The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals was the 13th of 24 national events in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. About Kalitta Motorsports Based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Kalitta Motorsports is a Top Fuel drag racing team in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) POWERade Drag Racing Series. The racing operation was started in 1959 by now legendary drag racer and team owner Connie "the Bounty Hunter" Kalitta. Connie's nephew, Doug Kalitta drives the flagship Top Fuel dragster for Mac Tools. Native Australian Dave Grubnic drives the DHL Top Fuel dragster, and Hillary Will drives the Ken Black-owned and Kalitta Motorsports-managed Top Fuel dragster. Connie serves as head tuner for all Team Kalitta entries. He is assisted by crew chiefs Jim Oberhofer (KB Racing, LLC dragster), Jon Oberhofer (Mac Tools dragster co-crew chief), and Richard Hogan (Mac Tools dragster co-crew chief). Connie serves as crew chief on the DHL dragster with assistance from co-crew chief James Riola. Associate sponsors on all Kalitta Motorsports' race cars include Mac Tools, Red Line Oil, Summit Racing Equipment, Technicoat Companies, K2M, and Toyota. For more info about Kalitta Motorsports, please visit http://www.teamkalitta.com
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