Sat, 29 Sep 2001, 01:49 AM Jim Yates Returns to Racing at Route 66 Raceway

Courtesy of Dave Ferroni

JOLIET, Ill. -- Four days after undergoing angioplasty surgery, NHRA Pro Stock driver Jim Yates returned to competition Friday, qualifying ninth for Sunday's inaugural Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

Yates admitted to some butterflies on his first of two runs. "I don't know why. I just took one day off," he said. "I was getting used to the car. The car really moved around a little bit and I was on top of it. We wanted to get the feel of the car on the first run so we could get better on the next three (qualifying runs)."

He did take a nap between runs, something he doesn't usually do. "I had more rest between runs than I did (Thursday) night," he added.

Yates, who ran 6.863 at 200.53 mph on that first run, followed with a best of 6.854 seconds at 200.32 mph in the SplitFire/PEAK Pontiac Grand Am to put him ninth. He has two more qualifying runs Saturday. The Alexandria, Va. driver is 76 points behind Pro Stock point leader Warren Johnson (1272-1196).

Yates, 48, was hospitalized last Saturday after he became ill following his No. 1 qualifying run at the AutoZone Nationals at Memphis. He underwent angioplasty surgery for a blocked artery Monday.



NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Oct 27- Penwell Knights Raceway Joins NHRA Member Track Network for the First Time in Division 4
Oct 27- LAS VEGAS - Ted Wiens Trick or Traction Award Returns
Oct 26- LAS VEGAS - JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series Preview
Oct 26- Little River Dragway Latest Track to Join Growing NHRA Member Track Network
Oct 26- Cordova Dragway Joins NHRA West Central Division
Oct 25- LAS VEGAS - Event Preview
Oct 22- NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino
Oct 22- NHRA Breakfast at 2026 SEMA Show Features Legends, Champs & A Rookie Talking Funny Car Showdown
Oct 22- DALLAS - Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Wrap Up
Oct 22- Five NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Drivers Currently Eligible for 2026 Rookie of the Year