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TOPEKA, Kan. --
The veteran advanced to his first Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship a year ago, competing in all 24 events for the first time. Palmer already has his first career final round appearance in 2018 and the Cassville, Mo., resident knows what getting his first career Top Fuel win at a track close to home would mean, and the celebration that would ensue. "We want to go there and win, and if we did that it would be crazy," Palmer said. "We've raced all around there over the years, racing at these little tracks. All these areas I've raced, people have followed it and know our story. The way it all happened for our team, it would be no fun if we couldn't share it with the ones who have been there from the start. It's exciting to see that support, and the people around here just following us and cheering us on, it's mind-blowing." Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were last year's winners of a race will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including a live broadcast of finals on Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. (ET). It is the eighth of 24 races during the 2018 season and Palmer's focus is finishing in the top 10 again, while hopefully picking up his first career win in the process. He nearly got it at Phoenix in his 10,000-horsepower CatSpot/Tommy Thompson Motorsports dragster, falling to points leader Steve Torrence in the final round, but Palmer has been solid all season. He has qualified in the middle of the pack and been consistently in the 3.70s, all marks of progress in a Top Fuel class loaded with talent. With temperatures starting to heat up, Palmer believes his team can take advantage and move up the point standings. "We're still learning how to do this at this level and there's a lot that goes into it," Palmer said. "We're 10th in points and we've missed a couple of opportunities, but then again we're still learning. It's up to us to make it happen and make sure we're doing our homework, and I'm confident we will. It's a great team and a great group of guys working their butts off." Palmer has been impressed with the constant improvements his team has made. But he knows there will need to be more to compete against the likes of Torrence, who has three wins in 2018, eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher, defending event winner Brown, Leah Pritchett, Pomona winner Doug Kalitta, Gainesville winner Richie Crampton and defending world champ Brittany Force. The team continues to get acclimated with the new changes to the car this year, and Palmer believes the team took big strides during testing after the most recent race in Charlotte. The journey has been a tremendous thrill, and Palmer plans to keep enjoying the ride.
Ron Capps is after his fifth Funny Car win at Heartland Park Topeka and first of 2018 against the likes of points leader Jack Beckman, Charlotte winner Cruz Pedregon, Phoenix champ Courtney Force, J.R. Todd, who has two wins in 2018, and defending world champ Robert Hight. Tanner Gray will look to become the first two-time winner in 2018 in Pro Stock. He won in Gainesville, but there have been six different winners through six races, including points leader and defending world champ Bo Butner, Vincent Nobile, Matt Hartford, Erica Enders and Chris McGaha. The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service makes the fourth of 12 stops in 2018 at Heartland Park Topeka. The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport, as well as the 2018 Mickey Thompson Tires Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. Those in attendance will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a few of the most renowned names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This will feature meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties will be announced soon. Along with the exciting on-track action, the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals will honor first responders with NHRA's "Salute to First Responders" celebration.
Fans also will want to visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 19, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 20. To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate.
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