Rookie Top Fuel racer Shawn Langdon admits he's been a little nervous the past few days as he's
contemplated his first night-time run in his 8,000-horsepower Lucas Oil/Dixie Choppers dragster. As
it turns out, all that nervous energy wasn't necessary as the back-to-back Super Comp world
champion opened his first Bristol Dragway experience with a pair of nearly identical runs that
placed him fifth on the provisional grid.
Team owner and teammate Morgan Lucas, who spent some time calming his protege, wasn't quite as
quick, ending the opening day 11th overall, but with just 17 cars in attendance, it already appears
likely that both drivers will be racing Sunday.
"I was pretty nervous heading into Round 2," Langdon said. "I went and talked to Morgan and he said
the major difference was that everything seemed like it was a little bit faster. He also said I
needed to chill out because it wasn't going to be as bad as I was thinking, and he was right.
"When we pulled up there I looked down the track to find my spot and it sure seemed dark down
there, but during the run the header flames lit it up and it really just went off like just another
run. It was cool, actually."
Langdon ran a 3.901 at 306.40 mph under the lights, not quite as quick as his earlier 3.892 at
309.70 mph, which he thinks can be lowered.
"We made two good runs and we're right there in the lead pack," he said. "The No. 1 guy is only
3.874 so I think we can get after it and try to get the No. 1 spot tomorrow. It's definitely within
reach."
Lucas' best effort in the GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster came in Round 1 when he put a 3.952
at 300.53 mph on the scoreboard. In the evening round, his engine dropped a cylinder and he was
unable to improve.
"Not a great start but we're in the show," said Lucas, a winner two races ago in Atlanta and the
No. 1 qualifier at the last stop in St. Louis. "I'm super happy for Shawn and we can use their data
to help our car. That's what teamwork is all about."
Saturday's final two time trials are scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
