The Memorial Day weekend has played host to the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for years now as
racers and fans get to enjoy sun and great racing. Roger Bateman and the Friesen Motorsports Top
Alcohol Funny Car Racing Team were no different as they were trying to get the team's first win in
of the season in Brained, MN. "Great Bend didn't show our full potential", car owner Dr. Brian
Friesen commented; referring to the fact that the race in Great Bend, KS was rain delayed until
July. "We want to repeat as (West Central Division) Champions".
Qualifying was a bit unnerving as the team qualified number one, but in the final qualifying
session. "Simply put, funky mechanical problems hurt us in the first two rounds" Car Chief Todd
Murray said. "We got the bugs out on the final (qualifying) run". Bateman ran his best speed of
the season at 255.43 mph at a time of 5.588 seconds. The team held the all important lane choice
for Sunday against Bruce Carlson of Prior Lake, MN.
Sunday's track was greasy with rising air and track temperatures. Bateman downed Carlson handily
5.948 seconds/ 248.57 mph to 6.072/ 244.45 respectively. Because of a field of only six cars,
Bateman would have a bye to the final rounds. Bateman and crew set up the car and decided to run
instead of just coasting, as they wanted lane choice. With no none to challenge, Bateman ran a
stellar 5.604 seconds/ 251.72 mph. "I popped the (blower) belt near the end of that run" Roger
commented. "I can hardly believe what we ran!" Now the final would be a showdown against fellow
Manitoban, Scott McVey of Winnipeg.
However, the Friesen Motorsports team learned before the final round that McVey had damaged his
motor in their semifinal triumph and could not make the call for the final. The team remained
composed as they staged, knowing that the race was won if Roger could just launch from the starting
line. Bateman ran as if McVey was in the other lane. Bateman recorded the fastest 60-foot time of
his career at 0.936 seconds but had to lift due to the car moving around the lane and coasted to an
8.216 seconds/ 105.23mph result. "We tried something for the final and it just didn't work" Car
Chief Todd Murray stated. "There is no such thing as a bad win."
The team will venture west to compete at Heartland Park Topeka for the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Summer Nationals May 29th to 31st. "We love Topeka (Kansas)". Dr. Friesen said referring to the
fact that they were a semifinalist at the national event and a winner at the divisional event last
season. "It is great there".
