Matco Tools/Lend America Pro Mod driver Joe Baker grabbed the provisional top spot in the Get
Screened America Pro Mod Challenge at the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan. delivering
the only five-second runs of the day.
In round one, the 2008 Rookie of the Year blasted to a 5.995/241.76 and backed it up with a
5.974/241.63 in round two, with his crew chief Chuck Ford breathing a sigh of relief.
"This is an awesome facility, and the track was really amazing," Baker said.
"We've struggled a lot in the recent races, and we changed everything on this car except the body.
Clutch, tires, engine, blower - everything. We weren't really sure what we were going to get, but
it's definitely working.
"I knew I was on a great run that first lap - so I just held on and punched it, and we ran some
really good numbers," he said.
"I can tell you this - I feel a lot better we backed it up. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but
our confidence level is really high." Baker said.
Qualifying is scheduled to conclude at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Eliminations are slated to begin at
1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon and conclude Sunday.
