The driver of the FRAM Tough Guard Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing has been a runner-up three times at this event (1992, 1998, 2004) but cannot list it under the heading of his 30 career national-event victories.

So, he's aiming to change that this weekend. "Englishtown has been good and bad to me," said McClenathan, who stands fifth in the overall class rankings, with two runner-up finishes this season. "We've been in the final round there and we've done pretty well. But there are also times when we've not even gone a round or two there. So, it's been feast or famine for me in Englishtown, for some reason.

"I think the FRAM Tough Guard guys and crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler really have something right now that will run well for next weekend. I'm excited about that. It probably depends a little bit on the weather, but I think we have a good tune-up for the heat, as we do for the cool conditions.

"I expect our FRAM Tough Guard car to do well, along with my DSR teammate Tony Schumacher in the U.S. Army car."

CORY MCCLENATHAN QUICK FACTS:
* No. 5 in 2009 Top Fuel point standings, with two runner-up, one semifinal, five quarterfinal and two first-round finishes in first 10 events of season
* 175 points out of first place in standings
* Qualified No. 5 in 2008 E-town; lost semifinals to teammate Tony Schumacher
* Has three runner-up finishes in E-Town: 1992, 1998, 2004
* No. 3 in 2008 Top Fuel point standings, including one win in three final rounds, as well as eight semifinal, six quarterfinal, seven first-round finishes and two No. 1 qualifiers
* Has 30 career Top Fuel victories in 55 final rounds
* First driver to break the 320-mph barrier with 322.17-mph run in Dallas in 1997
* Has recorded 445 career round wins in Top Fuel
* Qualified No. 1 32 times, with a career-high seven times in 1993
* Recorded 400th round win in Top Fuel in Richmond 2007
* Has finished No. 2 in the standings four times (1992, 1995, 1997 & 1998)
* Finished No. 10 in rookie season in 1991; made first 4-second run
* Made NHRA history with first run in the 4.70s (4.799) at Reading in 1992
* Swept the three-race Western Swing in 1997 en route to four consecutive wins and career-high six victories in eight final rounds
* Won four of the first six races in 1998. Equaled career-best with six wins in eight finals
* Won the U.S. Nationals twice (1996, 1999)
* Missed four races in 1993 after crash in Rockingham and still finished sixth in the Top Fuel points
* Age 46 (January 30, 1963); born in Wichita, Kansas, now lives in Brownsburg, Ind.; daughter Courtney (10/25/90)
* Joined Don Schumacher Racing in 2008; 2009 is fourth season with sponsorship from FRAM

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, June 12 - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 and 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 13 - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at noon and 3 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 14 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, June 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).
Saturday, June 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 11:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at noon (ET).
Sunday, June 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of coverage starting at 10 p.m. (ET).

Courtesy of Judy Stropus