With only two rounds of qualifying (out of four) completed because of rain in two days for the 25th
annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, outside of Reading, Pa., Cory McClenathan held steady
in fourth place in both Top Fuel sessions, and will face Clay Millican in Sunday's first round of
eliminations.
During Friday's only qualifying round, the driver of the FRAM Tough Guard Top Fuel dragster posted
a 3.903-second lap at 312.21 mph, which was followed by a 3.916/274.94 in today's single run.
"Having only two sessions just makes it hard for everyone," said McClenathan, who has already
clinched a spot in the Countdown to 1 playoffs, which begin for the top 10 drivers following this
event and the next one in Indianapolis. "We're thankful that we went down the track and we learned
something on both runs. We know what the car can do.
"This FRAM Tough Guard car keeps getting better all the time, so we'll be ready for tomorrow.
"The rain and the long delays make for a tough show for the fans, a lot of waiting around for the
crew guys and then late nights. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, but we'll take it if it's
a late day for us. Hopefully that means we're going rounds.
"We know we have to get this event in because of the Countdown. We'll do what it takes to get it
done."
