ADRL Extreme Pro Stock racer Robert Patrick has been around drag racing long enough to know it's
unpredictable. However, for the Purvis Ford-sponsored driver from Fredericksburg, Va., this
weekend's ADRL Len-Mar World Finals, there are two things he believes will be easily predictable.
First, the forecast mid-60s degree forecast temperatures on Friday will set the stage for a
record-setting affair during the championship-determining Battle for the Belts competition.
Secondly, when it comes to the competition, he believes that any of the eight finalists are capable
of taking home the championship on Friday evening.
Patrick competed last year in the ADRL's Extreme 10.5 division and had a tough time backing down
his naturally-aspirated Shelby Cobra Mustang to accept the challenge of channeling his horsepower
through a 10.5-inch treaded tire. Last year, the ADRL didn't offer an Extreme Pro Stock class
during the final event.
This year Extreme Pro Stock was elevated from part-time, exhibition status to full-time.
"I know when I ran there last year we had air that was incredible," Patrick confirmed. "I've run in
air that good once before and it was in earlier in the season at Valdosta, Ga., and ran a 4.05. I
always believed that we left some on the table that day. This weekend is going to be even better
than both of those instances.
Patrick currently holds the ADRL Extreme Pro Stock elapsed time record with a 4.059 recorded during
the ADRL Georgia Drags in Valdosta, Ga., last April.
"It wouldn't surprise me if that record falls early on Friday," he added.
Credit his confidence, Patrick beams, to the fact Friday's Battle for the Belts competition will
pit eight equally-minded Extreme Pro Stock drivers gunning for the first-ever championship in the
class.
At the No. 8 seed, Patrick believes he's got just as good of a chance as his seven other fellow
competitors.
"I really believe what you'll see in Dallas is a battle of eight cars equally capable of winning
this Battle for the Belts competition," said Patrick. "I expect to have my work cut out for me.
"On the same token, I really believe the car is as good as it has ever been. We've really worked on
our engines and when we get to Ennis, we'll have a few bullets ready to go. The power Bob Ingles
provides us is on par with everyone else in the class. That's what it's going to take. It's going
to take me being the sharpest I've ever been on the tree and in my driving."
