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NHRA: CARQUEST Top Fuel Dragster tests in Florida for Gatornationals

12 March 1998

GAINESVILLE, FL -- Paul Romine and his Indianapolis-based CARQUEST Top Fuel Dragster may have gotten the break they needed with the postponement of the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals.

Last weekend in their 98 NHRA debut, the CARQUEST team was plagued by problems in the first two qualifying sessions. Romine went up in smoke on his first qualifying pass, then on his second qualification run, an exhaust valve broke resulting in an engine explosion.

With a week to prepare for the final two professional qualifying sessions, the CARQUEST team went to DeSoto Memorial Dragway in Bradenton, FL and tested Tuesday, completing two successful runs.

On our first test run I clicked it off early, but it felt good, Romine said. Then on the second lap, the track was right there as it picked the front wheels and was on a real charge before I shutoff early to a 4.95 (et). We are happy with the results from the two laps and cant wait for Friday.

The CARQUEST team will again get a chance to qualify for the Mac Tools Gatornationals, Friday at 11 a.m. (EST), then again at 3 p.m. Final eliminations will take place Saturday, beginning with the first round at 11 a.m.

CARQUEST Corporation began 24 years ago with 100 auto parts stores. Today there are over 3,000 CARQUEST Auto Parts Stores serving all 50 U.S. States and now Canada. CARQUEST supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment. CARQUEST is committed to providing auto parts and services of the highest quality and greatest value to its customers. For the location of the CARQUEST Auto Parts Store nearest you, call 1-800-492 PART.