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IHRA: Rain Shortened Program Spoils Driver's Home State Debut

5 May 1998

DARLINGTON, SC --- After a dismal first outing at the Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals in Bradenton, Florida, Mitchell Stott had visions of redeeming himself before the hometown crowd at the Southern Nationals in Darlington, South Carolina. Those visions almost became reality as he qualified in the first session only to be bumped out in his second and final attempt.

Stott held onto the 16th spot after Fridays evening session with a 6.738 at 211.06 miles per hour. His second session saw him lift after tireshake rattled the Radiac abrasives Chevrolet Lumina. That aborted run and the improvement of six unqualified drivers relegated him to the 22nd spot in the 16-car field.

His disappointment was very visible, but it was something that he could accept as being out of his hands. I felt that had we have been able to make our final that we could have improved, explained Mitchell. But, some things we have no control over and weather is one of them. I am disappointed, but not discouraged by any means.

But, the DNQ by Stott doesnt necessarily mean that the Radiac team hasnt done well. Daughter Abby, drives a Radiac sponsored Jr. Dragster close to home and recently carded her first win at Shadyside Dragway in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Her chief wrench is her four-year old brother Donovan, who hopes to be racing someday soon.

Mitchell Stotts Nitrous-Injected, Mountain Motored Chevrolet Lumina