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IHRA: Alesci Rebounds From Epping Disappointment to Post President's Cup Semi-final Finish

29 September 1998

BUDDS CREEK, MD-- Drag racing can be a sport of severe peaks and valley. Angelo Alesci has discovered that to be the gospel truth as he rebounded from a disappointing North American Nationals DNQ to reach the semi-finals in the quickest-ever IHRA Pro Stock field in the history of the class at the President's Cup Nationals. Alesci gained a seed in the field on a last ditch effort during the Maryland Lottery Night Of Fire session.

"We definitely feel a lot better after this race than we did at Epping, a couple of weeks ago," explained Alesci. "We knew we had to step up in the end and when we needed it the most, our car came out firing like a machine gun. I am pleased with this outing. I did want to win, though."

Alesci qualified 7th in the record-setting field with a 6.714/204.32. He took lane choice into his first round match opposite Gene Wilson and parlayed that into victory. Nothing could prepare the Cleveland, Ohio based driver for what was to transpire in the quarter-finals. He came to the line as an underdog against Chris Holbrook and emerged victorious. He strapped a .06 holeshot on the Ford driver and was able to fend him off with a 6.77/203.74 to 6.73/207.18 margin.

The semi-finals were not as kind to Alesci. He fell short on the starting line and was forced to lift on the run as Donald Seamon, Jr., went on to victory.