Our goal is to run the full NHRA Nitro Funny Car schedule," says Hagan.

A 3rd place finish in national points wasn't quite the outcome Matt Hagan and crew had hoped for but it's a tremendous accomplishment for the rookie team nonetheless. Going in to the World Finals at Rockingham Dragway Hagan and crew stood an outside chance of winning the title but that possibility evaporated when Hagan lost to front-runner Terry Haddock in the first elimination round.

After Haddock clinched the title, an oil-down penalty would cost Hagan the second place spot. It was an all too familiar scenario for the team as they have been plagued by these costly penalties all season long.

"I want to congratulate Terry Haddock and Andy Kelley for a great season," says Matt Hagan. "It was awesome racing with them and competing for the championship."

With 2008 in the books Hagan and crew must now look ahead to next season. Due to the IHRA's recent decision to discontinue the Nitro Funny Car class Hagan and crew will have to turn to the NHRA for competition next season.

"Our goal is to run the full NHRA Nitro Funny Car schedule," says Hagan. "We've got several different options right now for 2009 and we are just going to have to evaluate each one and make a decision about what's best for this race team."