Cory Mac Third After First Day of Lucas Oil Nationals

BRAINERD, Minn. (8/11/06) -- Cory McClenathan turned in one of his best Friday qualifying efforts of the season while preparing the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM Boost Top Fuel dragster for Sunday's Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

The familiar orange dragster had the third-quickest elapsed time, 4.574 seconds, at 329.42 mph, as the team continues to improve heading into the season's final eight races.

"We put two good runs together and it was nice," said McClenathan. "It was good to come back and run well. Wes (Cerny, team crew chief) and Tony (Shortall, team crew chief) just put the car back together the way it was and the car obviously ran better."

He'd opened with a 4.669-second effort and followed with the 4.574.

"I think we are getting back to where we were a few races ago," McClenathan added. "I have confidence in what we are doing and it is exciting."

McClenathan and the team get two more qualifying attempts Saturday before the 16-car field is set for Sunday's eliminations.