PATRICK NOT COUNTING POINTS THIS WEEKEND

ROCKINGHAM, NC – IHRA Torco’s CompetitionPlus Pro Stock driver Robert Patrick has a don’t ask, don’t tell policy going on when it comes to this weekend’s championship showdown. He’s not really in a talking mood either.

Patrick is so angry at what transpired during the last event in Budds Creek , Md. , the Torco Race Fuels President's Cup Nationals, there’s no telling what might transpire during tonight’s qualifying at the IHRA World Finals hosted by Rockingham Dragway.

Only nine points separate Patrick from defending world champion Pete Berner headed into the final race on the IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam tour. He had the point lead until the last race when he lost in the first round of Budds Creek final eliminations.

“To be honest, I am so ticked off at losing in the first round of the Showdown and then first round on Sunday that I am focused in on doing well to make up for that,” Patrick said. “As much as everyone would love to hear me say I am tensed up over it – I haven’t thought much of it.

“We have a new engine coming in that has a lot of power and we’ve tested all the week. It’s time for the rubber to meet the road.”

Patrick feels the potential is there in Rockingham this weekend for a new elapsed time record assault.

“We set the record during the last race in 2005,” Patrick said. “We went a 6.32 there last year. I think with the power that we are making and if the air is there, you will see some runs. If it’s there, I am going for it.”

Don’t even ask him about the points because it’s not even on his radar screen of thoughts. He said he hasn’t had a hard time blocking out this weekend’s challenge.

“I’m not even thinking about the points, nor am I worried about them,” Patrick said. “It hasn’t even crossed my mind. All I know is I am headed to Rockingham with the objective of setting the record and winning the race. Whatever happens beyond that point – happens. If we win it, we win it.”