Shortline Express Stopped in the Final Round
Pomona - With an incredible 5.43 bump, it was once again demonstrated by the top racers in the country as to why the NHRA Auto Club Finals is one of NHRA's prized events. The competition just doesn't get much tougher on the tour then it does at Pomona. Just qualifying is an accomplishment for most top alcohol teams. In fact, some great west coast teams didn't qualify for the potent 16 car field.
Hot off of securing his first NHRA Division Seven Championship title, Duane Shields was looking for more as he had the chance to finish in the top five nationally for a second year if he could close out the year with a final round appearance. This would be the last time driving his current Short Line Express car as he's got a new one on the jig for the 2008 season.
In qualifying Shields qualified seventh with a 5.30 at 273 MPH and drew Diana Harker in the first round. Harker got out of the gate first but was unable to maintain the lead as Shields flew by her at mid-track. Shields posted a 5.50 at 270 MPH to Harker's 5.83.
I n the second round, Shields faced Spencer Massey at the wheel of his red and black Texas-based entry. Massey had qualified second and was running well all weekend. At the light Shields got away first with a great 0.010 reaction time to Massey's 0.077. Shields never looked back as Massey began to drop cylinders throughout the run and recorded a disappointing 5.79 to Shield's 5.30 at 274 MPH.
In the semis, Shields faced another tough customer, Morgan Lucas, driving the Lucas Oil car. This race was one of the best all weekend as both driver had nearly identical reaction times. At the hit, Shields posted a 0.038 to Lucas' 0.039. This race was a nail biter as both cars were side by side all the way down Parker Avenue. At the stripe it was Shields with a 0.0171 second margin of victory, which translated into a stout 5.25 at 277 MPH to Lucas' valiant 5.27 at 271 MPH.
The win set the stage with eventual series champion Bill Reichert. Reichert was unstoppable throughout the event and was driving like he was on another planet. Shields had to get aggressive on the tune-up and clutch in order to stop the Reichert express. At the starting line Shields had a great 0.022 light but then went up in smoke and that was all she wrote for the popular Nevada racer. Meanwhile, Reichert went on to post low ET of the weekend with an impressive 5.19 at 275 to take the win and the national championship title.
While a win at the Auto Club Finals was what the team was shooting for, the
second place showing was enough to move the team into fifth place in national points which translates into another great year. Shields will be back in February at Pomona to do it all over again.
