Herbert overcomes the Memphis heat to qualify for the Mid-South Nationals
MEMPHIS, TN (8/19/06) -- Doug Herbert used his final attempt to qualify for the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South National at Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee. The driver of the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster had only three shots to make the field after rain washed out the first qualifying session.
The opening day of qualifying at the Mid-South Nationals proved to be a long one. An afternoon rain shower wiped out the first session and delayed the second round of qualifying until 9:30 p.m. The Snap-on Tools dragster had mechanical problems after the burnout and Herbert was forced to shut off the car on the starting line and wait until Saturday to attempt to make the 16-car field.
Saturday was another hot and humid day in Memphis and everyone struggled to deal with the heat. Herbert was the first Top Fuel car to go down the track and he was eager to make a good run to solidify his spot in the field for Sunday's eliminations. The Snap-on Tools dragster roared off the starting line with the best 60-foot time of the session and 'Dougzilla' drove into the No. 15 spot with a 4.809 at 292.65 mph.
Herbert was not in the show when he rolled to the starting line for his final qualifying effort. The Snap-on Tools team was up to the challenge as Herbert guided his 7,000 horsepower dragster to a 4.711 at 306.33 mph to qualify in the No. 14 position for Sunday's eliminations.
"We went up there for our last run and we weren't in the show," said Herbert, "so our backs were really up against the wall. We would like to have earned a better qualifying position but when you're not in the important thing is to make sure you get down the track. We had to go down the track and we did, and that was a respectable run for that session. Now I think the Snap-on Tools team will be ready to race tomorrow."
Snap-on Tools Company, LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet at snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide.
Herbert receives associate sponsorship support from Racebricks collectibles. Racebricks sells uniquely crafted 3-dimensional die-glass collectibles, featuring laser etched race cars inside optically pure glass. They are available for a variety of drivers, including the Snap-on Tools dragster of Doug Herbert. For more information please visit their website at Racebricks.com.
