HAGAN AND CREW HOLD THEIR OWN AT SAN ANTONIO

Radford, VA--Matt Hagan and crew are returning home tonight after a roller-coaster first weekend of Nitro Funny Car competition at San Antonio Dragway. This weekend marked the first ever competition pass of Hagan's SHELOR.COM/TORCO Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car in the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam series.

Matt and crew felt their best opportunity to break into the field would be Friday evening's qualifying pass, and at the end of the round Hagan was 6th.

In the second round of qualifying on Saturday Hagan improved his ET from round one's 4.343 to 3.528, but unfortunately for him several other drivers
improved as well and Hagan found himself 10th after the round was over. Equally unfortunate was the fire that swept over the car due to a broken valve.

"We thought we were done after that pass," admits Hagan. "It's a true testament to the dedication of this crew that we were able to get the car back to the line that night for round 3."

The dedication would pay off, as Hagan improved to a 3.428/233.60 pass and the third qualifying spot going into Sunday's elimination rounds.

"We were amazed, that's all I can say about it," commented Hagan. "I couldn't believe they got the car ready, it was tremendous."

In the first elimination round on Sunday Hagan lined up against 2-time IHRA world champion and teammate Dale Creasy, Jr. Hagan's throttle cable hung, causing tire shake. "I let up when the tires lost traction," said Hagan. "He already had me on the tree and that was all he needed." Creasy knocked out Hagan with a 3.419/245.94 pass.

"I want to congratulate Dale on a great race," said Hagan. "All in all I'm really proud of our team this weekend and it was great to come in here to our first event and qualify third in such a tough field."

Hagan and crew will be back in action for the Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway on April 18-20.

For more information on Matt Hagan Racing log on to Matt Hagan Racing.com.

Matt Hagan racing is sponsored by SHELOR.COM. For all your automotive needs visit Shelor Auto Group or call 1-866-SHELOR1. Over 3,000 new & used vehicles from Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, and Kia.SHELOR.COM, the official vehicle provider for the IHRA and ADRL.

Matt Hagan racing is also sponsored by Rupture Streetwear, Hedman Hedders, and Polymer Dynamics TX7 Oil Additive.

Photo: Gary Rowe, Raceworks.com