Harker looking for two in a row in Indy

CLERMONT, Ind. - Hot off a win last weekend in Bowling Green, Ky., Aussie NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Steve Harker will be looking to make it two in a row at the biggest drag race of them all, this weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at the famed O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. With unseasonably cool temperatures forecasted for the event, Harker is excited about the possibilities of running big numbers.

Harker, originally from Brisbane, Aus., but now lives stateside, feels the cooler weather will not only provide for better performance, but a pleasant break from the summer heat. He is excited to see what his new 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo body will do on a national event surface.

"It was brutal last weekend in Kentucky," said Harker. "It will be nice to run in some cool weather this weekend and see what this new body will do. NHRA always does a jam up job of preparing the track, so it will be interesting to see the numbers that are ran this weekend."

Harker not only wants to do well at the event due to the sheer prestige, but also to collect valuable Lucas Oil Championship points. He is currently sixth nationally.

"We're to the point now where we are replacing races," said Harker. "We have two races left to claim points and need to go past the second round to add to our total. It's going to be a tough field, but we enjoy the challenge."

Qualifying begins on Thursday and will run until Saturday for the alcohol cars. Round one of eliminations will be Sunday morning, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Monday.

For more information about the team, visit their website, www.HarkerMotorsport.com