"I know that run would've gotten us in, but it wasn't meant to be this weekend, said D'Aprile"

(10-13-08) Dinwiddie, VA – After running a career best elapsed time of 5.95 the week prior to the Virginia Nationals Tommy D'Aprile and Team Owner Me Bush had high expectations for their first ever NHRA Jeg's Pro Mod Series Race. What happened was far from what anyone expected.

On D'Aprile's second qualifying attempt the team's supercharged '62 Bel Air erupted in flames before the 1000 ft mark when the fuel tank split. Driver, Tommy D'Aprile exited the inferno uninjured but the fan favorite Bel Air came out a little well done. "Let me first say that if it wasn't for the Safety Safari this car would be completely destroyed. They were on the car fast and got the flames under control," said D'Aprile. "I just couldn't believe how fast it got hot. I mean Frigg'n Hot! I felt her quit and went for the brake and all of a sudden there was a flash and it was instant heat. After I got out of the car I looked around and saw a trail of fire 200 foot behind the car and when I looked back towards the car I couldn't see the it through the intense heat. I'm just glad the car was saved thanks to the NHRA safety crew."

The Mel Bush crew and the Jan-Cen team worked through the night to resurrect the Bel Air and make her race ready for Saturday's final qualifying session. When it came time for D'Aprile to make his attempt at the field his previous 6.03 run was bumped out of the 16-car field into the 17th position. D'Aprile would need a near career best run to crack the tough field. "She was on an easy five when the burst panel let go at half track," said a dejected D'Aprile. "I know that run would've gotten us in, but it wasn't meant to be this weekend. I really wanted to get in for Mel, Johanne, and this entire team. These guys worked their butts off to get this car ready for today. A driver couldn't ask for a better team behind him."

Next up for the Mel Bush Motorsports team will be the final race on the IHRA schedule for 2008, the IHRA World Finals held October 17th-19th at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC. D'Aprile is upbeat about the team's chances. "We've been so close for so long and it's time. This team deserves it. I know we have the horsepower to run with anyone," said D'Aprile.

Each team will be afforded two qualifiers on Friday and Two on Saturday with Final eliminations to be held Sunday. For up to the minute race results check out Drag Race Central | Presented by Summitracing.com 1-800-230-3030 and for daily notes go to the internet's number one online drag racing source, Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - Volume 10, Issue 10; October 2008;

For More Information on Team Driver Tommy D'Aprile check out: Sir Thomas Inc.
Sponsorship opportunities with Mel Bush Motorsports are available by contacting melbushmotorsports@gmail.com
Mel Bush Motorsports would like to thank:
Mel Bush and Sons Construction
NGK Spark Plugs
Jan-Cen Motorsports