Shields Qualifies First in Vegas, Falls in Round Two

Over twenty-four Top Alcohol Dragsters tried to qualify for an eight car show which resulted in the fastest TAD field in drag racing history. It all happened at the Short Line Express Market Gambler Shootout, held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. At the head of the class was Duane Shields who qualified first in his Shortline Express A/Fuel dragster with a 5.34 at 261.67 MPH. Shields, who resides in the Las Vegas area, sponsored the final Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the year through his chain of Shortline Express Markets.

Hot off his big win in Dallas, Shields looked to be the driver to beat after winning in the first round over Larry Miersch. Miersch, got a big hole shot but dropped a cylinder at the top end which allowed Shields to get around him and take the win by a little less then a car length. Shields was able to sneak by with a 5.59 at 258.42 MPH over Miersch's 5.720 at 245.09 MPH.

In the second stanza, Shields took on the Big O Tire team with Garrett Bateman at the wheel. This time it was Shields that got off to the early lead but began dropping cylinders at half track. Bateman was on a clean run and got the win with a 5.58 at 254 MPH to Shields' 5.71 at 258 MPH.

Shields now moves on to the final NHRA event of the year, the Auto Club Finals at Pomona, November 10-13. Shields won the Winternationals at the Fairplex in February, and hopes to remain undefeated in Pomona in 2006.