Quarterfinal finish for Critchley in Atlanta

COMMERCE, Ga. - The biggest winner of the day in the AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge presented by Tindle Enterprises, Inc. at The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals wasn't the driver who walked way with the trophy, it was the right lane at Atlanta Dragway. A perfect 15-0, lane choice was the difference between winning and losing, and Troy Critchley and the AMS Staff Leasing flagship '70 Plymouth Barracuda got caught in the carnage.

"Sometimes it works in your favor, but this time it got us," explained Critchley.

The No. 5 qualifier, Critchley had lane choice the first round, and quickly dispatched Bryan Seward 6.037/239 to 6.082/236. In the quarterfinals, Critchley faced defending AMS World Champion Jay Payne who had won lane choice by .006 seconds.

"The Christmas tree was in a location that made it difficult to see, and I had to struggle to watch the lights. Jay slapped a fast light on me, and I just couldn't catch up," Critchley said.

Critchley lost on a hole shot to the slower Payne, (.021 reaction time) 6.116/235 to Critchley's quicker-but-losing effort of (.058 reaction time ) 6.082/234.

"We'd had a few struggles with our motor, but, in all, even with going out second round, it was a great weekend. Now, we pack it up and head to St. Louis where we can hopefully make up some ground," he said.

The AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge heads next to Madison, Ill. For the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals next weekend, May 4-6.