PATRICK BUILDS POINT LEAD WITH SEMI-FINAL FINISH

MARTIN, MI. – Robert Patrick continued building momentum towards a first-ever Torco's Competition Plus Pro Stock world championship with a strong semi-final showing during the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

Patrick’s two round wins coupled with a first round loss by second place runner Pete Berner enabled the Purvis Ford-sponsored driver from Fredericksburg, Va., to extend his lead by 63 points with five more races left to go.

“This was good for us,” Patrick said. “We have just wanted to go rounds and consistently be the best. That’s the key to what we are trying to accomplish, we want to be consistent and fast. If we can maintain our pace, I feel confident about our chances of winning rounds. Rounds wins are huge in the big picture.”

Patrick was the No. 4 qualifier headed into Sunday’s eliminations. He used a steady regimen of low 6.40s to drive past Jeff Dobbins and Rickie Smith.

Patrick’s day ended following a close match with Larry O’Brien.

“We’re going to keep on keeping on,” Patrick said. “We’re heading to Epping next and you’ll see some good stuff out of there. I’m confident that good stuff should come from us.”