20 April 2011
Australia's Terry Sainty had what was probably his most challenging outing yet of his Top Fuel racing career last weekend. The skilled driver for Santo Rapisarda's team participated in NHRA's totally unique 4-Wide Nationals held at Bruton Smith's fabulous ZMax Dragway in Concord North Carolina -- considered by most to be the "Bellagio" for the sport of drag racing.
It was only the second time in drag racing history that NHRA has tried out the multi-car racing format.
The Sydney-based team, who were entered in the NHRA Full Throttle series for the third time this season, unfortunately came away again as a non-qualifier.
Terry’s best run of the weekend came on Saturday following a lengthly rain delay. That was a solid 4.039 secs effort at 286.25 mph, but that effort fell just short of the 16-car bump spot – which was 4.012 secs (to 1000 ft).
On the bright side however — the team’s overall performance continues to improve steadily along with their international flair within the circuit — both of which are promising notions for the future.