The week has been turbulent, to say the least, for Top Fuel dragster driver Spencer Massey. Massey essentially was floored when Don Prudhomme announced the pending closure of the operation on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Massey kept his composure and qualified 16th on Sunday during the NHRA U.S. Nationals. He then came back and scored a huge upset of top qualifier Antron Brown on a hole shot in the first round of eliminations. Massey clocked a 3.881-second run at 310.27 mph, while Brown had a 3.872-second effort at 317.34 mph.

The difference for Massey, he cut a .051 light, compared to Brown's .073.

“We struggled this weekend and we had the turn of events with the blower belt happening Saturday night and then we struggled Sunday and barely got in the show,” Massey said. “Then, we had to race Antron Brown and they're leading the points and we had be on our ‘A’ game. The U.S. Smokeless car is going down the track. We’re here for the United Association folks, and for Jegs. And for Snake, ‘are you listening?’ We’re going rounds. We always have a car that can win. I feel that.”

Massey, a rookie and currently seventh in the points standings, has one win at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals in June in Joliet, Ill. Massey will remain under contract with Don Prudhomme Racing through the 2010 season.

 
“While faced with some challenges during qualifying sessions early in the event, I am very pleased with the way our team rebounded from the No. 16 qualifying position and prepared a very competitive car on race day," said Prudhomme. "In reaching the semifinal round, crew chiefs Don Bender & Todd Smith showed that they have a competitive car heading into the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, while Spencer Massey continues to prove his talent as a driver.  I look forward to our team playing a major role in the outcome of this year’s playoffs and to contend for the 2009 NHRA Top Fuel Championship.”

Advertisement