BALOOSHI HAPPY, AND AT HOME IN TOP FUEL

Don’t believe the rumors. Khalid Al Balooshi isn’t planning a return to Pro Modified.

“I enjoy what I am doing now,” Balooshi said. “Just going to Top Fuel was a big jump. I think once I find a measure of luck on a consistent basis, you’ll see a lot more from this team. Besides, once you sit in the seat of a Top Fuel dragster, there’s no going back. ”

Balooshi has two round victories this season and entered this weekend’s NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., ranked twelfth in points. The combination of a rookie driver and a score of misfortunes made the start of the season more than a challenging one.

“I got off to a bad start and the blame shouldn’t go on the team, crew chief, car or driver,” said Balooshi. “We just couldn’t catch a break. We’d be on a good run and something would always jump up and get us … a part would break or something like that. The chemistry just wasn’t there. I think we are on the right track now.”

Getting on the right track for Balooshi includes two first round wins in the last three wins. The defending NHRA Pro Modified series champion turned Top Fuel driver has a score of fans back in his native homeland of Qatar cheering for his success.

“They keep watching me and have been for a long time,” said Balooshi. “They were excited when I won my first round. Now they want to know when I am going to win my first race.”

Balooshi readily admits, Learning the ropes of driving and winning has been a lesser challenge than learning to speak fluent English.

“The key to winning Top Fuel is finding your luck,” admitted Balooshi. “I’m still working on the English part … have been for a couple of years.”

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