The first four events of the Countdown to the Championship haven't been good for "Hot" Rod Fuller. But that changed a bit Saturday after the former Super Comp competitor scored his biggest victory of his young career - winning the $100,000 Technicoat Shootout.

Fuller, who comes into this event second in the Countdown to One, used a slight reaction-time advantage to beat Melanie Troxel in the final of the Top Fuel special event, beating Troxel to the finish line as his 4.527 edged Troxel's 4.526.

"My team told me they needed me," said Fuller who used 0.23-second advantage off the line. "They said we have a good race car, but we really need to you today. I said, 'Don't worry, I got your back.'

The first four events of the Countdown to the Championship haven't been good for "Hot" Rod Fuller. But that changed a bit Saturday after the former Super Comp competitor scored his biggest victory of his young career - winning the $100,000 Technicoat Shootout.

Fuller, who comes into this event second in the Countdown to One, used a slight reaction-time advantage to beat Melanie Troxel in the final of the Top Fuel special event, beating Troxel to the finish line as his 4.527 edged Troxel's 4.526.

"My team told me they needed me," said Fuller who used 0.23-second advantage off the line. "They said we have a good race car, but we really need to you today. I said, 'Don't worry, I got your back.'

"It's good to come through for your team."

Fuller also believes that Saturday's success could also translate into a victory in Sunday's ACDelco Nationals, the first event of the Countdown to One.

"I know I have a lot of confidence now," Fuller said. "My team is all smiles and we're excited. We're going to come out here and try to do what we did today. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. But in my mind, I think it's meant to be."

Fuller also had a response for his doubters, who noted he's struggled somewhat during the first four races of the Countdown to the Championship.

"I had a competitor tell me that I'm Cinderella and it struck midnight," he said. "But I'm a West Coast guy, and it turns midnight a little later out here."