LARRY DIXON: WOUNDED HORSE NEEDED REST
Sun, 2008-09-21 09:00
Top Fuel racer Larry Dixon knows all too well a wounded horse won’t win races. That’s why the jockey of the U.S. Smokeless-
sponsored thoroughbred dragster skipped the final session of qualifying at the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Tex.
He wasn’t conserving parts or saving money. Instead he wanted to give his crew the best opportunity to repair his limping ride.
“We had a fuel system malfunction and it ended up hurting the engine,” Dixon admitted. “Instead of just making a run, we wanted to stay back and make the car perfect for Sunday.” Top Fuel racer Larry Dixon knows all too well a wounded horse won’t win races. That’s why the jockey of the U.S. Smokeless-sponsored thoroughbred dragster skipped the final session of qualifying at the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Tex.
He wasn’t conserving parts or saving money. Instead he wanted to give his crew the best opportunity to repair his limping ride.
“We had a fuel system malfunction and it ended up hurting the engine,” Dixon admitted. “Instead of just making a run, we wanted to stay back and make the car perfect for Sunday.”
Dixon wasn’t worried about getting bumped down because as he put it, “We’d still be in one of the top positions.”
Dixon’s Friday evening 3.820 elapsed time stood, handing him his fourth No. 1 starting spot of the season and 31st of his career.
Sitting out the session didn’t hurt Dixon’s feelings one iota if the objective was a better chance at winning the event.
“I’d rather have a perfect horse for Sunday as opposed to a pretty-perfect one,” Dixon said. “I have a lot of confidence in my team. That was the decision of our crew chiefs. We still could have run a high 4.80 or a 4.90, but what would that have accomplished?”
Sunday’s eliminations will present three head-to-head match-ups amongst Countdown finalists in the first round. Dixon races Morgan Lucas, a non-championship contending car to start his day.
“I really don’t pay attention to that stuff unless I have time,” Dixon said. “I don’t get all caught up in it. I’m still of the opinion if you win the race, you get the most points.”
The humble Dixon refuses to get cocky.
“You already have someone playing that spot ... and with all the merits and all the reasons,” Dixon added. “They absolutely deserve it. They are having a season we [all dream of]. Only [John] Force hasn’t had to dream because he’s done it. What Tony [Schumacher] and Alan [Johnson] are doing is phenomenal. It’s what we all wish for.”
sponsored thoroughbred dragster skipped the final session of qualifying at the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Tex.He wasn’t conserving parts or saving money. Instead he wanted to give his crew the best opportunity to repair his limping ride.
“We had a fuel system malfunction and it ended up hurting the engine,” Dixon admitted. “Instead of just making a run, we wanted to stay back and make the car perfect for Sunday.” Top Fuel racer Larry Dixon knows all too well a wounded horse won’t win races. That’s why the jockey of the U.S. Smokeless-
sponsored thoroughbred dragster skipped the final session of qualifying at the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Tex.He wasn’t conserving parts or saving money. Instead he wanted to give his crew the best opportunity to repair his limping ride.
“We had a fuel system malfunction and it ended up hurting the engine,” Dixon admitted. “Instead of just making a run, we wanted to stay back and make the car perfect for Sunday.”
Dixon wasn’t worried about getting bumped down because as he put it, “We’d still be in one of the top positions.”
Dixon’s Friday evening 3.820 elapsed time stood, handing him his fourth No. 1 starting spot of the season and 31st of his career.
Sitting out the session didn’t hurt Dixon’s feelings one iota if the objective was a better chance at winning the event.
“I’d rather have a perfect horse for Sunday as opposed to a pretty-perfect one,” Dixon said. “I have a lot of confidence in my team. That was the decision of our crew chiefs. We still could have run a high 4.80 or a 4.90, but what would that have accomplished?”
Sunday’s eliminations will present three head-to-head match-ups amongst Countdown finalists in the first round. Dixon races Morgan Lucas, a non-championship contending car to start his day.
“I really don’t pay attention to that stuff unless I have time,” Dixon said. “I don’t get all caught up in it. I’m still of the opinion if you win the race, you get the most points.”
The humble Dixon refuses to get cocky.
“You already have someone playing that spot ... and with all the merits and all the reasons,” Dixon added. “They absolutely deserve it. They are having a season we [all dream of]. Only [John] Force hasn’t had to dream because he’s done it. What Tony [Schumacher] and Alan [Johnson] are doing is phenomenal. It’s what we all wish for.”
Categories:
