Eighteen Years A Top Fuel Racer and Still Shutout in Gainesville

One would think in 18 years of trying that a decorated veteran such as 30-time winner Cory McClenathan could have gotten at least one victory at the NHRA Gatornationals.

Thus far the traditional first event on the east coast event has been this Top Fuel Superman’s kryptonite.

He’s hoping the 40th running of the event will be the year he gets the best of Gainesville Raceway, site of the traditionally jam-packed event.

"I'm excited to get to the Gatornationals," added McClenathan. "It is an important race because I've always gone through my racing career thinking I want to win one race at every single event we go to. Gainesville's been one of those events that's kind of eluded me and I want to make sure that I get to do that. So that’s one goal I'm really working hard towards.” Eighteen Years A Top Fuel Racer and Still Shutout in Gainesville

One would think in 18 years of trying that a decorated veteran such as 30-time winner Cory McClenathan could have gotten at least one victory at the NHRA Gatornationals.

Thus far the traditional first event on the east coast event has been this Top Fuel Superman’s kryptonite.

He’s hoping the 40th running of the event will be the year he gets the best of Gainesville Raceway, site of the traditionally jam-packed event.

"I'm excited to get to the Gatornationals," added McClenathan. "It is an important race because I've always gone through my racing career thinking I want to win one race at every single event we go to. Gainesville's been one of those events that's kind of eluded me and I want to make sure that I get to do that. So that’s one goal I'm really working hard towards.”

McClenathan enjoyed an incredible 2008 season but 2009 has been one of constant adjustment. The eighteen-year veteran entered the season with a near-total personnel makeover, headlined by a pair of former Funny Car tuners reassigned to his FRAM-sponsored dragster.

He’s currently ninth in the points despite a trying pre-season testing experience. McClenathan feels the team is capable of much higher.

"I look back at the points and I'm thinking, ‘Are you kidding me? We ought to be in the top five -- right now," said McClenathan, "and then I look at how close the points are and how quickly they can change, and I realize I shouldn't be too concerned.

"We got into this thing counting points from the very first day we rolled into (season-opening) Pomona. And my red light in Phoenix has kind of lived with me the last couple of weeks. I just want to get up and get over it. We tested at West Palm Beach this week and I'm looking forward to rolling into Gainesville and doing well and putting all that behind me.

"I think Todd and Phil (crew chiefs Okuhara and Shuler) are thinking the same thing. Let's get in there, qualify, and show these guys what we're really made of. Let's just start the season right now.

"We've allowed the competition to kind of get a leg up on us, so we have some making up to do, but I think the FRAM Top Fuel dragster team can do it, and obviously I have more than enough confidence in Todd and Phil. I think they've been doing a great job. They work together so well, and I want to make up for what I did in Phoenix for them and do well in Gainesville.

McClenathan has been low qualifier twice, in 1993 and 1994, at Gainesville Raceway.

"I know Phil and Todd and all the boys on the FRAM team are also excited to get there. We have great DSR teammates in Mike Green, Neal Strasbaugh and Tony Schumacher (all on the U.S. Army Top Fuel team). We all work together. So, I think once we hit our stride we're going to be tough to beat. I just want it sooner than later."