Clint Thompson Acton wrap up

Thompson Takes Pole in Montana

Acton Montana - (August 16, 2008) -- The NHRA made it’s annual appearance in Montana and attracted some of the best alcohol cars in the west in both of the Top Alcohol categories. In the funny car class, Clint Thompson ruled qualifying with his '06 Monte Carlo by taking the pole.

Thompson, hot off a good showing in Brainerd topped the funny car field with a 5.73 at 247 MPH. The 5.73 run also stands as a track record for Yellowstone Dragstrip. Thompson has been running there every year since they have contested the Lucas Oil Drag Racing event and won the inaugural race in 2004. Yellowstone is also the track that Thompson got his first NHRA Wally.

Thompson’s no. 1 qualifying position would set up a showdown with the no. 8 qualifier, Robert Kanenwisher, of Conifer Colorado. Kanenwisher made the show with a 6.34 at 200 MPH. At the hit, Thompson got off of the line first but both drivers went up in smoke. However, Thompson was able to recover sooner than Kanenwisher. At the finish line it was all Thompson with a 6.60 at 240 MPH to Kanenwisher’s 8.68 at 129 MPH.

In the semifinal round, the stakes were high as Thompson faced Sean O’Bannon as both of these popular drivers are in the Northwest Division points chase. Thompson needed this win in order to make it to the final while blocking O’Bannon from advancing any farther. Unfortunately for Thompson, his car would not fire and all he could do is watch as O’Bannon automatically advanced into the final round. The reason the car wouldn't fire was a malfunction in the mandatory safety ignition kill switch.
Thompson was disappointed that the problem occurred but is pleased with the car's recent performance. 'The car has been running flawlessly the past three events. We were number four at Sonoma, number three at Brainerd and number one in Montana. We are currently third in points and eleven points behind O'Bannon and Hough who are tied. Three divisional points opportunities remain for us including our 'hometown' race in September at Champion raceway in Medford, OR.' Thompson said. In addition to being third in points, the team is currently 8th in National points.


Courtesy: Rich Bailey