Dennis Taylor Fontana wrap up

Treacherous Track Trips Taylor

ANAHEIM, CA — Coming into Auto Club Raceway in Fontana, Dennis Taylor knew the conditions would be dicey, at best. Throughout the week, forecasters kept upping their temperature predictions for the area of California Speedway. Couple that with a green race track and what you have is a tuner’s nightmare.

Conditions aside, Taylor unloaded the Plumbing Concepts Funny Car on Thursday and tested a set of new Mickey Thompson slicks, which proved themselves with smooth sailing. Friday qualifying saw Taylor crank out a 6.00-second pass late in the afternoon, as track temperatures reportedly dropped from a high of 138 degrees to a more manageable 115.

Needing to better that in Saturday’s first session, the noon-time temps were just under 90 for the air and over 120 on the track surface. Taylor noted, “I felt a clutch part fail after the burnout and eased the car into the staging beams. Fortunately, it didn’t cause us to lose the run, although it only went 5.95 at 236.” At the time, Taylor had bumped himself into the eight-car field, but that changed once the session had concluded.

The Plumbing Concepts crew performed their between rounds teardown without a hitch, replacing the failed clutch part and inspecting the engine as usual. Facing the “last chance to dance,” Crew Chief, Ora Vasquez, said, “I new we’d need to improve by at least five-hundredths of a second over the previous attempt. While that may sound like a small margin, it’s really a tall order under these conditions.” Dennis let the clutch out and quickly overpowered the track. Taylor added, “We went for it, and it didn’t hold. As a result, we’re one of nine cars going home early. I guess we used up our withdrawals from the luck bank.” Look for things to change during the upcoming Northwest Tour, beginning July 7.

For more in-depth information on Dennis Taylor’s marketing and promotional partners, please visit the following web sites or call the phone numbers listed.

PlumbingConcepts.com — Southern California’s most progressive contactor and private-party services provider.

Price Pfister.com — Trusted by homeowners everywhere, Price Pfister delivers the “Pfreshest Ideas in Pfaucets.” Its designs pleasantly quench the thirst of traditional and contemporary tastes. Please check the company’s web site for the latest Pfeatured Products.

DK Shower Pans – Serving Southern California and Nevada new home contractors, plumbers, and tile companies where waterproofing is needed. Showers, ponds, Roman tubs and other projects are daily occurrences for DK. Call (949) 305-4980, or fax (949) 305-4982.

LucasOil.com – See why professional and sportsman competitors in all racing disciplines worldwide rely on the superior protection of Lucas Oil Products. Choose Lucas Oil Products for your street car, truck, boat, or off-road vehicle.

Taylorfreezers.com — Since 1965, Taylor Freezers (no relation) of Southern California has been distributing and maintaining a complete line of quality food service equipment. Its professional staff can assist with selection and supply, installation, store design, training, and after-sale service. Financing and lease options are available for a variety of profitable equipment. Call (800) 927-7704

AdamsPolishes.com — Discriminating gearheads use the complete line of premium car care products from Adam's Polishes.

TaylorMotorsports.com — Serving your racing safety and crew apparel needs, Taylor Motorsports is drag racing’s most knowledgeable Hans® supplier.

MetroMMP.com — For the best in weatherstripping, seals, and moldings, look to Metro Moulded Parts to “Seal the Deal” and help bring your automotive project back to “like-new” condition. Call (800) 878-2237, or click for free catalog. Metro can also serve your industrial weather-sealing needs.

Moroso.com – Nearly 40 years ago, Moroso Performance pioneered the development of unique racing products, and that commitment continues today.

Shaker Shirts — Specializing in personal, team, or business-related screen printing, Shaker Shirts offers premium graphics design and top-quality, brand name apparel. Call (626) 960-3333 for your screen printing needs.

Bear State Heating & Air Conditioning — Serving Southern California’s HVAC needs for residential and commercial properties. Call (714) 237-1740.

Contact: Randy Fish
Email: zoomrf@earthlink.net