Dennis Taylor Seattle wrap up

Impressive Win Has Taylor Sleepless in Seattle

ANAHEIM, CA — Dennis Taylor’s weekend at the Northwest Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Pacific Raceways began with two aborted runs. In the first two qualifying sessions, tire shake set in during the most critical part of each run – just off the line, where there’s a fine balance between traction and tire smoke. Both Dennis and crew chief Terry Morrow were beside themselves.

With 15 cars battling for a spot in the eight-car field, Taylor was 14th and facing a last-ditch effort – go quick or go home. Morrow told him beforehand, “This thing keeps asking for more and I’m going to give it what it wants. It just might work.” Dennis hammered out a trouble-free 5.62 at 257.38 mph to secure the number-two spot on the ladder – a veritable “outhouse to the penthouse” performance. Taylor added, “It went right down through there and man, what a relief. I was ready to roll this thing in the trailer and put a for-sale sign on it.”

Saturday saw nothing more than light maintenance by the Plumbing Concepts Super Crew. In Round 1, Dennis pedaled and short shifted it against Russ Parker, but the win light came on with a nice 5.73 at 255.24. Clint Thompson was the next opponent, but tire smoke ended his day while Taylor rolled to a quicker 5.69 at 258. Dennis noted, “It rattled the tires, but I pedaled it and we were happy to get the win because Clint is tough.” The final proved tougher still, as racers had to deal with the news of Scott Kalitta’s tragic accident in New Jersey just a few hours earlier. Dennis had known Scott since the two-time Top Fuel champion was a teenager, so Taylor raced with a heavy heart.

Morrow’s combination apparently likes the Seattle-area nighttime conditions, as once again the car made it through the critical launch, hiked the front wheels until the one-two shift, and rang up career-best numbers to take an impressive win with a 5.567 at 259.36. Dennis commented, “When I shifted second gear I didn’t see Sean O’Bannon and for a split second, I thought we might win this thing. I was pleased that it ran 206 (mph) to half track because we’ve been working very hard to make it quick down low.” He continued adding, “My hat’s off to my whole team. This was an important win for us and I think we may have turned the corner. We didn’t pull the heads off this car all weekend, we ran quicker and faster every round and set Low E.T. and Top Speed of the Meet. This place is magic.”

Taylor dedicated his win to long-time friend and former Northwest Top Fuel standout, the late R. Gaines Markley and to the memory of Scott Kalitta, one of drag racing’s most talented and tenacious competitors. May they rest in peace.

For more information on Dennis Taylor’s marketing partners, please use the following links, or call the phone numbers below.

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

DeltaFaucet.com — America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial faucets, with 55 years of product innovation, Delta’s motto is “We work wonders with water.”

RentonCoilSpring.com – Learn how to lower your racing costs with longer lasting valve springs. RCS has been in business for 50 years, using premium materials and technology to achieve extended product life in severe-duty applications.

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 – Forty 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

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