Dennis Taylor Sonoma wrap up

Taylor Powers Into the Final Round

ANAHEIM, CA — Dennis Taylor’s Plumbing Concepts Funny Car came into its own this weekend at Infineon Raceway’s Fram Autolite Nationals. Though qualifying got off to an engine-damaging start, they went to work and crew chief, Terry Morrow, tuned the veteran to a nice 5.586-second run at 257.92mph. That was a career second-best elapsed time, which put the Plumbing Concepts Funny Car team third in the 16-car field among 19 competitors battling for position.

Taylor got a gift on Saturday evening in round one, as his opponent, Sean Bellemeur, couldn’t make the call. Dennis ran it to half track and shut it off, running the event’s second-best 60-foot, 330- and 660-foot numbers, thus far.

Round two pitted Taylor against the always tough, Doug Gordon. Though Doug took a slight lead at the start, Taylor made up the difference quickly and powered to 5.540-second 260.66mph pass — a new career-best E.T. Taylor noted, “I knew he’d leave on me, but I hit second gear and just drove away from him. I was extremely impressed with the numbers and I think we got everybody’s attention with that one.”

Terry Morrow and the Plumbing Concepts crew serviced the car for their semi-final appearance against fellow SoCal standout, Steve Gasparrelli. Taylor figured it was redemption time, as Gasparrelli got the best of him last weekend in Seattle. The two veterans left together, and Taylor powered to strong 5.569 E.T with a career-best speed at 261.07mph, which set up the final with yet another Southern California veteran, Jay Payne — Taylor having lane choice.

Both cars were closely matched for the final, but Payne’s engine revved higher than normal following his burnout. His crew got it calmed down and Payne left with .02 in the bank and ran it through for the win, 5.61 to Taylor’s slowing 5.71. Dennis explained, “Our cars had identical numbers at every incremental timer. I had a cylinder that got hot and it banged the blower at 1,000 feet. Wouldn’t you know it — Jay banged the blower at 1,100 feet. I’m pleased, though. We had to run (and beat) good cars today and when you have a final round where both cars battle till their tongues are hanging out; you know you gave it your all.” Terry added, “We knew this car was capable of big numbers, and we all worked very hard to make it happen. It’s nice to be consistent again.”

Dennis Taylor and the Plumbing Concepts Funny Car return to Infineon Raceway again next week to contest the Pacific Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ fifth event of the 2008 season. Be sure to watch the Fram Autolite Sportsman TV show on ESPN2, Sunday August 3 at 11:00am (Eastern Time).

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.