Dennis Taylor Vegas preview

Testing for Taylor Offers New Knowledge

ANAHEIM, CA — Coming off last weekend’s disappointing first-round loss at the SummitRacing.com Nationals, Dennis Taylor’s Plumbing Concepts crew stayed in Las Vegas to put a few more laps on their potent Top Alcohol Funny Car. And while a small group of other TA/FC racers also tested, as few as five have reportedly left The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, out of 26 that attempted to qualify just a week ago. That leaves twice as many cars as qualified spots for this weekend’s Lucas Oil Division 7 race, which only features a field of eight.

Tuners Ora Vasquez and Terry Morrow both regarded Monday’s test session as a success. Ora commented, “We had some theories on what caused a slight drop in consistency, and the additional time allowed Terry and I to sort it out. At this level of competition, you can’t test and race at the same time.” Morrow added, “What we learned had nothing to do with parts breakage. It was just one of those engine-related issues that makes you put on your detective’s hat to work through it. An early-shut-off 5.78/230 showed we had found it.”

Qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00pm on Friday, so weather conditions will play an important role. With temperatures forecasted to be in the mid-60s at best, scattered showers are also possible. Perhaps the biggest concern remains to be altitude, however. And while weather changes constantly, tuners could realize numbers to top out at almost 4,000 feet above sea level. In comparison, the season-opening event at Pomona (CA) saw the corrected altitude less than 1,500 feet, at its best. Readings like that give tuners “more air” to work with, when deciding their tune-up combinations. Aside from those challenges, crew chiefs do hope they have less wind to deal with, as last weekend’s powerful gusts and microbursts caused a great deal of concern.

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.”

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