Duane Shields Takes an Early Loss in Charlotte

Duane Shields Takes an Early Loss in Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Duane Shields had to settle for an early round loss in Charlotte after winning the biggest race of his career, the NHRA US Nationals one week prior. “We would like to have gone farther into eliminations but to be truthful we’re still happy that we won Indy and no other race compares with that” Duane said.

Duane qualified his PEAK Motor Oil sponsored A/Fuel Dragster in the fourth position by recording a 5.39 at 265 MPH. In round one, Duane faced Mike Burns who had qualified eighth with a 5.52 at 258 MPH.

Burns took his sweet time staging the car and finally rolled in the beams just under the allowable seven second staging rule. As the light went green, Burns was quickest off the starting line with an 0.007 reaction time. Duane was in hot pursuit all the way to the finish line but it wasn’t enough to cover Burns’ reaction time. Burns crossed the finish line with 17 feet to spare and scored the hole shot win.

Even though Duane wasn’t disappointed he lost the race he was disappointed with Burn’s staging etiquette. “Burns hung us out at the starting line looking for a big upset. In order to win he had to play games up at the line. If he wants to play games then he should stay home and play Monopoly” Duane said. From here the team takes a break before competing at Maple Grove Raceway, October 4-7.

Duane would like to thank his sponsors: PEAK Motor Oil, PEAK Antifreeze, Herculiner Truck Bed Liners, Blue DEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid and FINAL Charge Heavy Duty Truck Antifreeze, GRP Connecting Rods, NGK Spark Plugs, Molinari Race Products, Sierra Ice and Shortline Markets for their support.