Gainesville Hot Pix

Here's ITA's Hot Pix for this weekend's Mac Tools Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

TAD:

1. Art Gallant - After running a 5.28 on his first pass on 98%, rumor mill he has been getting coaching from Comp Eliminator standout David Rampy on avoiding CIC penalties. Has shown he can be consistent, should be the car to beat.

2. Bill Reichert - Was locked in the mid 5.30's at the divisional here. Doesn't look like he's lost the touch that almost won him the World Championship last year.

3. Guy Kelly - Defending Div. 2 Champ is always a threat to win. Word has it the team is searching for ways to accellerate global warming. More on that story as we get it..

4. Ashley Force - Darien & Meadows machine can run high .30's like they're cheap. They have more runs than anyone this year, and it's starting to show with their performance last weekend. May need to find the low .30's this weekend to get the Wally though.

5. Jeff Wilson - Wilson and his Torco Race Fuels slash 'We don't need no stinkin A/Fuel car' team looked impressive en route to a runner-up last weekend. Word has it they are collaborating with Kelly on the warming project..

6. Michael Gunderson - Will be the 'X' factor in this weekend's field. Struggled at the divisional, but his combo has always favored national event tracks. Remember this team ran a 5.40 on 96%....

7. Aaron Olivarez - When this team is on, they run right with the best. If they can stay on for all four rounds we might see another first time winner.

8. Daniel Mercier - This is our 'Dark Horse' pick of the week. Ran a 5.46 off the trailer with their new A/Fuel combo, and they're getting tuning help by some guy named Gallant.

TAFC

1. Frank Manzo - We've renewed our policy of not betting against Manzo. He's back, and this year may be as ugly as the year after Force lost the championship to Cruz.

2. Jay Payne - Looked strong in Pomona, will give Manzo and the field a run for their money.

3. Bob Newberry - Will debut his new Monte Carlo body this weekend. Ran bracket-like 5.50's last year, so if that body is worth some performance, look out.

4. Cy Chesterman - Was killer with the 9 finger lock up clutch, lost some of his edge with the 6 finger version. Should be a late round player, and would surprise nobody to be in the winner's circle.

5. Tate Branch - Fresh off a win at the Div. 4 race in Houston. Has the 'Big Mo' which means a lot even in drag racing.

6. Mick Snyder - The 'Look Mom No Clutch' team took home the Div. 3 Championship last year and took out the best in winning Chicago. No longer a surprise to see in the late rounds.

7. David Ray - The Follow a Dream team looked very impressive late last year. Just a few clicks away from making the field follow them.

8. Todd Veney - Our TAFC 'Dark Horse' pick of the week. Just too much experience to count out there. It's just a matter of time before Todd's father Ken finds the right knob to turn. Don't be surprised to see this team go from 5.86 to 5.56.

TAD Low ET: 5.335
Top Speed: 271.34 MPH

TAFC Low ET: 5.539
Top Speed: 260.95 MPH