ITA Houston Hot Pix

It's hard to get excited about this weekend, but Shelly would have insisted the show went on. Here's our take on who's the favorites this weekend.

TAD:

1.

2. Arthur Gallant - Ran very consistent in Gainesville in the low 5.30's. Had a mechanical problem in round one, look for him to bounce back here.

3. Ashley Force - Has been the picture of consistency this year. Has made more runs than anyone this year, and has made a few laps at HRP as well.

4. Gene Snow - Posted a surprising DNQ here at the Divisional, but bounced back in Gainesville with low 5.30's. Will be a late round player.

5. Aaron Olivarez - Showed the team could play the consistency game with the best of them by winning Gators. Warmer conditions may play into tuner Jim Rizzoli's hand.

6. Randy Meyer - Posted a 5.29 in Gainesville, so the crafty vet may be finding his 'mojo' with 98%. Not to be counted out.

7. Jeff Wilson - Made the final here at the Divisional, has the team and car to bounce back from Gainesville DNQ. Won this event in 2000.

8. Duane Shields - This team has struggled this year, but simply has too much talent to stay down long. Hard to put him as the 'Dark Horse,' but he isn't such a bad bet.

TAFC

1. Frank Manzo - Our policy of not betting against Frank still stands. Fluke deal got him in Gainesville, field will have their hands full in Houston.

2. Jay Payne - Battled mechanical problems in elims at Gainesville. Will be back to give Manzo a run for his money in the Valvoline machine.

3. Bob Newberry - Speaking of Valvoline...Mr. Consistency will certainly make life difficult for the TAFC field.

4. Tate Branch - A close friend of Shelly Howard, has to be an emotional favorite. Has won every round of competition he's ran in divisional competition here; a national event win waiting to happen.

5. Cy Chesterman - Ran strong numbers in Gainesville, no reason to doubt the Champs will run any differently in Houston.

6. David Ray - The "Follow a Dream" team raised a lot of eyebrows with their 5.56 in Gainesville. More of the same could be in store in Houston.

7. Bucky Austin - If he makes the trip south, will be hard to handle.

8. Jackie Stidham - Hurt his only bullet on the first pass here at the Divisional, let's not forget about his 5.55 last year en route to beating up on all of the above listed guys at the Jegs All-Stars. Our TAFC 'Dark Horse' of the week.

Low Dragster:
5.26/275
Low Funny Car:
5.52/261