John Weaver Woodburn wrap up

Weaver recaptures points lead with Woodburn win

WOODBURN, Ore. - The old adage 'practice makes you perfect' could explain former two-time NHRA Division 7 Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion John Weaver and the Meer Capital Partners Racing team's win at this past weekend's Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Woodburn, Ore. After making eight test laps there in May, Weaver and team returned to not only take the win, but the Division 7 points lead in the process.

Weaver, from Orting, Wash., qualified the Bob DeVour tuned Camaro second in the field with a 5.832 at 243.57 mph, which tied No. 1 qualifier Brian Hough's elapsed time to the thousandth, but Hough was awarded the pole due to his higher speed. In round one, Weaver defeated Russ Parker with a 5.894 at 242.78 mph, then defeated Hank Coolidge in the semifinals with a 5.905 at 241.67 mph.

That set the stage for his final round bout with No. 1 qualifier Hough. The battle was quickly over as Hough had engine problems at the line, while Weaver streaked to victory with a 5.982 at 243.83 mph.

"We just had a real good weekend," said Weaver. "The team is pretty happy with the results considering the hot track conditions we were fighting. Ron [Meer], Bob [DeVour] and the guys gave me a very consistent car all weekend. That's very nice as a driver to have a car that you pretty much know what it's going to do."

Crew Chief DeVour credits the data gathered from the testing as a major factor in the team's victory.

"We found some problems while we were testing out here," stated DeVour. "We made the car a lot more dependable. That's what it's all about, making runs down the track and learning. John is just doing a phenomenal job of driving the car, and the crew is doing a great job in preparing the car. I also have to thank Randy Anderson, John Medlin and Lanny from L & T Clutches for the help the have given us this year."

Team Owner Ron Meer feels teamwork played a large role in the victory as well.

"We had great teamwork this weekend," cited Meer. "The car was consistent, and we had no parts breakage. We raced against good competitors, and were very proud to represent Division 7 here in Division 6. We're glad we were up to the competition here."

With the win, Weaver retook the Division 7 points lead from Doug Gordon by 54 points. The next event for the MCP team will be at the upcoming Schuck's Auto Supply Nationals at Pacific Raceways just outside of Seattle, July 21-23.

Meer Capital Partners is a real estate development firm which builds and develops master-planned communities and large mixed-use projects primarily in the Western U.S. To find out more, log on to MeerCapital.com

Contact: Will Hanna/ Pro Race Communications
Email: Will.Hanna@InsideTopAlcohol.com