Loss at Silver Dollar Raceway Takes Shields out of National Title Contention

Loss at Silver Dollar Raceway Takes Shields out of National Title Contention

Reynolds GA - Duane Shields driving the Shortline Express A/Fuel
Dragster competed at the final NHRA Lucas Oil Southeast Divisional
event of the year held at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA.
Shields was hoping to finish the NHRA Divisional series on a high note
after clinching the Division 2 title prior to the Reynolds event. In
qualifying, Shields nailed down the number three position with a
respectable 5.33 at 269 MPH.

In round one, Shields faced a familiar opponent, Dan Fiorelli whom
Shields had raced several times this season. Fiorelli got out of the
gate first with a 0.126 to Shields' 0.155. Fiorelli compounded his
lead as Shields' dragster was laboring off the starting line and was
not gaining much momentum down the track. Fiorelli began to have some
trouble of his own and began losing cylinders which opened the door
for Shields. Fiorelli was still able to maintain his lead even though
Shields narrowed the gap considerably. At the stripe it was Fiorelli
taking the upset win with a 6.13 @ 210 MPH to Shields' close 6.17 at
242 MPH. "We win as a team and lose as a team. We made a critical
error while preparing for the run and that cost us the race" Shields explained.

The loss took Shields out of the National Championship hunt but as
painful as the loss was, Shields was gracious towards his opponent.
"Because Don (Fiorelli) beat me, he was able to finish second in the
Division so I'm happy for him. Don really put out a lot of effort this
year and it was nice to see him do well" Shields said.

The Shortline Express team thanks Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs
for their support this season.