Shields Goes to Third Final Round of Season

Shields Goes to Third Final Round of Season

Charlotte - Duane Shields went to his third final round of the season at the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, NC. Shields lost traction in the finals against Monroe Guest and had to settle for runner-up honors.

The Shortline Express team had their hands full all weekend since the Four-Wide race has a faster turn around time than most NHRA events due to the Four-Wide format and they were also shorthanded as crew member Bill Jones pulled a tendon. “Dana Hopewell, Chris Zedaker and Ralph Freeman really stepped it up and did a great job covering for Bill. They also did a good job servicing the car so quickly between rounds. I was really impressed with my team” Shields commented.

Shields started the weekend off right by qualifying third with a respectable 5.32 at 274 MPH. This would set up a first round match up with Don Fiorelli, of Palm Bay FL. Fiorelli, got off the line first with a 0.045 to Shields’ 0.093 but that was as far down track as Fiorelli would get as he wisely shut the car off after discovering he didn't have any steering. For Shields it was a lucky break as he was on and off the throttle twice after smoking the tires and scored the win with an off pace 6.06 at 269 MPH.

In second round, Shields took on Marty Thacker. At the hit, Thacker was out of the gate first with an 0.056 to Shields’ 0.084 but Shields’ A/Fuel car would prove to be too much for Thacker’s blown alcohol combination. Shields rebounded from round one with a 5.33 at 273 MPH to take the win. Meanwhile, Thacker stopped the clocks with a close 5.44 at 258 MPH.

In the semi final round, Shields drew Rich McPhillips. McPhillips was able to get the starting line advantage with a 0.039 to Shields’ 0.096, but like the round prior Shields was able to chase down his opponent and take the win. Shields covered McPhillips by nearly three tenths allowing him to advance to the final round. Shields blew the barn door open with a 5.38 at 271 MPH to McPhillips’ 5.66 at 242 MPH.

Shields advancement to the final round would initiate a showdown with the number one qualifier, Monroe Guest. At the start it was Guest off the line first with an impressive 0.022 to Shields’ 0.085. Unfortunately for Shields he lost traction right away and Guest was long gone as he scored the Four-Wide Nationals victory with a 5.27 at 277 MPH. “We hopped up the car looking to get into the 5.20's because we knew that Guest was running well and he’s always quick off the starting line. We are working with a new tune up and we were just too aggressive which caused me to smoke the tires. It’s a tough loss but we’re running as good as anyone and we should do well at the next event in Houston” Shields said.

The Shortline Express team would like to express their best wishes to Shawn Cowie and hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery after his accident in Nashville. The team would also like to thank their fans and supporters including Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs USA.