Shields Hot Streak Continues

Shields Hot Streak Continues

Commerce, GA - Duane Shields is red hot after winning three out of the last four races he has competed in. And the race he didn't win, the US Nationals, he barely lost in the semi final round. This week, the Shortline Express A/Fuel Dragster team was at Atlanta Dragway for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event to try and take the Division 2 point lead.

Rather than be content with qualifying just to easily get into the six car field, Shields wanted the single in the second round so he went after the low qualifier position and managed to get it with a 5.33 at 262 MPH. This would set up a first round pairing with Cherissa Griffs of Jacksonville Florida, who had some problems on the run as she damaged her block and coasted down the track. Shields in the other lane was on another great run. "It was a good run for us. We ran a 5.359 as did Robin Samsel" Shields said comparing the runs with his closest competitor.

In the second round, Shields got a single into the final because he was the number one qualifier. "Since we got the single we stepped it up and ran a 5.27 at 272 MPH. We were being aggressive on the tune-up and the track could barely take it" he said.

Shields' opponent in the final round would be Samsel who has stepped up his racing program this season. "Robin has stepped it up and is in the elite group of drivers" Shields said. At the light, Shields was out first with an 0.094 reaction time to Samsel's 0.142. Samsel then smoked the tires and that was all it took for Shields to chalk up another victory. Shields spun the tires on the run which changed the fuel curve but still ran an impressive 5.37 at 263 MPH. "It wasn't a great race for the spectators but we ran well on every run and deserved to win it" Shields said after the event.

The win gave Shields the Division 2 points lead and puts him in third place nationally with a few more races to go. Next week, Shields heads to North Carolina for the NHRA Carolinas Nationals at ZMax Dragway. Shields expressed a lot of interest in racing at the much talked about track. "We get to see Bruton Smith's new facility and like everyone else we are looking forward to the four lane Top Fuel race. But I hope to be busy racing and not have a chance to do much else while I'm there".

Shields would like to thank all of his supporters including sponsors NGK Spark Plugs and Hussey Copper.

Courtesy of Rich Bailey