Shields Wins Two in a Row!

Shields Wins Two in a Row!

Mohnton PA - Duane Shields won his second Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event title in a row, this time in Division 1 at Maple Grove Raceway. Last week, Shields scored a win in Division 2 at Atlanta Dragway. “We are happy to get another win so we can keep up with these guys” Shields said. The field at Maple Grove was stout as there were 14 cars trying to get into an eight car field. “It was a very tight competitive field but our car was consistent and running good” Shields observed. Shields qualified third with a 5.43 at 266 MPH.

In the first round, Shields met up with Dan Page driving Arthur Gallant’s A/Fuel entry. At the hit Page went up in smoke and had to abandon the run as Shields cruised to an easy win by posting a 5.35 at 272 MPH. “Page ran well in qualifying so we hopped it up a little bit. We were very happy with the run” Shield said.

In the semifinals, Shields faced John Finke. At the light, Finke got off the line first with a 0.067 reaction time to Shields’ 0.087. Shields was able to make his move around Finke about 60 feet out but Finke stayed close behind until half track where Shields managed to increase his lead. The Dana Hopewell tuned dragster then crossed the stripe first with a 5.35 at 272 MPH to Finke’s valiant 5.43 at 265 MPH. “John steps it up against us every time we race him so we knew it would be a close race” said Shields.

In the finals, Shields was paired with Dan Mercier. Unfortunately for Shields, the crew noticed a slight change in the sound of the engine as the car hurt itself on the burnout due to a broken lash cap but Shields staged the car not knowing anything was wrong. At the hit, Mercier got out of the gate first with a 0.083 reaction time to Shields’ 0.100. Shields passed Mercier immediately but at 3.2 seconds into the run the Shortline Express dropped a cylinder. However, Shields managed to maintain the lead all the way to the finish line. Shields scored the victory with a 5.37 at 265 MPH to Mercier’s 5.39 at 266 MPH. “We were fortunate to get the win as the car nosed over late in the run and I was nervous that Dan was going to come around me” Shields said.

The win was gratifying for Shields as many of his friends and family were on hand for the race including his wife Betsy. Also, team member Sheryl Hopewell was celebrating a birthday. “Even though we are from Las Vegas we had quite a cheering section so it was a nice touch to get the win and have everyone in the winner’s circle” Shields said.

After some sightseeing this week in Washington DC and Philadelphia, the team will be heading to Englishtown where Shields has won twice before in a blown alcohol car. Shields thanks his crew along with his sponsors Hussey Copper and NGK Spark Plugs.