Spencer Massey Atlanta preview

Massey comes into Atlanta hot off Top Fuel victory

COMMERCE, Ga. - NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster 'slash' Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey might as well wear a shirt to this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway that says 'Don't Pinch Me.' In just three short weeks since earning his IHRA Top Fuel license in Mitch King's Bexar Waste entry, Massey has taken the IHRA circuit by storm in winning the first two races of the year in San Antonio and Rockingham. Currently ranked fourth in Top Alcohol Dragster standings, Massey will once again turn his focus to his trusty A/Fuel Dragster ride at the track where he earned his first of two national event wins last year. He also plans to complete his NHRA Top Fuel license on Monday.

Massey, 25, of Ft. Worth, Texas, still hasn't came down from the proverbial cloud nine. Initially the plan was for him to just get his Top Fuel license after the Houston event. From there, King gave Massey an opportunity to drive his car in San Antonio to more or less get some seat time. Massey went on to win the event. The Rockingham race was never discussed until after the San Antonio winner's circle. With the points lead in hand, the team decided to try their luck at 'The Rock.' Three more round wins later and another winner's circle celebration, the team has a solid points lead in the IHRA Top Fuel Standings.

"I'm still in awe," said Massey. "I still can't believe what has happened in the past few weeks. All of this came together so fast. We didn't decide to go to Rockingham until a few weeks ago, then to win again; I don't know what to say but Mitch King has put a hell of a team together. Paul Smith is the master at making the car go A to B without hurting parts. That makes it a lot easier for a rookie driver when all I have to do is worry about cutting a light and keeping the car in the groove. If you're worried about if it's going to shake, smoke the tires or kick the rods out, it makes it harder to focus as a driver."

Despite being a hot prospect for Top Fuel, Massey is focused on defending his title as event champion in Gene Snow's A/Fuel Dragster.

"We really need to start going some rounds at nationals," stated Massey. "We've done well on the divisional level with two final rounds, but we lost in the second round at Houston. Hopefully we can pull it together this weekend and put the car in the winner's circle for Rucker Performance and Lucas Oil."

Massey doesn't exactly refer to his A/Fuel Dragster as slow, but he does notice the difference of going from 4.70's at over 300 mph in the Top Fueler back to 5.20's at 270 mph in the A/Fueler.

"The two cars launch about the same," cited Massey. "The first thing you notice is the Top Fuel car is louder and leaves just a little bit harder. But from 300 ft. on, it's like the Top Fueler launches all over again. It's a real rush. Adjusting to the speed of the Top Fueler has helped me in the A/Fuel car. It will help me really pay attention to keeping the A/Fueler in the groove. I just enjoy racing. Whether it's Top Fuel, A/Fuel or golf carts, let's go."

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions, followed by one final session on Saturday. Eliminations begin with round one Saturday afternoon and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.

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