Steve Harker Englishtown wrap up

Harker loses close match in quarterfinals

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - As Australian NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Steve Harker continues to learn how to harness his new found horsepower, he's learning there's going to be a few bumps along the way. A new supercharger gave Harker career best numbers and a runner-up finish at last weekend's CARQUEST Nationals in Chicago, but proved to be tricky in the heat of this past weekend's K&N Filters SuperNationals presented by Krauss Auto Parts in Englishtown, N.J. Harker posted strong numbers, but lost a close decision to eventual runner-up Bob Tasca III in the quarterfinals.

Harker, originally from Brisbane, Aus., qualified his Queensland Thermoking/Lucar Cargovans backed Dodge Avenger sixth in the field with a 5.667 second elapsed time at 257.38 mph. In round one, he defeated Bruce Mullins with a 5.731 at 255.15 mph. In his quarterfinal matchup with Tasca, Harker gained the jump off the line, but couldn't hold off Tasca's 5.643 at 259.26 mph with his own 5.726 at 255.58 mph.

"The car is running very good," said Harker. "We just have to relearn what it takes to make the car consistent with the new blower. I was afraid of it shaking the tires there in the second round, so I may have got a little too gun shy. I short shifted it pretty bad as well. We're quite happy with the potential the car is showing; we just need to get the car consistent, and we'll be where we need to be."

Following the event, the team plans to take a break from the grueling schedule they have run thus far. During the break, the Harker family will return to their homeland of Australia for several weeks. The car will be outfitted with a new 2006 Monte Carlo at S&W Racecars, and the team will take delivery of a new truck and trailer. Their next event will be at the Division 3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Bowling Green, Ky., Aug. 25-27.

"We're going to go back home for a few weeks," stated Harker. "When we get back, we'll have plenty of work to do. We'll have a new Monte Carlo body, and a new rig to move everything into. We'll come back a few weeks early to get caught up, and go to Bowling Green with a lot of new stuff."

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