Championship Drag Racing

NHRA Carolinas Nationals
Charlotte, N.C.
(September 11-14)

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Frank Hawley Rite Aid Pharmacies Dodge Charger

Charlotte, Sunday:  Frank Hawley's bid for a Funny Car victory Sunday went up in smoke, literally, when a clutch malfunction caused the tires to spin -- and the R2B2 Racing Rite Aid Dodge Charger R/T slowed to a 5.007-second thousand-foot time at 156.19 mph in the opening round of the first Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway.

Tony Pedregon took advantage of Hawley's misfortune and won with a 4.173 at 301.07 mph.

A disappointed Aaron Brooks, the team crew chief, said a clutch disc didn't work properly.  "It was too aggressive and pulled the tires loose," he said.  "We had a blower-snout problem yesterday and that led to the clutch situation. 

"The No. 1 (qualifying position) was nice but it's frustrating because we weren't going down the track.  The crew didn't do anything stupid . . . the gremlins just got us.  We'll  just live and learn."

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