Duane Shields' Surprise Visit to Iowa Yields No. Qualifier, Runner-up Finish

Duane Shields made a surprise visit to the Midwest in order to compete at the NHRA Lucas Oil Regional event being held at Tri-State Raceway in Earlsville, Iowa. In the pits there was an impressive line-up of professional-looking teams in both the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car class and the PEAK team's unplanned visit complimented the big row of semi trailers.

Duane qualified on top with a 5.32 at 278 MPH and would face James Stevens, of Gothenburg, Nebraska who qualified with a 5.57 at 262 MPH to place him sixth on the ladder going into the first round.

As the cars launched, Stevens got a little too eager and red lit. Even though the race was already won for Duane, both cars made a race out of it and Duane stopped the clock with a 5.32 at 275 MPH to Steven's 6.18. In round two, Duane received a single because it was a short field. On the second round bye run Duane rang up a strong 5.31 at 274 MPH.

In the finals it was USA vs. Canada as Duane took on Gord Gingles from Winnipeg MB. Unfortunately for Duane, the PEAK Dragster lost traction on the run which allowed Gingles to cross the finish line first and win the event. "We spun the tires out there aways but congrats to Gord Gingles and to Rich McPhillips for clinching the Eastern Region Championship," Duane said.

Duane would like to thank his great sponsors: PEAK Antifreeze and Motor Oil, Final Charge, Blue Def, NGK, GRP and Brad Anderson Enterprises for their continued support in 2016.