PR-MEMPHIS- Brandon Pierce wrap up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBMITTED BY: RACHEL PIERCE
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2005

BRANDON PIERCE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Despite suffering a first-round loss at Memphis Motorsports Park, Brandon Pierce is optimistic about his team’s performance. With a huge advantage off the starting line, it appeared as though the Sooner One Motorsports Team would advance to their second consecutive semi-final round. However, the car dropped a cylinder early in the run and did not have enough power to hold off a late-charging Lee Callaway in the first round of Top Alcohol Dragster eliminations.

Two weeks ago in Shreveport, La., Pierce qualified #2 with a 5.59-second, 254 mph pass. As he pulled onto the track for the second round of eliminations, he noticed the fuel gauge showing irregular and dangerous readings. He made the decision to shut off the car, and forfeited the race. When the team returned to the pit, they discovered a piece of debris in the fuel line.

Pierce and his team worked to fix the problem and prepared for the next race. Their first qualifying pass in Memphis was a respectable 5.71-second pass, but their second and third attempts were plagued by problems related to the issue in Shreveport.

“We had some major problems with the fuel system in Shreveport,” said Pierce. “I thought we had it corrected but it still haunted us here in Memphis. We took the whole car apart and found the issues, so at least we’ll be ready for the next race in Rusk.”

Pierce added, “I’m happy with our effort even though it was a challenging weekend. We’re learning and every race is a chance for us to get more experience and get better. My team always works hard and I’m proud of the progress we’re making. The car is running better overall, and we’re headed in the right direction.”

After being eliminated, Pierce didn’t have much time to sulk, as one of his friends needed help. Legendary racer Gene Snow had won two rounds and was preparing for the finals. Snow requested Pierce’s help, since his team was severely short-handed. Pierce was more than happy to come to the aid of his friend, and worked with Snow’s crew to ready the dragster for the crucial final round. Snow went on to lose a close race by less than one-tenth of a second, but he expressed his gratitude to Pierce.

“I’ve always looked up to Gene, and he is a great friend. He’s the type of friend who is always willing to help and I am happy to return the favor,” Pierce said of Snow.

The 28-year old racer competed in Super Gas, Super Comp and Super Street classes for eight years before advancing to the Top Alcohol Dragster category in 2003. Last year, Pierce was ranked #10 in the Top Guns of 2004 for Top Alcohol Dragster, which recognizes the best reaction times for the class. He currently resides in Glendora, Calif.

The Sooner One Motorsports team, located in Oklahoma, includes crew chief Tippy Pierce and clutch specialist Mike Taylor, James Pruett, Brian Peck, Tyrone Emmonds, David Benson and Steve Powell. The team is sponsored by Sooner Cabinet & Trim, AutoZone, Red Rock Racing Fuel Specialists, and Xtreme Graffix & Designz.

The team’s next race will be the Division 4 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Cherokee County Motorsports Park in Rusk, Texas on June 10-12, 2005.

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