Whiteley looking to stay on a roll in Houston

Whiteley looking to stay on a roll in Houston

BAYTOWN, Texas – Just a few weeks removed from scoring back to back wins in Las Vegas, defending NHRA Division 7 Top Alcohol Dragster Champion Jim Whiteley is hoping to stay on a roll during this weekend’s O’Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Super Start at Royal Purple Raceway just outside of Houston. Whiteley is currently second in national points standings and hopes to take another step towards their goal of the national championship.

Whiteley, from Grand Junction, Colo., is quick to point out under the new points system for this season, there is little room for error at national events. Competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster can claim their best seven out of the first ten nationals they attend. This weekend will mark Whiteley and the YNot Racing Team’s third national event start, with a win and a quarterfinal finish under their belts.

“With the new points structure, if you drag your feet a little, it’s hard to make up,” said Whiteley. “Our goal, as it has been the past few years is to compete for the national title. This year you only have three races you can drop, so you really have to make them count.”

After a dominating performance in Las Vegas, where he was No. 1 qualifier, set low e.t. and top speed of the meet on the way to victory, Whiteley and his Norm Grimes lead team are confident of their chances this weekend.

“Norm had a good handle on it in Vegas,” stated Whiteley. “We’re not really doing much different than we used to, it’s just that Norm and the guys have a better handle on it. After a weekend like we had in Vegas, it definitely makes you look forward to the next race.

“We are looking forward to a good race and a good time in Houston,” Whiteley continued. “We are going to have a lot of people from Talisman Energy and others from the Oil and Gas industry. We’re looking forward to it.”

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

To find out more about YNot Racing’s promotional partners, visit the websites below:

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The team would also like to thank the continued support of J&A Services and Advanced Oilfield Services.

Contact: Pro Race Communications 979.415.4959
Attached photo courtesy of YNot Racing