VIRGINIA NATIONALS GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR SHANE TUCKER

RICHMOND, VA – At the end of the day Shane Tucker and the Auzmet/StructGlass Chevrolet Camaro team made the most of their first Virginia NHRA Nationals. The young Australian made three solid qualifying passes and entered race day as the No. 12 Pro Stock qualifier. It was a continuation of qualifying success with his new engine program spearheaded by Nick Ferri Racing Engines.

“We have been making big strides since Gainesville with our motor program,” said Tucker. “We are making solid runs and not hurting the car. You can get quicker when you are able to fine up your tune-up and not replace parts. I have a lot of confidence in the direction we are going. This race was one that we learned a lot and got more valuable information even though we didn’t have a long race day.”

Tucker had a first round match-up with four-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson. The track conditions were tricky but Tucker knew this race was most likely going to be decided on the starting line. He knew he would need a nearly psychic reaction time to give himself a fighting chance against the No. 5 qualifier.

Both Chevrolet Camaros rolled into the staging beams and just before the tree flashed green Tucker’s Auzmet/StructGlass Camaro took off. The early start handed Tucker an immediate disqualification for jumping the start.

“I knew I had to have a killer reaction time,” explained Tucker. “I just missed it and it cost us. (Crew chief) Rob (Tucker) and Nick gave me a really good race car and I am excited to get to Chicago. In two weeks we will be back at it and I am looking forward getting back on the track.”