Funny Car Driver Alexander Looking for Better Performance at U.S. Nationals

CLERMONT, IN – A disappointing DNQ at Brainerd has Blake Alexander and his Auto Service Plus powered by Auto-Plus Funny Car team looking for answers. Performance issues plagued the team’s last outing – Blake’s first DNQ of 2013. The combination of veteran team and young driver will attempt to solve their problems at this weekend’s 59^th Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

“We just need to try different things with the clutch. We took the car apart after we failed to qualify at Brainerd. I know that we have all of the right parts, we just need to learn how to apply them. Fortunately we get five qualifying runs to get everything in order,” Blake said. The U.S. Nationals is the only race on the NHRA Mello Yello Series tour that includes five Pro qualifying sessions instead of the typical four.

Some drivers might get caught up in the prestige surrounding the NHRA’s most historic event – the U.S. Nationals. Blake instead focuses on performing at his best to compete with the competitive field of entries at ‘The Big Go’.

“The competition is of course top notch,” Blake noted. “I believe the prestige of the event causes this, but you can’t alter the way you compete for Indy. If you look at it from the traditional drag racing perspective, you’re really just racing your lane no matter what the event is.”

Alexander says his Auto Service Plus team will zone in on the two scheduled night qualifying sessions. The evening conditions will allow for peak performance – possibly an elusive 4.0-second elapsed time.

“The two night runs will be very important. We failed to capitalize on them last year so we ended up fireballing it on the final qualifying run, trying to keep up with the teams who ran well in the night sessions. We’ll be in trouble if we don’t get in on one of the night sessions. I think we’ll have a good chance at winning rounds if we place ourselves solidly in the field,” said the Virginian driver.

Qualifying at the 59^th Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals are spread out over the course of August 30-Sept.1. Eliminations kick off on Labor Day, Sept. 2^nd.

Auto Service Plus is a North American leader in automotive repairs and supplies the customer with its quality repair guarantee, comfortable waiting areas, and believable estimates. Select Auto Xpert pledges to provide an experienced and knowledgeable staff, quality brand-name parts, and the tools and equipment for proper repair and installation.

Blake Alexander Racing is a company that was started and maintained by nitro funny car driver Blake Alexander while in college. Blake worked his way up from Jr. Dragsters through the competitive sportsman ranks, now achieving his goal of driving a professional Nitro Funny Car. Through his efforts on and off the track, Blake secures corporate sponsorships and works actively with each supporter to activate and stimulate their respective brands from market to market. Blake Alexander drives for iconic master tuner Paul Smith, who owns and operates Paul Smith Racing out of Boynton Beach, Florida.

Companies that support Blake Alexander Racing include: Auto Service Plus, Gates Rubber Company, Exide Batteries, Tenneco Automotive, Valvoline, Standard Motor Products, Pro Jack Race Car Stands, SPY Optics, and Wix Filters.