NHRA FallNationals offers Tucker a welcomed second chance

DALLAS, TX – After Pro Stock eliminations at the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals were postponed due to a deteriorating track, Auzmet Architectural driver Shane Tucker finds himself making an unexpected trip to compete at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals in Dallas.

Lined up in the left lane alongside Dave Connolly as the next pair to run in the Charlotte eliminations, Tucker witnessed the end-over-end wreck of Vieri Gaines firsthand that led to Sunday’s events being cancelled.

“I was the next in line to go down the left lane after V.,” Tucker said. “It was a wild ride, and it was scary to think that that could have been us.

“I am very glad he is OK after that wreck and that he will be able to run this weekend in Dallas.”

Struggling to find the right setup on the Auzmet Chevrolet Camaro to match the ever-changing weather and track conditions throughout the weekend, Tucker is relieved at the chance to finish eliminations at Texas Motorplex.

“We never really did run well at this race, so for us to get another shot at this race basically is great,” Tucker said. “We’re also getting another shot at running Dallas, which wasn’t originally on our planned schedule of races.

“I think it’s good for our whole program though to run in Dallas. We planned on doing eight to 10 races this year and we’ve done nine so far. I guess this change in plans means we’re doing 10.”

Even though original intentions didn’t have Dallas on his part-time schedule, Tucker isn’t concerned about the sudden change.

“It’s the same deal again for us: We’re guessing on the setup for Dallas,” Tucker said. “It’s alright though; we’ve done it the last nine races, I guess this will be the 10th time.”

A schedule for this weekend’s AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will be released later this week.