A better start at Southern Nationals for Shane Gray in the NTB Service Central Pontiac

NTB/Service Central Pontiac GXP driver Shane Gray and his Gray Motorsports team had something very positive going for them during qualifying at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, and the team capitalized on the positive and put together a series of improved runs to earn a start from their highest qualifying position since the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona.

“We were able to keep the same engine in the frame rails for four runs,” said Gray, who will start 10th on raceday at Atlanta Dragway. “We changed the engine three times in Houston, and because we were able to keep the same bullet for every run here, we had something to build off of each time instead of starting over. We’re nowhere near where we want to be, but it is a definite step in the right direction.”

Gray clocked a respective 6.65 and 6.66 in the first and second rounds of qualifying on Friday, and on Saturday, his first-session performance was a pleasing 6.643 that was eighth-quickest of the session. Even more promising was the fact that Gray was in a dead-heat for second to the 1/8 mile mark with Allen Johnson. In the final qualifier, the Gray Motorsports team produced a 6.676 that was ninth-quickest to the finish line.

“I think we have a chance to go some rounds and do something good in our NTB/Service Central Pontiac,” said Gray. “I think we have an excellent car, and if it’s hot and greasy tomorrow like it is today, that would be good for us. I feel pretty confident about tomorrow.”