able to survive four elimination
rounds.
For the Vance & Hines team,
Herrera, Gadson and Davis
captured three of the top four
spots during qualifying, but
that success did not carry over
to eliminations. With Hall and
Smith going to the final round,
and Herrera and Gadson los
-
ing earlier in the day, the points
standings are scrambled head-
ing into next weekend's event in
Charlotte.
Despite the final-round loss,
Smith moved into the points
lead. He leads Herrera and Hall
by just six points, with Gadson
just nine points back in fourth.
There are five events remaining
in the season, although the final
event in Pomona, California, of
-
fers points-and-a-half.
The NHRA Mission Foods
Drag Racing Series returns to
action September 19-21 with the
NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals
at zMax Dragway in Charlotte.
For the first time ever, an NHRA
playoff event will feature the
unique four-wide format. Earlier
this season, Matt Smith defeated
Richard Gadson in the spring
Charlotte event, which is also a
four-wide race.
Kevin McKenna
FINAL
1. John Hall (Bue) 6.802 - 199 mph
2. Matt Smith (Bue) 6.950 - 167 mph
VOLUME ISSUE SEPTEMBER , P31
(Left) John Hall celebrates winning
the Reading Nationals. (Right) Hall
(far lane) went up against American
Rebel Light/Matt Smith Racing Buell
teammate and crew chief Matt Smith
in the final.
PHOTOS: MATT POLITO
