CHANDLER, Ariz. – The first day of qualifying at the 29th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Raceway near Phoenix ended exactly as Johnny Gray intended: with his striking Pitch Energy Dodge Charger R/T, a tribute to his late father, John R. Gray, at the top of the heap as the quickest Funny Car on the property.
Gray, of Artesia, N.M., was second quickest overall in the first session of the day, clocking a 4.124 at 301 mph despite a cylinder that was out of commission at the hit of the throttle. Upon their return to the pit area, the Pitch Energy team, with crew chief Rob Wendland and assistant crew chief Rip Reynolds leading the charge, rallied to ensure an improved journey down the racing surface in the second session. They were rewarded with a stunning 4.034 at 313.80 mph that vaulted Gray to No. 1.
"Rob and Rip just have a good handle on it," said Gray, who was the No. 1 qualifier at Firebird Raceway last season. "Needless to say, they gave me...
