Championship Drag Racing

Checker-Schuck's
Kragen Nationals
Phoenix, Ariz.
(Feb. 21-24)

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Ron Krisher Eagle One Pontiac Firebird Pro Stocker

Reports: Pre-race

Phoenix, pre-race: Ron Krisher earned his sixth career No. 1 qualifying position in the season-opener at Pomona, but lost traction and didn't advance past the first round. His breakthrough as a serious Pro Stock class contender came at Firebird in 2000, when he advanced to the semifinals for the first time in his career.

It came under difficult circumstances in a brand-new Eagle One Pontiac Firebird he had bought after flipping and destroying his original car two weeks before at Pomona. Krisher finished that season with two wins and was fourth in points, and gained another victory en route to eighth in last year's standings. He was one of only four drivers to qualify for all 24 races last year.

"The media still seems focused on the (Top) Fuelers and the Funny Cars (but) this (POWERade) is a big deal for the NHRA," Krisher said on the benefits of NHRA's new POWERade series sponsorship and increased ESPN TV time. "Everybody is looking for more support. We'll have a better opportunity this year for promotion of Pro Stock. Obviously, what is going to be very difficult for a lot of people is the fact that budgets are tight, extremely tight. Bringing in sponsorships for teams this year is a big challenge. I'm fortunate to continue to have the support from Eagle One and Valvoline."