INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 12, 2020) — The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returned to the track this weekend beginning back-to-back races at Lucas Oil Raceway. Today during the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals the TopCoat™ Dodge driven by Alan Prusiensky, the No. 16 qualifier, made a strong showing against eventual race winner Jason Line. With just one day of qualifying Prusiensky and the blue and black Dodge Dart branded with the TopCoat™ and F11 logos survived a field of over twenty Pro Stock cars to earn the right to race today.
“We really had to pull together on Saturday,” said Prusiensky. “When you only get two runs to try and qualify that puts a lot of pressure on the team. Luckily, this Top Coat Dodge Pro Stock group came through and we got to race.”
On Saturday there were two qualifying sessions on a hot track after an over four month lay-off. It was a tough task for all the teams and Prusiensky made the most of his first run a solid 6.700 second pass which at the time was quick enough to slot him No. 13. In the second session a number of drivers improved but the New Jersey based driver was able to hold them off and run for the Wally on Sunday.
“I couldn’t be out here without the support of TopCoat™ and F11,” said Prusiensky. “Saturday was a lot of stress. We made a good run in the first session and were No. 13. I was hoping to improve in the last run and we got bumped back a little in the qualifying standings but we were still in the show.”
During eliminations with dramatically different conditions Prusiensky pulled up against No. 1 qualifier Jason Line. The Dodge Dart driver knew he had to get every advantage to secure a round win. As the tree fired up the Top Coat Dodge leapt off the starting line first and as the Pro Stock cars approached half-track Line began to move around Prusiensky. As both cars crossed the finish line stripe it was the Summit Chevrolet getting the win light over the Top Coat Dodge with a time of 6.615 seconds versus 7.062 seconds.
“We were fired up to make the field because the race would be on the FOX national broadcast and that would be great exposure for our sponsor TopCoat™ with F11,” said Prusiensky at the end of qualifying. “We got one of the toughest racers out here in Jason Line and we tried to give him everything we had. I was glad I had a good reaction time but I would have traded that for a win light for sure. We are going to have some time before the next race and I know we will come back stronger. I have to thank all my crew guys and my wife, Christine, for supporting this team. We come out here every race and give it our all.”
Prusiensky and the rest of his Pro Stock competitors are celebrating the 50th anniversary season of Pro Stock this season. Throughout the year the NHRA will be celebrating one of the most competitive classes in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series history.
“I always liked watching Pro Stock back in the day. It is cool to be our here with TopCoat™ racing in the 50th year of the category. I am really concentrating on my own program and giving this team everything I can,” added Prusiensky.
Next up for the TopCoat™ Dodge Dart Pro Stock team will be the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals, August 21-23.