Pre-Race Report
Event 02: Arizona Nationals
Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
Chandler, Ariz.
Feb. 24-26, 2017
Track record holder, Kalitta, looks to build on strong 2017 start
Phoenix Highlights: One win (2001); Three finals (2015, 2010, 2004); Four no.1 qualifiers (2016, 2014, 2013, 2003); Track Elapsed Time Record Holder (3.716 sec.)
Last Event Recap (Pomona): Qualified second; Finalist (Defeated Steve Faria in the first round, Terry McMillen in the quarter-finals and Antron Brown in the semi-finals, lost to Leah Pritchett in the finals.)
2016 Arizona Nationals Recap: Qualified first; Semi-Finalist (Bye run in the first round, defeated Dave Connolly in the quarter-finals, lost to Brittany Force in the semi-finals)
Quotable: “We had a great start to the season in this Mac Tools Toyota. The team had a great test at Wild Horse Pass just a couple weeks ago, and I am ready to get back and see what we can get accomplished.”
Career Stats: 435 starts, 592 round wins (10th all-time), 42 wins (Fifth all-time in Top Fuel), 88 finals, 47 no.1 qualifiers (13th all-time)
2017 Season Stats: One final (Pomona-I); 3 round wins; second in the standings
2016 Season Stats: Four wins (Houston, Atlanta, Topeka, Pomona-II); Four no.1 qualifiers (Phoenix, Atlanta, Norwalk, Charlotte-II); Two finals (Pomona-I, Charlotte-II); 44 round wins; second in the final standings
Noteworthy: Could become the ninth driver to hit 600 round wins this season; also will reach 1,000 career rounds competed early this year (currently at 985); owns Phoenix Track ET Record (also owns track records in Atlanta and Norwalk)