Auto Club driver Robert Hight looks to end
four-race stretch on high note at Norwalk

NORWALK, Ohio (June 20) – Robert Hight looks to end this month’s four-race stretch of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events with his first career victory at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park and the first of the season for him and the Auto Club of Southern California team.

Hight, fourth in the Funny Car points standings, has four semifinals appearances this season and raced in the finals at Houston. One of those four semifinals came during this month’s three races on the East Coast, in Englishtown, N.J., where he established the event’s top speed, the sixth time in the first 10 races.

Hight looked strong last weekend in the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, setting the low elapsed time during one qualifying session and quick time on race day among all 16 Funny Car competitors. He looks to put a second-round defeat behind him and focus on Norwalk, where he has three No. 1 qualifying efforts.

“We’re looking to rebound following Bristol,” Hight said. “We’ve got to put that race behind us and look toward a strong race in Norwalk. This is a great facility, and we’re close to winning. Obviously, I’d like to really come out and end this stretch on a high note – not just for me but for my crew, which has given me a great car during this stretch.”

John Force Racing, as a team, has one win in Norwalk, and competes in a special match race – the Night of Fire – each season. Hight has contested the event – held in August – several times, and said competing at the track multiple times each season provides additional confidence.

“Each year, we come out and put on a special show for the fans,” Hight said. “It’s always a great time and an opportunity to have some fun. But it’s also a chance to get some track time there and more experience. And we’re hoping to have some more fun this weekend, and take the Auto Club of Southern California Chevy to winner’s circle.”

The first two sessions of qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals are scheduled for 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. Friday, with two more sessions scheduled at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday.

4-Second Reads:

Robert Hight has competed in 10 races at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park and every race since the series began racing at the track in 2007.
Hight has advanced to the finals at the track once – in 2008.
Hight is 12-10 in 22 elimination rounds at Norwalk.
Three of Hight’s 50 No. 1 qualifying efforts have come at Summit Motorsports Park – in 2007, 2008 and 2011.
Hight is 8-2 in first-round elimination matchups at Norwalk.
Hight is currently fourth in Funny Car points standings.
In his career, Hight has 37 victories, 387 elimination-round wins, and 50 No. 1 qualifying spots.
Hight’s most recent NHRA victory – 2016 NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.
Hight’s most recent No. 1 qualifying effort – 2017 NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, N.H.
Hight’s best time/speed at Norwalk – 3.886 seconds (2016 Q2); 327.03 mph (2016 Q2)
Hight’s best time/speed of career – 3.822 seconds (2017 Epping Q3); 338.68 mph (2017 Topeka E1)