Antron Brown happy to be back racing in Minnesota

August 15

Antron Brown, who has always liked coming to Minnesota to race each summer, hopes to recapture past success here this weekend at Brainerd International Raceway during the 30th-annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

A four-time winner in the Gopher State while piloting a Pro Stock Motorcycle, the 35-year-old Don Schumacher Racing driver would like to add a Brainerd Top Fuel trophy to his collection by driving his Matco Tools dragster into the winner’s circle.

“We’ve had some great times here on bikes,” he said about wins in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006, plus number-one qualifiers in 2001 and 2004. “And I really enjoy coming here to race, regardless of whether I am riding a bike or driving a dragster; now it’s time to grab a Wally with the Matco Tools hot rod.

“It’s a good race, with a great atmosphere. I find this a relaxing environment which is why I think I’ve done so well here and in Sonoma (Calif., where he has won twice, including this year, and been to several other final rounds). And the weather is always good, cool, not so hot which can really wear down a driver during a race weekend.”

Confidently relaxed sums up Brown’s frame of mind for this race and the remainder of the season, which will transition into the Countdown to 1 playoffs for the final six races.

“We’re ready for the Countdown, we’re peaking at the right time,” said the driver who has been to the winner’s circle (Sonoma) and three semifinals in his last four races. “We’ve been getting stronger as the year goes on, which was our game plan all along.

“It’s about going for the championship and doing well in the Countdown –and that’s our goal. We’re in a good position for the playoffs.”

Brown, winner of three events in 2011, sits in third place of the Top Fuel standings, 44 points (less than three race-round wins) behind DSR teammate the number-two driver, Spencer Massey. The top-10 drivers at the conclusion of the 16-game regular season (two races left, including this one) have their points reset and battle for the title.