Brown, Matco Tools team hungry for another shot at an NHRA Drag Racing Series Winner’s Circle

February 15

Antron Brown is fueled for another race coming off a championship round appearance at the opening event of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season.

"During the off season, I tried to relax and reset, get focused on this season," said Brown, "but I guess I didn't notice until getting back in this Matco Tools dragster how hungry I am to win.

"It's not just me that's hungry, either. All of these guys and my crew chiefs Brian (Corradi) and Mark (Oswald) want it too. We were so close in Pomona that we could taste it, but we want more."

In the championship run, Brown lost to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Spencer Massey who had previously set the NHRA speed record and ran the second quickest lap in history.

Brown noted that the season opening event proved that the competition in the Top Fuel class this year will be tough.

"There are a lot of cars capable of being good this year," Brown said. "It's going to be tough out here this year, there's no doubt about that. Last weekend proved that."

"It's like a horse race. You've got the ones that get out of the gate real quick but then you've got the thoroughbreds that come up and sneak around everyone. That's what it could be like out here."

He's spending this week with DSR teammate Matt Hagan, NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip and Mark Martin, along with Aaron's, Inc. partners in Arizona.

"It's fun to be out here, just hanging out, having some fun in the desert," Brown said. "The folks at Aaron's have arranged some good stuff out here for us and it's always good to meet their partners and get to know them."

Brown has had previous success at Firebird International Raceway, including a runner-up just a few months ago in the 2011 event. He won the title there in 2009.

"We've had a good car there in the past," Brown said. "So hopefully that carries on. It would be good to get these Matco boys in the Winner's Circle early in the season and get that momentum going."

TOP FUEL STANDINGS (after first of 23 events):
1. Spencer Massey, 119
2. Antron Brown, 95
3. Morgan Lucas, 87
4. Tony Schumacher, 78
5. Bob Vandergriff, 57
6. Brandon Bernstein, 54
Shawn Langdon, 54
8. Clay Millican, 52
9. Khalid alBalooshi, 34
10. David Grubnic, 32
Doug Kalitta, 32
Steve Torrence, 32
Steve Faria, 32

THIS WEEK
NHRA Arizona Nationals, Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz.
Friday: Pro qualifying, 1:30 and 4 p.m.
Saturday: Pro qualifying, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday: Pro eliminations, 11 a.m.

About Matco Tools
Matco Tools manufactures, distributes and services premium quality automotive equipment, tools, and tool storage for the professional technician. The company has more than 60 years of national brand experience in the automotive equipment industry and a vast product line of more than 13,000 of the highest quality, innovative tools and accessories. The company's franchise offering has no franchise, royalty, or advertising fees. Initial corporate and ongoing local training create and build outstanding value for the franchisee's business. For more information on Matco Tools products or franchise opportunities, visit www.matcotools.com.

About Don Schumacher Racing
Don Schumacher Racing, headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., consists of seven professional NHRA teams: in Top Fuel, the U.S. Army dragster driven by seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher, the FRAM/Prestone dragster of Spencer Massey and the Matco Tools dragster of Antron Brown; and in Funny Car, 2011 NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan in the Aaron's Dream Machine/Mopar Dodge Charger R/T, Valvoline NextGen Dodge piloted by Jack Beckman, the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge of Ron Capps and the Service Central Dodge of Johnny Gray. DSR has won 174 NHRA national event titles and nine world championships.