Massey, FRAM/Prestone team motto remains same as the Western Swings continues to Sonoma Raceway

July 24

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (July 24, 2012) – Spencer Massey and the FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel team led by crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler set a motto at the beginning of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Series season.
With 13 events completed, the team has successfully followed the creed.
“It’s to not beat ourselves,” Massey said. “That’s really always been the mindset for Phil and Todd all year.
“I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far this year. We go out and race the track and do our best not to beat ourselves. I think that’s a great way to approach NHRA drag racing.”
Massey is coming off a semifinals finish at the first race of the grueling “Western Swing” where the NHRA tour stops at Denver, Sonoma, Calif., and near Seattle in three consecutive weeks.
Last weekend at Sonoma, the FRAM/Prestone team was the No. 1 qualifier before losing in the semifinals to Brandon Bernstein.
“We were extremely happy with how our first race in this new Don Schumacher Racing-built chassis went. We can’t wait to get back to sea-level (at Sonoma) and let it loose and see how fast this FRAM dragster can really go.
“I can’t give enough credit to the boys back in the shop at DSR. They did a fantastic job, just as they always do, and we were very pleased with the performance so far.”
Massey is hoping his new chassis will bring extra luck this weekend in Northern California.
“For whatever reason, Sonoma hasn’t been too good to me in the past. We’re looking to change that completely. I think this car might just do that.”
Massey qualified second and was eliminated in the second round at Sonoma a year ago.
“Right now our main goal is to go rounds and get wins. That’s the key. Getting round wins and racking up points.”
Massey remains the Top Fuel points leader ahead of his two teammates Antron Brown, who moved up to second after winning the title Sunday, and Tony Schumacher.

SPENCER MASSEY: FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel DSR dragster
Career at Sonoma: Wins 0; runner-ups 0; poles 0
2011 at Sonoma: Qualified No. 2; lost in second round to Del Worsham.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE TOP FUEL STANDINGS
(unofficial through Denver; DSR drivers in CAPS)
1. SPENCER MASSEY, 1,071
2. ANTRON BROWN, 1,060
3. TONY SCHUMACHER, 990
4. Steve Torrence, 950
5. Morgan Lucas, 762
6. Doug Kalitta, 744
7. Shawn Langdon, 685
8. Brandon Bernstein, 661
9. David Grubnic, 625
10. Bob Vandergriff, 568