Massey to start 13th in 4-wide Nationals

April 16

Spencer Massey, who pilots the FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel dragster, will come out of the 13th starting position here Sunday in the 2nd annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Holding fifth in the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel points upon his arrival in North Carolina, Massey used a 3.881-second trip at 317.72 miles per hour on Friday to nail down a slot in the 16-car field. 

“Obviously, we’re disappointed and feel we could have done better,” said the Fort Worth native about the qualifying effort. “We would have preferred to be in the top half of the field. But, we still feel good about tomorrow’s race. We think we’re the best among the cars we’re matched up with.”

Massey will line up next to Doug Kalitta, Brandon Bernstein and Bob Vandergriff, Jr. in the opening round of final eliminations beginning at noon EDT. The top two will advance to the second round.

“We found some things we’re going to change,” added Massey. “We certainly think we’ll have enough to go the distance.”

This is Massey’s first year with the Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) organization following a season without a full-time NHRA ride.

“I’m definitely thrilled to be here,” he said. “Everyone at DSR is so great to work with. It’s a first-class operation from top to bottom.”

 The eliminations will be aired beginning at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN2/ESPN2HD.