D'Aprile Encouraged after Texas Drags

[Brian C]

D'Aprile Encouraged after Texas Drags

(07-28-10) Port Charlotte FL - The ADRL UTI Texas Drags have been completed, and while Tommy D'Aprile didn't make it to the winners circle, It is still considered a good weekend by Tommy, and the crew. "We made some changes to the car between events and gained valuable information." D'Aprile said. The Mel Bush Motorsports team had decided to throw out the run in March that was made right before the electricity went down at the track, and take a chance with everyone else in the Pro Extreme Category on Friday morning. "We thought we might be able to better our position, it was a calculated risk, and it didn't quite work the way we wanted, but we were able to make the event as a alternate, and match up with Alex Hossler in the 1st round, and take the win in what was one of the closest races of the weekend for us." D'Aprile said.

In the second round of eliminations in the rained out event, the team matched up against Gene Hector, Hector left first then shook, and D'Aprile took the lead, only to get loose, and head towards the wall forcing him to let off, and letting Hector go around for the win. "I have to be happy that we were able to fight our way into the event, and make a couple passes that qualify us for the second event. This is a different scenario we find ourselves in with a rain out event and a second event from start to finish. we need to build up some points, to be in the top 8 and be able to make the Battle of the Belts at the end of the season."

In the second event of the weekend on Saturday D'Aprile and crew found themselves qualified in the #12 spot with a 3.91. "Half the battle in this class is making the field, there were 23 cars trying to make it into 16 spots. This team fights, and really never gives up, we are working out the bugs in the car"D'Aprile said. The team matched up against Mick Snyder in the 1st round of eliminations for the Saturday event. D'Aprile left the line with a 0.042 light to Snyders 0.080 and took the win when Snyder was forced to abort the run.

This set up D'Aprile to run against KH Al-Thani, in the second round of eliminations. "I had a problem with my seat belt, and was forced to step out of the car to fix it, when I came out my R3 caught the parachutes,Deploying them and forcing us to have to repack them before our run, I would like to personally thank KH Al Thani, Frank Manzo, Tim and Kim Richards and the whole Al Anabi team for showing patience and sportsmanship. ADRL and Team Al Anabi offered amazing patience and sportsmanship until we were ready to fire. From myself and Mel Bush Motorsports we applaud the character you showed and thank you so very much." D'APrile was able to run a 3.82 the fastest run of the weekend for the Mel Bush Motorsports team, but not quite enough to beat the 3.75 of Al-Thani.

"I am so proud to be a part of this team, I am the driver but the whole crew deserves the credit. Quain is doing a great job tuning this car, giving us all the ability to get this car down the track. We may not have taken a win yet, but I believe our day is coming, and I really think that we have all the tools in place to be able to make the Battle of the Belts. D'Aprile said.

Mel Bush Motorsports would like to thank:
Mel Bush and Sons Construction
NGK Spark Plugs
Racepak
Hoosier Tire

Picture courtesy of Roger Richards and Competitionplus.com