Brown Charlotte II final report

ANTRON BROWN GRABS SIXTH WIN OF YEAR TAKES OVER COUNTDOWN POINTS LEAD

Antron Brown, Matco Tools Dragster

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

CONCORD, N.C., Sept. 18, 2011 – Antron Brown, aboard his Aaron’s Dream Machine/Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster, collected his sixth win of the season here Sunday in the fourth annual NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

The New Jersey native took out his Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Spencer Massey, in the final round with an impressive 3.784-second pass at 325.14 miles per hour. It was also his third consecutive victory.

“This is just awesome,” said an elated Brown, who moved into first-place in the Countdown to the Championship standings. “We’ve had an unbelievable car the last few races. I can’t say enough about my guys – they are all working so hard to make us a world-championship contender.”

After qualifying fifth, Brown marched through the likes of T.J. Zizzo, Bob Vandergriff and his other Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Tony Schumacher, to set up the meeting with Massey.

“Every race is tough, but when you are racing your teammates you know you are really in for a whale of a fight,” offered Brown. “We knew we had to take a big swing at it against Tony. They were running extremely well all weekend. Fortunately, we were able to just slide by him.”

Brown posted a 3.795-second blast at 322.73 mph to Schumacher’s 3.802-second run at 320.05 mph. In the finals, Massey’s tires shook and he had his engine pop.

“Had Spencer stayed clean the whole way, it would have been a great drag race,” said Brown. “I’m sure we’ll see plenty more of both Tony and Spencer in the coming races.”

In fact, Brown and his teammates will convene at the Texas Motorplex next weekend outside of Dallas for the 26th-annual AAA Texas Fall Nationals. It is the second of three straight races for the NHRA tour.

“This is an important stretch for everyone,” related Brown. “We need to keep our heads down and remain focused. We know there’s still plenty of racing left.” ###