Consistency the key for Hagan going into Sunday's eliminations at Brainerd

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2012) - Consistency is key for Matt Hagan and the Mopar/Aaron's Dream Machine group. They're all hoping that's the key that opens the door to a place in the Countdown to the Championship where they could defend their 2011 Funny Car championship.

Matt Hagan

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

Hagan and the team have made strides during the last three events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series tour and conditions for Sunday's eliminations are shaping up to be the kind of weather when crew chief Tommy DeLago thrives.

"It's going to be fast out there tomorrow," Hagan said. "Tommy can throw down. I'll definitely need to pull my belts down tight and get up on the steering wheel and cut a good light."

Hagan has confidence and momentum on his side thanks to three out of four solid qualifying efforts at the Minnesota track. This weekend follows championship round appearance at the last two Full Throttle events that has moved Hagan to 11th in points.

"We've had a pretty consistent race car. We've got down the track really well on three out of four qualifying runs. That's a plus.

"It's been running down the track on all eight cylinders and it's handling well. It's a little challenging out there once you get off the (concrete), it's really trying to spin the tires but I think everyone has been challenged by that this weekend."

It may have been a challenge but it's one that DeLago has made look easy. "I think Tommy has a handle on the car and I really feel good about it. He seems to be very comfortable and fitting into this tune-up. He can start getting aggressive with some stuff."

Hagan noted that the past events have been a learning experience for DeLago, who made multiple changes on the Mopar/Aarons' Dream Machine Dodge Charger R/T.

"Here in the last couple of races he's just been getting used to the changes we've made. Now you may see some of the old Tommy DeLago come back out and get aggressive with a tune-up that responds to his changes.

"I'm really looking forward to race day tomorrow."

Source: Don Schumacher Racing