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closeDoug Herbert wins Top Fuel
Victory dedicated to memory of sons
DAVID POOLE
The Charlotte Observer
Sunday, Jun. 29, 2008
Doug Herbert hugs daughter Jessie after winning Top Fuel at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio. (AP Photo/Auto Imagery Inc.)
Doug Herbert knew he'd need all he had to beat Brandon Bernstein on Sunday to win the Top Fuel final in the National Hot Rod Association's Summit Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.
"I just had to really dig down and pull out everything I had," Herbert said. "It just meant so much to me."
Herbert found enough, using a .018 reaction time to get a hole-shot and earn his first victory of the season. It was Herbert's first win since his two sons, James and Jon, died in an automobile crash in Cornelius, N.C., on Jan. 26.
Herbert continued racing after the tragedy, calling his Lincolnton-based team's 2008 season his "For My Boys" tour. He has also helped form an organization called BRAKES, which stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe, to promote safe driving by teens.
"I just really want to make them proud of me," Herbert said in telephone interview after his victory Sunday. "I think today they are. I am not a quitter. I am persistent and I just keep going after it."
Herbert had a 4.63 elapsed time and a top-end speed of 311.70 mph in the final against Bernstein, who ran 4.61 and 313.58 mph. The advantage Herbert got with his fast start held up.
e had a good-luck charm with him for the race. His daughter, Jessie, was at Norwalk attending her first race this year.
"It felt great," Herbert said. "I felt like a winner today and we proved we are. It felt awesome to have Jessie here this week. ...We did a lot of thinking about her brothers today, and I'm sure they were riding with me on that final-round win."
Herbert defeated Tory Buff, Dave Grubnic and No. 1 qualifier Rod Fuller en route to the final against Bernstein.
"I have high expectations for the year and I just wanted to win for my team," Herbert said. "I think you fall into a groove when you win. Winning just kind of feeds on itself. Now we've all won as a team together. It's just a great feeling."
Greg Anderson, whose Pro Stock team is based in Mooresville, also got a victory Sunday, the 55th of his career. He defeated Larry Morgan in the final.
Tony Pedregon defeated Robert Hight to win in Funny Car and Hector Arana, an 18-year-veteran who had finished second twice in 149 career starts, got his first victory in Pro Stock Motorcycles.