Hernandez has Plans for Record Runs in Joliet

Joliet, IL. – With an impressive final round appearance at his last drag racing event, Joshua Hernandez, driver of Tommy Lipar Racing's supercharged 1957 Chevy, is extremely confident about his scheduled performance in the 8th Annual Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL this weekend.

"I have no doubt that this Dr. Moon's Rage car can perform quickly and consistently this weekend," Hernandez said.

"Howard [Moon, Crew Chief] had things so dialed-in when we raced in Georgia a couple of weeks ago – he was almost psychic in the way he could read what the track would hold and then make the car fly. We ran incredibly consistently – and it got us to the final round. I was disappointed we didn’t get the win there, but we are always advancing and learning. That ADRL race was just another step in our season, working our way to more and more successes.

"I’ve said it before – for me, racing is all about competition, and I know you don't always come out on top," Hernandez explained. "This team is the very best, and I know that the Chicago track is awesome, so, we’re looking forward to some really impressive numbers."

Hernandez and the Century Asphalt Materials-sponsored team has had great success this year, winning the NHRA O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston at the beginning of the year, earning the runner-up rights at Valdosta, Georgia in the ADRL Dragpalooza, and qualifying strongly at every other event this season.

"This track is always in great shape, and if the weather holds out, I know we’ll see some record runs in just about every class," Hernandez said.

Along with the exciting AMS/TLR Pro Modified Challenge, the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals features professional drag racing in Top-Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, as well as sportsman contests in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, Competition Eliminator, Super Gas, Super Stock and Stock classes.

AMS Pro Mod qualifying is scheduled on Friday, June 10 at 3:00 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. The final qualifying session is slated for Saturday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m., and the first round of eliminations is scheduled for and 5:00 p.m. Final eliminations commence on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and run throughout the day.

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