{"id":7900,"date":"2017-03-27T20:26:26","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T01:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=7900"},"modified":"2017-03-27T20:26:26","modified_gmt":"2017-03-28T01:26:26","slug":"top-fuel-veteran-clay-millican-remains-confident-going-into-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-nationals-at-las-vegas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2017\/03\/27\/top-fuel-veteran-clay-millican-remains-confident-going-into-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-nationals-at-las-vegas\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Fuel veteran Clay Millican remains confident going into DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

LAS VEGAS \u2013 Clay Millican is still trying to chase down that elusive first NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series victory, but a new approach and a team entering its third year together has provided a recipe Millican believes will lead to a win sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As for how soon, Millican is confident it won\u2019t be long in his 10,000-horsepower Great Clips\/Parts Plus dragster, and perhaps as quickly as this weekend\u2019s 18th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think a win is right around the corner,\u201d said Millican, who has eight career finals appearances. \u201cIt\u2019s just a matter of when we\u2019re supposed to win. Every weekend we go, I think it\u2019s going to be the weekend. I really feel like we can get a win. This is our third year with this group and I think it\u2019s the best group of people working on this car this team has ever had. They looked like they were in mid-season form after the first test session. They know what they\u2019re doing and they\u2019re not second-guessing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) were last year\u2019s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including three hours of live finals coverage starting at 6 p.m. (ET) on Sunday. The first of two annual stops in the high-stakes city is the fourth of 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events during the 2017 season, and Millican enters the race ninth in points after falling in the second round to eventual winner and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher at the most recent race in Gainesville, Fla.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Millican has grabbed round wins at each of the past two events this season, but after posting a career-best run of 3.689 at 328.38 mph at the fall race in Vegas last year, there\u2019s been an early-season shift for crew chief David Grubnic and Millican\u2019s team. The performance is still there \u2013 Millican ran 3.71 in Phoenix \u2013 but Millican believes a different focus will have a payoff throughout the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think our goal this year has been to try to find some consistency,\u201d Millican said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t miss the mark too much at Gainesville and went down the track five out of six runs, which is fantastic. We\u2019re going to try to maintain that without giving away a ton of performance. I feel like our chances of winning are way better the more you go down the racetrack. Plus, the more runs you make down the track, the more information you get for when you do you need to push it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Millican hopes that balance allows his team to end up in the winner\u2019s circle on Sunday. Getting that first victory will be difficult facing off against a loaded field that includes points leader and two-time 2017 winner Leah Pritchett, three-time defending world champ Brown, Schumacher, Doug Kalitta and Brittany Force. No matter the outcome, you will surely find Millican with a smile on his face all weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in a final round there and we run well there,\u201d Millican said. \u201cThis first (Las Vegas) race is especially fun because it\u2019s the DENSO (Spark Plugs NHRA) Nationals and we are the DENSO car. That makes it a lot of fun. I really enjoy the Vegas races and I really enjoy being around the DENSO people. As long we\u2019re talking about what we do as a race team, I can talk all day long. When it comes to talking racing, I can talk with the best of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexis DeJoria\u2019s Funny Car win was her second in three years at the track, but she\u2019ll have to contend with two-time 2017 winner Matt Hagan, Gainesville winner John Force and defending world champ Ron Capps, a five-time Vegas winner.<\/p>\n

Jason Line\u2019s dominant start to last season in Pro Stock that included a victory at the facility, ended with a world title. The event also features the highly-anticipated K&N Horsepower Challenge for eight top Pro Stock drivers. Greg Anderson is the defending winner, earning a $50,000 paycheck last year.<\/p>\n

Thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series is also on the bill and after nitro qualifying, fans can watch the spectacular Muy Caliente Racing jet dragsters sponsored by Lucas Oil. Jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.<\/p>\n

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers with an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.<\/p>\n

Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 1, at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 2.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/a>. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

DENSO SPARK PLUGS NHRA NATIONALS<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

WHAT:<\/u><\/b>                 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The 18th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals, the fourth of 24 events in the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock – earn points leading to 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The race also will feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

WHERE:<\/u><\/b>               <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas. Track is located approximately 15 miles north of downtown Las Vegas off Interstate 15.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

WHEN:<\/u><\/b>                <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Friday through Sunday, March 31-April 1<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

SCHEDULE:<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

FRIDAY, March 31 –<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

               <\/p>\n

LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 2 and 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

SATURDAY, April 1-<\/b>                <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:40 and 4:05 p.m.<\/p>\n

K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE at 1:30, 4 and 5 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

SUNDAY, April 2 –<\/b>                <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Pre-race ceremonies, 11:15 a.m.<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at noon<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TELEVISION: <\/u>     <\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

SUNDAY, April 2, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage at 6 p.m. (ET)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

2016 EVENT WINNERS:<\/u><\/b>          <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Antron Brown, Top Fuel; Alexis DeJoria, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock; Anderson, K&N Horsepower Challenge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

John Force, 6, FC: Larry Dixon, 4, TF; Tony Schumacher, 4, TF; Antron Brown, 3, TF: Robert Hight, 3, FC; Greg Anderson, 3, PS; Jeg Coughlin, 3, PS; Kenny Bernstein, 2, TF; John Force, 2, FC; Cruz Pedregon, 2, FC; Mike Edwards, 2, PS; Erica Enders, 2, PS; Allen Johnson, 2, PS.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

 <\/td>\n\n

 <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

MOST K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE VICTORIES:<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Greg Anderson, 5; Kurt Johnson, 4; Jeg Coughlin, 3; Bob Glidden, 3; Warren Johnson, 3; Larry Morgan, 3; Bruce Allen, 2; Erica Enders, 2; Allen Johnson, 2; Jim Yates, 2<\/p>\n

 <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Top Fuel – 3.689 sec. by Steve Torrence, Oct. \u201916 and 332.67 mph by Shawn Langdon, Oct. \u201915.                            <\/p>\n

Funny Car – 3.871 sec. by Jack Beckman, Oct. \u201916 and 331.94 mph by John Force, Oct. \u201916.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock – 6.559 sec. and 210.28 mph by Erica Enders, Oct. \u201915.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

 <\/td>\n\n

 <\/u><\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/u><\/b>           <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Top Fuel – 3.658 sec. by Leah Pritchett, Feb. \u201817, Phoenix; 332.75 mph by Spencer Massey, Aug. \u201915, Brainerd, Minn.<\/p>\n

Funny Car – 3.822 by Matt Hagan, Aug. \u201916, Brainerd, Minn.; 335.57 mph by Hagan, May \u201916, Topeka, Kan.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.; 215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201914, Englishtown N.J.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

TICKETS:<\/u><\/b>             <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 For tickets call (800) 644-4444. Tickets also available online at www.lvms.com\/tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA LAS VEGAS \u2013 Clay Millican is still trying to chase down that elusive first NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series victory, but a new approach and a team entering its third year together has provided a recipe Millican believes will lead to a win sooner rather than later. As for how […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[130,123,6],"class_list":["post-7900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-clay-millican","tag-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-nationals","tag-nhra"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_0242.jpg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-23q","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7900"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7904,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7900\/revisions\/7904"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}