Arend's win highlights Memphis on Monday; Lucas, Line, Phillips also shine
Jeff Arend scored an emotional win in Funny Car and Morgan Lucas, Jason, Line, and Michael Phillips all boosted their championship hopes with victories at the rain-delayed conclusion to the 22nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.
Arend, who was named to replace the late Scott Kalitta in midseason last year, last won in 1996 in Reading, Pa., where he defeated Tony Pedregon in the final, and it was Pedregon, gunning to close on the points leaders, who also was in the final round this time, but the results were the same. Lucas in Top Fuel, Line in Pro Stock, and Phillips in Pro Stock Motorcycle used huge wins to jump to fifth, second, and third, respectively, as the six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs reached their midpoint. Eliminations, which were canceled Sunday due to persistent rain, began an hour late Monday but finished with a fury in front of a weary but thrilled crowd.
Arend, who was named to replace the late Scott Kalitta in midseason last year, last won in 1996 in Reading, Pa., where he defeated Tony Pedregon in the final, and it was Pedregon, gunning to close on the points leaders, who also was in the final round this time, but the results were the same. Lucas in Top Fuel, Line in Pro Stock, and Phillips in Pro Stock Motorcycle used huge wins to jump to fifth, second, and third, respectively, as the six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs reached their midpoint. Eliminations, which were canceled Sunday due to persistent rain, began an hour late Monday but finished with a fury in front of a weary but thrilled crowd.
