Rapisarda Autosport International’s 2016 U.S. Nationals campaign ended in heartbreak when they were bumped from the field by NHRA veteran Terry McMillen by .002 sec. in the final qualifying session for the 62 nd Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis.
“It was a disappointing way to end our weekend,” said team driver Wayne Newby. On our first run of the day the car spun the tyres off the line then smoked the tyres 1.5 seconds into the run, after quick pedal, we ran a 4.46/480 km/h and were in 16th place.
“In the final session, we watched McMillen go down the track and run a 3.89 to bump our car out of the field. We were confident of running faster and regaining our spot however our chances disappeared when we dropped a cylinder early in the run.”
“The team gave it their best shot,” according to team owner Santo Rapisarda. “We knew it was going to be a challenge to come over and race at Indy. I’m proud of my boys Santo Jnr and Santino and all the team. We learnt a lot over the weekend and the team can hold their heads high.”
