Massey hunts for third-consecutive win this weekend
The Fort Worth native and resident, who lost his ride following a rookie-of-the-year 2009 season when his team lost its sponsorship – like his basketball compatriots – is living a dream in 2011 driving the FRAM/Prestone Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing.
“It’s unbelievable," said the 28-year-old who comes into this weekend’s race holding second place in the Top Fuel standings. “Driving a dragster is what I always dreamed of doing and driving for this organization, with this great FRAM team, is beyond even my wildest expectations.
“With this team, there was always a possibility of getting on a roll and doing well, but this has been fantastic. I’m trying not to think about it, just want to continue doing my job.
“When you first drive a dragster, you dream about winning a national event. When you win a national event, then you dream about winning a championship. Thanks to this great FRAM/Prestone team in the Don Schumacher organization, I think the dream could become a reality."
Consistency has been a key to the FRAM/Prestone car’s success, now having gone 23 consecutive rounds (qualifying and eliminations) without smoking the tires.
“For any nitro team – dragster or Funny Car – to go A-to-B that many rounds in a row is hard to fathom – and to also say we’ve won the last two races in a row – is just out of control," said Massey. “It’s been so long, I’m waiting to smoke the tires, almost want to in a Saturday qualifying session (after a solid qualifying run on a Friday night), to get it out of the way.
“And, honestly, I have little to do with it. It’s the guys – led by Todd and Phil (Okuhara and Shuler, co-crew chiefs) – who do the work and prepare the car. My job is to get in, step on the gas, get a good (starting) light and not screw up."
There have not been any “screw ups" for the past three races, going back to the first qualifying round in Atlanta. He left that race in fifth place and has risen to second on the strength of the consecutive victories.
“I’m just living my dream," he said. “I hope to continue the good times in Bristol and erase the memories from 2009 when I did not qualify. I’m confident we’ll get in this time.
“Life is good right now. We’re winning and the Mavs won – and thanks to them, I’m $100 richer after winning my bet with Todd and Phil on the NBA Finals That was awesome!"
SCHEDULE:
Friday, June 17 – Full Throttle Series nitro qualifying 6:30 and 9 p.m. ET.
Saturday, June 18 – Full Throttle Series nitro qualifying 1 and 3:30 p.m. ET.
Sunday, June 19 – Pre-race ceremonies noon; Full Throttle Series eliminations begin at 1 p.m. ET
TELEVISION:
Saturday, June 18 – ESPN2/ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights 7-9 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 19 – ESPN2/ESPN2HD will televise two and a half hours of eliminations coverage 4:30-7 p.m. ET