Mark Thomas takes the points lead at the ROCK!

By Randy Jackenheimer | Mark Thomas Racing

The Ethanol Dodge Avenger of the Mark Thomas Racing Team headed to The 35th Annual IHRA Spring Nationals at Rockingham presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol with renewed confidence and a determination to “have fun drag racing!” Thomas was the #2 qualifier with an ET of 5.825 seconds at 240.68 mph, set the event top speed at 241.37 mph, and took another Iron man home by repeating his win from last year as he defeated Melinda Green-King in this events final round of eliminations.

Thomas was strapped tightly into the Ethanol Avenger right behind Rob Atchison and could see the violent tire shake that Atchison experienced in the first round of eliminations. “My heart just started pounding!” said Thomas “as I thought about the huge window of opportunity that had just opened for us to gain points on Rob.” Thomas has a lot of respect for Atchison, but admits that if Rob gives him an opportunity to take points…he’s going to do it, and he knows that Rob will take any points Thomas gives away.

Thomas defeated Terry Monroe with a 5.801 at 241.37 mph in the first round of eliminations. Advancing to round two and eliminating Chris Foster with a 5.817 at 240.98 mph. Thomas then claimed the winner’s title after his victory over Green-King with a 5.859 at 240.38 mph. in the final round. The Ethanol Dodge Avenger ran flawlessly pass after pass. “We never had the heads off the car all weekend” said Mark, “How cool is that!” Thomas and his crew had a great time in Rockingham. Having taken over the points lead for the 2005 IHRA Pro Funny Car World Championship, Thomas and the entire crew are looking forward to the next race in Virginia to do their best to try and keep that lead.

 Read about the Season opening race in San Antonio