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After a strong semi-final finish at the Pro Top Outlaw Dragster Race at the Dorchester Dragway South Carolina on July 3rd, Sheldon and his entire Methanex/Total Lubricants sponsored race team headed to the NHRA Lucas Oil Raceway Indianapolis Indiana for the July 8th NAPA Friday Nite Rage presented by VP Fuels. This raceway is home to the largest and most prestigious drag race in the world- The NHRA US Nationals.
Sheldon has always wanted to race at this facility since the beginning of his racing career. On arrival, he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of such a top class and professionally run operation. It was clear that all the track officials were well trained to the highest level possible and the equipment, safety and track preparation was the best the team has ever seen.
Sheldon was allowed to make two test passes in the Methanex Dragster prior to the two qualifying rounds. The passes generated adequate tuning data in preparation for qualifying. Track and weather conditions are different for every track so new tuning data is required at every race. The evaluation of this data for tuning decisions is a critical factor for winning races. Sheldon’s crew chief Aaron Sipple of Ironman Chassis, is considered to be one of the best when it comes to data evaluation and tuning.
After two qualifying sessions, Sheldon grabbed the no.2 qualifying spot. In the semi final round, Sheldon was up against veteran racer Mark Mcelwee. This was a close race but Sheldon got the edge reaching the finish line first to take the win with a time of 4.00 seconds at 190MPH against Mcelwee’s losing time of 4.05.
The big shootout of the event was the finals where Sheldon was up against the well known no.1 qualifier Eddie Carecia. The big win for Sheldon at Indy came when Carecia in his attempt to react faster than Sheldon caused him to leave before the starting lights was activated giving the Ultimate Dragster win to Sheldon and the Methanex /Total Lubricants team. Sheldon also reset the Ultimate Dragster speed record with a trap speed of 190MPH.
Winning a big race at their first time at Indy will always be remembered as a career highlight for Sheldon his team and Trinidad Tobago.
The Trinidad Rocket Sheldon Bissessar and the Party Time Racing Team would like to thank their sponsors Methanex, Total Lubricants, VP Racing fuels, The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and PSTL.
