Veteran Top Fuel pilot Cory McClenathan, who has been without a ride this season for the first time in his professional career, will return to racing this weekend at the NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka. McClenathan will wheel the Dexter Tuttle-owned Colorfast dragster, of which the seat was vacated following the Atlanta event last weekend by Steve Torrence, who has opted to start his own team.
“I got the call from Dexter Monday morning asking if I wanted to drive his car in Topeka,” McClenathan said in an NHRA.com interview. “Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. Dexter’s car has everything it takes to run well and compete with anyone out there. I’ve had a tough time watching from the sidelines this season, but now I guess it’s time to get off the bench and get back on the field. I’m really excited.”
The thirty-four time national event winner finished third in the point standings last season driving for Don Schumacher Racing and has been tirelessly searching for a new ride in recent months. The opportunity to drive for Tuttle is a one-race deal at this point, but Cory hopes to make the best of it with a strong outing in Topeka.
“Everyone knows I don’t take losing well,” McClenathan said. “I’m a fierce competitor, and so is Dexter, so we obviously will be trying to win the race. I still live by my motto, ‘I play to win,’ and I have no desire to just show up to drive for the fun of it. That being said, I’m also realistic, and if we can qualify in the top half of the field and go a few rounds, I would consider it a successful weekend.”
You might also like
Barn Find Beauty: Mike Martyn’s 4,000-HP LDR ’65 Mustang Fastback
Mike Martyn spent seven years building a stunning showpiece, his LDR-legal 1965 Ford Mustang fastback, that wins on track and at car shows.
