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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe magic happened when the Placentia, California-based driver recorded a quarter-mile time of 5.33 seconds at 281.42 MPH, eclipsing the National Record in Top Alcohol Funny Car. The run surpassed the team\u2019s, and Bellemeur\u2019s, previous record of 5.352 seconds. Additionally, it was the first time in NHRA history that a Top Alcohol Funny Car exceeded 280 MPH and the first time a Nitro Injected Top Alcohol Funny Car has won an event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe went into the weekend knowing that there were going to be a lot of eyes on us,\u201d Bellemeur said. \u201cThe end goal is to turn on win lights. Steve (Boggs, tuner) and the team did what we had to do to get those win lights this weekend. It was neat to lay down a good pass last night and keep the record we had but improve on it a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Nitro Injected car is such a different animal. In the middle of the track, it just flies. It really gets out there. The best way I can describe it is it gets weird, and I just hang on and stay with it. I am learning the weird.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team rolled out the all-new \u201cBlack Pearl\u201d in testing two weeks ago at Gainesville and posted an unofficial time of 5.28 seconds at 283 MPH. The team backed up that time this evening under official sanction to set the new class record. The Steve Boggs-tuned car makes history by being the first Top Alcohol Funny Car to go over the 280 MPH mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe car is so different than the alcohol car,\u201d Bellemeur continued. \u201cIt leaves soft and then gets about 150 feet out, wakes up, and lets you know who\u2019s in charge. You must be ready because there are a lot of different things going on. From a driving standpoint, it is hard to cut a light. I am learning. Steve told me, \u2018You\u2019re cutting good lights; just let the car respond to the tune-up.\u2019 We\u2019ve got a lot of guys on this team who have experience with nitro over the years. As new as this whole program is, it is a big benefit to have a lot of seasoned veterans around to smooth the transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are so many unknowns with this Nitro Injected car that to turn on win lights early is just good momentum moving forward. We are starting to establish a baseline with the \u2018Black Pearl.\u2019 We will keep our heads down and stay focused. We will see how the cards fall, stay focused, and turn on win lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks to Tony Bartone for believing in Steve and the team and building this new car. Thanks to the crew: Troy Green, Nick Stoms, Justin Taylor, Garret Bateman, Brian Gawlik, Lauren McMaster, and Matt Krebs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team would like to thank team sponsors Red Line Synthetic Oil, Roger Dean Chevrolet, Talon Air, LLC, NGK Spark Plugs, and Mastercam, along with product sponsors Simpson Performance Products and Taylor Motorsports Products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n