Austin Prock, the most celebrated new driver in the NHRA Top Fuel class since Antron Brown switched from the bikes in 2008, will make his first start Sunday.
As the No. 11 qualifier, the 23-year-old John Force Racing driver of the Rocky Mountain Twist Dragster will line up in Sunday’s eliminations of the Lucas Oil Winternationals against a familiar opponent in Round 1 – No. 4 starter Brittany Force.
Prock used to be a crew member for the 2017 Top Fuel champion. For about four seconds Sunday he’ll be an enemy.
The rookie said he hasn’t experienced any jitters yet, and it was clear when he did a little ribbing already of the reigning and seemingly unstoppable champion, Steve Torrence. They ran side by side Friday in the second of four total qualifying chances.
“We got out at the end [of the racetrack],” Torrence said. “Austin looks over at me and he goes, ‘I’m coming for you.’ I said, ‘Wait a minute – you’ve made two passes so far.’” They compared reaction times, and Prock, indeed, had launched first off the starting line. Prock repeated his only-half-mocking warning.
“I was just messing around with Steve,” Prock said, grinning. “We’re all family out here. It’s nice to throw a jab at your buddy every now and then. He’s probably going to leave a lot more on me than I am on him. But for my second run out there, to leave on him, that was pretty damn cool for myself.”
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