Jeff Arend: Fill-In Driver of the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car
Qualified:
No. 10 (3.930 E.T. at 317.19 MPH)
The Results:
E1: 3.971 E.T. at 314.97 MPH defeated Matt Hagan 6.367 E.T. at 118.41 MPH
E2: 3.979 E.T. at 323.97 MPH defeated by Courtney Force 3.922 E.T. at 319.75 MPH
Quotable:
Jeff Arend, Driver
First and foremost, I’d like to thank Alexis and the Kalitta team for allowing me this opportunity. We came into the race today having made only one full run, and I think it was like my third full run of the season, so I really didn’t have a ton of experience this year. Winning the first round against Hagan was really big. After that, everything that happened I kind of considered to be icing on the cake. We gave Courtney a good run in round two. We just didn’t have enough runs for someone like me with a heavier body to really dial it in to the high 80s or low 90s, but overall I would call this an A+ weekend. I had a great time with everyone, I’ve known these guys for a long time. My wife and daughter came out today and it was nice to have their support.
Note: Jeff Arend was a substitute driver for Tequila Patrón Funny Car pilot Alexis DeJoria while she recovers from a racing-related concussion. DeJoria is scheduled to return to NHRA competition at the 2017 Circle K NHRA Winternationals.
Photos courtesy of Gary Nastase Photography. Hi res images available upon request
About Tequila Patrón
From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patrón tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patrón has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about Patrón tequilas and liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com.