Connolly returns to Pro Stock action with Industrial Distribution Group
(8-31-2012) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Twenty-two time Pro Stock winner Dave Connolly will get back behind the wheel for Industrial Distribution Group (IDG) at this weekend's 58th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway.
Connolly will be a busy man in Indy, as he'll also drive the Berger Chevrolet GoPro COPO Camaro, in the Stock Eliminator class, in addition to his usual duties serving as crew chief alongside Tommy Utt for Pro Stock's hottest driver, Erica Enders.
"It's going to be a fun weekend," Connolly said. "We're going from not having a single ride to racing two cars this weekend. We went to Rockingham and tested the Pro Stock car and the Berger Chevy GoPro Stocker, and they both ran well. It won't be an issue as to whether we have good cars or not - it just depends on the driver and the crew at this point."
Connolly, a 26-time NHRA national-event winner, last raced earlier this year at Royal Purple Raceway in Houston, reaching the final round in his second Pro Stock race of the season. Plus, Connolly is a two-time winner of "The Big Go," racing to Indy's victory lane in 2007 and 2008.
The 2008 event was the last time Connolly race at Indy, meaning he is still a defending champion of sorts.
"Indy's always been special," Connolly said. "The last two times we entered in Pro Stock we did come out of there with a win. We're going to try to keep that streak alive and do it again this year."
Connolly will serve as a teammate to Enders, winner of three of the last six Pro Stock races - including the last two.
"IDG is fully engaged here at Indy," said President and CEO Charlie Lingenfelter. "We have customers, suppliers and our sales associates involved in this event. We are all excited to be here with a team the caliber of Cagnazzi Racing and a driver with the skills of Dave Connolly. With this winning combination we are expecting great results."
Connolly may be facing a hectic weekend, but the goal doesn't change.
"It doesn't matter if I'm running Stock or Pro Stock, we want to win," Connolly said. "We've got two shots at winning now instead of one."
Winning the U.S. Nationals a third time would be a tremendous accomplishment, but Connolly is approaching it as any other race.
"Everybody puts so much pressure on Indy," Connolly said. "But you're still racing against the same guys, the track conditions and everything else. There's enough on our plate to worry about, rather than what race it is. I don't look at it as any different. We're just going to try to win each round one by one."
The first goal is to simply get in the field, as 31 Pro Stock cars are entered.
"It's probably the biggest Pro Stock field we've had in a while. It's something to look forward to and should make for a great show. Hopefully, the hurricane doesn't come to Indy. Just to be driving again is exciting for me."
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