Mansfield Leads Pro Stock Record Assault during Friday Qualifying

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Rob Mansfield Leads Pro Stock Record Assault during Friday Qualifying
Courtesy of IHRA Communications
BUDDS CREEK, Md. --

Rob Mansfield

Fri, 24 Sep 2004, 11:39 PM The racing surface at Maryland International Raceway is famous for producing record runs just about every time the Hooters IHRA Drag racing Series comes to town, and the first session of qualifying for this weekend's 13th annual President's Cup Nationals was no exception.

Rob Mansfield, of Margate, Florida, led the assault, setting the bar with an impressive 6.48, 216.06 behind the wheel of his 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. His speed mark also bettered the IHRA World Record of 215.37 mph. Mansfield was followed by Pete Berner (6.492, 214.08) and Robert Patrick (6.500, 214.86). The bump spot is held down by local runner Tommy Franklin.

Mansfield makes his mark on IHRA Pro Stock

Welcome to the A-list - How does it feel to go from unknown to notoriety?
Rob Mansfield has gone from near obscurity to being the most chased man in IHRA Pro Stock. With three no. 1 qualifiers, a world record, semi-final and final round appearances in a very short amount of time, Mansfield is on his way to a prosperous career in pro racing.

The former Quick 8 and Outlaw racer has made the most of his short time on the circuit, but the pressure that comes with not only being the new kid on the block, but the new kid that happens to be kicking everyone else’s butt, hasn’t phased him in the least.

I’ve always wanted to race in pro stock, and I’m lucky that this team is working so well together so quickly,” Mansfield said.

For Mansfield, three wasn’t a charm, but perhaps four will have a special meaning. Although the rookie will have to wait until Rockingham for his next chance to win his first race, he stands solid that he won’t be relying on any good luck charms to guide him down the track.

I haven’t been doing this long enough to have those yet!”

Note to the rest of the Pro Stock field: Beware of Mansfield in 2005.