SONOMA, California: Team chemistry is a vital part of any successful team regardless of the sport. And for Khalid alBalooshi and his Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel team, the two-time World Championship team owned by Sheikh Khalid Hamad Al Thani, team chemistry is playing a very important role in the team’s success.
This weekend’s 26th annual Sonoma NHRA Nationals, the 15th of 24 races making up the United States’ NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, is the second race of the grueling NHRA “Western Swing,” races in Denver, Colorado, Sonoma, California and Seattle Washington on three consecutive weekends.
Qualifying is set for tomorrow and Saturday with eliminations scheduled for Sunday.
AlBalooshi is enjoying his second season in the Al-Anabi Top Fuel car way more than his first. Despite last week’s first-round loss, alBalooshi is enjoying a successful season.
He has won 16 rounds of racing so far, and that is two more round wins than his total round wins last year.
With a win, two final rounds and two semifinal appearances, alBalooshi is a strong fourth place in points and inching closer and closer towards the top of the standings.
AlBalooshi said: “Our Al-Anabi car was one of the best of the show last week in Denver.”
He added: “We made some very good runs including when we lost in the first round, but I am excited to get to Sonoma this week so we can start finding our luck again. I feel that things are very good for us this season; our bad luck from last year is gone. This year, the crew guys know me, and I know them. I know what my crew chief is doing, and he knows what I am doing in the car. Everybody knows each other now; we are good together.”
AlBalooshi and the gold Al-Anabi team debuted a new car a few races ago, and they are refining its tune-up in preparation for the final four races.
Improved communication is helping this team make great strides as the season begins to draw to a close.
THE PENINSULA
