Drag Illustrated Issue 166, March 2021 | Page 74

potential the engine program has .
“ We were really far , far behind and those engines produce really good power ,” Fernando Jr . said . “ They make us look like superstars . I ’ m thankful for them and everyone who has helped out . We couldn ’ t have asked for anything else .”
Fernando Sr . beamed about the camaraderie in the class as well , starting with Delco and continuing down the ranks . It made a difference in Orlando and it also spoke of the quality of characters in the class . Lastly , he couldn ’ t have been more grateful with the work Iaconio has already done with their team .
“ You don ’ t see this in other sports . Jealousy doesn ’ t exist in this sport ,” Fernando Sr . said . “ We needed parts , and we got it from another team . Greg Anderson and that team , it ’ s an outstanding team . The [ youth in the class ] is coming back and it ’ s going to help tremendously .
“ We appreciate all the people working in this program . The nice part of this weekend is we started from behind , almost a tenth apart . But they never give up . Frank kept an eye on the details and we changed a couple of things and , bingo , it woke up the engines .”
Succeeding in a pair of Mustangs was also significant , especially for the continued health of the
CRISTIAN CUADRA FINISHED AS RUNNER-UP TO HIS BROTHER IN ORLANDO , PUTTING TOGETHER A STANDOUT WEEKEND , INCLUDING A STELLAR . 001 REACTION TIME IN AN UPSET WIN AGAINST ERICA ENDERS IN THE SEMIFINALS .
Pro Stock class , and that part was also meaningful to the Cuadra family .
While Anderson and Enders were brilliant all weekend , the Cuadras performed like seasoned veterans in the clutch as well , and now they get to enjoy a moment that will last forever . Both are part of a stellar youth movement in Pro Stock , bringing plenty of future promise to a class that is as healthy as it ’ s been in years .
Of course , the future proved to be now for Fernando Jr ., who already has a spot in mind for the massive $ 75,000 winner ’ s check he received in the winner ’ s circle .
“ That check , I ’ m going to hang it on my ceiling in my bedroom so every time I go to sleep I ’ m going to see it ,” Fernando Jr . said . “ Thank you to everybody who put together this event . It was outstanding – the best event ever .” DI
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