Will blasts to No. 3 in Pomona

Behind the wheel of the Tom Conway-owned dragster, Will ran consistently throughout qualifying, running a 5.300, a 5.319 and her personal best mark of 5.268 seconds.

"It's hard to stop smiling," Will said after her final qualifying run. "I really love working with this team - everyone is so easy to work with, and we all get along great. Tom is amazing, and it's obvious how he earned his World Champion status - it really shows in how he tunes the car.

"We've been running great since we got here, keeping our momentum from the Divisional at Las Vegas. I'm anxious to get into eliminations and see the win light come on again. The weather should be similar tomorrow and Sunday as it was today, so we should have a really good setup for the rest of the weekend."

Throughout her last three events, Will has enthusiastically been learning about the importance of simple health screenings and the Get Screened America initiative. Having grown up with a mother who is a registered nurse, Will has always been health-conscious and focused on physical fitness. She is a former gymnast as well as a collegiate springboard diver, and claims hobbies of running and kickboxing.

"Taking care of myself has always just been second-nature to me, but by being involved with Roger Burgess and Get Screened America, I've really learned about the importance simple health screening. It can save your life," she said.

Will is also racing to bring awareness to Operation Holiday Hope, a charity whose goal is to raise money for children in the inner city who live in poverty. All funds raised buy gifts for kids whose parents are not be able to afford to buy them Christmas and holiday presents.

"I've seen firsthand the hope and love that this organization provides for these kids who need it. They help put smiles on a lot of faces. This means a lot to me, and I want to give back. Helping to raise money for Operation Holiday Hope is just one way I know how," Will said.

Will is slated to face Brian Smith when eliminations begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday.


ROUND BY ROUND
Q1: 5.300 at 271.35, #2
Q2: 5.319 at 270.54, #4
Q3: 5.268 at 273.05, #3