11:51 a.m. Following the pre race ceremonies, the second round of Top Fuel kicked off under another sunny sky.

 

On a bright and sunny Sunday morning Murphy heats the tires prior to his second round race with Mike McClennan.

McClennan had a huge jump on the tree and it took awhile for Murphy to reel him in.

 

Due to his tenth holeshot McClennan's 5.988 at 244.29 gave Murphy's 5.820 at 237.71 a run for its money. Murphy was almost too cautious on the lights in this one.

The car went through the complete maintenance program in preparation for their semi-final match-up with the low ET car of Brett Harris.

Murphy too a second to wolf down a burrito and contemplate what points implications the next round held.

2:30 p.m. With just four cars left in - two of them still in contention for the championship - all eyes were riveted on the starting line. The first pair matched Jim Murphy and Brett Harris who had lane choice. It was do or die for Murphy while Harris, who was there to play the role of spoiler, had nothing to lose.

In less than 6 seconds the drama was over. Brett Harris unloaded low ET and top speed of the event (5.696 at 260.56). Murphy's 5.810 at 258.99 was no match and just like that Troy Green was the 2008 Top Fuel Champion. Murphy fell a mere 5 points shy.

Murphy knew early on that he was in trouble when he felt the tires spin on the bottom end.

Jim never gave up but Harris' 5.696 at 260.56 was way too much for Murphy's 5.810 at 258.99 to overcome.

"We gave it all we had but just came up short.", said Murphy. "Looking back we probably lost the championship back in March when we were shut off with a minute oil leak in round one of the first points race. But that's racing and trust me, we will be back next year with a brand new car and a team that is second to none."

Jim Murphy and the entire WW2 Racing team would like to thank all their fans and sponsors for their unwavering support though out the past year and are looking forward to a championship season in 2009.

 

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