The second event of the season - NDRA Phoenix. It approached 100 degrees in Phoenix, a shock to those of us who flew out of snowy conditions in the Midwest and Northeast. In fact, Don Nase Jr., driver of the ECOtec-powered dragster, almost didn't make it at all. He faced canceled flights and a sleepless night spent at JFK airport just to make it to Firebird Raceway in time for the final qualifying round on Saturday. He left the event a winner, so hopefully that made up for the struggles in getting there.

With the continued refinement and evolution of ECOtec horsepower and the aerodynamic and user-friendly sophistication of the race-prepared Cobalt, Chevrolet looks to build on its already impressive sport-compact legacy.