Rod Fuller believes his Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel Drag Team are making big strides despite a disappointing result in last weekend's Uni-Select Auto Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The team were knocked out in the first round, but in qualifying Fuller ran the fastest time of his career to date and also broke his highest speed record, for the second time this season.
"It's frustrating that we haven't won, but we know we have a car that can win," he said. "We made our career quickest and fastest pass, which says a lot for this team.
"I'm so proud of all of the Yas Marina Circuit guys, especially with how well we've done these last couple of races.
"We struggled on race day, but we really moved up and we're running with the top guys after only eight races all season. You know, that's nothing to hang our heads about."
The team have only two meetings left in the 10-race season.
The next race will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, from October 14 to 16, followed by the final meeting in Las Vegas at the end of the month.