National Hot Rod Association - NHRA

SCHUMACHER BECOMES SIXTH DRIVER TO WIN WESTERN SWING
Hight, Connolly and Sacramento’s Guidera round out FRAM-Autolite winners

SONOMA, Calif. – NHRA Top Fuel ace Tony Schumacher continued his season-long domination by winning the FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals Sunday to sweep the three-race Western Swing and win for the eighth time in 15 races overall.

He became the fourth Top Fuel driver (Larry Dixon in 2003 and Cory McClenathan in 1997 and Joe Amato in 1991) and the sixth driver overall (PS Greg Anderson in 2004, FC John Force in 1994) to sweep the Western Swing, the grueling stretch of three-races-in-three-weeks through Denver, Seattle and Sonoma.

“It’s been a lot of fun, the last couple of races have just been outstanding,” said Schumacher, who ran a 3.886 at 307.93 in his U.S. Army dragster to defeat local-favorite Hillary Will (Eureka, Calif.) and her KB Racing team’s 3.988 at 306.19 in the final. “Who would not trade places with our car? I love having the bulls-eye on me.”

The other winners at the 15th of 18 regular season races (24 total) in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series were Robert Hight (Funny Car), Dave Connolly (Pro Stock) and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Schumacher, who beat the arch-rival Caterpillar team in the quarterfinals, clinched the No. 1 seed in Top Fuel and the 20-point bonus that comes with it when the points reset after the final regular season race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis.

“We got a lot of races left to win, people are saying we don’t even need to show up, but we want to win,” Schumacher said.

In Funny Car, Hight ran a 4.163 at 296.50 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang to defeat one of his mentors when he first started working for John Force Racing, Gary Densham, who ran a 4.222 at 289.14 in his Racebricks Chevy Impala.

“It’s unbelievable, this is the third straight year that a JFR Ford has been in the winner’s circle,” Hight said. “I’ve been at every national event contested here, came as a spectator before I became a part of the crew, and I dreamed of the day … that I would just work on a car. To finally get a chance to work on a car and then drive in a car, it’s a dream come true.”

The win was the third straight for John Force Racing at Infineon Raceway, a streak that began in 2006 with the late Eric Medlen’s win and continued in 2007 with John Force finding the winner’s circle.

Densham, meanwhile, didn’t leave empty-handed as he jumped up from eighth to sixth place, leap-frogging John Force and Ron Capps in the standings.

In Pro Stock, late-starter Dave Connolly powered his Charter Communications Chevy Cobalt to a 6.628 at 207.69 to win the final in a narrow holeshot over Jeg Coughlin’s 6.627 at 207.24 in his JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt.

“I definitely had my doubts about this weekend (coming off the disappointing loss at Seattle), but you can only beat this team down so much before we’re going to bounce back,” said Connolly. “I hadn’t drove that well and today I told myself it’s time to remove my head from my rear.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Guidera won for the second time this season aboard the Mohegan Sun Buell, earning a holeshot victory with a 7.054 at 185.74 over Andrew Hines’ 7.026 at 187.34 on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

Guidera’s first two wins came at Reading 2007 and this year at the prestigious ACDelco Gatornationals, but he considered this won near his home in Loomis, Calif. the most cherished.

“This is the best win of my career by far,” he said. “It’s any racer's dream to win in front of the home crowd and that’s what we did today. I’m so glad my family could be here today and to have (team owner) Brian (Bozsum and wife) Linda here,” Guidera said.


The NHRA POWERade Series resumes in two weekends with the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Aug. 7-10 in Brainerd, Minn.


SONOMA, Calif. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway. The race is the 15th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Tony Schumacher; 2. Hillary Will; 3. Steve Torrence; 4. Antron Brown; 5. Brandon Bernstein; 6. Rod Fuller; 7. Cory McClenathan; 8. Larry Dixon; 9. Steven Chrisman; 10. Doug Kalitta; 11. Doug Herbert; 12. Bob Vandergriff; 13. David Grubnic; 14. Morgan Lucas; 15. J.R. Todd; 16. Troy Buff.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang; 2. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala; 3. Tim Wilkerson, Impala; 4. Tony Pedregon, Impala; 5. Ashley Force, Mustang; 6. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara; 8. Jerry Toliver, Charger; 9. Del Worsham, Impala; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang; 11. Gary Scelzi, Charger; 12. Mike Neff, Mustang; 13. Ron Capps, Charger; 14. Melanie Troxel, Charger; 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger; 16. John Force, Mustang.

PRO STOCK:

1. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt; 3. Johnny Gray, Dodge Stratus; 4. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP; 5. Jason Line, GXP; 6. Mike Edwards, GXP; 7. V. Gaines, Stratus; 8. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 9. Greg Stanfield, GXP; 10. Justin Humphreys, Stratus; 11. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus; 12. Larry Morgan, Stratus; 13. Jim Yates, GXP; 14. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 15.

Ron Krisher, Cobalt; 16. Warren Johnson, GXP.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Matt Guidera; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 3. Chip Ellis, Suzuki; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson; 5. Angelle Sampey, Buell; 6. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 7. Matt Smith, Buell; 8. Chris Rivas, Buell; 9. Hector Arana, Buell; 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki; 11. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 12. Peggy Llewellyn, Buell; 13. Angie McBride, Buell; 14. Mike Berry, Suzuki; 15. Junior Pippin, Buell; 16. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki.



SONOMA, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway. The race is the 15th of 24 in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:



Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 3.886 seconds, 307.93 mph def. Hillary Will, 3.988 seconds, 306.19 mph.

Funny Car -- Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.163, 296.50 def. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.222, 289.14.

Pro Stock -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.628, 207.69 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.627, 207.24.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.054, 185.74 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.026, 187.34.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Jim Whiteley, 5.290, 270.64 def. Mark Niver, 5.546, 262.08.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Ford Mustang, 5.612, 252.85 def. Dennis Taylor, Chevy Camaro, 5.710, 217.49.

Competition Eliminator -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Cobalt, 8.685, 114.18 def. Dean Carter, Dragster, 7.464, 131.68.

Stock Eliminator -- Eric Waldo, Ford Mustang, 11.404, 96.30 def. Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, foul.

Super Comp -- Dean Hall, Dragster, 8.925, 172.12 def. Justine Jeffery, Dragster, 8.929, 164.83.

Super Gas -- Robert Naber, Chevy S-10, 9.940, 146.40 def. Val Torres Jr, Pontiac Firebird, 9.898, 155.90.


SONOMA, Calif. -- Final round-by-round results from the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 15th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Larry Dixon, 4.251, 243.99 def. Bob Vandergriff, 4.660, 250.60; Steve Torrence, 3.871, 309.77 def. Troy Buff, 8.144, 87.98; Rod Fuller, 3.868, 313.07 def. Morgan Lucas, 5.988, 131.73; Antron Brown, 3.887, 313.44 def. Steven Chrisman, 4.273, 276.13; Tony Schumacher, 3.865, 312.42 def. Doug Kalitta, 4.299, 284.99; Brandon Bernstein, 3.862, 314.09 def. J.R. Todd, 6.448, 99.41; Hillary Will, 3.885, 310.77 def. David Grubnic, 5.050, 144.97; Cory McClenathan, 3.869, 312.42 def. Doug Herbert, foul; QUARTERFINALS -- Brown, 4.428, 233.32 def. Dixon, 9.686, 80.19; Will, 4.479, 223.25 def. McClenathan, 4.957, 165.29; Schumacher, 3.921, 292.77 def. Fuller, 4.500, 189.92; Torrence, 3.867, 306.19 def. Bernstein, 3.952, 286.56; SEMIFINALS -- Will, 4.011, 299.73 def. Brown, 4.042, 246.03; Schumacher, 3.944, 300.86 def. Torrence, 3.909, 306.33; FINAL -- Schumacher, 3.886, 307.93 def. Will, 3.988, 306.19.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Jerry Toliver, Dodge Charger, 4.156, 299.60 def. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.986, 176.72; Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.173, 299.80 def. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.833, 173.16; Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.186, 299.46 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.224, 293.66; Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.094, 302.01 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 5.644, 145.89; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.238, 293.98 def. John Force, Mustang, 6.720, 96.43; Gary Densham, Impala, 4.399, 288.77 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.909, 169.08; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.148, 288.83 def. Del Worsham, Impala, 4.181, 291.01; Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.100, 303.37 def. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.227, 295.98; QUARTERFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.335, 260.41 def. Toliver, 4.911, 167.78; Densham, 4.157, 296.05 def. Beckman, 4.238, 267.22; Wilkerson, 4.113, 298.40 def. A. Force, 4.153, 279.27; Hight, 4.316, 279.96 def. C. Pedregon, 4.624, 211.93; SEMIFINALS -- Hight, 4.196, 294.24 def. T. Pedregon, 4.406, 247.25; Densham, 4.242, 286.50 def. Wilkerson, 4.235, 279.38; FINAL -- Hight, 4.163, 296.50 def. Densham, 4.222, 289.14.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.618, 208.75 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Dodge Stratus, 6.652, 207.62; Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.619, 208.97 def. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.642, 208.49; Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.606, 208.26 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, broke; V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.634, 207.43 def. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 7.372, 147.81; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.619, 208.33 def. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.658, 206.86; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.625, 208.07 def. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.682, 206.67; Jason Line, GXP, 6.590, 209.30 def. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.624, 208.14; Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.680, 207.05 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, DQ; QUARTERFINALS -- Gray, 6.694, 206.95 def. A. Johnson, 8.074, 118.33; Anderson, 6.617, 208.68 def. Gaines, 6.645, 207.24; Connolly, 6.621, 208.42 def. Edwards, 6.637, 208.10; Coughlin, 6.619, 207.91 def. Line, 6.612, 209.10; SEMIFINALS -- Connolly, 6.652, 207.11 def. Gray, 6.736, 205.54; Coughlin, 6.637, 206.76 def. Anderson, 7.015, 158.76; FINAL -- Connolly, 6.628, 207.69 def. Coughlin, 6.627, 207.24.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Matt Guidera, Buell, 6.950, 190.54 def. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.087, 185.79; Chris Rivas, Buell, 6.968, 191.78 def. Angie McBride, Buell, 7.023, 186.48; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.966, 190.22 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.984, 191.89; Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 6.953, 192.28 def. Peggy Llewellyn, Buell, 7.019, 190.59; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.908, 194.21 def. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 7.235, 183.02; Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.900, 191.08 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, foul; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.981, 191.57 def. Hector Arana, Buell, foul; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.885, 192.38 def. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.172, 187.55; QUARTERFINALS -- Krawiec, 6.981, 188.46 def. Rivas, broke; Guidera, 6.962, 191.32 def. Stoffer, 7.239, 192.25; Ellis, 6.922, 193.07 def. Sampey, foul; Hines, 6.977, 190.48 def. Smith, 8.335, 121.44; SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 7.055, 185.66 def. Krawiec, 7.097, 184.30; Guidera, 7.125, 182.03 def. Ellis, foul; FINAL -- Guidera, 7.054, 185.74 def. Hines, 7.026, 187.34.


SONOMA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 15th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,414; 2. Antron Brown, 1,018; 3. Larry Dixon, 953; 4. Rod Fuller, 905; 5. Cory McClenathan, 891; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 890; 7. Hillary Will, 843; 8. Doug Herbert, 773; 9. David Grubnic, 651; 10. Doug Kalitta, 629.

Funny Car

1. Tim Wilkerson, 1,082; 2. Robert Hight, 933; 3. Tony Pedregon, 899; 4. Ashley Force, 830; 5. Cruz Pedregon, 828; 6. Gary Densham, 796; 7. Ron Capps, 757; 8. John Force, 740; 9. Mike Neff, 686; 10. Jack Beckman, 632.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,106; 2. Jason Line, 1,000; 3. Kurt Johnson, 991; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 945; 5. Allen Johnson, 858; 6. Mike Edwards, 782; 7. V. Gaines, 779; 8. Greg Stanfield, 729; 9. Ron Krisher, 728; 10. Dave Connolly, 682.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines, 762; 2. Matt Smith, 686; 3. Chip Ellis, 644; 4. Chris Rivas, 569; 5. Matt Guidera, 563; 6. Eddie Krawiec, 554; 7. Angelle Sampey, 478; 8. Craig Treble, 449; 9. Steve Johnson, 434; 10. Hector Arana, 408.
 

NHRA FUNNY CAR SOPHOMORE ASHLEY FORCE EARNS FIRST CAREER NO. 1 QUALIFIER
Brown, Edwards and Stoffer round out provisional No. 1 qualifiers

SONOMA, Calif. – In a year of career-first milestones, NHRA sophomore Ashley Force checked off another on Saturday when she earned her first career No. 1 qualifier at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

The other No. 1 qualifiers at the 15th of 18 regular season races (24 total) in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Force’s 4.096-second pass at 301.60 mph in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang from Friday night held up and she will meet No. 16 qualifier Tommy Johnson Jr. and the Monster Energy Drink team in the first round of eliminations on Sunday. Force is bouyed by the fact that she not only set the pace on Friday night, but her team also had the quickest car in both qualifying sessions in the heat on Saturday.

“I already knew I had a great team but it really shows that (the No. 1) is not a fluke (from one good run) down the track in good conditions," said Force, who earlier this year earned her first career win and led the point standings for the first time in her career. "On race day, if you have a car that’s gone A to B every qualifying run, you know you’ve got a good chance. It gives you that much more confidence on Sunday."

The first career No. 1 qualifier for Force came in her 36th career race, 23 better than her legendary father John, who needed 59 races to earn his first career No. 1 qualifier (Baton Rouge, 1986).

“I would have only been four (so) I wouldn’t remember even if I was there. I was probably at the hotel pool, swimming,” Force said.

Force and Stoffer became the second pair of ladies to jointly qualify No. 1 at the same race – the first pair were Melanie Troxel in Top Fuel and Erica Enders in Pro Stock at Topeka 2006.

Brown glided down the track in his Matco Tools dragster in 3.805 seconds at 316.45 mph to earn the top spot in Top Fuel. It’s his third No. 1 qualifier in 2008, one shy of Top Fuel-leader Tony Schumacher’s four poles.

“Great job by our Matco team,” Brown said. “No wine for me tonight. I’m going to tune it up tonight and be ready for a battle tomorrow with that U.S. Army car.”

Points leader Tony Schumacher, pilot of “that U.S. Army car,” is shooting for a sweep of the Western Swing by closing out Sonoma on Sunday after celebrating wins at Denver and Seattle. He qualified second and will open with Doug Kalitta.

For Edwards, his 6.609 at 208.71 from Friday night in his Young Life Pontiac GTO held up Saturday. It was the sixth No. 1 qualifier of his career but his first since Dallas of 2001, a span of 146 races.

“We were fortunate we made a really nice run (Friday),” said Edwards. “It’s a great position to be in, but (Sunday’s) a different day. That No. 1 is a bulls-eye as far as I’m concerned. I’m going to race like I do every (Sunday), like an underdog.”

Edwards will meet No. 16 Larry Morgan in the first round having already moved past V Gaines into sixth position in the standings by virtue of his 8-to-1 advantage over Gaines in qualifying points.

“They’re giving away 118 (points Sunday) and I’m the only one who can get 118,” Edwards said. “Real happy with the weekend so far and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Stoffer earned the first No. 1 qualifier of her career – in her 96th career start – on her Geico Suzuki with a third-round qualifying pass at 6.962 at 191.21. She will meet No. 16 qualifier Fred Camarena of Placentia, Calif. in the first round of Sunday’s race.

“I started out as a bracket racer in Division 7 so this is a track I call home,” said Karen Stoffer. “We also have a lot of fans her so it’s neat to give them a treat of getting my first No. 1 qualifier … ever.”

Final eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m.


SONOMA, Calif. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 15th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.805 seconds, 316.45 mph vs. 16. Steven Chrisman, 4.287, 273.83; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.813, 314.09 vs. 15. Doug Kalitta, 4.154, 309.06; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 3.821, 310.98 vs. 14. J.R. Todd, 4.046, 309.77; 4. Doug Herbert, 3.839, 309.91 vs. 13. Cory McClenathan, 3.988, 301.67; 5. David Grubnic, 3.844, 311.77 vs. 12. Hillary Will, 3.898, 308.57; 6. Troy Buff, 3.845, 296.63 vs. 11. Steve Torrence, 3.888, 302.28; 7. Rod Fuller, 3.860, 311.20 vs. 10. Morgan Lucas, 3.868, 307.93; 8. Bob Vandergriff, 3.863, 305.36 vs. 9. Larry Dixon, 3.865, 309.56.

Funny Car -- 1. Ashley Force, Ford Mustang, 4.096, 301.60 vs. 16. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 4.327, 286.38; 2. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.101, 299.80 vs. 15. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.276, 282.72; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.110, 300.53 vs. 14. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.238, 290.51; 4. John Force, Mustang, 4.119, 298.80 vs. 13. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.220, 292.52; 5. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.121, 292.77 vs. 12. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.205, 287.41; 6. Del Worsham, Impala, 4.132, 295.98 vs. 11. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.194, 289.57; 7. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 4.136, 298.34 vs. 10. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.156, 297.29; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.146, 295.40 vs. 9. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.152, 297.42. Did Not Qualify: 17. Tony Bartone, 4.500, 293.09.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.609, 208.71 vs. 16. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.692, 205.94; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.618, 208.55 vs. 15. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.688, 206.10; 3. Jason Line, GXP, 6.619, 207.94 vs. 14. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.668, 207.11; 4. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.620, 207.62 vs. 13. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.661, 206.57; 5. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.629, 209.33 vs. 12. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.661, 206.92; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.636, 207.53 vs. 11. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.656, 207.27; 7. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.638, 208.59 vs. 10. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.652, 207.18; 8. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus, 6.643, 206.92 vs. 9. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.647, 207.53. Did Not Qualify: 17. Ben Watson, 6.721, 204.39; 18. Max Naylor, 6.731, 205.44; 19. Gordie Rivera, 6.805, 203.09; 20. Lamar Swindoll Jr, 6.839, 203.34.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.962, 191.21 vs. 16. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 7.274, 183.34; 2. Chris Rivas, Buell, 6.964, 190.62 vs. 15. Angie McBride, Buell, 7.240, 182.58; 3. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.977, 189.12 vs. 14. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.154, 182.75; 4. Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 6.980, 190.48 vs. 13. Peggy Llewellyn, Buell, 7.128, 186.38; 5. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.000, 188.44 vs. 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.111, 190.40; 6. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.033, 191.10 vs. 11. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.068, 188.62; 7. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.036, 188.99 vs. 10. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.061, 189.60; 8. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.040, 187.05 vs. 9. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.048, 189.04. Did Not Qualify: 17. Ryan Schnitz, 7.376, 176.58; 18. Jim Underdahl, 7.394, 186.05.


 

NHRA FUNNY CAR SOPHOMORE ASHLEY FORCE

CLOSE TO FIRST CAREER NO. 1 QUALIFIER

Brown, Edwards and Rivas round out provisional No. 1 qualifiers

SONOMA – NHRA sophomore sensation Ashley Force powered her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang to the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car at the FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway on Friday.

The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 15th of 18 regular season races (24 total) in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Chris Rivas (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Force’s 4.096-second pass at 301.60 mph would be her first career No. 1 qualifier in her 36th career race and Saturday’s forecast of temperatures in the mid- to upper-80s are favorable for Force to maintain that position. Her legendary father John needed 59 races to earn his first career No. 1 qualifier (Baton Rouge, 1986).

“It (being No. 1) is great. It was kind of a rush between rounds," Force said. "My guys were working so hard and you never know, you get a little nervous thinking, 'Did we put everything back together right? Did we do everything we wanted to?' They never let me down. They got it done exactly how they wanted it to be done. It showed when it went right down the track. It was easy for me the driver to get it from A to B.”

Brown glided down the track in his Matco Tools dragster in 3.805 seconds at 316.45 mph to earn the provisional top spot in Top Fuel.

"When you get those opportune times like we had tonight, you can wick it up and you know the track is going to take it. I knew that car was on a stellar run. We were happy with it," Brown said.

For Edwards, if his 6.609 at 208.71 in his Young Life Pontiac GTO holds up Saturday, it would be his sixth career No. 1 qualifier but his first since Dallas in 2001, a span of 146 races.

"Provisional is the big word; tomorrow will be another day, but for right now we’re No. 1," Edwards said. "We made a great run, and I’m proud of my team. When I let go of the chutes at the other end, I thought ‘Whatever that was, we can’t go any faster.’ That’s how good it felt to me."

Rivas, of Fresno, Calif., rode Drag Specialties S&S Buell to the top spot on the strength of a 6.987-second pass at 188.65. It would be Rivas’s class-best third No. 1 qualifier this season.

"This is my home track, and I would definitely say that I have high expectations for this weekend. I came in to this event wanting to win it; we’re No. 1 right now, and I don’t plan on losing it. That’s why I’m here; that’s why I do what I do."

Qualifying resumes Saturday with Q3 scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. and Q4 slated to get underway at 2:15 p.m.


SONOMA, Calif. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 21st annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, 15th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.805 seconds, 316.45 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.813, 314.09; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 3.821, 310.98; 4. Doug Herbert, 3.839, 309.91; 5. David Grubnic, 3.844, 311.77; 6. Troy Buff, 3.845, 296.63; 7. Rod Fuller, 3.860, 311.20; 8. Bob Vandergriff, 3.863, 305.36; 9. Larry Dixon, 3.865, 309.56; 10. Morgan Lucas, 3.868, 307.93; 11. Steve Torrence, 3.888, 302.28; 12. Hillary Will, 3.898, 308.57. Not Qualified: 13. J.R. Todd, 3.912, 309.77; 14. Doug Kalitta, 3.940, 309.06; 15. Cory McClenathan, 3.950, 293.09; 16. Steven Chrisman, 4.544, 255.68.

Funny Car -- 1. Ashley Force, Ford Mustang, 4.096, 301.60; 2. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.101, 299.80; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.110, 300.53; 4. John Force, Mustang, 4.119, 298.80; 5. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.121, 292.77; 6. Del Worsham, Impala, 4.132, 295.98; 7. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 4.136, 298.34; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.146, 295.40; 9. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.152, 297.42; 10. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.156, 297.29; 11. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.194, 289.57; 12. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.205, 287.41. Not Qualified: 13. Jack Beckman, 4.218, 292.52; 14. Mike Neff, 4.229, 257.33; 15. Tony Bartone, 4.231, 293.09; 16. Tommy Johnson Jr., 4.234, 251.11; 17. Bob Tasca III, 4.620, 186.85.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.609, 208.71; 2. Jason Line, GXP, 6.619, 207.94; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.620, 207.59; 4. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.626, 208.55; 5. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.629, 209.33; 6. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.638, 208.59; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.640, 207.53; 8. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus, 6.643, 206.92; 9. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.652, 206.89; 10. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.656, 207.27; 11. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.661, 206.92; 12. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.661, 206.57. Not Qualified: 13. Greg Stanfield, 6.687, 205.41; 14. Larry Morgan, 6.717, 205.04; 15. V. Gaines, 6.718, 204.57; 16. Ben Watson, 6.719, 204.39; 17. Max Naylor, 6.743, 205.44; 18. Lamar Swindoll Jr, 6.755, 203.34; 19. Gordie Rivera, 6.787, 203.09; 20. Dave Connolly, 9.734, 92.95.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Chris Rivas, Buell, 6.987, 188.65; 2. Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 7.000, 190.27; 3. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.003, 190.83; 4. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.006, 188.44; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.017, 188.41; 6. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.033, 191.10; 7. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.056, 187.23; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.068, 186.90; 9. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.072, 186.69; 10. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.090, 189.23; 11. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.096, 187.65; 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.111, 189.52. Not Qualified: 13. Peggy Llewellyn, 7.127, 185.15; 14. Jim Underdahl, 7.223, 185.46; 15. Junior Pippin, 7.246, 182.62; 16. Freddie Camarena, 7.248, 183.34; 17. Ryan Schnitz, 7.406, 175.84.
 

SCHUMACHER CONTINUES DREAM-TEAM SEASON AS BARTONE,LINE ALSO WIN IN
SEATTLE

KENT, Wash. - After a shaky first half of the season that included six DNQs, Tony Bartone raced to his first NHRA POWERade Series victory Sunday at the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals after more than six years of professional racing.

Bartone defeated veteran driver Ron Capps, also looking to break out of a winless streak that dates back to Richmond 2007, in the final round. Bartone powered his Canidae Pet Foods Chevy Monte Carlo to a 4.454-second pass at 238.17 mph to get the long-awaited win, while Capps posted a 4.708 at 227.46 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T.

Tony Schumacher and Jason Line also were winners at scenic Pacific Raceways, the 14th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Series. Before beating Capps in the final, Bartone outran Gary Scelzi, Mike Neff and Tony Pedregon in earlier rounds.

"Looking back at last weekend in Denver, we had an extreme amount of trouble getting down the track," Bartone said. "We blew up and were on fire many times, and we were able to turn our program around and put together a pretty good racecar to race with today and we went the four rounds and brought home the bacon. We made the qualifying passes on Friday and we chose to sit out yesterday in the heat, and we were lucky enough to come up with a good race-day tune-up today. It wasn't perfect, but it went rounds."

A standout in the Lucas Oil Series, the developmental league for NHRA pros, Bartone won 25 events and one world championship title in Top Alcohol Funny Car in the 1990s. However, he said his win today for legendary team owner Jim Dunn tops his list.

"This is what you dream about - this is what you wait your whole career to do, is win in the pro ranks," Bartone said. "It's the
old adage - you never say die, you never give up, you keep plugging and things like this happen."

Despite losing in the first round to No. 1 qualifier Robert Hight, Tim Wilkerson maintained his points lead and earned his spot in the Countdown to the Championship.

There was no less drama in Top Fuel, where Brandon Bernstein looked to unseat Schumacher as a regular resident in Seattle's winner circle. On Sunday Schumacher won his third consecutive event at Pacific Raceways, and his fourth out of the last five at the track. He had already qualified No. 1 with a solid performance on Friday and handily won in the final round, driving his U.S. Army dragster to a 3.902 at 309.98 to Bernstein's 4.056 at 291.19. Schumacher became the first driver to clinch his position in the Countdown to the Championship in Denver last week.

"It's a blast," said Schumacher, who defeated Steve Chrisman, Dave Grubnic and rival Rod Fuller in the opening rounds. "We've been a pressure team for years. Under pressure we step up; we do good. Right now, for whatever reason, we're just having a great time and the car is running good. When you get on a roll like this, watch out. You see those football teams, when they start smiling and start playing together really as a team, like we do, we're hard to beat. It's been outstanding."

Schumacher, who also won last weekend in Denver, could become the sixth driver in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing with a victory at the FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals next weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Only Joe Amato, John Force, Cory McClenathan, Larry Dixon and Greg Anderson have accomplished the feat previously. "We're setting records that nobody thought possible," Schumacher said. "We're doing amazing things together. It's hard to believe, but it's great to be part of."

In Pro Stock, Line earned his first victory in Seattle and his second win of the season and the 15th of his career, charting a
6.659-second run at 208.10 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to better Allen Johnson's 6.664 at 207.78 mph in his Team Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus.

"It feels great to win, especially here in Seattle," said Line, who beat Warren Johnson, Kurt Johnson and Greg Stanfield in the first three rounds. "I've been out there before I don't know how many times. I've even been out here in my Stocker (Lucas Oil Series) and just never had any success whatsoever, so it feels really good to win here and feels even better to drive good. It's a good day for all of us. We did not have the greatest car. We had a lot of issues. We tested some parts along the way which was kind of cool, but you don't want to be testing parts at a national event. But it all worked out good."

On Saturday, Line's teammate Greg Anderson punched his playoff card by qualifying higher than 12 - and although Line is comfortably in the Top 10 at third place, he's anxious to seal his own invitation to the Countdown to 1.


KENT, Wash. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways. The race is the 14th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. Tony Schumacher; 2. Brandon Bernstein; 3. Rod Fuller; 4. Doug
Herbert; 5. Morgan Lucas; 6. David Grubnic; 7. Bob Vandergriff; 8.
Cory McClenathan; 9. Troy Buff; 10. J.R. Todd; 11. Doug Kalitta; 12.
Larry Dixon; 13. Hillary Will; 14. Antron Brown; 15. Steve Torrence;
16. Steven Chrisman.

FUNNY CAR:
1. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo; 2. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger; 3.
Gary Densham, Chevy Impala; 4. Tony Pedregon, Impala; 5. Jack Beckman,
Charger; 6. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara; 7. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang;
8. Robert Hight, Mustang; 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang; 10. Tommy
Johnson Jr., Charger; 11. Tim Wilkerson, Impala; 12. Melanie Troxel,
Charger; 13. Ashley Force, Mustang; 14. Del Worsham, Impala; 15. Jerry
Toliver, Charger; 16. Gary Scelzi, Charger.

PRO STOCK:
1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus; 3. V.
Gaines, Stratus; 4. Greg Stanfield, GXP; 5. Kurt Johnson, Chevy
Cobalt; 6. Mike Edwards, GXP; 7. Dave Connolly, Cobalt; 8. Jim Yates,
GXP; 9. Greg Anderson, GXP; 10. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt; 11. Ron
Krisher, Cobalt; 12. Justin Humphreys, Stratus; 13. Warren Johnson,
GXP; 14. Ben Watson, Pontiac GTO; 15. Larry Morgan, Stratus; 16.
Johnny Gray, Stratus.


KENT, Wash. -- Sunday's final results from the 21st annual Schuck's Auto
Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways. The race is the 14th of 24
in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 3.902 seconds, 309.98 mph def. Brandon
Bernstein, 4.056 seconds,
291.19 mph.

Funny Car -- Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.454, 238.17 def. Ron
Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.708, 227.46.

Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.659, 208.10 def. Allen Johnson,
Dodge Stratus, 6.664, 207.78.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Mark Niver, 5.411, 260.81 def. Duane Shields,
6.118, 262.69.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Brian Hough, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.728, 253.52
def. Steve Gasparrelli, Ford Mustang, 5.721, 252.19.

Competition Eliminator -- Alan Freese, Pontiac Firebird, 7.489, 179.25
def. Rob Harrison, Chevy Cavalier, 7.821, 170.43.

Super Stock -- Mark Faul, Pontiac Grand Am, 10.282, 126.34 def. Brad
Plourd, Chevy Cavalier, 9.062, 149.80.

Stock Eliminator -- Mike Lewis, Chevy Corvette, 10.509, 124.80 def.
Toby Lang, Chevy Chevelle, 11.938, 108.35.

Super Comp -- Don Sefton, Dragster, 8.916, 171.99 def. Dennis Kooker,
Dragster, foul.

Super Gas -- Curtis Geise, Pontiac Trans Am, 9.880, 161.50 def. Gene
Heaton, '27-T Ford, 9.950, 146.30.

Super Street -- Jeff Jackson, Ford Mustang, 10.955, 146.51 def. Wayne
Linder Jr, Chevrolet, foul.


KENT, Wash. -- Final round-by-round results from the 21st annual
Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways, the 14th of 24
events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- David Grubnic, 4.136, 249.81 def. Hillary Will, 4.650,
195.73; Morgan Lucas, 3.887, 302.69 def. Doug Kalitta, 4.314, 258.96;
Rod Fuller, 3.922, 300.13 def. Steve Torrence, 8.167, 102.15; Bob
Vandergriff, 4.229, 269.19 def. Antron Brown, 6.784, 105.24; Tony
Schumacher, 3.877, 310.05 def. Steven Chrisman, broke; Brandon
Bernstein, 3.856, 310.77 def. Troy Buff, 3.879, 308.71; Doug Herbert,
3.919, 304.87 def. Larry Dixon, 4.423, 179.83; Cory McClenathan, 3.966,
276.52 def. J.R. Todd, 4.148, 254.52; QUARTERFINALS -- Herbert, 4.419,
234.25 def. Vandergriff, 4.814, 158.50; Fuller, 3.924, 306.46 def.
Lucas, 4.021, 293.60; Bernstein, 4.336, 233.52 def. McClenathan, 4.910,
197.65; Schumacher, 3.938, 305.77 def. Grubnic, 4.186, 245.99;
SEMIFINALS -- Bernstein, 4.262, 241.71 def. Herbert, 4.380, 240.85;
Schumacher, 3.978, 287.90 def. Fuller, 4.316, 224.58; FINAL --
Schumacher, 3.902, 309.98 def. Bernstein, 4.056, 291.19.


FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.181, 298.01 def. Gary
Scelzi, Dodge Charger, 10.406, 69.77; Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.205,
293.54 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.160, 298.60; Ron Capps, Charger,
4.173, 298.21 def. Del Worsham, Chevy Impala, 4.422, 241.97; Jack
Beckman, Charger, 4.163, 297.94 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.189,
298.54; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.135, 296.76 def. Tim Wilkerson, Impala,
4.204, 298.14; Gary Densham, Impala, 4.774, 216.13 def. Jerry Toliver,
Charger, 6.111, 115.32; Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.211, 292.71 def.
Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.420, 229.74; Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.155,
300.40 def. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.289, 282.72; QUARTERFINALS --
Capps, 4.230, 285.65 def. C. Pedregon, 4.369, 225.07; Densham, 4.243,
287.41 def. Beckman, 4.269, 290.19; T. Pedregon, 4.197, 294.43 def.
Hight, 5.986, 111.55; Bartone, 4.367, 241.58 def. Neff, 5.236, 172.01;
SEMIFINALS -- Capps, 4.264, 284.56 def. Densham, 4.273, 284.93; Bartone,
4.252, 287.29 def. T. Pedregon, 4.376, 246.84; FINAL -- Bartone, 4.454,
238.17 def. Capps, 4.708, 227.46.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.647, 207.98 def. Larry
Morgan, Stratus, 6.747, 206.67; Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.638, 207.98
def. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.641, 208.14; Kurt Johnson, Cobalt,
6.617, 209.39 def. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.646, 207.75; V. Gaines,
Stratus, 6.688, 206.16 def. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.962, 191.81; Jason
Line, GXP, 6.652, 207.11 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.663, 208.88; Dave
Connolly, Cobalt, 6.640, 208.17 def. Ben Watson, Pontiac GTO, 6.743,
203.65; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.670, 207.05 def. Greg Anderson, GXP,
6.638, 208.55; Jim Yates, GXP, 6.662, 206.89 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt,
foul;
QUARTERFINALS -- Gaines, 6.702, 206.39 def. Yates, 10.008, 93.31; A.
Johnson, 6.637, 208.20 def. Connolly, 9.731, 88.85; Stanfield, 6.677,
206.48 def. Edwards, 6.656, 207.66; Line, 6.639, 208.04 def. K. Johnson,
6.625, 209.20;
SEMIFINALS -- Line, 6.657, 207.82 def. Stanfield, 7.102, 151.31; A.
Johnson, 6.647, 208.04 def. Gaines, 6.744, 205.04;
FINAL -- Line, 6.659, 208.10 def. A. Johnson, 6.664, 207.78.


KENT, Wash. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories
following the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific
Raceways, the 14th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
-

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,297; 2. Antron Brown, 940; 3. Larry Dixon, 901;
4. Rod Fuller, 852; 5. Cory McClenathan, 840; 6. Brandon Bernstein,
834; 7. Hillary Will, 751; 8. Doug Herbert, 738; 9. David Grubnic,
617; 10. Doug Kalitta, 598.

Funny Car

1. Tim Wilkerson, 1,009; 2. Tony Pedregon, 822; 3. Robert Hight, 821;
4. (tie) Ashley Force, 772; Cruz Pedregon, 772; 6. Ron Capps, 723; 7.
John Force, 705; 8. Gary Densham, 704; 9. Mike Neff, 655; 10. Jack
Beckman, 581.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,033; 2. Kurt Johnson, 954; 3. Jason Line, 944; 4.
Jeg Coughlin, 851; 5. Allen Johnson, 803; 6. V. Gaines, 728; 7. Mike
Edwards, 724; 8. Greg Stanfield, 698; 9. Ron Krisher, 696; 10. Warren
Johnson, 596.
 

CONNOLLY, HIGHT, SCHUMACHER EARN NO. 1 QUALIFIERS, CRUCIAL POINTS
ENTERING SUNDAY'S RACE NEAR SEATTLE

KENT, Wash. - Tony Schumacher has been in the final round in Seattle every year since 2004. Out of four consecutive final rounds here, he's won three. He looked primed to add a fifth after qualifying No. 1 Saturday at the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals, piloting his U.S. Army dragster to a 3.802-second pass at 316.90 mph in prime conditions Friday for his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 51st of his career.

"We've been lucky at a lot of tracks," Schumacher said. "Indy's (O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis) another good track for us, and this is one. If you can hand-pick a few, the Western Swing is a beautiful place to have a good streak on and so is Indy. I'm not going to complain about it and I'm sure not going to look for answers. I'm just going to let them ride out the storm here and enjoy it. It's fantastic."

Robert Hight and Dave Connolly also will lead their respective categories into Sunday's eliminations on the power of the No. 1 qualifiers they earned during prime weather conditions of the first day of qualifying, on Friday.

Schumacher and competitors in every category got a sneak preview Saturday of what race conditions may be like on Sunday at the Pacific Raceways dragstrip in the NHRA POWERade Series event when final eliminations start at 11 a.m.

"I guess I'd have to say I'm real glad it got hot out (Saturday), and we got to make that run because it's not going to be the conditions we've had all weekend (on race day)," said Schumacher of his final qualifying pass. "We're good when it's hot out. We backed it down (on the fourth run), we just didn't back it down enough, but had that been the first round we would have been in trouble. It's always good to get that tire smoke out. I've always said it - I love that full throttle, going down the track four times -- but we've got to find the limit when we do that. It's good to be able to do that, good to have good computer data on that run on this track and we'll be able to go back and evaluate it."

Hight also hung on to the No. 1 qualifier spot with his Friday performance of 4.056 at 304.39 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang for his third consecutive No. 1 qualifier in Seattle. Hight faces NHRA POWERade Series points leader Tim Wilkerson in the first round of eliminations. Wilkerson became the second driver to secure a spot in the 2008 Countdown to the Championship, and the first this year in Funny Car, by entering this event.

Hight's boss, team leader and driver John Force, did not qualify for the event. It was the first time since Sept. 3, 1979 that he will not start in Seattle on Sunday.

"It's not that big a deal when you haven't capitalized on (qualifying No. 1), and went on to win on Sunday," Hight said. "A lot of times you get four shots in qualifying, and sometimes you can throw one down and get at the top, but that doesn't mean you can win on Sunday, and that's what this whole game is about. Luckily this week we have a pretty big chance here. It's no secret Tim Wilkerson is way out in the points lead, but if we can capitalize on how he qualified - we can't rely on the other guys to take him out, and he took me out last week so I didn't do my job either. If we can get him tomorrow first round and win this race, it's a little more realistic in catching him before this Countdown.

"With John not qualifying, I feel like it's mine and Neff and Ashley's job to try to stop some of these guys and make this as little bit of a damage to his team as we can, because we want all four of our cars in this Countdown and he could take a bit hit tomorrow if some of these guys behind him win. So we've got to do our jobs and try to take them out."

Connolly was just 53 points out of playoff contention entering this event despite missing the first five races of the season. He took advantage of Friday's conditions to drive his Charter Communications Chevy Cobalt to a 6.573 at 209.49 for his second consecutive No. 1 qualifier in Seattle, his second of the year, and seventh of his career. Perhaps more crucial are the points he earned for leading the pack.

"We'll see what happens tomorrow," Connolly said. "Sunday's the most important day...We're playing catch-up right now, so we have our work cut out for us, but by way things are going this weekend, we just hope to continue making good runs like we have. What a difference a week can make, from last week to this week. Our team morale is at a high right now, so for GM and Chevy, we got to keep this Cobalt in the No. 1 spot and we'll see what tomorrow brings."

Greg Anderson became the first Pro Stock driver to secure a spot in the playoffs by qualifying No. 2. He needed only to qualify higher than 12th to secure his position in the Countdown.


KENT, Wash. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways, the 14th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.


Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.802 seconds, 316.90 mph vs.
16. Steven Chrisman, 4.232, 279.32; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 3.820, 316.52
vs. 15. Troy Buff, 3.956, 301.74; 3. Antron Brown, 3.831, 312.06 vs.
14. Bob Vandergriff, 3.882, 306.95; 4. Rod Fuller, 3.841, 313.73 vs.
13. Steve Torrence, 3.880, 307.58; 5. Morgan Lucas, 3.848, 312.50 vs.
12. Doug Kalitta, 3.878, 310.48; 6. Larry Dixon, 3.858, 309.27 vs. 11.
Doug Herbert, 3.870, 307.72; 7. J.R. Todd, 3.860, 312.86 vs. 10. Cory
McClenathan, 3.869, 313.80; 8. David Grubnic, 3.862, 302.69 vs. 9.
Hillary Will, 3.866, 313.37. Did Not Qualify: 17. Ron Smith, 4.377,
267.53; 18. Craig Smith, 5.972, 180.16.


Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.056, 304.39 vs.
16. Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 4.156, 302.62; 2. Del Worsham, Impala,
4.073, 301.33 vs. 15. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.135, 299.53; 3. Tommy
Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.083, 301.13 vs. 14. Jack Beckman, Charger,
4.130, 301.33; 4. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.089, 303.84 vs. 13. Bob Tasca
III, Mustang, 4.129, 302.08; 5. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.092,
303.37 vs. 12. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.107, 303.64; 6. Jerry Toliver,
Charger, 4.095, 303.98 vs. 11. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.104, 299.40; 7.
Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.095, 299.66 vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota
Solara, 4.102, 301.47; 8. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.096, 302.55 vs. 9.
Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.098, 299.33.
Did Not Qualify: 17. John Force, 4.158, 295.59.


Pro Stock -- 1. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.573, 209.49 vs.
16. Ben Watson, Pontiac GTO, 6.725, 203.98; 2. Greg Anderson, Pontiac
GXP, 6.583, 210.08 vs. 15. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.664, 207.53; 3. Jason
Line, GXP, 6.584, 210.14 vs. 14. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.654, 209.56; 4.
Johnny Gray, Dodge Stratus, 6.591, 208.68 vs. 13. V. Gaines, Stratus,
6.649, 206.67; 5. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.592, 208.88 vs. 12. Jim Yates,
GXP, 6.612, 208.04; 6. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.596, 209.92 vs. 11.
Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.612, 208.88; 7. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.596,
209.17 vs. 10. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.606, 208.36; 8. Larry Morgan,
Stratus, 6.603, 208.81 vs. 9. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.605, 208.97.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Max Naylor, 6.736, 206.26.

CONNOLLY, HIGHT, SCHUMACHER POWER TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1s AS QUALIFYING
ENTERS FINAL SESSIONS

KENT, Wash. - Dave Connolly entered the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals near Seattle 53 points below the Top 10 cut in the points - the line that in just one month will separate those who will battle for the 2008 world championship titles from those who won't.

Since his return at the Atlanta event in April, Connolly has hunted his way up the point standings with one win in three final-round appearances and it appears he's not ready to stop. Connolly turned in a blistering track-record time of 6.573 seconds at 209.49 mph behind the wheel of his Charter Communications Chevy Cobalt to lead the Pro Stock field into Saturday's final qualifying sessions Friday at Pacific Raceways, where Tony Schumacher and Robert Hight also were qualifying leaders in their respective categories.

"We're on the chase to try to make it in the Top 10 now and we missed the first five races of the season, so we have our work cut out for us," Connolly said. "To be honest with you, I think last weekend (in Denver) we let a good opportunity slip away on top of that mountain. We struggled from the time we got to that track and we come here and looked over everything from head to toe...it's a complete 180 from last weekend, and that makes the driver feel good.

"Even though we have a great car right now, we still have tomorrow morning's sessions just to get by and try to hold on to this No. 1 spot for Charter Communications."

Hight paced the Funny Car category in his Auto Club Ford Mustang, recording a 4.056 at 304.39.

"You really don't know where you're at, coming here," Hight said. "Denver is so much different from anywhere else we race. It's hard to come out of Denver (where Hight advanced to the semifinals) with a lot of confidence, when we're coming back to sea level, and we have had engine gremlins all year, not making it even to 1,000 feet cleanly. It runs really good to 1,000, then it was burning itself up and just making a mess of it. Honestly, this new format I think is kind of helping us. Get to 1,000, not hurt it, and work on our tune-up."

The race distance for Top Fuel and Funny Car was changed from the traditional quarter-mile to 1,000 feet as an interim safety measure after the death of the late Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta in Englishtown.

"It's going up and down the track a lot," Hight said. "That's what you've got to do. That's why Tim Wilkerson's leading the points. He's way out there, but it's still not unattainable to catch him." Schumacher is on track to earn his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the year with a 3.802 at 316.90 in his U.S. Army dragster. Schumacher's no stranger to success in Seattle - he comes to this year's event riding a streak of four consecutive final-round appearances.

"Our team is so good at being calm and cool and doing what we have to do," said Schumacher, who clinched his spot in the Countdown to the Championship last weekend in Denver. "I oversimplify this and I say it every week - the fact is, the light comes on and you push the pedal down. You react to the light. I don't want to get out and go 'oh, the third cylinder did this and that' like you hear some of the drivers do. It doesn't matter.

"It's not going to help you drive your car. Drive it like you know how to do - push the pedal down and let your body do what it knows how to do."

Qualifying continues Saturday at noon and noon and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday's 11 a.m. eliminations.


KENT, Wash. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 21st annual Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways, 14th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.802 seconds, 316.90 mph; 2. Brandon
Bernstein, 3.820, 315.12; 3. Antron Brown, 3.831, 312.06; 4. Rod Fuller,
3.841, 313.73; 5. Morgan Lucas, 3.848, 312.50; 6. J.R. Todd, 3.860,
312.86; 7. Hillary Will, 3.866, 313.37; 8. Larry Dixon, 3.879, 305.29;
9. Steve Torrence, 3.880, 307.16; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 3.882, 299.20;
11. Cory McClenathan, 3.932, 283.61; 12. David Grubnic, 4.002, 288.58.
Not Qualified: 13. Doug Herbert, 4.118, 218.87; 14. Ron Smith, 4.845,
241.32; 15. Doug Kalitta, 4.926, 150.48; 16. Steven Chrisman, 6.874,
116.95; 17. Craig Smith, 7.937, 77.44; 18. Troy Buff, 17.636, 122.50.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.056, 304.39; 2. Del
Worsham, Chevy Impala, 4.073, 301.33; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge
Charger, 4.083, 301.13; 4. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.089, 303.84; 5. Tony
Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.092, 303.37; 6. Jerry Toliver, Charger,
4.095, 303.98; 7. Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.095, 299.66; 8. Melanie
Troxel, Charger, 4.096, 302.55; 9. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.098, 299.33;
10. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.102, 301.47; 11. Gary Densham,
Impala, 4.104, 299.40; 12. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.107, 303.64. Not
Qualified: 13. Tim Wilkerson, 4.118, 302.62; 14. Bob Tasca III, 4.130,
302.08; 15. Jack Beckman, 4.136, 301.33; 16. John Force, 4.140, 295.59;
17. Ron Capps, 7.970, 79.00.

Pro Stock -- 1. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.573, 209.49; 2. Greg
Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.583, 210.08; 3. Jason Line, GXP, 6.584, 210.14;
4. Johnny Gray, Dodge Stratus, 6.591, 208.68; 5. Ron Krisher, Cobalt,
6.592, 208.88; 6. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.596, 209.17; 7. Larry Morgan,
Stratus, 6.603, 208.81; 8. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.605, 209.82; 9. Allen
Johnson, Stratus, 6.605, 208.97; 10. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.612,
208.88; 11. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.612, 208.04; 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt,
6.617, 208.36. Not Qualified: 13. Greg Stanfield, 6.625, 207.53; 14.
Warren Johnson, 6.643, 209.56; 15. Max Naylor, 6.649, 206.26; 16. V.
Gaines, 6.662, 206.67; 17. Ben Watson, 6.764, 203.98.
 

HERBERT RACES TO EMOTIONAL TOP FUEL VICTORY AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS
T. Pedregon, Anderson and Arana also win at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park

NORWALK, Ohio – Doug Herbert raced to an emotional Top Fuel victory Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals and dedicated his first win of the season to the memory of his two young sons who were tragically killed in a highway auto accident in late January.

Tony Pedregon, Greg Anderson and Hector Arana also were winners of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

Herbert, who has titled his season campaign “For My Boys,” powered his SnaponFranchise.com dragster to a 4.636 second run at 311.70 mph to beat final-round opponent Brandon Bernstein, who posted a 4.611 at 313.58 in his Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. It was Herbert’s 10th career victory and first since the 2007 season.

“It’s such an emotional day and I’m just happy to get the job done,” said Herbert, who beat Troy Buff, David Grubnic and Rod Fuller in earlier rounds, and moved to eighth overall in the point standings. “Going up there (for the final round) I knew I was going to dig down and give it everything I had. I just wanted to do everything I could to win because I didn’t want to have a mistake that I made cost us the race. Luckily I have my little lucky charm (daughter Jessie) with me, and we did a lot of thinking about her brothers (Jon and James) today, and I’m sure they were riding with me on that final-round win.

“Winning a race is important to me because that substantiates and justifies what we’re trying to do. I set some real high goals for myself this year, and they haven’t changed. I’m going to drive the wheels off that car every run, I guarantee you.”

Pedregon drove his Q-Horsepower Chevy Impala to his third win of the season and moved to second in the POWERade Series points standings, by outrunning top qualifier Robert Hight in the final. Pedregon earned his 39th career victory with a performance of 4.882 at 306.26, while Hight trailed in his Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.903 at 304.74.

“We knew we had a tough opponent in the final round, it always is any time you race a Force car, and my crew chief (Dickie Venables) really nailed it for the conditions,” Pedregon said. “We expected a tough race, and they were right there. Just to reach the winner’s circle at any race is good, but this one puts us right back in the game, and I think every race from this point on is going to be very important.”

Pedregon, who outran Jim Head, points leader Tim Wilkerson and Ron Capps in early rounds and moved to second overall in the points. He said his victory was in memory of Scott Kalitta, who died tragically in a crash in Englishtown, N.J. last weekend.

“I am dedicating this win to Scott’s kids and his wife,” Pedregon said. “I think it’s important that everyone out here wants them to know we care about them. I think the time coming up we’ll use to regroup and heal, and we’ll never forget him.”

Anderson earned his fourth win of the season and 55th of his career in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP when local favorite Larry Morgan had a red-light start in the final in his Lucas Oil Dodge Stratus.

“We got ’er done and made amends for last night (runner-up in K&N Horsepower Challenge) and racked up some precious POWERade points and got a little bit of money to go with and probably made our sponsor fairly happy, too,” said Anderson, who beat Mike Edwards, Jason Line and Greg Stanfield in the first three rounds. “I would love to have the No. 1 spot (heading into the Countdown to 1); it’s worth 20 points. That’s really the goal. We haven’t done too well up until the last couple of weekends. We’ve got a great race team, and we’ve kind of been getting shown the way home this year, but it looks like we’re making a recovery. It sure feels good to come to a race with a chance to win, and for the last couple of months, we didn’t have too good of a chance to win and needed a miracle. I think we’re back in the fight, and we’re going to keep swinging out there, trying to make it better by the time we get to the Countdown.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Arana won his first career race in his 18-year career with a performance of 7.027 at 187.60 on his Lucas Oil Buell, to hold off Team Tigue Suzuki rider Craig Treble, who finished in 7.061 at 187.83.

Arana said his team fixed a nagging problem that had held their bike back all season and the results showed today, as he upset some of the category’s heavy hitters: Gatornationals winner Matt Guidera, defending POWERade champ Matt Smith and No. 1 qualifier Eddie Krawiec, before beating veteran Treble in the final.

“I have to thank Forrest and Charlotte Lucas for believing in me and believing I could do this job,” Arana said. “I never gave up, and my crew guys never gave up, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people who have given me a hand over the year and never stopped trusting in me, and I’m glad I was able to do it. It’s an awesome, awesome feeling, and it hasn’t sunk in yet, but it feels great to accomplish what I’ve been working for all these years.”

The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series continues with the 29th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 11-13, at scenic Bandimere Speedway near Denver.


NORWALK, Ohio -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. The race is the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Doug Herbert; 2. Brandon Bernstein; 3. Cory McClenathan; 4. Rod Fuller; 5. Tony Schumacher; 6. David Grubnic; 7. Antron Brown; 8. J.R. Todd; 9. Larry Dixon; 10. Morgan Lucas; 11. Troy Buff; 12. Doug Kalitta; 13. Bob Vandergriff; 14. Steve Torrence; 15. Luigi Novelli; 16. Hillary Will.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara; 4. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Impala; 7. Gary Densham, Impala; 8. Del Worsham, Impala; 9. John Force, Mustang; 10. Mike Neff, Mustang; 11. Ashley Force, Mustang; 12. Jerry Toliver, Charger; 13. Jack Beckman, Charger; 14. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger; 15. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo; 16. Jim Head, Solara.

PRO STOCK:

1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP; 2. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus; 3. Greg Stanfield, GXP; 4. Justin Humphreys, Stratus; 5. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 6. Jason Line, GXP; 7. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt; 8. Johnny Gray, Stratus; 9. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt; 10. Mike Edwards, GXP; 11. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus; 12. Warren Johnson, GXP; 13. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 14. Rickie Jones, Stratus; 15. Ron Krisher, Cobalt; 16. V. Gaines, Stratus.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Hector Arana; 2. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson; 4. Steve Johnson, Suzuki; 5. Matt Smith, Buell; 6. Chip Ellis, Suzuki; 7. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 8. Chris Rivas, Buell; 9. Matt Guidera, Buell; 10. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 11. Angelle Sampey, Buell; 12. Mike Berry, Buell; 13. Junior Pippin, Buell; 14. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki; 15. Wes Wells, Suzuki; 16. Paul Gast, Suzuki.


NORWALK, Ohio -- Sunday's final results from the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. The race is the 12th of 24 in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Doug Herbert, 4.636 seconds, 311.70 mph def. Brandon Bernstein, 4.611 seconds, 313.58 mph.
Funny Car -- Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.882, 306.26 def. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.903, 304.74.
Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.704, 206.04 def. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, foul.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Hector Arana, Buell, 7.027, 187.60 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.061, 187.83.
Top Alcohol Dragster -- Tom Conway, 5.368, 260.26 def. Mike Kosky, 5.536, 247.52.
Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Bobby Martin, Dodge Charger, 5.624, 256.84 def. Steve Harker, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.629, 256.60.
Competition Eliminator -- David Rampy, Bantam Roadster, 7.340, 176.12 def. Craig Bourgeois, Dragster, 7.067, 167.80.
Super Stock -- Tim Worner, Olds Cutlass, 10.800, 120.00 def. Billy Leber, Chevy S-10, 9.422, 136.03.
Super Comp -- Doug Doll Jr., Dragster, 8.935, 162.57 def. Nicole Markwart, Dragster, 8.949, 164.75.
Super Gas -- Alan Kenny, Chevy Corvette, 9.900, 161.61 def. Rock Haas, Corvette, foul.


NORWALK, Ohio -- Final round-by-round results from the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- J.R. Todd, 4.876, 299.13 def. Hillary Will, 5.278, 215.89; Antron Brown, 4.616, 302.14 def. Steve Torrence, 4.829, 234.09; Doug Herbert, 4.692, 297.29 def. Troy Buff, 4.721, 294.18; Brandon Bernstein, 4.688, 304.39 def. Luigi Novelli, 5.162, 214.28; Rod Fuller, 4.648, 303.57 def. Doug Kalitta, 4.731, 301.47; Cory McClenathan, 4.640, 308.64 def. Morgan Lucas, 4.668, 298.07; David Grubnic, 4.633, 302.08 def. Larry Dixon, 4.642, 307.16; Tony Schumacher, 4.607, 318.62 def. Bob Vandergriff, 4.752, 292.33;

QUARTERFINALS -- McClenathan, 4.638, 305.77 def. Todd, 5.048, 238.13; Herbert, 4.666, 300.80 def. Grubnic, 4.662, 304.87; Bernstein, 4.650, 307.72 def. Brown, 4.861, 274.16; Fuller, 4.541, 320.43 def. Schumacher, 4.574, 307.09;

SEMIFINALS -- Bernstein, 4.654, 300.93 def. McClenathan, foul; Herbert, 4.668, 300.73 def. Fuller, 4.885, 304.53;

FINAL -- Herbert, 4.636, 311.70 def. Bernstein, 4.611, 313.58.


FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 4.905, 299.26 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 6.978, 132.46; Tony Pedregon, Impala, 5.485, 255.97 def. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 9.190, 84.25; Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 5.023, 296.63 def. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 7.677, 111.80; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.929, 290.57 def. Mike Neff, Mustang, 5.294, 209.49; Ron Capps, Charger, 5.688, 241.41 def. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 6.295, 193.74; Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 5.933, 204.42 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 6.323, 180.12; Del Worsham, Impala, 4.920, 307.86 def. John Force, Mustang, 5.082, 251.95; Gary Densham, Impala, 4.990, 282.60 def. Ashley Force, Mustang, 5.969, 149.95;

QUARTERFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.962, 297.55 def. Wilkerson, 5.062, 296.83; Capps, 4.936, 301.13 def. Worsham, 5.430, 235.80; Hight, 4.922, 296.63 def. Densham, 5.105, 243.63; C. Pedregon, 4.929, 300.46 def. Tasca III, 5.005, 291.82;

SEMIFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.967, 291.82 def. Capps, 5.084, 284.09; Hight, 4.950, 290.76 def. C. Pedregon, 5.035, 282.36;

FINAL -- T. Pedregon, 4.882, 306.26 def. Hight, 4.903, 304.74.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.727, 206.48 def. Mike Edwards, GXP, foul; Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.701, 205.69 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.715, 206.48; Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.712, 205.35 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus, 6.714, 205.94; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.731, 204.79 def. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.719, 206.48; Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.739, 205.07 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.741, 204.14; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.685, 205.76 def. V. Gaines, Stratus, foul; Jason Line, GXP, 6.714, 205.79 def. Rickie Jones, Stratus, 6.739, 204.66; Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.721,204.85 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.698, 205.94;

QUARTERFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.725, 204.35 def. Gray, 6.749, 204.76; Anderson, 6.701, 205.72 def. Line, 6.703, 205.41; Humphreys, 6.716, 204.54 def. Connolly, 6.729, 205.79; Morgan, 6.716, 205.29 def. A. Johnson, 6.685, 206.01;

SEMIFINALS -- Morgan, 6.727, 204.79 def. Humphreys, 6.787, 204.48; Anderson, 6.683, 205.47 def. Stanfield, 6.710, 204.91;

FINAL -- Anderson, 6.704, 206.04 def. Morgan, foul.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Chris Rivas, Buell, 7.058, 187.13 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.068, 186.72; Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.081, 188.12 def. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.120, 185.23; Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 6.997, 190.27 def. Angelle Sampey, Buell, foul; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.039, 188.67 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.183, 186.61; Hector Arana, Buell, 7.040, 188.31 def. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.062, 184.85; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.047, 189.15 def. Paul Gast, Suzuki, 7.204, 181.62; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.073, 189.20 def. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.127, 183.87; Matt Smith, Buell, 7.042, 187.86 def. Wes Wells, Suzuki, 7.184, 187.52;

QUARTERFINALS -- Treble, 7.066, 188.94 def. Hines, 7.056, 187.73; Arana, 7.029, 188.31 def. Smith, 7.041, 188.10; Krawiec, 7.059, 187.39 def. Rivas, 7.086, 186.56; Johnson, 7.047, 188.89 def. Ellis, 7.045, 186.59;

SEMIFINALS -- Treble, 7.141, 185.00 def. Johnson, 7.119, 185.26; Arana, 7.070, 185.72 def. Krawiec, 7.077, 185.82;

FINAL -- Arana, 7.027, 187.60 def. Treble, 7.061, 187.83.


NORWALK, Ohio -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 1,062; 2. Antron Brown, 809; 3. Larry Dixon, 791; 4. Rod Fuller, 746; 5. Cory McClenathan, 710; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 705; 7. Hillary Will, 685; 8. Doug Herbert, 613; 9. David Grubnic, 531; 10. Doug Kalitta, 514.

Funny Car

1. Tim Wilkerson, 863; 2. Tony Pedregon, 712; 3. Ashley Force, 708; 4. Robert Hight, 690; 5. John Force, 661; 6. Cruz Pedregon, 644; 7. Gary Densham, 581; 8. Ron Capps, 580; 9. Mike Neff, 548; 10. Bob Tasca III, 494.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 878; 2. Kurt Johnson, 826; 3. Jason Line, 777; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 767; 5. Mike Edwards, 634; 6. V. Gaines, 626; 7. Allen Johnson, 615; 8. Greg Stanfield, 592; 9. Ron Krisher, 589; 10. Warren Johnson, 534.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines, 613; 2. Chip Ellis, 532; 3. Matt Smith, 514; 4. Chris Rivas, 459; 5. Eddie Krawiec, 403; 6. Matt Guidera, 396; 7. Angelle Sampey, 392; 8. Craig Treble, 384; 9. Hector Arana, 345; 10. Steve Johnson, 308.
 

JOHNSON DRIVES MOPAR TO K&N CHALLENGE VICTORY
Fuller, Hight, Line and Krawiec claim No. 1 qualifying honors at Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals

NORWALK, Ohio – Allen Johnson drove his Dodge Stratus to the $50,000 K&N Horsepower Challenge victory Saturday at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park.

In other racing, Rod Fuller, Robert Hight, Jason Line and Eddie Krawiec claimed No. 1 qualifying positions and will lead their respective categories into tomorrow's 11 a.m. eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. It is the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.

It was the first win for Johnson in the special bonus event for the eight quickest Pro Stock teams from the last year. If Johnson can win in tomorrow he could earn an additional $25,000 from NHRA for sweeping both races, bringing his potential weekend earnings to more than $100,000.

Johnson, from Greeneville, Tenn., covered the quarter-mile distance in 6.725 seconds at 204.91 mph in his J&J Racing/Team Mopar Stratus and used a rare perfect reaction time (.000) to beat Greg Anderson, who posted a quicker, but losing, performance of 6.717 at 204.91 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP.

“The perfect light in the final, I don't know where that came from,” said Johnson, who is the second Mopar driver to win the Challenge in the 23-year history of the event, and first since Darrell Alderman's victory in 1991 in a Dodge Daytona.

“I haven't been driving too good lately,” continued Johnson, who defeated Warren Johnson and Kurt Johnson in the first two rounds of the Challenge. “ In the second round, I was able to cut a little better light; and then in the final, of course, you're just sucking up everything you've got to really get it close, and fortunately, it was green and perfect. To win this means a lot, especially being the first Mopar driver to win in the last 17 years. I don't think this will be our last time. Dad (Roy, crew chief) and the crew are just doing such an awesome job.”

In Top Fuel, Fuller earned his first top qualifying effort of the season, second-straight at this event and seventh of his career with a performance of 4.629 at 311.13 in his Caterpillar dragster.

“This a great place to race and where we started our charge last year,” said Fuller, who finished second in the ’07 final point standings. “(Our run today) actually was a better run than it ended up because it dropped some cylinders and slowed at the other end. Rob (Flynn, crew chief) asked me what I wanted him to do with the tune-up and I told him to go for it. There are only 16 cars and I’d rather go down swinging than just make a mediocre run and qualify in the middle of the pack.”

Funny Car’s Hight joined Fuller in posting his second-straight No. 1 at this event. He drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang to a performance of 4.882 at 309.77 to claim his 25th career No. 1 qualifying position and second of the season.

“That’s the first run in a long time that my car has made where it ran really good all the way to the finish line,” Hight said. “It didn’t drop cylinders and was nice and clean, but it’s only one run, and we need to make four Sunday to put ourselves in the position to win. Jimmy Prock (crew chief) and my whole team have worked so hard because we’ve torn up a lot of motors and parts this year, but it threw us a bone tonight. (Tim) Wilkerson has been running away with the points this year, but if we have a good-running race car when they reset the points (for the Countdown to the Championship), we can run right with him."

In other news during the day in Funny Car, Melanie Troxel and Gary Scelzi were both disqualified for the event after NHRA Tech Officials found loose ballast in their cars during inspection following the day’s first qualifying session. According to NHRA rules, any car determined to have loose ballast during or following a run results in immediate event disqualification.

In Pro Stock, Line raced to his 15th career No. 1 and second of the season, driving his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to a category-best time of 6.716 at 205.51.

“We’re happy to put the Summit car on the pole, and any time we can knock the yellow car off the top, it’s kind of a big deal for us,” said Line, referencing rival Jeg Coughlin, who was second in the 16-car lineup in his Jegs.com Chevy Cobalt. “Now it transfers to the pressure of trying to win the race. I haven’t had much racing luck this year. If there’s been a break to be had, it hasn’t fallen in my direction. Hopefully we can turn that around tomorrow. I’m driving decent, and the car’s running good enough to turn it into victory, so maybe tomorrow is the day."

Krawiec earned the first No. 1 qualifying position of his career in Pro Stock Motorcycle, racing to the position with a performance of 7.017 at 191.02 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

“We’ve been struggling a bit, so we threw a lot at it that run,” Krawiec said. “Andrew (Hines, teammate, qualified second) and Matt (Hines, crew chief) and I sat in the trailer for about three-and-a-half hours Thursday staring at computer sheets and data for comparable conditions and tried a lot of changes, so to come out and go 1-2 shows that hard work really pays off.”


NORWALK, Ohio -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Rod Fuller, 4.629 seconds, 311.13 mph vs. 16. Doug Kalitta, 7.369, 120.20; 2. Cory McClenathan, 4.631, 301.81 vs. 15. Morgan Lucas, 6.111, 216.86; 3. Brandon Bernstein, 4.640, 315.86 vs. 14. Luigi Novelli, 5.931, 160.25; 4. Larry Dixon, 4.644, 282.30 vs. 13. David Grubnic, 4.841, 288.09; 5. Doug Herbert, 4.647, 307.30 vs. 12. Troy Buff, 4.831, 289.57; 6. Antron Brown, 4.652, 291.51 vs. 11. Steve Torrence, 4.772, 282.72; 7. Hillary Will, 4.691, 303.78 vs. 10. J.R. Todd, 4.771, 297.94; 8. Tony Schumacher, 4.703, 300.46 vs. 9. Bob Vandergriff, 4.730, 280.54.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.882, 309.77 vs. 16. Mike Neff, Mustang, 5.200, 224.43; 2. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.909, 297.42 vs. 15. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 5.085, 278.12; 3. Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 4.910, 304.32 vs. 14. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 5.064, 288.95; 4. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.932, 303.64 vs. 13. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.007, 260.11; 5. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.965, 300.26 vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.995, 296.83; 6. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.975, 276.35 vs. 11. Jim Head, Solara, 4.994, 295.34; 7. Del Worsham, Impala, 4.977, 302.14 vs. 10. John Force, Mustang, 4.988, 274.11; 8. Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.980, 290.07 vs. 9. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.983, 297.29.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.716, 205.51 vs. 16. Rickie Jones, Dodge Stratus, 6.773, 203.19; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.726, 205.04 vs. 15. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.771, 203.95; 3. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.729, 204.69 vs. 14. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.764, 203.58; 4. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.732, 204.70 vs. 13. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.762, 203.92; 5. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.738, 206.04 vs. 12. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.760, 203.89; 6. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.739, 204.63 vs. 11. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus, 6.754, 204.23; 7. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.740, 206.10 vs. 10. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.753, 204.08; 8. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.743, 204.29 vs. 9. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.748, 204.88.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Jim Yates, 6.780, 203.16; 18. John Nobile, 6.785, 203.65; 19. Larry Nance, 6.790, 203.43; 20. Max Naylor, 6.793, 202.36; 21. Todd Hoerner, 6.794, 203.16; 22. Richie Stevens, 6.794, 202.79; 23. Dave Northrop, 6.815, 203.46; 24. Kevin Lawrence, 6.827, 201.19; 25. Steve Spiess, 6.831, 202.73; 26. Jim Cunningham, 6.910, 198.99; 27. Lee Zane, 6.975, 196.22.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.017, 191.02 vs. 16. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.167, 186.82; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.045, 191.21 vs. 15. Paul Gast, Suzuki, 7.150, 184.07; 3. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.058, 186.28 vs. 14. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.137, 186.74; 4. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.058, 185.23 vs. 13. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.118, 184.72; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.059, 187.23 vs. 12. Wes Wells, Suzuki, 7.111, 188.20; 6. Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 7.063, 188.10 vs. 11. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.103, 186.61; 7. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.068, 187.13 vs. 10. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.098, 189.04; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.076, 191.19 vs. 9. Chris Rivas, Buell, 7.088, 186.61.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Brian DeLong, 7.475, 172.04.

K&N Horsepower Challenge -- Saturday's final round-by-round results from the 24th annual K&N Horsepower Challenge at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park:

ROUND ONE -- Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.726, 205.04 def. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.744, 205.10; Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.738, 206.04 def. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.762, 204.08; Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.758, 204.29 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.754, 205.98; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.754, 204.88 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.836, 202.88;

SEMIFINALS -- A. Johnson, 6.729, 204.66 def. K. Johnson, 6.794, 205.54; Anderson, 6.748, 204.14 def. Coughlin, 6.745, 204.66;

FINAL -- A. Johnson, 6.725, 204.91 def. Anderson, 6.717, 204.91.
 

FRIDAY'S RACING CANCELLED AS WATER SEEPAGE PROBLEM SURFACES ON TRACK
Stevens and Smith are leaders in shortened Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying

NORWALK, Ohio -- NHRA officials cancelled most of Friday's professional racing portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park due to a water seepage problem on the racing surface.

Track officials estimate that more than 13 inches of rain has fallen on the track in the last week, creating a large water table surrounding the quarter-mile dragstrip. As the sun came out today and heated the track surface, water began to seep up through cracks in the track surface at various spots, including a large area just past the finish line.

NHRA and track officials worked for more than five hours to try and fix the situation, using multiple methods including backhoes, concrete drills and ditch-digging machines, but despite their tireless efforts could not get the track surface completely dry.

Before racing was delayed and ultimately cancelled, Matt Smith rode his Buell to the top spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle, covering the distance in 7.059 seconds at 187.23 mph in the only pro category that got in a full session of qualifying.

Qualifying was halted seven cars into the Pro Stock category's first session, and the current leader is Richie Stevens, who posted a 6.833 at 202.64 in his Pontiac GXP.

Saturday's pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. The K&N Horsepower Challenge for Pro Stock cars will highlight the day's racing activities. Sunday's eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m.

NORWALK, Ohio -- Results Friday after the first of four rounds of qualifying for the Second annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, 12th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Pro Stock -- 1. Richie Stevens, Pontiac GXP, 6.833, 202.64; 2. Dave Northrop, Pontiac GTO, 6.840, 200.80; 3. Larry Nance, Chevy Cavalier, 6.895, 201.13; 4. Kevin Lawrence, Chevy Cobalt, 6.900, 189.73; 5. Jim Cunningham, Ford Mustang, 6.910, 198.99; 6. Lee Zane, GTO, 8.594, 112.50; 7. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 13.600, 61.61.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.059, 187.23; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.083, 186.20; 3. Chris Rivas, Buell, 7.088, 186.61; 4. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.089, 188.60; 5. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.092, 184.45; 6. Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 7.101, 186.36; 7. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.121, 184.62; 8. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.138, 186.61; 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.145, 185.10; 10. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.154, 183.64; 11. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.169, 187.57; 12. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.192, 186.23. Not Qualified: 13. Junior Pippin, 7.208, 182.11; 14. Karen Stoffer, 7.224, 186.25; 15. Wes Wells, 7.289, 184.98; 16. Paul Gast, 7.294, 161.50.
 

SCHUMACHER GETS FIRST WIN IN ENGLISHTOWN;

WILKERSON, ANDERSON, ELLIS ALSO WIN AT RACEWAY PARK

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Five-time POWERade Series world champion Tony Schumacher raced to his first win at Englishtown in 12 years of competition at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals.

The event was overshadowed by the loss of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta, who died from multiple injuries suffered after his car went out of control in the fourth round of qualifying Saturday.

Tim Wilkerson, Greg Anderson, and Chip Ellis also won in their respective categories in the 11th of 24 events on the POWERade Series schedule.

Schumacher drove his U.S. Army dragster to a 4.589-second run at 325.06 to defeat runner-up Brandon Bernstein by half a car length to pick up his 46th win and pull within six of Joe Amato (52) for most Top Fuel wins all-time.

“With the passing of Scott Kalitta yesterday, today’s race was extremely tough to get through from an emotional standpoint. But we managed to take care of business like Scott would have wanted us to,” said Schumacher, who won from the No. 9 qualifying position.

In Funny Car, Wilkerson drove his Levi Ray & Shoup Chevy Impala SS to a 4.877 at 319.29 to defeat Rookie of the Year favorite Mike Neff, who was seeking his first career win in his third career final round.

“You come to the race track and you think there is always a chance of something happening,” said Wilkerson. “Knowing Scott the way I knew Scott I think that he would’ve wanted us to come and race because he was just that kind of guy. With that in mind, we all came to the racetrack with the intention of winning.”

Greg Anderson drove his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to his third win of the season, posting a time of 7.520 at 200.23, which proved strong enough to get past runner-up Dave Connolly. It is Anderson’s 54th career win, fourth in Englishtown and second consecutive at Raceway Park.

“It was a tough deal to come out and race today, without a doubt,” said Anderson. “I don’t really know how you really do it, how you really concentrate and we probably didn’t very well, to be honest with you. You think about (Scott) all the time and you think, ‘I know I’m going to wake up from this dream in a while.’”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Chip Ellis was able to ride his Schumacher Racing Suzuki past No. 1 qualifier Chris Rivas to pick up his sixth career win and first with Don Schumacher Racing. Ellis ran a 7.040 at 187.21, which was enough to give him the win light after Rivas red-light at the start.

“To be perfectly honest it was awesome,” said Ellis, referring to his win against his former team and crew chief. “I know what George Smith (Chris Rivas’ crew chief) is capable of doing. I rode his bike all last year and he’s a great tuner and Chris is doing a great job riding for him. But, on the other hand, I think I’m with the best tuner, and the man I’m talking about is Steve Tartaglia.”


ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The race is the 11th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. Tony Schumacher; 2. Brandon Bernstein; 3. Cory McClenathan; 4. Rod Fuller; 5. Antron Brown; 6. Doug Herbert; 7. Larry Dixon; 8. Bob Vandergriff; 9. J.R. Todd; 10. Steve Torrence; 11. Morgan Lucas; 12. Doug Foley; 13. Doug Kalitta; 14. Hillary Will; 15. Todd Paton; 16. David Grubnic.

FUNNY CAR:
1. Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala; 2. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang; 3. Del Worsham, Impala; 4. John Force, Mustang; 5. Gary Densham, Impala; 6. Robert Hight, Mustang; 7. Melanie Troxel, Dodge Charger; 8. Tony Pedregon, Impala; 9. Jerry Toliver, Charger; 10.

Ron Capps, Charger; 11. Ashley Force, Mustang; 12. Gary Scelzi, Charger; 13. Bob Tasca III, Mustang; 14. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger; 15. Jim Head, Toyota Solara; 16. Scott Kalitta, Solara.

PRO STOCK:
1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP; 2. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt; 3. V. Gaines, Dodge Stratus; 4. Mike Edwards, GXP; 5. Larry Morgan, Stratus; 6. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 7. Ron Krisher, Cobalt; 8. Jason Line, GXP; 9. Justin Humphreys, Stratus; 10. Warren Johnson, GXP; 11. Jim Yates, GXP; 12. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 13. Johnny Gray, Stratus; 14. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt; 15. Greg Stanfield, GXP; 16. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
1. Chip Ellis, Suzuki; 2. Chris Rivas, Buell; 3. Matt Smith, Buell; 4. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 5. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson; 6. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 7. Steve Johnson, Suzuki; 8. Angelle Sampey, Buell; 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 10.

Matt Guidera, Buell; 11. Mike Berry, Buell; 12. Shawn Gann, Suzuki; 13. Hector Arana, Buell; 14. Wes Wells, Suzuki; 15. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki; 16. Ryan Schnitz, Kawasaki.



ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Sunday's final results from the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

The race is the 11th of 24 in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.589 seconds, 325.06 mph def. Brandon Bernstein, 4.562 seconds, 323.04 mph.

Funny Car -- Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 4.877, 319.29 def. Mike Neff, Ford Mustang, 4.883, 316.75.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 7.040, 187.21 def. Chris Rivas, Buell, foul.

Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 7.578, 200.23 def. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 20.285, 36.59.


ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Final round-by-round results from the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the 11th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:


TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Cory McClenathan, 4.586, 322.50 def. Doug Kalitta, broke; Bob Vandergriff, 5.295, 144.06 def. Hillary Will, broke; Rod Fuller, 4.963, 245.23 def. Morgan Lucas, 5.245, 209.49; Doug Herbert, 4.748, 298.80 def. Doug Foley, foul; Antron Brown, 4.567,

322.73 def. J.R. Todd, 4.639, 310.05; Brandon Bernstein, 4.692, 316.60 def. Todd Paton, broke; Tony Schumacher, 5.044, 263.82 def.

Steve Torrence, 5.125, 258.27; Larry Dixon, 4.638, 313.58 def. David Grubnic, broke; QUARTERFINALS -- Fuller, 4.594, 319.75 def. Herbert, 4.691, 309.84; Bernstein, 5.068, 238.13 def. Vandergriff, 8.655, 96.96; McClenathan, 4.671, 304.74 def. Dixon, 4.701, 282.19; Schumacher, 4.618, 319.07 def. Brown, 4.621, 316.75; SEMIFINALS -- Schumacher, 4.615, 321.27 def. McClenathan, 4.594, 314.17; Bernstein, 4.616, 319.22 def. Fuller, 4.813, 256.84; FINAL -- Schumacher, 4.589, 325.06 def. Bernstein, 4.562, 323.04.

FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 23.372, 73.14 def. Scott Kalitta, Toyota Solara, broke; Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.892,

302.14 def. Jim Head, Solara, 9.865, 52.12; John Force, Mustang, 5.864, 174.17 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 6.695, 170.26; Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.939, 306.19 def. Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.927, 302.35; Del Worsham, Impala, 4.946, 313.95 def. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.933, 309.34; Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.935, 317.79 def. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 4.914, 308.92; Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.874, 317.05 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.922, 316.45; Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.887, 316.01 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 5.025, 285.83; QUARTERFINALS -- J. Force, 4.986, 309.49 def. Troxel, 7.269, 119.76; Worsham, 4.938, 309.34 def. Hight, 5.427, 196.27; Neff, 5.432, 252.00 def. T. Pedregon, 7.499, 115.52; Wilkerson, 4.902, 312.35 def. Densham, 4.921, 308.43; SEMIFINALS -- Neff, 4.971, 299.53 def. J. Force, 4.977, 301.27; Wilkerson, 4.933, 303.50 def. Worsham, 4.952, 300.46; FINAL -- Wilkerson, 4.877, 319.29 def. Neff, 4.883, 316.75.

PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.653, 207.21 def. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.654, 207.15; Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.673, 206.48 def. Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GXP, 6.690, 206.07; Jason Line, GXP, 6.652, 207.50 def. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.671, 206.51; Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.650, 207.50 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Stratus, 6.785, 183.34; Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.671, 206.48 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.686, 206.83; V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.674, 206.42 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.658, 207.88; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.641, 207.88 def. Johnny Gray, Stratus, 6.678, 206.92; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.654, 206.92 def. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.672, 206.64;

QUARTERFINALS -- Edwards, 6.667, 206.92 def. Krisher, 6.703, 206.51; Gaines, 6.692, 206.01 def. Line, 6.718, 207.46; Connolly, 6.661, 207.27 def. K. Johnson, 6.682, 207.62; Anderson, 6.644, 207.91 def. Morgan, 6.666, 207.24; SEMIFINALS -- Connolly, 6.676, 206.83 def. Gaines, 6.683, 206.04; Anderson, 6.665, 207.91 def. Edwards, foul; FINAL -- Anderson, 7.578, 200.23 def. Connolly, 20.285, 36.59.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
ROUND ONE -- Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.033, 187.76 def. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.063, 187.89; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.039,

189.79 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, foul; Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.044, 189.36 def. Hector Arana, Buell, foul; Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.070, 187.18 def. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.101, 187.83; Chris Rivas, Buell, 6.979, 190.19 def. Ryan Schnitz, Kawasaki, 7.364, 176.37; Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 6.923, 192.49 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.161, 185.49; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.043, 188.81 def. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.066, 186.15; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.966, 189.87 def. Wes Wells, Suzuki, foul; QUARTERFINALS -- Hines, 7.047, 188.62 def. Sampey, 7.178, 182.65; Rivas, 6.991, 188.65 def. Krawiec, 7.030, 188.33; Smith, 7.000,

188.94 def. Treble, 7.062, 190.06; Ellis, 6.976, 190.81 def. Johnson, 7.081, 189.50; SEMIFINALS -- Rivas, 7.007, 190.40 def. Hines, 7.116, 184.80; Ellis, 7.005, 190.14 def. Smith, 7.079, 186.87; FINAL -- Ellis, 7.040, 187.21 def. Rivas, foul.


ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the 11th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 1,009; 2. Antron Brown, 765; 3. Larry Dixon, 756; 4. Rod Fuller, 668; 5. Hillary Will, 652; 6. Cory McClenathan, 633; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 609; 8. Doug Herbert, 499; 9. Doug Kalitta, 483; 10. David Grubnic, 480.

Funny Car
1. Tim Wilkerson, 807; 2. Ashley Force, 675; 3. John Force, 629; 4. Tony Pedregon, 598; 5. Robert Hight, 592; 6. Cruz Pedregon, 572; 7. Gary Densham, 529; 8. Mike Neff, 517; 9. Ron Capps, 503; 10. Bob Tasca III, 439.

Pro Stock
1. Kurt Johnson, 792; 2. Greg Anderson, 766; 3. Jeg Coughlin, 730; 4. Jason Line, 719; 5. Mike Edwards, 601; 6. V. Gaines, 595; 7. Allen Johnson, 559; 8. Ron Krisher, 554; 9. Greg Stanfield, 520; 10. Warren Johnson, 501.

Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Andrew Hines, 556; 2. Chip Ellis, 478; 3. Matt Smith, 460; 4. Chris Rivas, 407; 5. Matt Guidera, 361; 6. Angelle Sampey, 360; 7. Eddie Krawiec, 325; 8. Craig Treble, 292; 9. Karen Stoffer, 240; 10. Hector Arana, 234.
 

HEAD TAKES PROVISIONAL TOP SPOT IN FUNNY CAR; DIXON, ANDERSON, RIVAS ALSO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 QUALIFIERS IN ENGLISHTOWN

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – After nearly 15 years since his last No. 1 qualifier, Funny Car driver Jim Head raced to the provisional top spot Friday at the place he last collected his No. 1 qualifier, the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals.

Larry Dixon, Greg Anderson and Chris Rivas were also No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 11th of 24 events on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Head drove his Head Racing Toyota Solara to a 4.803-second pass at 320.51 mph to become the provisional top qualifier. It would be Head’s second career No. 1 qualifier, with his first coming in 1993 in Englishtown in the Top Fuel category.

“The conditions of the track were really good,” said Head. “I thought the guys running after us would’ve had a lower number though. Fifteen to twenty minutes at that time of night is a really big thing.”

Current Funny Car points leader Tim Wilkerson sits 10th after two rounds of qualifying, while defending event winner Tommy Johnson Jr. did not record a successful qualifying run on Friday and will get two more chances to get in the field of 16 on Saturday.

New Jersey native Antron Brown took the provisional top spot in Top Fuel, driving his Matco Tools dragster to a 4.502 at 326.24. It’s would be Brown’s second No. 1 qualifier of the season, and third at Englishtown, with his previous two at the track coming in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“This track is the hometrack for me, I only lived 25 minutes away,” said Brown, who grew up in Chesterfield, N.J. “It was about 22 years ago at this racetrack at the Summernationals, we were watching all these guys like Snake, Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, all those guys, and I always had that dream that I wanted to do that one day, but you never put it in perspective because you never think you’ll actually be there.”

Defending world champion Tony Schumacher sits in the ninth spot while Larry Dixon did not record a successful qualifying run on Friday and will get two more chances to get in the field of 16 on Saturday.

Defending event winner in Pro Stock, Greg Anderson, drove his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to the provisional top spot with a 6.599 run at 209.23. It would be his second of the season, 64th of his career, fourth at Raceway Park and second consecutive in at the track.

“These Pro Stock cars are so close right now,” said Anderson. “It’s just who makes the right call at the right time and this was obviously the right time. You’ve got to make the most of it when the times are right and tonight the times were right.”

Current points leader Kurt Johnson just missed the top spot of the day, coming in second, while defending world champion Jeg Coughlin sits in the 12th spot.

Following up his win in Chicago just one event previous, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Chris Rivas rode his G-Squared/S&S Buell to a 6.932 at 191.21 and the provisional No. 1 qualifying spot. It would be Rivas’ second consecutive career and season No. 1 qualifier.

“After the Chicago race I told the guys, ‘you’re going back to the shop, but don’t touch the bike. Leave everything alone and we can use all the same parts, it’s all still good,’” said Rivas. “I told them as long as they leave everything alone we can keep doing the same thing.”

Current points leader Andrew Hines sits fourth while defending event winner Craig Treble is 12th.

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations begin at 11 a.m.


ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 39th annual Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 11th of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 4.502 seconds, 326.24 mph; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 4.525, 323.27; 3. Doug Foley, 4.532, 327.43; 4. David Grubnic, 4.539, 318.84; 5. Cory McClenathan, 4.542, 325.92; 6. Rod Fuller, 4.551, 328.46; 7. Bob Vandergriff, 4.565, 315.19; 8. Steve Torrence, 4.579, 315.42; 9. Tony Schumacher, 4.582, 320.36; 10. Hillary Will, 4.584, 323.12; 11. Morgan Lucas, 4.601, 320.74; 12. Doug Kalitta, 4.609, 319.14. Not Qualified: 13. J.R. Todd, 4.678, 301.33; 14. Larry Dixon, 5.000, 215.62; 15. Doug Herbert, 5.242, 255.97.

Funny Car -- 1. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.803, 320.51; 2. Ashley Force, Ford Mustang, 4.803, 314.75; 3. John Force, Mustang, 4.810, 321.12; 4. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.810, 303.71; 5. Del Worsham, Chevy Impala, 4.831, 314.53; 6. Melanie Troxel, Dodge Charger, 4.835, 321.50; 7. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.856, 317.34; 8. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.856, 316.38; 9. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.870, 306.12; 10. Tim Wilkerson, Impala, 4.873, 317.27; 11. Jerry Toliver, Charger, 4.876, 318.02; 12. Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.883, 315.64. Not Qualified: 13. Jack Beckman, 4.890, 317.12; 14. Tommy Johnson Jr., 4.891, 295.21; 15. Mike Ashley, 5.007, 298.54; 16. Scott Kalitta, 5.009, 247.52; 17. Gary Densham, 5.051, 280.25; 18. Cruz Pedregon, 5.182, 224.88; 19. Tony Pedregon, 5.850, 201.13; 20. Tony Bartone, 7.035, 124.58.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.599, 209.23; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.600, 209.36; 3. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.605, 209.52; 4. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.607, 208.23; 5. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.618, 208.65; 6. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.627, 208.36; 7. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.627, 208.26; 8. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.627, 207.88; 9. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.628, 207.85; 10. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.628, 207.40; 11. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.634, 208.01; 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.637, 207.82. Not Qualified: 13. Johnny Gray, 6.644, 207.94; 14. V. Gaines, 6.650, 206.67; 15. Jason Line, 6.652, 208.39; 16. Dave Northrop, 6.657, 207.15; 17. Vinnie Deceglie, 6.663, 207.15; 18. John Nobile, 6.664, 207.08; 19. Max Naylor, 6.676, 207.34; 20. Jim Cunningham, 6.790, 201.97; 21. Val Smeland, 6.864, 199.32; 22. Lee Zane, 6.989, 196.27.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Chris Rivas, Buell, 6.932, 191.21; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.952, 191.38; 3. Chip Ellis, Suzuki, 6.967, 190.46; 4. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.990, 189.07; 5. Matt Guidera, Buell, 6.997, 190.78; 6. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.997, 190.81; 7. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.002, 192.36; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.005, 191.16; 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.019, 189.10; 10. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 7.030, 188.04; 11. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.058, 190.32; 12. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.107, 190.24. Not Qualified: 13. Junior Pippin, 7.109, 187.18; 14. Joe DeSantis, 7.127, 187.13; 15. Mike Berry, 7.132, 186.56; 16. Wes Wells, 7.178, 188.31; 17. Ryan Schnitz, 7.457, 177.56.
 

WILL BECOMES 11TH WOMAN TO WIN A NATIONAL EVENT; FORCE, KRISHER ALSO WINNERS AT HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA

TOPEKA, Kan. – Hillary Will became the 11th woman in NHRA history to win a national event when she raced to the win in the Top Fuel category at the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals.

John Force and Ron Krisher also won in their respective categories at Heartland Park Topeka in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.

Will drove her KB dragster to a 4.744-second run at 304.53 mph, which was just enough to get past No. 1 qualifier Larry Dixon and pick up her first win.

“There are so many emotions because there were times when I thought I can’t do this, maybe I shouldn’t be racing, maybe I don’t belong in Top Fuel,” said Will. “But it’s what I love to do and through everything you just can never, never, never give up.”

Defending POWERade Series world champion Tony Schumacher strengthened his points lead with a first round win over Alan Bradshaw. The five-time world champion has a 109-point cushion over second place Antron Brown.

In Funny Car, 14-time POWERade Series world champion Force picked up his first win of the season, driving his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to a 4.996 at 299.66 past runner-up Tim Wilkerson. It was Force’s 126th career win and 9th at Heartland Park Topeka. It was also Force's first since his wreck in Dallas last year that sidelined the Funny Car legend for nearly five months.

“I didn’t want to go winless, not after that wreck and I didn’t want to get mental where I thought I had to quit,” said Force. “If you can’t do the job, then you’ve got to get out, and I didn’t want to get mental. I just told Wilkerson, ‘thank you, I needed this more than you needed the points or the money, I needed this mentally.’ Winning is what it’s all about.”

Wilkerson kept his points lead with his runner up finish and built a 81-point cushion over second-place Ashley Force after Ashley lost in the first round to her father John.

In Pro Stock, Ron Krisher drove his Valvoline Chevy Cobalt past Larry Morgan for his first win of the season. Krisher’s run of 6.758 at 204.70 was enough to put him in winner’s circle and give him his first win in over five years.

“I got my driving back, or more confidence in my driving and that’s what I needed,” said Krisher. “I lost confidence in my driving but we’ve got it back. We drove good today, nobody beat us up out there. We took every round.”

Kurt Johnson’s second-round win was strong enough to push him to the top of the Pro Stock point standings and give him a 20-point lead over second-place and defending world champion Jeg Coughlin.

The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series continues with the 11th annual Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Route 66 Nationals, June 5-8 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka. The race is the ninth of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. Hillary Will; 2. Larry Dixon; 3. Antron Brown; 4. Cory McClenathan; 5. Brandon Bernstein; 6. Morgan Lucas; 7. Tony Schumacher; 8. Joe Hartley; 9. J.R. Todd; 10. Doug Herbert; 11. Rod Fuller; 12. Doug Kalitta; 13. David Grubnic; 14. Alan Bradshaw; 15. Bob Vandergriff.

FUNNY CAR:
1. John Force, Ford Mustang; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala; 3. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger; 4. Ron Capps, Charger; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang; 6. Melanie Troxel, Charger; 7. Jerry Toliver, Charger; 8. Gary Densham, Impala; 9. Frank Hawley, Charger; 10. Ashley Force, Mustang; 11. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger; 12. Jack Beckman, Charger; 13. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara; 14. Robert Hight, Mustang; 15. Tony Pedregon, Impala; 16. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo.

PRO STOCK:
1. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt; 2. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus; 3. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt; 5. Rickie Jones, Stratus; 6. V. Gaines, Stratus; 7. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP; 8. Dave Connolly, Cobalt; 9. Warren Johnson, GXP; 10. Jason Line, GXP; 11. Jim Yates, GXP; 12. Justin Humphreys, Stratus; 13. Greg Stanfield, GXP; 14. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 15. Greg Anderson, GXP; 16. Todd Hoerner, Stratus.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Sunday's final results from the 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka. The race is the ninth of 24 in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Hillary Will, 4.744 seconds, 304.53 mph def. Larry Dixon, 4.960 seconds, 281.42 mph.

Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.996, 299.66 def. Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 6.183, 152.61.

Pro Stock -- Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.758, 204.70 def. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 12.144, 62.96.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Mark Niver, 5.490, 263.41 def. Chris Demke, 5.447, 264.49.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Steve Harker, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.644, 256.65 def. Sean O'Bannon, Monte Carlo, 5.691, 255.73.

Competition Eliminator -- David Rampy, Bantam Roadster, 7.317, 179.37 def. Dan Fletcher, Chevy Cobalt, 8.202, 162.47.

Super Stock -- Jeff Town, Buick Regal, 10.926, 114.75 def. Peter Biondo, Chevy Cobalt, 8.944, 147.33.

Super Comp -- Tim Ekart, Dragster, 8.866, 171.90 def. Tommy Phillips, Dragster, 8.861, 169.57.

Super Gas -- Tommy Phillips, Chevy Corvette, No Time, No Speed def. Bill Mitchell, Corvette, broke.

Super Street -- Mark Underhill, Chevy Malibu, 10.852, 133.18 def. John Dasher, Chevy Camaro, broke.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Final round-by-round results from the 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka, the ninth of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Brandon Bernstein, 4.625, 311.99 def. J.R. Todd, 4.667, 286.74; Tony Schumacher, 5.862, 235.97 def. Alan Bradshaw, 11.201, 84.69; Morgan Lucas, 4.749, 305.98 def. Rod Fuller, 4.856, 261.98; Larry Dixon, 4.630, 308.85 was unopposed; Cory McClenathan, 4.587, 314.46 def. Bob Vandergriff, 13.150, 74.69; Antron Brown, 4.612, 294.50 def. David Grubnic, 8.328, 89.43; Joe Hartley, 4.727, 311.85 def. Doug Kalitta, 5.327, 208.84; Hillary Will, 4.633, 310.91 def. Doug Herbert, 4.672, 308.43; QUARTERFINALS -- Dixon, 4.691, 302.14 def. Bernstein, 4.698, 309.70; Brown, 4.617, 318.99 def. Hartley, 12.117, 82.84; Will, 4.757, 292.58 def. Lucas, 4.780, 278.52; McClenathan, 4.660, 307.51 def. Schumacher, 5.657, 165.01; SEMIFINALS -- Will, 4.809, 291.51 def. McClenathan, 7.197, 116.27; Dixon, 4.787, 302.01 def. Brown, 5.079, 236.01; FINAL -- Will, 4.744, 304.53 def. Dixon, 4.960, 281.42.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Tim Wilkerson, Chevy Impala, 4.889, 307.79 def. Frank Hawley, Dodge Charger, 4.849, 306.95; Gary Densham, Impala, 4.962, 304.32 def. Tony Bartone, Chevy Monte Carlo, 6.648, 135.43; Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.939, 309.06 def. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 6.199, 150.16; Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.940, 297.81 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.976, 303.03; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.956, 307.37 def. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, foul; Jerry Toliver, Charger, 4.946, 305.22 def.

Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.950, 305.36; Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.927, 305.70 def. Robert Hight, Mustang, 5.237, 219.72; John Force, Mustang, 4.890, 291.95 def. Ashley Force, Mustang, 4.880, 307.93; QUARTERFINALS -- Wilkerson, 5.005, 298.01 def. Toliver, 5.021, 292.27; Capps, 4.969, 300.06 def. Troxel, 5.016, 298.01; J. Force, 4.980, 295.34 def. Densham, 7.356, 114.60; Scelzi, 4.997, 298.14 def. Tasca III, 4.983, 296.83; SEMIFINALS -- Wilkerson, 6.009, 194.32 def. Scelzi, 6.138, 210.70; J. Force, 5.009, 296.37 def. Capps, 7.119, 126.99;

FINAL -- J. Force, 4.996, 299.66 def. Wilkerson, 6.183, 152.61.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.772, 203.03 def. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.787, 203.34; Rickie Jones, Stratus, 6.772, 202.82 def. Warren Johnson, Pontiac GXP, 6.741, 205.44; V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.777, 203.19 def. Jason Line, GXP, 6.757, 203.25; Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.757, 204.11 def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.790, 202.67; Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.751, 203.52 def. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.770, 203.00; Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.737, 204.32 def. Justin Humphreys, Stratus, 6.769, 203.03; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.754, 203.68 def. Jim Yates, GXP, 6.761, 203.12; Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.732, 203.92 def. Todd Hoerner, Stratus, 6.817, 202.76; QUARTERFINALS -- K. Johnson, 12.660, 67.98 def. Gaines, foul; Coughlin, 6.774, 204.17 def. Edwards, 6.793, 203.28; Morgan, 6.772, 203.22 def. Connolly, 14.645, 56.77; Krisher, 6.745, 204.01 def. Jones, 6.779, 203.25;

SEMIFINALS -- Morgan, 6.768, 203.25 def. Coughlin, 8.007, 124.43; Krisher, 6.750, 203.83 def. K. Johnson, 6.755, 204.54;

FINAL -- Krisher, 6.758, 204.70 def. Morgan, 12.144, 62.96.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 20th annual O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals presented by Castrol GTX at Heartland Park Topeka, the ninth of 24 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 779; 2. Antron Brown, 670; 3. Larry Dixon, 659; 4. Hillary Will, 567; 5. Cory McClenathan, 527; 6. Rod Fuller, 502; 7. Brandon Bernstein, 480; 8. Doug Kalitta, 418; 9. David Grubnic, 391; 10. Doug Herbert, 377.

Funny Car
1. Tim Wilkerson, 643; 2. Ashley Force, 562; 3. John Force, 520; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 508; 5. Robert Hight, 506; 6. (tie) Ron Capps, 435; Tony Pedregon, 435; 8. Gary Densham, 407; 9. Mike Neff, 393; 10. Bob Tasca III, 374.

Pro Stock
1. Kurt Johnson, 621; 2. Jeg Coughlin, 601; 3. Greg Anderson, 592; 4. Jason Line, 591; 5. V. Gaines, 514; 6. Mike Edwards, 497; 7. Allen Johnson, 494; 8. Ron Krisher, 444; 9. Greg Stanfield, 436; 10. Warren Johnson, 388.
 

DIXON, BARTONE, AND CONNOLLY KEEP TOP QUALIFYING SPOTS IN TOPEKA

TOPEKA, Kan. – Larry Dixon, Tony Bartone, and Dave Connolly were able to hold on to the top spots in their respective categories Saturday at the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals.

Despite the heat and humidity at Heartland Park Topeka the three drivers’ Friday night qualifying runs were enough for them to maintain the No. 1 qualifying positions in their respective categories.

Dixon’s run Friday night of 4.527 seconds at 325.30 mph in his U.S. Smokeless Tobacco dragster was strong enough to keep the top spot in Top Fuel. It’s Dixon’s first No. 1 qualifier of the season, 28th of his career, and third at Heartland Park Topeka.

“You still have to go out there and stand on the gas,” said Dixon, who will run unopposed in his first round due to a shortened 15-car field in Top Fuel. “You’re racing for lane choice. Your racing for what pair you’re going to be second round. There are a lot of things that come in to play.”

Five-time world champion Tony Schumacher qualified seventh for the race while defending event winner Brandon Bernstein took the eighth spot in the field.

Bartone kept his Canidae Pet Food Chevy Monte Carlo in the top spot in Funny Car, thanks to his Friday night run of 4.881 at 301.81. It’s Bartone’s second career No. 1 qualifier.

“You have to take advantage of the atmospheric conditions and the track conditions and we felt that, given what we had before us, we couldn’t run better than a 4.88 and we had our fingers crossed that no one else could as well,” said Bartone, who, along with team owner Jim Dunn, decided to sit out both rounds of Saturday qualifying. “I had my fingers crossed, toes crossed, knees, everything crossed and it held up so we’re glad we put this performance up for all our sponsors.”

Funny Car points leader Tim Wilkerson sits 14th after two rounds of qualifying, while defending world champion Tony Pedregon is in the 15th spot.

In Pro Stock Connolly’s run in his Charter Communications Chevy Cobalt of 6.720 at 204.51 from Friday was enough to keep him in the top spot. It’s Connolly’s first No. 1 qualifier of the season and sixth of his career.

“Topeka has definitely always been a good track for us,” said Connolly, who has had three consecutive final round appearances at Heartland Park. “We know we’ve got a good car. It’s been the best that it’s been since we’ve had it out. We just keep plugging away at it and it keeps responding to the changes we throw at it.”

Points leader and defending event winner Greg Anderson qualified in the 14th spot, while defending world champion Jeg Coughlin sits 13th in the field.

Sunday’s eliminations begin at 11 a.m. and will be televised on ESPN2 HD.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- First-round pairings for professio