National Hot Rod Association - NHRA

BODE REACHES FIRST CAREER FINAL, WINS FIRST CAREER RACE
Dixon, Coughlin and Hines round out winners at final Countdown to 10 race

By Michael Padian

BRAINERD, Minn. – Three drivers had a shot at their first career NHRA Full Throttle Series win on Sunday at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway and Funny Car veteran Bob Bode was the lucky one who struck paydirt.

The other winners at the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Series season – and final race in the Countdown to 10 regular season – were Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Also on Sunday, the final five spots in the Countdown to 1 NHRA Playoffs were determined as Dave Grubnic (Top Fuel), Tony Pedregon (Funny Car), Rodger Brogdon (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle) clinched berths.

And the final two No. 1 seeds were settled as well with John Force (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joining Dixon (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) as top seeds.

Bode defeated Cruz Pedregon, Bob Tasca and Tim Wilkerson to reach the final where he proceeded to celebrate a surprisingly easy win when Jack Beckman struck the wheels on his Freightliner Dodge Charger R/T early and slowed to a 8.338 at 86.32. Bode’s official winning run in the Alard Machine Chevy Impala was a 4.248 at 253.66.

“All of this is kind of like a dream I’m afraid I’m gonna wake up from,” Bode said. “I didn’t know if it would ever happen, but now that it did, I can’t believe it happened. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me in my entire life in the racing world. I have a wife and kid, wonderful things there, but the racing world, this is it.”

Dixon improved to 9-0 in final rounds in the Al-Anabi dragster and 4-0 vs. second-place Cory McClenathan this season with a blistering 3.786-second pass at 312.28 mph to McClenathan’s 3.810 at 314.17.

“I feel fortunate,” said Dixon, whose engine suffered damage as he crossed the finish line. “When I lifted (off the throttle), it popped … I got heat-treated a little bit … but I saw the win light.”

In Pro Stock, the red-hot Coughlin (6.614 at 208.04) was appearing in his third straight final round in the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt and he celebrated victory for the second time in that stretch when Auto Club Road to the Future candidate Shane Gray red-lighted in the Tire Kingdom Pontiac GXP to end his bid for his first career win before he got out of first gear.

“This is as close as we’ve been to the points leader all year,” said Coughlin, who will trail Mike Edwards by 40 points when the points reset for the Countdown to 1. “That’s the way the playoff and the Countdown to 1 works. We’ve had that work to our advantage for a couple of years and had that work against us last year. This year, we were probably no way shape or form going to contend for our sixth world title, but we are.”

It was Coughlin’s 52nd career win, which tied him with Joe Amato for eighth place on the all-time NHRA Full Throttle Series wins list.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hines (6.941 at 191.00) completed an impressive weekend hat trick aboard the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with his win over first-time finalist Jim Underdahl (7.012 at 188.52) – he was the No. 1 qualifier, he won the race, and he moved around season-long points-leader Hector Arana to clinch the No. 1 seed entering the Countdown to 1 playoffs.

“Big win,” Hines said. “I’ve never been No. 1 going into the playoffs so it’s nice to be in this position. Three or four races ago we were looking at the point and Hector had something like a 160-point lead and we just wrote it off that we wouldn’t make it there. Luck turned to our side, the motorcycle started performing better and Hector faltered a little bit and we capitalized on it.”

The six-race Countdown to 1 playoffs begin in two weeks with the Labor Day weekend running of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the 56th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.



BRAINERD, Minn. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The race is the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.


TOP FUEL:

1. Larry Dixon; 2. Cory McClenathan; 3. Doug Kalitta; 4. David Grubnic; 5. Tony Schumacher; 6. Shawn Langdon; 7. Brandon Bernstein; 8. Antron Brown; 9. Terry McMillen; 10. Morgan Lucas; 11. Steven Chrisman; 12. Steve Torrence; 13. Terry Haddock; 14. Scott Palmer; 15. Chris Karamesines; 16. Luigi Novelli.


FUNNY CAR:

1. Bob Bode; 2. Jack Beckman; 3. Jim Head; 4. Tim Wilkerson; 5. Bob Tasca III; 6. Paul Lee; 7. Robert Hight; 8. Matt Hagan; 9. Jeff Arend; 10. John Force; 11. Del Worsham; 12. Dale Creasy Jr.; 13. Tony Pedregon; 14. Ron Capps; 15. Cruz Pedregon; 16. Ashley Force Hood.


PRO STOCK:

1. Jeg Coughlin; 2. Shane Gray; 3. Johnny Gray; 4. Greg Anderson; 5. Allen Johnson; 6. Jason Line; 7. V. Gaines; 8. Rodger Brogdon; 9. Mike Edwards; 10. Ron Krisher; 11. Ronnie Humphrey; 12. Kurt Johnson; 13. Rickie Jones; 14. Warren Johnson; 15. Larry Morgan; 16. Greg Stanfield.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Andrew Hines; 2. Jim Underdahl; 3. Mike Berry; 4. Angie Smith; 5. Hector Arana; 6. David Hope; 7. Joe DeSantis; 8. Steve Johnson; 9. Craig Treble; 10. Michael Phillips; 11. Shawn Gann; 12. Matt Smith; 13. Eddie Krawiec; 14. Karen Stoffer; 15. Buddy Robinson; 16. LE Tonglet.


BRAINERD, Minn. -- Sunday's final results from the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The race is the 17th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 3.786 seconds, 312.28 mph def. Cory McClenathan, 3.810 seconds, 314.17 mph.

Funny Car -- Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.248, 253.66 def. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 8.338, 86.32.

Pro Stock -- Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.614, 208.04 def. Shane Gray, Pontiac GXP, foul.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.941, 191.00 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.012, 188.52.


BRAINERD, Minn. -- Final round-by-round results from the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Antron Brown, 3.843, 310.48 def. Morgan Lucas, 3.950, 297.68; David Grubnic, 4.198, 290.44 def. Terry Haddock, 5.660, 135.10; Tony Schumacher, 3.846, 309.70 def. Terry McMillen, 3.931, 308.43; Shawn Langdon, 4.175, 303.50 def. Steven Chrisman, 4.154, 278.92; Doug Kalitta, 4.016, 259.06 def. Luigi Novelli, no time; Brandon Bernstein, 3.900, 305.56 def. Scott Palmer, 7.289, 108.83; Larry Dixon, 3.917, 302.01 def. Steve Torrence, 5.167, 143.87; Cory McClenathan, 3.847, 302.28 def. Chris Karamesines, 7.490, 75.41; QUARTERFINALS -- Dixon, 3.823, 314.53 def. Langdon, 3.874, 311.34; Grubnic, 3.858, 305.15 def. Bernstein, 3.906, 305.08; McClenathan, 3.831, 312.86 def. Schumacher, 3.833, 310.84; Kalitta, 3.822, 320.13 def. Brown, 6.256, 110.98; SEMIFINALS -- McClenathan, 3.802, 314.53 def. Grubnic, 3.904, 298.73; Dixon, 3.794, 318.24 def. Kalitta, 3.835, 317.34; FINAL -- Dixon, 3.786, 312.28 def. McClenathan, 3.810, 314.17.


FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.259, 281.19 def. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 5.842, 139.06; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.150, 298.07 def. John Force, Mustang, 4.164, 291.13; Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.057, 304.32 def. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.172, 293.28; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.099, 294.24 def. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.191, 284.27; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.068, 297.29 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Impala SS, 4.180, 293.41; Bob Bode, Impala SS, 4.159, 304.05 def. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 5.106, 170.84; Jim Head, Solara, 4.252, 296.83 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.467, 222.55; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.152, 301.33 def. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.155, 294.37; QUARTERFINALS -- Wilkerson, 4.149, 296.31 def. Lee, 4.563, 197.10; Bode, 4.140, 299.20 def. Tasca III, 4.128, 296.31; Head, 4.421, 214.86 def. Hagan, 5.493, 152.40; Beckman, 4.080, 306.33 def. Hight, 5.313, 135.39; SEMIFINALS -- Bode, 4.162, 293.35 def. Wilkerson, 4.688, 176.05; Beckman, 4.089, 300.66 def. Head, 4.193, 288.89; FINAL -- Bode, 4.248, 253.66 def. Beckman, 8.338, 86.32.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.625, 207.59 def. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.639, 207.30; V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.636, 207.82 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.668, 207.66; Shane Gray, GXP, 6.632, 207.40 def. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.655, 206.92; Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.612, 208.49 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.619, 208.81; Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.633, 207.78 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.656, 207.30; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.647, 207.05 def. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.593, 209.04; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.639, 208.94 def. Greg Stanfield, GXP, foul; Jason Line, GXP, 6.628, 207.30 def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.650, 207.59; QUARTERFINALS -- J. Gray, 6.632, 207.50 def. Gaines, 6.656, 207.37; S. Gray, 6.620, 207.94 def. A. Johnson, 6.615, 209.04; Anderson, 6.637, 207.69 def. Brogdon, 18.896, 43.52; Coughlin, 6.617, 208.52 def. Line, 6.626, 207.43; SEMIFINALS -- S. Gray, 6.660, 207.08 def. J. Gray, 6.637, 207.56; Coughlin, 6.609, 207.72 def. Anderson, 6.643, 207.24; FINAL -- Coughlin, 6.614, 208.04 def. S. Gray, foul.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Hector Arana, Buell, 7.025, 187.55 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.134, 183.17; Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.952, 190.83 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.969, 187.96; David Hope, Buell, 6.968, 185.41 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.991, 192.55; Angie Smith, Buell, 7.097, 179.92 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.023, 186.77; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.022, 185.15 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.042, 189.47; Mike Berry, Buell, 7.153, 180.94 def. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 36.932, 23.33; Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.100, 185.69 def. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.036, 185.26; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.904, 192.38 def. Buddy Robinson, Suzuki, foul; QUARTERFINALS -- A. Smith, 7.027, 184.75 def. Johnson, 7.102, 182.30; Berry, 7.140, 183.27 def. Hope, foul; Underdahl, 6.986, 190.06 def. DeSantis, 7.097, 187.83; Hines, 7.008, 188.28 def. Arana, foul; SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 6.928, 191.13 def. A. Smith, 9.033, 97.28; Underdahl, 7.038, 187.94 def. Berry, 7.129, 180.65; FINAL -- Hines, 6.941, 191.00 def. Underdahl, 7.012, 188.52.


BRAINERD, Minn. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Larry Dixon, 1,639; 2. Cory McClenathan, 1,359; 3. Tony Schumacher, 1,346; 4. Doug Kalitta, 1,243; 5. Antron Brown, 1,180; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 1,109; 7. Shawn Langdon, 815; 8. Morgan Lucas, 758; 9. Steve Torrence, 704; 10. David Grubnic, 682.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 1,250; 2. Robert Hight, 1,249; 3. Jack Beckman, 1,155; 4. Matt Hagan, 1,136; 5. Ron Capps, 1,048; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 1,035; 7. Bob Tasca III, 1,016; 8. Ashley Force Hood, 984; 9. Del Worsham, 929; 10. Tony Pedregon, 764.

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 1,631; 2. Allen Johnson, 1,303; 3. Jeg Coughlin, 1,227; 4. Greg Anderson, 1,095; 5. Jason Line, 931; 6. Shane Gray, 857; 7. Ron Krisher, 847; 8. Greg Stanfield, 804; 9. Johnny Gray, 792; 10. Rodger Brogdon, 728.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines, 903; 2. Hector Arana, 890; 3. Michael Phillips, 778; 4. Matt Smith, 759; 5. Steve Johnson, 699; 6. Eddie Krawiec, 597; 7. LE Tonglet, 584; 8. David Hope, 574; 9. Karen Stoffer, 543; 10. Craig Treble, 508.
 

LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES RESULTS

BRAINERD, Minn. -- Sunday's final results from the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The race is the 17th of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:


Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 3.786 seconds, 312.28 mph def. Cory McClenathan, 3.810 seconds, 314.17 mph.

Funny Car -- Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.248, 253.66 def. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 8.338, 86.32.

Pro Stock -- Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.614, 208.04 def. Shane Gray, Pontiac GXP, foul.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.941, 191.00 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.012, 188.52.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Chris Demke, 5.281, 269.40 def. Duane Shields, 5.322, 262.49.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.584, 258.37 def. Thomas Carter, Ford Mustang, 5.692, 247.25.

Competition Eliminator -- Al Ackerman, Dragster, 8.004, 164.03 def. Lou Ficco Jr., Pontiac GXP, 7.266, 186.56.

Super Stock -- Rick Johnson, Dodge, 9.638, 134.71 def. Jimmy DeFrank, Chevy Cobalt, 8.954, 153.11.

Stock Eliminator -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 11.188, 108.89 def. Ben Line, Ford Mustang, 10.649, 123.70.

Super Comp -- Gary Stinnett, Dragster, 8.893, 180.91 def. Dustin Long, Dragster, 8.835, 173.67.

Super Gas -- Lance Trujillo, Chevy Corvette, 9.885, 158.37 def. Stan Moulzolf, Opel, 9.855, 146.65.

Pro Stock Snowmobile -- Adam Fricke, Ski Doo, 8.560, 148.79 def. Louie Wirbel, Ski Doo, 8.464, 152.66.
 

KALITTA EARNS SECOND NO. 1 IN LAST FOUR RACES
Force Hood, Edwards, Hines also top their respective classes

By Michael Padian

BRAINERD, Minn. – Surging Top Fuel driver Doug Kalitta earned his second No. 1 in the last four races Saturday at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

The other No. 1 qualifiers at the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Series season – and final race in the Countdown to 10 regular season – were Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Also on Saturday, Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence, Pro Stock driver Johnny Gray and Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Eddie Krawiec, LE Tonglet and David Hope secured their berths in the Countdown to 1. That leaves only five positions left to be decided on the final Sunday of the Countdown to 10 regular season – one each in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock and two in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Kalitta, who is coming off his first win of the season at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, paced the Top Fuel field with a 3.842-second pass at 305.49 mph in his Kalitta Air dragster that moved him around overnight leader Brandon Bernstein and the Copart dragster team.

“We managed to get down both lanes today so I think the track is pretty good,” said Kalitta, a two-time Brainerd winner. “(Sunday) is supposed to be a little cooler so I think the fans are going to be in for a treat with the performances. (Team owner) Connie (Kalitta) won this race in 1985 and I’ve had some luck here as well, so hopefully we can have a good day,”

Torrence secured the ninth Top Fuel berth in the Countdown to 10 and the final berth will be determined Sunday as Dave Grubnic must go at least as far as Terry McMillen to hold on to the 10th position. Grubnic opens with Terry Haddock and McMillen will face Tony Schumacher in Round 1.

Funny Car was the only category that remained unchanged as Force Hood retained the top qualifying position with the 4.102 at 302.55 that she ran on Friday in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang.

“We won the last race before the Countdown (to 1) last year, so we’re trying to start a little tradition,” Force Hood said. “We can move up to sixth (place in the Funny Car point standings) and we really utilized our qualifying here. It was only a handful of points but they might be the ones we need later this year.”

“We hope to gain some more points (Sunday) and win some rounds and even the race because your confidence goes through the roof if you can do that,” said Force Hood, who’s currently in eighth place, but only 11 points behind Tim Wilkerson and 12 points behind Bob Tasca.

Meanwhile, just below Force Hood in the Funny Car standings are three drivers competing for the 10th and final berth in the Countdown to 1. Tony Pedregon is 31 points ahead of Jeff Arend and 77 points ahead of his brother, Cruz Pedregon.

None of the three will face off in the first round – Tony Pedregon has Robert Hight, Arend faces Tim Wilkerson and Cruz Pedregon will meet Bob Bode.

In Pro Stock, Edwards passed Allen Johnson’s 6.702 from Friday with a 6.644-second pass in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP that was plenty to give the Pro Stock points leader his NHRA-leading 11th No. 1 qualifier of the season.

“We’re not the man anymore, we’re just holding on and trying to be as good as we can. There are a lot of cars faster than us right now. We’re real fortunate to be No. 1,” Edwards said. “(Sunday), Pro Stock is going to be awesome. All the Full Throttle fans are in for some great side by side racing. I’m excited.”

Also in Pro Stock, Rodger Brogdon can clinch the 10th and final Countdown to 1 berth by winning a round, although he qualified 16th and will open with Edwards. Kurt Johnson still has an outside chance: if he wins the race – he qualified 13th and opens with Jason Line – and Brogdon loses in Round 1, KJ would move around Brogdon and secure the 10th and final playoff berth.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hines claimed the pole by improving on his category-leading 6.977 on Friday with a track record 6.915 on Saturday at 193.40 mph on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

“Everybody picked up (on Saturday),” Hines said. “Matt Smith picked up pretty good, he was right in front of me and when he was going down the track I’m like, ‘Oh he’s going No. 1.’ But as soon as I popped the clutch and felt my bike leave I’m like, ‘Oh he’s done.’

“This is a big stepping stone for our Countdown this year. Our engine combination in each bike is a little bit different and it looks like mine is working a little better, so we’ll throw my spare motor into (Harley-Davidson teammate) Eddie (Krawiec)’s bike for tomorrow and send him down the track and hopefully he’ll be a rocket ship just like mine.”

Three more drivers –Krawiec, Tonglet and Hope – clinched Countdown to 1 positions Saturday, Karen Stoffer is a virtual lock and Craig Treble has a 56-point lead over Shawn Gann for the 10th position.

Final eliminations at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.



BRAINERD, Minn. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.


Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.842 seconds, 305.49 mph vs. 16. Luigi Novelli, 5.956, 115.24; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 3.846, 309.27 vs. 15. Scott Palmer, 5.493, 126.73; 3. Cory McClenathan, 3.848, 315.05 vs. 14. Chris Karamesines, 4.463, 185.41; 4. Larry Dixon, 3.861, 310.48 vs. 13. Steve Torrence, 4.358, 219.65; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.881, 305.70 vs. 12. Steven Chrisman, 4.157, 276.41; 6. Tony Schumacher, 3.888, 300.73 vs. 11. Terry McMillen, 3.994, 298.47; 7. David Grubnic, 3.916, 302.69 vs. 10. Terry Haddock, 3.954, 298.54; 8. Antron Brown, 3.923, 302.62 vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 3.927, 305.01.


Funny Car -- 1. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.102, 302.55 vs. 16. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 5.154, 281.30; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.122, 290.69 vs. 15. Dale Creasy Jr., Impala SS, 4.232, 282.95; 3. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.131, 302.35 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.208, 290.38; 4. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.138, 302.35 vs. 13. John Force, Mustang, 4.192, 275.17; 5. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.139, 285.89 vs. 12. Bob Bode, Impala SS, 4.184, 297.35; 6. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.141, 295.34 vs. 11. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.171, 299.60; 7. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.142, 293.98 vs. 10. Jim Head, Solara, 4.169, 293.47; 8. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.165, 289.63 vs. 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.167, 297.68.


Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.644, 207.53 vs. 16. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.692, 205.51; 2. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.652, 206.61 vs. 15. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.690, 205.82; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.654, 208.07 vs. 14. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.688, 206.16; 4. Jason Line, GXP, 6.657, 206.61 vs. 13. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.686, 206.39; 5. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.660, 207.56 vs. 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.684, 205.57; 6. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.663, 206.99 vs. 11. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.684, 205.85; 7. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.673, 205.69 vs. 10. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.682, 205.41; 8. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.675, 204.94 vs. 9. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.680, 205.22. Did Not Qualify: 17. Bob Yonke, 6.702, 205.35; 18. Mark Martino, 6.717, 205.22; 19. Steve Spiess, 6.726, 526.93; 20. Mark Hogan, 6.749, 202.70; 21. Vincent Nobile, 6.761, 204.11; 22. Dave River, 6.938, 199.35.


Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.915, 193.40 vs. 16. Buddy Robinson, Suzuki, 7.181, 184.52; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.961, 190.73 vs. 15. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.179, 186.59; 3. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.981, 192.19 vs. 14. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.136, 184.07; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.988, 190.97 vs. 13. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.093, 187.34; 5. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.988, 189.92 vs. 12. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.072, 187.23; 6. David Hope, Buell, 6.990, 188.15 vs. 11. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.043, 191.97; 7. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.998, 189.39 vs. 10. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.041, 190.11; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.005, 189.76 vs. 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.035, 189.55. Did Not Qualify: 17. James Surber, 7.194, 186.74; 18. Wesley Wells, 7.209, 182.75; 19. Katie Sullivan, 7.211, 184.09.
 

BERNSTEIN IN POSITION TO EARN FIRST NO. 1 OF 2010
Force Hood, Allen Johnson, Hines also top their respective classes

By Michael Padian

BRAINERD, Minn. – Former Auto Club Road to the Future winner Brandon Bernstein is in position to collect his first No. 1 of 2010 after Friday’s first qualifying session at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Series season – and final race in the Countdown to 10 regular season – were Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

The surging Bernstein, who has been to the semifinals and finals at the last two races, paced the Top Fuel field with a 3.846-second pass at 309.27 mph in his Copart dragster. It would be only his first No. 1 of 2010, and the 14th of his career.

“This is a great race for us to come on strong,” Bernstein said. “We’ve been right there the last four to six races and to be peaking right now is perfect, right before Indy and the countdown and then charge right on. We hope this is an indication that we’re going to be up there at the top and run for the championship.”

Because there were two rain delays, there was only a single qualifying session Friday, but that was sufficient for Force Hood to earn the provisional pole in Funny Car with her pace-setting pass of 4.102-second pass at 302.55 mph in the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang.

“With all of the delays, and not knowing we were going to run, there was no time for me to talk to my crew chiefs about what we were going to run,” Force Hood said. “Suddenly we are going to run, and I didn’t want to bother the crew chiefs to ask them. I don’t need to know what’s in the tune-up; I just need to react to what the car is doing and get it A to B.”

In Pro Stock, red-hot Allen Johnson led the field with a 6.702 at 206.61. If it holds up, it would be a third straight No. 1 for the driver of the Team Mopar Dodge Avenger and the 12th of his career.

“We made a really, really good run,” said Johnson, who is coming off his first win of the season at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. “We took our Denver momentum and our engine combination and improving on it a little bit. We’ll take that run and build on it for the next run and hopefully improve even more.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Andrew Hines claimed the provisional pole aboard the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a 6.977-second pass at 191.46 mph.

“It was a nice, clean, straight run; that was a great start to the weekend,” Hines said. “We’ve done a lot of work over the last couple of weeks and completely tore apart every engine we have, so we have a couple of different combinations we can try this weekend. We’ve got a couple of things up our sleeves and think we can go faster.”

Qualifying at the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals concludes on Saturday when the fields will be set for Sunday’s final eliminations.



BRAINERD, Minn. -- Results Friday after the first one of three rounds of qualifying for the 29th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, 17th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.


Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 3.846 seconds, 309.27 mph; 2. Cory McClenathan, 3.888, 315.05; 3. Morgan Lucas, 3.927, 305.01; 4. Shawn Langdon, 4.058, 245.54; 5. David Grubnic, 4.105, 246.75; 6. Steven Chrisman, 4.157, 276.41; 7. Chris Karamesines, 4.463, 185.41; 8. Larry Dixon, 4.637, 162.16; 9. Antron Brown, 5.106, 140.23; 10. Tony Schumacher, 5.127, 137.67; 11. Luigi Novelli, 5.956, 115.24; 12. Steve Torrence, 6.064, 100.63. Not Qualified: 13. Doug Kalitta, 9.222, 68.02; 14. Terry McMillen, 11.242, 76.12.


Funny Car -- 1. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.102, 302.55; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.131, 302.35; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.139, 285.89; 4. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.165, 289.63; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.167, 297.68; 6. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.171, 299.60; 7. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.184, 297.35; 8. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.189, 294.69; 9. Jim Head, Solara, 4.195, 292.39; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.208, 293.28; 11. Dale Creasy Jr., Impala SS, 4.232, 282.95; 12. Tony Pedregon, Impala SS, 4.247, 290.38. Not Qualified: 13. Paul Lee, 4.289, 281.30; 14. John Force, 5.309, 136.29; 15. Ron Capps, 6.139, 104.70.


Pro Stock -- 1. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.702, 206.61; 2. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.704, 205.13; 3. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.723, 205.16; 4. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.730, 205.32; 5. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.732, 203.83; 6. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.741, 204.08; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.745, 204.35; 8. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.746, 204.45; 9. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.746, 203.92; 10. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.755, 203.31; 11. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.758, 204.08; 12. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.763, 202.94. Not Qualified: 13. Mark Martino, 6.769, 204.23; 14. Steve Spiess, 6.770, 203.58; 15. Rickie Jones, 6.777, 203.40; 16. Jason Line, 6.791, 202.79; 17. Bob Yonke, 6.796, 203.12; 18. Warren Johnson, 6.804, 203.74; 19. Vincent Nobile, 6.807, 202.06; 20. Ronnie Humphrey, 6.840, 201.97; 21. Mark Hogan, 6.891, 200.86; 22. Dave River, 6.978, 198.55.


Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.977, 191.46; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.002, 189.18; 3. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.005, 189.76; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 7.032, 190.51; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.046, 191.40; 6. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.070, 190.59; 7. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.072, 187.23; 8. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.104, 188.62; 9. David Hope, Buell, 7.110, 185.28; 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.143, 186.46; 11. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.150, 184.07; 12. James Surber, Buell, 7.194, 185.97. Not Qualified: 13. Joe DeSantis, 7.381, 183.44; 14. Katie Sullivan, 7.397, 182.43; 15. Karen Stoffer, 7.417, 151.41; 16. Buddy Robinson, 7.759, 182.08.
 

NHRA STATEMENT REGARDING CRASH AT NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS

KENT, Wash. -- Top Alcohol dragster racer Mark Niver, 60, from Phoenix, was involved in a fatal incident today when his dragster crashed in the shutdown area during eliminations at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. NHRA officials are investigating the accident.

NHRA and Pacific Raceways officials extend their deepest sympathies to the entire Niver family.
 

KALITTA EARNS FIRST NO. 1 SINCE 2006 AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS
Hight, Edwards also get No. 1s; Kalitta, Brown and Force clinch berths in Countdown to 1

KENT, Wash. – Doug Kalitta ended a three-and-a-half year drought on Saturday at the 23rd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways with his first No. 1 qualifier since the 2006 Auto Club NHRA Finals.

The other No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 23 races in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock).

On a cooler day Saturday, many expected change at the top of the qualifying ladder but only Edwards emerged from the pack –Kalitta (3.844, 313.58) and Hight (4.194, 291.57) set the pace in each of their respective classes in the Friday night session.

“Obviously we held on today. Larry Dixon got close (a 3.896 in the third qualifying session). I’m real proud of my guys. It’s nice to get some performance out of (the Kalitta Air dragster) and our first low qualifier in awhile,” Kalitta said.

The No. 1 was Kalitta’s first pole since November, 2006, and it was the 29th of his career.

“(Team owner) Connie (Kalitta), obviously he’s happy, and the whole team is happy. It’s been awhile. Hopefully this will be the beginning of something good for us,” he said.

He will have a bye in the first round tomorrow and when reminded of the incident in Denver where Brandon Bernstein banged the blower on the burnout during a bye run and couldn’t stage, thus forfeiting the gimme 20 points, he said, “We won’t do that …”

Kalitta also secured a berth in the Countdown to 1 NHRA Playoffs along with fellow Top Fuel driver Antron Brown.

In Funny Car, Hight’s No. 1 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang was his sixth this season and the 38th of his young career, leaving him just six shy of Top 10 status on the all-time No. 1 qualifiers list after less than six full years of racing.

“The top 10 cars are so bunched up, anyone can win this deal,” Hight said. “It’s a big deal being No. 1 for points, but it really means nothing. No matter (where you qualify) in Funny Car, you’ve got a tough race.”

Hight opens with Jeff Diehl in Round 1 Sunday and he was quick to remember a 4.22 Diehl ran in hot conditions in Norwalk two weeks ago.

“He does that again tomorrow and we take him lightly and he’s going to put us on the trailer,” Hight said.

Also in Funny Car, points leader John Force clinched his berth in the Countdown to 1.

In Pro Stock, defending Full Throttle Series champion Mike Edwards (6.598, 209.75) bounced back from his first-round loss at the Summit NHRA Nationals June 27 to earn his NHRA-best 10th No. 1 qualifier of 2010.

“(On Friday), we stepped outside the box and tried a few things, and didn’t like what we seen (so) we went back (Saturday) morning and kind of ran the thing the way we ran it here last year,” said the driver of the Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. “I really thought it was going to work out (Friday) … and it didn’t”

Final Eliminations at the NHRA Northwest Nationals will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. and live coverage of the event will be streamed on ESPN3.com.



KENT, Wash. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 23rd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, the 14th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.884 seconds, 313.58 mph vs. Bye; 2. Larry Dixon, 3.896, 311.77 vs. 15. Terry Haddock, 6.702, 101.90; 3. Cory McClenathan, 3.921, 308.35 vs. 14. Mike Strasburg, 4.472, 188.67; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.937, 305.29 vs. 13. Ron Smith, 4.430, 263.15; 5. Antron Brown, 3.964, 303.03 vs. 12. Steven Chrisman, 4.251, 241.02; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 3.976, 299.06 vs. 11. David Grubnic, 4.056, 269.62; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.993, 300.00 vs. 10. Terry McMillen, 4.035, 292.58; 8. Morgan Lucas, 4.002, 299.00 vs. 9. Steve Torrence, 4.008, 299.60.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.194, 291.57 vs. 16. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.120, 151.20; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.202, 293.54 vs. 15. Brian Thiel, Chevy Impala, 4.516, 267.27; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.220, 292.08 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.331, 254.90; 4. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.222, 286.38 vs. 13. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.321, 277.66; 5. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.225, 287.23 vs. 12. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.285, 285.11; 6. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.257, 287.35 vs. 11. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.277, 287.23; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.258, 275.79 vs. 10. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.276, 284.39; 8. John Force, Mustang, 4.269, 285.35 vs. 9. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.275, 284.03. Did Not Qualify: 17. Grant Downing, 5.171, 198.38.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.598, 209.75 vs. 16. Jim Cunningham, Ford Mustang, 6.741, 206.42; 2. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.599, 209.92 vs. 15. Larry Morgan, Mustang, 6.725, 207.66; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.601, 210.28 vs. 14. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.675, 207.62; 4. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.610, 209.20 vs. 13. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.659, 208.10; 5. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.611, 210.01 vs. 12. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.645, 208.59; 6. Jason Line, GXP, 6.612, 209.04 vs. 11. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.639, 208.91; 7. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.617, 208.94 vs. 10. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.636, 209.82; 8. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.631, 208.42 vs. 9. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.635, 208.30. Did Not Qualify: 17. Erica Enders, 6.745, 207.50.
 

HIGHT LEADS FORD PARADE AT TOP OF FUNNY CAR FIELD
Kalitta, Line round out provisional No. 1 qualifiers at NHRA Northwest Nationals

KENT, Wash. – Robert Hight earned the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car after the first two of four rounds of qualifying were run on Friday at the 23rd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 23 races in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

In Funny Car, Hight set the pace with his 4.194-second pass at 291.57 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang.

“It’s supposed to cool off so I don’t know if that 19 is safe,” said Hight, who praised the track condition. “We knew it was going to be better than last year and that 4.19 was better than anyone ran all throughout last year – and it was probably hotter (today than it was at any point in last year’s race) so hat’s off to Seattle.”

It would be the sixth No. 1 for Hight this season and the 38th of his career, leaving him just six shy of Top 10 status on the all-time No. 1 qualifiers list after less than six full years of racing.

Also of note, Hight was the first of four consecutive Fords to pace the field – he was trailed by Ashley Force Hood, Bob Tasca and John Force.

In Top Fuel, Kalitta and the Kalitta Motorsports team continued an impressive return to prominence this season with a 3.844-second pass at 313.58 mph.

“We were really happy with that,” Kalitta said. “Conditions were really coming to us at the end of the day. Obviously tomorrow (with cooler temps forecast) will be a little more challenging but so far so good for today.”

The No. 1 would be Kalitta’s first No. 1 since the 2006 Auto Club Finals and the 29th of his career.

“Don’t count your chickens until their hatched,” Kalitta cautioned.

In Pro Stock, the Summit Racing Pontiac GXP team remained hot as Line (6.612, 209.01) followed up teammate Greg Anderson’s first win of 2010 at Norwalk on June 27 with what would be his first No. 1 qualifier of 2010.

“I got six bonus points and that’s more than I’ve got since they started the program,” said Line, who believes he’ll need to pick up some more bonus points Saturday to remain No. 1. “(The 6.621 pass) is not going to hold up (Saturday). The weather’s going to be a lot different and as you know the Pro Stock drivers are affected dramatically by that.”

Qualifying at the NHRA Northwest Nationals concludes with the third and fourth sessions on Saturday when the fields will be set for Sunday’s final eliminations.



KENT, Wash. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 23rd annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, 14th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.884 seconds, 313.58 mph; 2. Larry Dixon, 3.904, 311.77; 3. Cory McClenathan, 3.936, 306.46; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.959, 302.75; 5. Antron Brown, 3.964, 303.03; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 3.976, 299.06; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.995, 299.00; 8. Terry McMillen, 4.041, 292.58; 9. David Grubnic, 4.056, 269.62; 10. Morgan Lucas, 4.058, 283.19; 11. Steven Chrisman, 4.251, 241.02; 12. Mike Strasburg, 4.472, 188.67. Not Qualified: 13. Steve Torrence, 4.538, 251.44; 14. Terry Haddock, 6.588, 101.90.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.194, 291.57; 2. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.225, 287.23; 3. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.257, 285.29; 4. John Force, Mustang, 4.269, 285.35; 5. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.275, 284.03; 6. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.276, 284.39; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.277, 287.23; 8. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.315, 282.72; 9. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.321, 277.66; 10. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.321, 277.32; 11. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.331, 254.90; 12. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.341, 226.39. Not Qualified: 13. Matt Hagan, 4.371, 275.79; 14. Gary Densham, 4.428, 258.22; 15. Brian Thiel, 4.640, 263.20; 16. Grant Downing, 4.708, 198.38.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.612, 209.01; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.618, 209.52; 3. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.631, 209.20; 4. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.648, 208.14; 5. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.655, 208.59; 6. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.656, 208.62; 7. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.660, 208.30; 8. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.663, 207.98; 9. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.678, 207.34; 10. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.679, 208.04; 11. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.679, 206.67; 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.685, 208.78. Not Qualified: 13. Bob Yonke, 6.695, 206.57; 14. Larry Morgan, 6.697, 206.57; 15. V. Gaines, 6.716, 206.89; 16. Erica Enders, 6.723, 206.26; 17. Jim Cunningham, 6.775, 205.29.
 

HIGHT STAYS HOT, IN POSITION FOR THIRD STRAIGHT NO. 1

McClenathan, Edwards and Phillips also atop qualifying after two rounds

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Funny Car driver Robert Hight stayed hot on Friday with a 4.025-second pass at 313.00 mph to earn the provisional Funny Car pole at the 41st annual NHRA Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 11th of 23 races in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

The No. 1 qualifier would be the third in a row for Hight and the Auto Club Ford Mustang team and fifth overall this season. Hight, the defending NHRA Full Throttle Series champion, has also been to four straight final rounds – winning three times – to assume the points lead in Funny Car.

"Where was that 4.02 in the final last week in Chicago," said Hight, whose three-race winning streak was snapped by Matt Hagan last week. "I didn?t talk to (crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) much before the run. I didn?t know what he was gonna try to run. Then when we ran that 4.02, I knew (Matt) Hagan was more than capable of making a better run or maybe Ashley (Force Hood). A little surprised it held up.

"I used to come here for the Wednesday match races with John's car and it was always a lot of fun. Tonight reminded me a lot of that," Hight said.

McClenathan secured the provisional No. 1 in the FRAM dragster with the quickest and second-fastest run since NHRA moved to 1000-foot racing two years ago, a 3.752-second pass at 324.75 mph. He also set both ends of the track record.

"We've been working with IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) and those kids are just unbelievable when it comes to aerodynamics and how chassis should work," McClenathan said. "We've been working close with them and they were a big part of some configurations we've used. This car is basically set up the way they'd like to see it go in the future, especially when it comes to aerodynamics."

"We're testing some things on the car this weekend on different parts of the car to see what the air does – especially in front of the injector and behind the driver – and I think it's definitely part of what makes this car go quicker," McClenathan said.

In Pro Stock, defending NHRA Full Throttle Series champion Edwards set track records for e.t. and speed with his 6.513-second pass at 211.49 mph in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. This would be Edwards? NHRA-leading ninth No. 1 this season.

"Any time you get conditions like this and the track is just awesome, you can make a good run like that," said Edwards, the first driver to clinch a berth in the Countdown to 1. "We just swung for the fences and got away with one."

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Michael Phillips set track records for e.t. and speed with a 6.855-second pass at 197.16 mph aboard the Phillips Racing Suzuki. If he maintains his position, it would be the first No. 1 qualifier of his career in his 160th career race.

"I was expecting about a 6.86, but it snapped me pretty good off the line and when I grabbed second gear I said, "Man, this thing's hauling, and when I got to third it was, Oooh, this thing is going fast. I tucked in pretty tight and made sure my head was out of the wind. I knew it was a good run," Phillips said.

Qualifying at the NHRA SuperNationals concludes with the third and fourth sessions on Saturday when the fields will be set for Sunday's final eliminations.



ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 41st annual NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 11th of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.


Top Fuel -- 1. Cory McClenathan, 3.752 seconds, 324.75 mph; 2. Brandon Bernstein, 3.807, 313.73; 3. Antron Brown, 3.817, 315.86; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.819, 313.07; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.830, 319.52; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.835, 313.95; 7. Larry Dixon, 3.838, 316.38; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.859, 317.27; 9. Terry Haddock, 3.899, 294.63; 10. David Grubnic, 3.903, 309.56; 11. Morgan Lucas, 3.913, 302.69; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.915, 306.33. Not Qualified: 13. Scott Palmer, 4.032, 247.16; 14. Steven Chrisman, 4.444, 181.86; 15. Doug Foley, 6.554, 87.48.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.025, 313.00; 2. John Force, Mustang, 4.037, 313.73; 3. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.075, 300.20; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.119, 99.09; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.121, 305.91; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.145, 119.18; 7. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.155, 72.86; 8. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.164, 94.73; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.171, 85.72; 10. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.200, 253.56; 11. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.517, 99.56; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Impala, 4.613, no speed. Not Qualified: 13. Jack Beckman, 4.619, 181.47; 14. Paul Lee, 7.470, no speed; 15. Jim Head, 9.791, no speed.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.513, 211.49; 2. Vinnie Deceglie, Dodge Avenger, 6.548, 210.93; 3. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.558, 210.01; 4. Jason Line, GXP, 6.560, 211.23; 5. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.562, 211.00; 6. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.562, 210.64; 7. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.562, 210.14; 8. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.564, 210.34; 9. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.564, 209.43; 10. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.568, 210.14; 11. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.571, 210.64; 12. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.571, 210.37. Not Qualified: 13. Rickie Jones, 6.571, 209.59; 14. Greg Stanfield, 6.572, 209.33; 15. V. Gaines, 6.573, 210.18; 16. Allen Johnson, 6.576, 210.11; 17. Ron Krisher, 6.589, 209.82; 18. Jimmy Alund, 6.638, 207.11; 19. Bob Benza, 6.650, 207.02; 20. Robert Patrick, 6.676, 206.92; 21. John Nobile, 6.723, 206.73; 22. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.783, 202.55; 23. Justin Humphreys, 13.449, 63.03.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.855, 197.16; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.869, 194.83; 3. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.893, 196.27; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.901, 192.60; 5. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.901, 191.70; 6. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.907, 192.96; 7. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.912, 191.62; 8. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.968, 191.51; 9. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.981, 190.78; 10. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.988, 193.07; 11. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.998, 182.75; 12. David Hope, Buell, 7.009, 188.25. Not Qualified: 13. Wesley Wells, 7.072, 191.05; 14. Thomas Miceli, 7.086, 184.04; 15. Redell Harris, 7.129, 185.97; 16. Mike Berry, 7.169, 182.58; 17.

Joe DeSantis, 7.211, 185.51; 18. Jack Baldwin, 8.021, 166.76.
 

NHRA STATEMENT REGARDING HIGH-SPEED CRASH AT NHRA SUPERNATIONALS

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. -- Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Neal Parker, 58, from Millville, N.J., crashed today at a high rate of speed in the shutdown area during qualifying for the NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and was pronounced dead. NHRA officials and the New Jersey State Police are investigating the accident. On behalf of everyone at NHRA and Raceway Park, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Parker family.
 

DIXON, HIGHT, EDWARDS AND TREBLE STAY NO. 1 SATURDAY IN CHICAGO

JOLIET, Ill. – Larry Dixon strengthened his points lead in Top Fuel as he raced to the No. 1 qualifier at the United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals.

Robert Hight, Mike Edwards and Craig Treble also took the top spots in their respective categories at the 10th of 23 events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Dixon drove his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to the top of the field and posted a track record of 3.814-seconds at 317.42 mph. It was Dixon’s third No. 1 qualifier of the season and 43rd of his career.

“As in most cases during the year, you have to fire your shot on Friday to try and get on pole,” said Dixon. “Yesterday as late as we ran, we wanted to make a good run and fortunately it stuck. Today, it was a little warmer and the track was a little looser. Fortunatley we stayed on pole. We ran good in the first session and then had a belt come off on the second run. That cost us three bonus points but all and all it was a great job by Alan (Johnson, team manager) and Jason (McCulloch, crew chief).”

Defending world champion Tony Schumacher qualified third for eliminations, while Top Fuel sensation Antron Brown sits in the eighth spot.

In Funny Car, Robert Hight followed up his success of three consecutive race wins for the season by racing to the top of the field. Hight drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang to a 4.067 at 313.15. It’s his fourth of the season and 36th of his career.

“It doesn’t change you mindset,” said Hight, who was set to race teammate John Force before Cruz Pedregon was disqualified. “We don’t race the other guy. We go up there and race the conditions. Jimmy knows what he can get away with based on the conditions. We go up there and do our deal. It was just like in Topeka when we had a single we would have looked stupid if we would have gone up there and smoked the tires. What did we do we went out there and set low ET for the whole weekend. There is no difference in how we approach racing Justin (Schriefer) or John tomorrow morning. If I try to make a difference I’ll be late on the light. You have to go up there assuming the other guy is going to be perfect. You just have to do your job. If you don’t he is going to beat you.”

In Pro Stock Edwards followed up his win at Heartland Park Topeka with the No. 1 qualifier at Route 66 Raceway. Edwards drove his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP to a 6.629 at 207.69. It’s Edwards’s Eighth No. 1 qualifier of the season in 10 races and 30th of his career.

“Conditions were pretty much the same for but runs today; and we dodged all the rain drops and we just tried to make the best runs we could for the conditions we had,” said Edwards. “We made a really nice run this morning. Hats off to my guys for making the right call. They impress me all the time and the same goes for the guys back at the engine shop.”

Treble rode his Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki to the top of the field in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a run of 6.932 at 188.96. It’s Treble’s first No. 1 qualifier of the season and fourth of his career.

“They told me this was my first (No. 1 qualifier) in seven years and I had no idea it had been that long,” said Treble. “I’m with the right team to make it happen. Steve (Tartaglia, crew chief) worked so hard to make it happen and this is the fruits of his labor.”

Sunday’s eliminations begin at 11 a.m.


JOLIET, Ill. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 13th annual United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Miller Welders at Route 66 Raceway, the tenth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 3.814 seconds, 317.42 mph vs. 16. Tim Cullinan, 4.045, 300.06; 2. Cory McClenathan, 3.822, 320.81 vs. 15. Morgan Lucas, 3.968, 299.26; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.841, 317.49 vs. 14. Pat Dakin, 3.916, 311.85; 4. Brandon Bernstein, 3.843, 314.17 vs. 13. David Grubnic, 3.915, 310.27; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.857, 312.71 vs. 12. Troy Buff, 3.909, 299.20; 6. Bob Vandergriff, 3.865, 314.90 vs. 11. Terry McMillen, 3.901, 304.87; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.871, 312.93 vs. 10. Steve Torrence, 3.884, 313.95; 8. Antron Brown, 3.872, 312.06 vs. 9. T.J. Zizzo, 3.874, 311.27.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry Haddock, 4.102, 281.42; 18. Luigi Novelli, 4.133, 277.20; 19. Chris Karamesines, 4.256, 224.55.


Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.067, 313.15 vs. 16. Justin Schriefer, Chevy Camaro, 4.451, 228.04; 2. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.092, 306.46 vs. 15. John Force, Mustang, 4.397, 259.86; 3. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.128, 304.53 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.368, 254.90; 4. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.136, 305.56 vs. 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Impala, 4.288, 283.61; 5. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.151, 297.29 vs. 12. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.270, 287.84; 6. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.172, 297.75 vs. 11. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.256, 295.01; 7. Bob Bode, Impala SS, 4.200, 297.75 vs. 10. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.243, 283.91; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.218, 293.22 vs. 9. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.225, 296.50.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Jack Wyatt, 4.488, 256.26; 18. Jeff Diehl, 4.711, 253.23; 19. Cruz Pedregon, 5.593, 135.73.


Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.629, 207.69 vs. 16. Richie Stevens, GXP, 6.692, 205.66; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.638, 207.40 vs. 15. V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.683, 206.35; 3. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.645, 207.75 vs. 14. Justin Humphreys, GXP, 6.679, 206.07; 4. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.647, 206.99 vs. 13. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.679, 206.45; 5. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.649, 207.53 vs. 12. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.675, 206.01; 6. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.655, 207.59 vs. 11. Jason Line, GXP, 6.670, 206.83; 7. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.659, 207.15 vs. 10. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.665, 207.91; 8. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.664, 206.99 vs. 9. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.664, 206.26.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Greg Stanfield, 6.698, 205.85; 18. Erica Enders, 6.699, 205.72; 19. Larry Morgan, 6.700, 206.64; 20. Rickie Jones, 6.704, 205.41; 21. Jimmy Alund, 6.733, 205.44; 22. Mark Hogan, 6.735, 205.60; 23. Steve Schmidt, 6.751, 204.54; 24. John Nobile, 6.771, 203.77; 25. Kevin Lawrence, 6.849, 201.61; 26. Dave River, 6.910, 200.11.


Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.932, 190.27 vs. 16. Redell Harris, Buell, 7.166, 183.77; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.948, 192.30 vs. 15. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.111, 182.55; 3. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.969, 189.02 vs. 14. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.105, 184.57; 4. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.971, 189.55 vs. 13. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.103, 189.63; 5. David Hope, Buell, 6.971, 188.31 vs. 12. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.084, 189.47; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.978, 192.77 vs. 11. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.027, 189.66; 7. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.980, 189.20 vs. 10. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.000, 192.66; 8. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.982, 186.92 vs. 9. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.999, 190.22.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Joe DeSantis, 7.265, 186.51; 18. Gary Moreno, 7.290, 182.28.
 

NEWS NUGGETS


HAGAN GETS FIRST WIN; DIXON GETS 50TH AT O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS IN HOUSTON:

Funny Car driver and sophomore sensation Matt Hagan powered his DieHard Dodge Charger to his first career win while Top Fuel veteran Larry Dixon became only the eighth driver in NHRA history to earn 50 career wins with his victory over Antron Brown at Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park. Hagan drove past drag racing veterans Melanie Troxel, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Pedregon and Jeff Arend in the final round to earn his spot in the winner’s circle at the end of the day. “Other than my wife and kids, this is the best feeling in the world,” said Hagan. “You don’t understand how frustrating it was coming into the final round, and you’re ready for that first win to be over, well not over, but you’re ready to have it. It’s one of those things where you can taste it, you can feel it. You know, it’s just there, and you’re ready to just grab it. Thank goodness we did that today because that’s the first little hurdle you have to jump over before you go hunting a championship.” With the win, Hagan moved from fourth to second in the point standings, but points leader John Force still has a strong lead over the competition, 70 points ahead of Hagan. Dixon held off a tough competition all weekend enroute to his 50th career win and third at Houston Raceway Park, but the work was well worth the celebration. “Man, No. 50,” said Dixon. “I didn’t even think about it until they started talking about it (at the top end), but, yeah, that’s more than I ever thought I’d do in my lifetime, and I’m not done living yet.” Dixon also moved up from fourth to second in the point standings, just 28 points away from first place Cory McClenathan. For more results, visit NHRA.com.



FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS COUGHLIN AND HINES RETURN TO WINNERS CIRCLE IN HOUSTON AFTER LONG ABSENCE:

Indianapolis 2009. After starting out the 2009 regular season with seven wins, that was the last visit to winners circle, and even the final round for four-time Full Throttle Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin – a good 11 races ago. But all that changed when Coughlin drove his JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt past Allen Johnson in the final round to pick up his first win of the season at Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park. It was also the fourth win at the track where Coughlin earned his first career Pro Stock win. “This is a very special place for me to win a race,” said Coughlin. “I won my first Super Stock race here in 1994, and then I won my first Pro Stock race here in 1997. Our car has been temperamental for the last 12 races, but I think we’ve finally fixed the problems.” Former Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Andrew Hines also had a bit of a dry spell between race wins. Hines’ last win and final round appearance came in the October Las Vegas race of last year, but all that changed when Hines was able to hold off defending world champion Hector Arana to earn his first win of the season and at Houston Raceway Park. “It was good to get the first win of the year,” said Hines. “We had never won at this track before, so this one is huge. I was also beginning to question myself with no wins so far this year, but today’s win put that to rest. The Harley-Davidson ran great today, and it had to because of all the fast speeds that everyone was running.” For more results, visit NHRA.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NAMED TITLE RIGHTS SPONSOR OF FALL EVENT AT zMAX DRAGWAY:

O’Reilly Auto Parts has agreed to a multiyear deal to become the title-rights sponsor of the third annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway, Sept. 16-19. The O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals is the second of six races in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoff-style format to determine the world champions in each of its four Full Throttle Series classes. Few would argue O’Reilly Auto Parts’ long-term commitment to NHRA. The auto-parts giant maintains title-rights sponsorship of four additional NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, in Pomona, Houston, Topeka, and Dallas. O’Reilly Auto parts also has naming rights to historic O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, home to the largest and most prestigious drag racing event in the world, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. zMAX Dragway is on the grounds of Charlotte Motor Speedway and is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports Inc. The “Bellagio of dragstrips” is home to two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, including the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. For more information, visit NHRA.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS


SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, April 16-18: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the first of two stops in Sin City. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock). For tickets, call (800) 644-4444 or online at Ticketmaster.com.


AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, April 30-May 2: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the St. Louis metro area for the seventh stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Antron Brown (Top Fuel); Del Worsham (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (800) 35-SPEED or online at Gatewayraceway.com. 


SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS, ATLANTA DRAGWAY, May 14-16: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the Atlanta metro area for the eighth stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 

HE SAID, SHE SAID

UPS AND DOWNS:

Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein, after a mechanical malfunction during the burn out ended his day early in Houston: “Racing is fickle. As soon as you begin to feel you have turned the corner, something else happens to humble you again.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2 That’s the number of drivers, Top Fuel’s Larry Dixon and Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson, that have ever won back-to-back wins at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dixon did it in 2002 and 2003, while Anderson did it in 2003 and 2004 (Anderson also had back-to-back wins those same years at the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, the second race held annually at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway).

Tony Schumacher, Ron Capps and Jeg Coughlin will try to get their names added to this list as they defend their 2009 wins this weekend.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kick off this weekend with a free autograph session for fans on Thursday, April 15 from 7-8 p.m. at the Town Square Entertainment Center located at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South in Las Vegas. Full Throttle Series drivers who will be in attendance include: Brandon Bernstein, Jack Beckman, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon, Allen Johnson, David Grubnic, Jeff Arend, Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Larry Morgan, Johnny Gray, Shane Gray, Gary Densham and Bob Bode.
 

FORCE EARNS 133rd CAREER NO. 1, FIVE SHY OF WARREN JOHNSON ON ALL-TIME LIST
Dixon, Edwards and Arana round out No. 1 qualifiers

BAYTOWN, Texas – NHRA legend John Force inched one step closer to the one major NHRA milestone that eludes him – all-time No. 1 qualifiers – when he set the Funny Car pace at the 23rd O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil on Saturday.

The other No. 1 qualifiers at the fifth of 23 races in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

The No. 1 qualifier for Force – a 4.021-second pass at 316.08 mph from Friday night – was his second this season and the 133rd of his career, pulling the driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang to within five of Warren Johnson (138) for first place on NHRA’s all-time No. 1 qualifiers list.

Force, who has been the Funny Car points leader all season, will open with No. 16 qualifier Tony Pedregon and the NitroFish Chevy team when final eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m. and he’ll have a shot at the national record.

He needs to make a pass of 4.061 or better to back up his 4.021, which is two-hundredths quicker than Ron Capps’ 4.023 mark set at Phoenix in February, 2009.

“Warren’s a true legend, but I’m thinking about, I get two shots at that record,” Force said. “There’ll be two shots, first round when it will be coolest and (if I don’t get it there) I’ll have to make it to the final to get another shot. If the condition’s are right, we will go for it first round.”

After a lengthy delay to clean the track after the penultimate Top Fuel pass, Larry Dixon (3.772 at 323.19) and Antron Brown (3.777, 318.09) combined for the quickest side-by-side race at 1000 feet. It was Dixon’s first No. 1 of 2010 and the 41st of his career in the Al-Anabi dragster.

“There was enough time sitting there. The track tightened up. Alan (Johnson) went into his magic box, twisted a few knobs and man it stuck,” Dixon said. “It was pulling before 300 feet. I was just hoping it would hold on and it certainly did.”

In Pro Stock, Edwards led the quickest field in NHRA history with his 6.539-second pass at 211.93 mph from Friday in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. The No. 1 was Edwards’ 14th in the last 15 races dating back to last season.

Edwards capped the strong qualifying run with the second-fastest run in NHRA history, a 212.43 mph pass in Q4, and he will meet Rickie Jones (6.584) who rounded out the quickest field in Pro Stock history, in R1 Sunday.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana’s 6.856 at 193.49 from Friday remained No. 1. The time was the fourth-quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle pass in NHRA history and it continues a remarkable run that includes of course the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship.

“All I can say is I’ve been blessed and I haven’t gotten lost … yet,” said Arana, who rides the Lucas Oil Buell. “I’m really pleased and hoping for the best on Sunday.”
 

BAYTOWN, Texas -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park, the fifth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.


Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 3.772 seconds, 323.19 mph vs. 16. Del Cox Jr, 4.151, 283.43; 2. Antron Brown, 3.777, 321.96 vs. 15. Spencer Massey, 4.147, 295.08; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.785, 321.81 vs. 14. Brandon Bernstein, 4.040, 298.47; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.829, 322.34 vs. 13. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.960, 306.19; 5. Cory McClenathan, 3.837, 318.54 vs. 12. T.J. Zizzo, 3.955, 299.73; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.839, 313.80 vs. 11. Morgan Lucas, 3.939, 296.63; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.860, 314.24 vs. 10. Troy Buff, 3.936, 293.28; 8. Terry McMillen, 3.891, 313.73 vs. 9. David Grubnic, 3.916, 312.71. Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry Haddock, 4.698, 284.93.


Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.021, 316.08 vs. 16. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.296, 260.16; 2. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.042, 314.90 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.264, 291.70; 3. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.051, 312.64 vs. 14. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.246, 298.54; 4. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.059, 314.09 vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.246, 292.71; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.091, 311.99 vs. 12. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.176, 303.64; 6. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.095, 309.98 vs. 11. Jim Head, Solara, 4.129, 304.94; 7. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.096, 305.84 vs. 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.124, 305.15; 8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.097, 311.63 vs. 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.098, 306.12. Did Not Qualify: 17. Todd Simpson, 4.678, 240.47.


Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.539, 212.43 vs. 16. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.584, 209.79; 2. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.548, 211.33 vs. 15. Justin Humphreys, GXP, 6.584, 210.08; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.549, 211.73 vs. 14. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.582, 210.34; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.555, 212.23 vs. 13. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.579, 210.44; 5. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.560, 211.53 vs. 12. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.575, 210.14; 6. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.563, 211.20 vs. 11. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.573, 211.26; 7. Jason Line, GXP, 6.566, 211.43 vs. 10. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.571, 210.64; 8. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.566, 211.30 vs. 9. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.569, 211.39.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Steve Spiess, 6.590, 210.24; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.600, 210.01; 19. Mike Trumble Jr, 6.601, 209.26; 20. Warren Johnson, 6.606, 210.14; 21. John Nobile, 6.609, 209.79; 22. Jim Cunningham, 6.623, 209.26; 23. Erica Enders, 6.624, 209.23; 24. Steve Schmidt, 6.649, 208.23; 25. Mark Buehring, 6.708, 205.63; 26. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.811, 202.27.


Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.856, 195.25 vs. 16. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.068, 194.63; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.863, 197.10 vs. 15. Redell Harris, Buell, 7.028, 187.26; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.870, 196.93 vs. 14. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.010, 193.32; 4. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.874, 192.91 vs. 13. Mike Berry, Buell, 6.970, 191.05; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.881, 193.65 vs. 12. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.964, 188.46; 6. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.910, 193.79 vs. 11. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.945, 192.30; 7. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.919, 197.13 vs. 10. David Hope, Buell, 6.932, 193.21; 8. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.932, 195.28 vs. 9. Douglas Horne, Buell, 6.932, 193.07. Did Not Qualify: 17. Joe DeSantis, 21.167, 235.31.
 

PAYNE EARNS FIRST PRO MOD NO. 1 QUALIFIER; FALLS TO TROXEL IN FIRST ROUND OF ELIMINATIONS

BAYTOWN, Texas – Jay Payne raced to his first career No. 1 qualifier in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series as qualifying came to an end Saturday at Houston Raceway Park.

Payne drove his 1968 supercharged Camaro to a 5.813-second run at 246.21 mph to take his first career No. 1 in the series, but Payne was unable to get around Melanie Troxel in the first round of eliminations.

Troxel, who also competes in the Funny Car class in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, was able to pull away from Payne in the first round, driving her 1963 Corvette to a 6.222 at 242.50. Troxel had qualified 16th, barely making the field, but was able to power past Payne to advance.

“You say never give up on race day, but there comes a time, especially in the Pro Mod class, because the window of what you can get away with in those cars is smaller than most classes,” said Troxel. “The second time I pedaled the car (Jay Payne) was at least eight car lengths ahead of me. I thought, ‘This is stupid, pedaling the car when he is that far out from me.’ It cleared up by half track and I decided to run it on through. By the time I got it in high gear, I thought I was reeling him in awfully fast.”

Eliminations will continue on Sunday.


BAYTOWN, Texas -- First-round pairings for the 23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Pro Modified -- 1. Jay Payne, Chevy Camaro, 5.813, 246.21 vs. 16. Melanie Troxel, Chevy Corvette, 6.072, 243.99; 2. Raymond Commisso, Camaro, 5.852, 251.20 vs. 15. Burton Auxier, Camaro, 6.010, 234.98; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.864, 249.35 vs. 14. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.992, 241.54; 4. Von Smith, Camaro, 5.879, 246.62 vs. 13. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.989, 238.81; 5. Mike Knowles, Corvette, 5.895, 245.81 vs. 12. Dennis Radford, Plymouth Duster, 5.978, 237.88; 6. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.913, 240.64 vs. 11. Tony Pontieri, Camaro, 5.960, 243.46; 7. Tim Tindle, Shelby Mustang, 5.923, 241.45 vs. 10. Joe Baker, Pontiac Firebird, 5.951, 243.50; 8. Rick Stivers, Dodge Stratus, 5.941, 243.90 vs. 9. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 5.943, 238.60.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Scott Ray, 6.118, 217.95; 18. Ed Hoover, 6.313, 164.55; 19. Khalid Balooshi, 6.764, 152.40; 20. Kenny Lang, 6.991, 148.43; 21. Roger Burgess, 7.275, 157.52; 22. Mike Janis, 8.403, 110.76.


BAYTOWN, Texas -- First round-by-round results from the 23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park:

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Rick Stivers, Dodge Stratus, 6.041, 211.43 def. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.071, 231.75; Joe Baker, Pontiac Firebird, 5.976, 240.51 def. Tim Tindle, Shelby Mustang, 9.568, 100.34; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.912, 241.89 def. Tony Pontieri, Camaro, DQ; Dennis Radford, Plymouth Duster, 5.948, 237.84 def. Mike Knowles, Chevy Corvette, foul; Von Smith, Camaro, 5.881, 247.16 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.943, 241.20; Burton Auxier, Camaro, 6.872, 155.06 def. Raymond Commisso, Camaro, foul; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.919, 247.84 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.909, 243.11; Melanie Troxel, Corvette, 6.222, 242.50 def. Jay Payne, Camaro, 6.402, 173.25.
 

FORCE EARNS PROVISIONAL NO. 1, CLOSES IN ON ALL-TIME RECORD
Brown, Edwards and Arana round out No. 1 qualifiers

BAYTOWN, Tex. – The ageless John Force earned the provisional pole in Funny Car with a 4.021-second pass at 316.08 mph on the first day of qualifying at the 23rd annual O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals Friday.

The other provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the fifth of 23 races in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

Force, now 60 years old, has already won twice this season in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and if the No. 1 holds up it would be the 133rd of his career, leaving him just five shy of Warren Johnson (138) on the all-time No. 1 qualifier list. It’s really the one major NHRA milestone that the 14-time NHRA champion and current points leader does not possess.

Force co-crew chief “Mike Neff said ‘Hang on. I’ll give you eight cylinders and a smooth clutch transition and you keep it in the groove’ – which I know how to do – ‘and it’ll go down there’ … and it went,” Force said of the run that was the second quickest at 1000 feet.

The stunning pass continues a season-long resurgence for Force, who has led the points from Day 1 in 2010 after a three-year stretch from 2007-2009 in which he never led the points.

“My dad always told me, ‘If there’s no oranges on the ground, shake the tree and you’ll have lots of oranges’ and I just kept shaking the tree … I shook our tree and out of it comes, so far so good,” Force said.

There were also a couple of spectacular explosions in the final Funny Car session, first Robert Hight’s Auto Club Ford popped near the finish line and then Tony Pedregon’s NitroFish Chevy blew up sending his body up some 25 feet in the air. Neither driver was injured.

Brown, who won his first career race in Top Fuel at Houston Raceway Park, secured the provisional No. 1 with his 3.803-second pass at 317.64 mph in his Matco Tools dragster.

“After (crew chiefs Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald) saw the Force run, that 4.02, that was pretty sporty, they decided to push it,” said Brown, who was just two pairs behind Force after a 7.339 Q1 pass. “We were just really stoked (with the run).”

In Pro Stock, defending NHRA Full Throttle Series champion Edwards earned the provisional No. 1 with a 6.539-second pass at 211.93 mph in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. This would be Edwards’ 14th No. 1 in the last 15 races dating back to last season.

“The track was just really good, we feel like we might have left a little out there,” Edwards said.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana continued his impressive run dating back to 2009 with a 6.856 at 193.49 aboard his Lucas Oil Buell. The time was the fourth-quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle pass in NHRA history.

“It’s been 14-to-15 years since we’ve had these conditions here in Houston,” Arana said. “The conditions here are awesome.”

Qualifying at the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals concludes with the third and fourth sessions on Saturday when the fields will be set for Sunday’s final eliminations.



BAYTOWN, Texas -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park, fifth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.803 seconds, 317.64 mph; 2. Larry Dixon, 3.808, 320.74; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.839, 313.80; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.847, 318.17; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.848, 318.99; 6. Cory McClenathan, 3.856, 318.54; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.860, 314.24; 8. Terry McMillen, 3.891, 313.73; 9. David Grubnic, 3.916, 312.71; 10. Troy Buff, 3.936, 293.28; 11. Morgan Lucas, 3.939, 296.63; 12. T.J. Zizzo, 3.982, 277.72. Not Qualified: 13. Terry Haddock, 4.055, 284.93; 14. Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.361, 125.82; 15. Brandon Bernstein, 6.324, 102.14.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.021, 316.08; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.051, 312.64; 3. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.060, 312.06; 4. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.089, 310.77; 5. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.095, 309.98; 6. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.097, 311.63; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.098, 306.12; 8. Jim Head, Solara, 4.129, 300.33; 9. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.137, 302.62; 10. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.176, 303.64; 11. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.179, 295.46; 12. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.183, 302.75. Not Qualified: 13. Tony Pedregon, 4.242, 236.01; 14. Paul Lee, 4.254, 298.54; 15. Todd Simpson, 4.335, 240.47; 16. Jeff Diehl, 5.193, 151.39; 17. Cruz Pedregon, 6.052, 110.79.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.539, 211.93; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.557, 212.23; 3. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.557, 211.03; 4. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.566, 210.83; 5. Jason Line, GXP, 6.567, 211.20; 6. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.573, 211.26; 7. V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.574, 211.20; 8. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.575, 210.24; 9. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.580, 211.73; 10. Justin Humphreys, GXP, 6.584, 210.08; 11. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.584, 209.82; 12. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.585, 210.83. Not Qualified: 13. John Nobile, 6.591, 209.79; 14. Kurt Johnson, 6.591, 209.62; 15. Steve Spiess, 6.594, 210.24; 16. Greg Anderson, 6.598, 210.90; 17. Larry Morgan, 6.599, 209.79; 18. Rickie Jones, 6.602, 209.65; 19. Warren Johnson, 6.603, 209.98; 20. Bob Yonke, 6.620, 210.44; 21. Mike Trumble Jr, 6.635, 209.26; 22. Jim Cunningham, 6.653, 209.23; 23. Steve Schmidt, 6.662, 208.23; 24. Mark Buehring, 6.721, 205.13; 25. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.797, 202.27; 26. Erica Enders, 13.980, 60.25.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.856, 195.25; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.870, 196.93; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.875, 197.10; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.881, 193.65; 5. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.919, 197.13; 6. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.932, 195.28; 7. Douglas Horne, Buell, 6.932, 193.07; 8. David Hope, Buell, 6.935, 193.21; 9. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.964, 192.30; 10. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.965, 192.91; 11. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.005, 190.65; 12. Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.010, 193.32. Not Qualified: 13. Redell Harris, 7.037, 186.92; 14. Karen Stoffer, 7.210, 168.43; 15. Joe DeSantis, 7.283, 190.16; 16. Steve Johnson, 7.802, 138.58; 17. Angie Smith, 8.903, 99.84.
 

PAYNE TAKES PROVISIONAL TOP SPOT IN PRO MOD QUALIFYING AT O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS

BAYTOWN, Texas – Jay Payne raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying lead Friday as the second round of NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series qualifying came to an end at Houston Raceway Park.

Payne, of Ontario, Calif., drove his supercharged 1968 Camaro to a 5.813-second run at 246.21 mph to the provisional top spot of the field. For Payne, it would be his first official No. 1 qualifier at the second event of the inaugural season of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

“We ran a potential world record in Gainesville (5.809) but we didn’t back it up so maybe this time we can get it done,” said Payne. “The No. 1 goal is winning the race. That never changes. If we can set a national record along the way, all the better.”

Raymond Commisso currently sits third in the field with a run of 5.852 at 251.20. NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Melanie Troxel is in the 16th spot just in the field with her Friday run of 6.072 at 243.99.

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 1:15 p.m. along with the first round of eliminations at 4 p.m. Eliminations will continue on Sunday.


BAYTOWN, Texas -- Results Friday after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 23rd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park.

Pro Modified -- 1. Jay Payne, Chevy Camaro, 5.813, 246.21; 2. Raymond Commisso, Camaro, 5.852, 251.20; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.864, 249.35; 4. Von Smith, Camaro, 5.879, 246.62; 5. Mike Knowles, Chevy Corvette, 5.895, 245.81; 6. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.913, 240.64; 7. Tim Tindle, Shelby Mustang, 5.923, 241.45; 8. Rick Stivers, Dodge Stratus, 5.941, 243.90; 9. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 5.943, 238.60; 10. Joe Baker, Pontiac Firebird, 5.951, 243.50; 11. Tony Pontieri, Camaro, 5.960, 243.46; 12. Dennis Radford, Plymouth Duster, 5.978, 237.88; 13. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.989, 238.81; 14. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.992, 241.54; 15. Burton Auxier, Camaro, 6.010, 234.98; 16. Melanie Troxel, Corvette, 6.072, 243.99. Not Qualified: 17. Scott Ray, 6.118, 217.95; 18. Ed Hoover, 6.313, 164.55; 19. Khalid Balooshi, 6.764, 152.40; 20. Kenny Lang, 6.991, 148.43; 21. Roger Burgess, 7.275, 157.52; 22. Mike Janis, 8.403, 110.76.
 

DRIVERS PREPARE FOR ‘LONE STAR SHOOTOUT’ AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES HEADS TO HOUSTON:

With four races already complete in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag racing Series and points starting to add up towards the 2010 world championships, NHRA drivers are ready to hit the track once again this weekend for the 23rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park. Defending event winners Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car), Ron Krisher (Pro Stock) and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are all battling to grab that top spot in the point standings in each of their respective categories. For all teams, Houston is a chance to secure a spot in the Top 10 point standings early in the regular season of the Countdown to the Championship. “We’re four races into the season, and our Al-Anabi team is fourth in the points,” said Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon. “We’re in pretty good shape, but I think we could be in a better position than we are. We’ve lost some close races, but I know we have a great package when we roll into every event.” Dixon is only 77 points behind current leader Cory McClenathan. A win in Houston would give Dixon his second of the season and tie him with Kenny Bernstein for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Houston Raceway Park. It would also give the two-time world champion his 50th win of his career, making him only the eighth driver in NHRA history to do so. Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin is another driver hoping for some Houston success. Currently ninth in the point standings, a win would help the four-time Full Throttle world champion move to a more secure spot in the point standings. “I have a lot of great memories of (Houston Raceway Park),” said Coughlin. “Of course, that first Pro Stock win was a highlight. We were just getting our feet wet in the class, prepping for the ’98 season, and we ended up winning. It really was unexpected, but very exciting.” Coughlin will have his work cut out for him, as defending Pro Stock world champion Mike Edwards will enter the race with three wins out of the first four races and a 181-point lead over second-place Jason Line. Tickets are still available for the 23rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals and can be purchased by calling (281) 383-RACE or online at HoustonRaceway.com.
 

ASTRONAUT GRAND MARSHALL AND UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHT HOUSTON ACTION THIS WEEKEND:

Capt. Mark Kelly, NASA Astronaut, will be the grand marshal at the 23rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals this weekend at Houston Raceway Park. Kelly is a veteran of three space-shuttle flights since joining the space program in 1996, and has logged 38 days and more than 12 million miles in space. Houston Raceway Park will also welcome the award-winning University of Houston’s “Spirit of Houston” Marching Band, who will perform the national anthem before the start of eliminations on Sunday. The Spirit of Houston Marching Band has performed in front of millions of people as part of the Super Bowl’s halftime show and has marched in numerous parades across the United States. To see more of the festivities planned for the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals, visit NHRA.com.
 

PREFERRED SEATING OFFERED FOR ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASES AT NHRA UNLEASHED EVENTS:

Those who purchase advance tickets for NHRA Unleashed events through NHRA.com will have access to a preferred seating section at each venue. Advance tickets for each NHRA Unleashed event will go on sale at 10 a.m. (ET) on each date and can be purchased by visiting NHRA.com and clicking on the NHRA Unleashed box on the home page. After purchasing the tickets online and printing them, fans simply take the ticket to the NHRA Unleashed event where they will be supplied with a wrist band that will allow seating in the preferred seating section. The seating will vary at each event and will be marked to find easily. The preferred seating will provide spectators an up close and personal view of all the on track action during the NHRA Unleashed event, a celebration of pure American horsepower. The first of four inaugural NHRA Unleashed events will be held June 11-13 at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga. Tickets for this historic event will go on sale April 3rd. NHRA Unleashed tickets are $10 for adults on Friday and $20 for Saturday and Sunday. A three-day pass is $40 and a Saturday-Sunday pass is $35. Tickets for children 6-12 are $5 for one day, or a three-day ticket is $10. Children five and under are free. For more information, visit NHRA.com.


COMING ATTRACTIONS


O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9-11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (281) 383-RACE or online at HoustonRaceway.com.   


SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, April 16-18: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the first of two stops in Sin City. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock). For tickets, call (800) 644-4444 or online at Ticketmaster.com.


AAA INSURANCE NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS, GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, April 30-May 2: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns to the St. Louis metro area for the seventh stop on the 2010 schedule. Defending event winners include Antron Brown (Top Fuel); Del Worsham (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (800) 35-SPEED or online at Gatewayraceway.com. 



HE SAID, SHE SAID
 

A LITTLE AT HOME IN HOUSTON:

Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown on racing in Houston this weekend: “Houston is a race track I always look forward to. I’ve raced there many times on the bikes and I spent a lot of time in Louisiana with my wife and we’ll have a lot of friends and family at the Houston race with us. We have some great memories from Houston having won our first Top Fuel race their two years ago, and our goal is to get our first win of 2010 at Houston Raceway Park.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

1.000 That’s Top Fuel pilot Shawn Langdon’s starting line winning percentage, the highest among NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers this season. Langdon has never been second off the starting line the entire season.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kick off next weekend with a free autograph session for fans on Thursday, April 15 from 7-8 p.m. at the Town Square Entertainment Center located at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South in Las Vegas. Full Throttle Series drivers who will be in attendance include: Brandon Bernstein, Jack Beckman, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon, Allen Johnson, David Grubnic, Jeff Arend, Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Larry Morgan, Johnny Gray, Shane Gray, Gary Densham and Bob Bode.

FORCE, McCLENATHAN, EDWARDS AND SMITH RACE TO VICTORY IN INAUGURAL NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS AT zMAX DRAGWAY

CONCORD, N.C. – John Force continued his resurgence and made history Monday by racing to victory at the rain-delayed NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

It was the second win of the season for the 60-year-old Funny Car icon, who increased his series points lead to 89 over his rivals. Force, a 14-time world champion who suffered career-threatening injuries in a spectacular crash in Sept. 2007 in Dallas and endured one of the worst competitive seasons of his storied career in 2009, has returned to his familiar position as a championship-challenger this season.

"This is a little taste of history,” Force said. "This was special, like beating the dragsters at Bristol (2000 Winston Showdown). Thanks to (zMAX Dragway owners) Bruton and Marcus Smith. They took the money and spent it to make this happen. The hardest part was racing Ron Capps. He is always tough and (Matt) Hagan, now that he has (co-crew chief) John Medlen there, will put the fear into you. My own daughter also leaves nothing on the table. I’m proud of Ashley. She’s learned the game. This track is so good that we took wing off of it. I don’t usually run big speed, but it did this weekend.”

In the four-wide final, Force powered his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang to a 4.036 second run at 316.23 mph to finish ahead of his daughter, Ashley Force Hood, longtime rival Ron Capps and second-year driver Matt Hagan. It was Force’s 128th career victory and first at zMAX Dragway. Runner-up Force Hood set a national speed record at 316.38 mph in her Castrol GTX Mustang.

Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event to featuring racing in four lanes instead of the traditional two.

Veteran driver McClenathan became the first Top Fuel driver to win a four-wide race, finishing in front of runner-up Doug Kalitta and semifinalists Antron Brown and Doug Herbert. McClenathan, who regained the series points lead with the effort, finished in 3.820 at 319.60 in his FRAM dragster to earn his 33rd career victory and second of the season.

"(Crew chiefs) Todd Okuhara, Phil Shuler and the FRAM boys are just so good this year," McClenathan said. "They give me what it takes to go out there and win drag races. We came here with the opinion that we need to be able to go four-wide, we need to be able to understand the lights, and I had a certain way that I went about it all weekend long. I kept the same plan and it worked out for us. I was happy with the whole thing.”

Edwards raced to his third victory of the season and 23rd overall in Pro Stock, holding off Jason Line, Greg Stanfield and Bob Yonke. Edwards finished in 6.596 at 210.05 in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP to take his second win at the North Carolina track and first-ever in the four-wide configuration.

"I'll tell ya, this four-wide deal is hard on people, but it's been a great weekend,” Edwards said. "It was fun; it was confusing a lot of times, but it was fun. It was different, but you still had to do everything right. I had a good time, and anytime you can win a race it's a great time. This is a great start to hopefully another great season. I feel real blessed to have won again and thank God and give him all the glory.”

Local-favorite Smith of King, N.C., raced to his first Pro Stock Motorcycle victory of the season and 11th of his career. He rode his Al-Anabi Buell to a 6.973 at 189.84 to finish in front of defending world champ Hector Arana, Steve Johnson and Michael Phillips.

"I love this four wide deal,” Smith said. “I’m glad that NHRA and Bruton [Smith] did this. It was fun, just like NASCAR having road races. It was a different atmosphere."

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues April 9-11 with the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas.



CONCORD, N.C. -- Final finish order (1-16) for Full Throttle Series categories at the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway. The race is the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Cory McClenathan; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Antron Brown; 4. Doug Herbert; 5. Larry Dixon; 6. Tony Schumacher; 7. Shawn Langdon; 8. Rhonda Hartman-Smith; 9. Doug Foley; 10. Bobby Lagana Jr.; 11. David Grubnic; 12. Brandon Bernstein; 13. Terry McMillen; 14. Morgan Lucas; 15. Pat Dakin; 16. Steve Torrence.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Tim Wilkerson; 2. Cruz Pedregon; 3. Jack Beckman; 4. Paul Lee; 5. Tony Pedregon; 6. Melanie Troxel; 7. Del Worsham; 8. Jeff Arend; 9. Bob Tasca III; 10. Bob Gilbertson; 11. Jeff Diehl; 12. Robert Hight.

PRO STOCK:

1. Mike Edwards; 2. Jason Line; 3. Bob Yonke; 4. Greg Stanfield; 5. Rodger Brogdon; 6. Allen Johnson; 7. Rickie Jones; 8. John Nobile; 9. Warren Johnson; 10. Larry Morgan; 11. Shane Gray; 12. Greg Anderson; 13. Jeg Coughlin; 14. Kurt Johnson; 15. Vinnie Deceglie; 16. Erica Enders.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Matt Smith; 2. Hector Arana; 3. Steve Johnson; 4. Michael Phillips; 5. David Hope; 6. Junior Pippin; 7. LE Tonglet; 8. Mike Berry; 9. Eddie Krawiec ; 10. Andrew Hines; 11. Douglas Horne; 12. Karen Stoffer; 13. Angie Smith; 14. Craig Treble; 15. Jim Underdahl; 16. Shawn Gann.


CONCORD, N.C. -- Monday's final results from the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway @ Concord. The race is the fourth of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Cory McClenathan, 3.820 seconds, 319.60 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.825 seconds, 316.60 mph and Antron Brown, 3.862 seconds, 312.64 mph and Doug Herbert, 4.268 seconds, 193.79 mph;

Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.036, 316.23 def. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.042, 316.38 and Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.088, 306.33 and Matt Hagan, Charger, 6.736, 105.27.

Pro Stock -- Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.596, 210.05 def. Jason Line, GXP, 6.632, 209.36 and Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.662, 207.98 and Greg Stanfield, GXP, 12.558, 69.69.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Matt Smith, Buell, 6.937, 189.84 def. Hector Arana, Buell, 7.000, 190.92 and Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.305, 157.32 and Michael Phillips, Suzuki, foul;

Competition Eliminator -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Cobalt, 7.787, 160.12 def. Allen Stanfield, Pontiac Grand Am, 8.658, 155.15.

Top Dragster -- Dave Connolly, 7.003, 178.54 def. Ray Miller, 9.044, 99.46.

Top Sportsman -- Ryan Ondrejko, Pontiac GTO, 6.869, 194.30 def. Marco Abruzzi, Chevy Camaro, 66.940, 196.93.

Super Stock -- Gene Daugherty, chevy Camaro, 10.105, 130.73 def. Emily Stott, 10.365, 126.92.

Stock -- Anthony Bertozzi, Chevy Camaro, 10.412, 124.96 def. Joe Santangelo, Camaro, 10.504, 119.98.

Super Comp -- Dan Northrop, Dragster, 8.958, 169.25 def. Tom Seemann, Chevy Beretta, 8.915, 177.58.

Super Gas -- Sherman Adcock Jr., Pontiac Trans Am, 9.900, 163.02 def. Tommy Turner, Chevy Corvette, 9.929, 169.19.

Super Street -- Eddie Brooks, Chevy Camaro, 10.895, 142.15, def. David Owens, Chevy S-10, Foul.


CONCORD, N.C. -- Final round-by-round results from the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Tony Schumacher, 3.810, 318.39 and Doug Kalitta, 4.022, 271.19 def. Doug Foley, 4.000, 282.95 and Pat Dakin, 9.415, 75.88; Antron Brown, 3.858, 313.58 and Doug Herbert, 3.936, 304.12 def. David Grubnic, 5.962, 124.22 and Terry McMillen, 6.176, 111.13; Shawn Langdon, 3.907, 307.72 and Larry Dixon, 4.302, 303.98 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.701, 132.15 and Steve Torrence, 9.529, 78.60; Cory McClenathan, 3.799, 319.14 and Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.630, 258.32 def. Brandon Bernstein, 6.609, 118.13 and Morgan Lucas, 7.964, 83.31;

SEMIFINALS -- Brown, 3.840, 314.31 and Herbert, 3.851, 308.50 def. Dixon, 3.818, 317.42 and Langdon, 3.914, 308.85; Kalitta, 3.809, 317.57 and McClenathan, 3.809, 318.77 def. Schumacher, 3.842, 318.62 and Hartman-Smith, 4.403, 236.38;

FINAL -- McClenathan, 3.820, 319.60 def. Kalitta, 3.825, 316.60, Brown, 3.862, 312.64 and Herbert, 4.268, 193.79.



FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.075, 294.31 and Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.258, 297.81 def. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.287, 293.86 and Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.931, 184.67; Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.068, 312.06 and John Force, Mustang, 4.096, 311.99 def. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.123, 308.07 and Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.151, 304.25; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.032, 313.80 and Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.079, 299.40 def. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.129, 305.49 and Jeff Diehl, Monte Carlo, 8.100, 83.47; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.040, 312.42 and Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 4.327, 296.50 def. Jeff Arend, Solara, no time and Robert Hight, Mustang, DQ;

SEMIFINALS -- Force Hood, 4.122, 288.64 and Hagan, 4.106, 305.98 def. C. Pedregon, 4.292, 299.60 and Lee, 7.224, 93.48; Force, 4.064, 313.29 and Capps, 4.064, 312.50 def. Wilkerson, 4.061, 306.26 and Beckman, 4.505, 199.73;

FINAL -- Force, 4.036, 316.23 def. Force Hood, 4.042, 316.38; Capps, 4.088, 306.33, and Hagan, 6.736, 105.27.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GXP, 6.616, 209.69 and Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.863, 206.32 def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 7.608, 161.69 and Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 14.670, 59.51; Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.624, 209.14 and Jason Line, GXP, 6.622, 210.24 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.744, 199.79 and Erica Enders, Mustang, broke; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.590, 210.64 and John Nobile, Mustang, 6.663, 207.85 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.697, 208.36 and Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, 35.117, 205.35; Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.603, 209.36 and Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.659, 208.84 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.777, 207.27 and Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.913, 174.23;

SEMIFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.632, 208.97 and Yonke, 6.637, 208.52 def. Brogdon, 6.661, 208.20 and Jones, 6.860, 206.16; Edwards, 6.612, 209.72 and Line, 6.617, 209.56 def. A. Johnson, 23.909, 48.35 and Nobile, broke;

FINAL -- Edwards, 6.596, 210.05 def. Line, 6.632, 209.36; Yonke, 6.662, 207.98 and Stanfield, 12.558, 69.69.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Hector Arana, Buell, 6.897, 192.22 and David Hope, Buell, 7.040, 187.73 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.314, 167.30 and Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, broke; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.041, 189.71 and Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.973, 194.52 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.090, 191.32 and Angie Smith, Buell, 7.955, 176.70; LE Tonglet, Buell, 7.037, 191.43 and Mike Berry, Buell, 7.086, 188.15 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.944, 193.40 and Shawn Gann, Buell, broke; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.907, 190.24 and Junior Pippin, Buell, 7.000, 190.14 def. Douglas Horne, Buell, 7.145, 185.05 and Craig Treble, Suzuki, 16.805, 30.32;

SEMIFINALS -- Phillips, 7.017, 192.60 and Johnson, 7.017, 186.30 def. Tonglet, 7.102, 189.90; M. Smith, 6.916, 192.00 and Arana, 6.908, 192.71 def. Hope, 7.040, 187.76 and Pippin, 7.026, 190.16;

FINAL -- M. Smith, 6.937, 189.84 def. Arana, 7.000, 190.92, Johnson, 7.305, 157.32 and Phillips, foul.


CONCORD, N.C. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series categories following the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Cory McClenathan, 379; 2. Tony Schumacher, 327; 3. Doug Kalitta, 326; 4. Larry Dixon, 302; 5. Antron Brown, 273; 6. Shawn Langdon, 221; 7. Steve Torrence, 193; 8. Morgan Lucas, 173; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 168; 10. David Grubnic, 154.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 397; 2. Ron Capps, 308; 3. Jack Beckman, 278; 4. Matt Hagan, 255; 5. Ashley Force Hood, 247; 6. Bob Tasca III, 236; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 230; 8. Robert Hight, 223; 9. Tony Pedregon, 212; 10. Del Worsham, 166.

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 484; 2. Jason Line, 303; 3. Allen Johnson, 285; 4. Greg Anderson, 256; 5. Greg Stanfield, 233; 6. Bob Yonke, 209; 7. Rodger Brogdon, 198; 8. Jeg Coughlin, 182; 9. Ron Krisher, 172; 10. Ronnie Humphrey, 147.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Hector Arana, 175; 2. (tie) Eddie Krawiec, 160; Matt Smith, 160; 4. Shawn Gann, 129; 5. Steve Johnson, 127; 6. Karen Stoffer, 115; 7. David Hope, 110; 8. Craig Treble, 108; 9. Michael Phillips, 104; 10. Andrew Hines, 94.
 

COUGHLIN ENDS EDWARDS’ QUALIFYING STREAK AT NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS
McClenathan, Hight and Smith also take No. 1 qualifying positions at historic Full Throttle Series event at zMAX Dragway

CONCORD, N.C. – Jeg Coughlin ended Mike Edwards’ streak of 12-consecutive No. 1 qualifying positions in Pro Stock competition Saturday at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s noon eliminations at the first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in NHRA history to feature racing in four lanes instead of the traditional two.

Coughlin posted a track-record time of 6.520 seconds at 212.29 mph in his JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt to take the top spot away from recent category-dominator Edwards, who was second overall with a 6.548 at 212.13 in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP.

“It feels fantastic and it's an honor to be first low qualifier for the Four-Wide Nationals," Coughlin said. "It gives us great momentum going into tomorrow. We had a car that struggled for the first three races of the year and now we’ve got a little momentum built. My dad, Jeg Sr., came back out in Gainesville and helped us. We made a couple of test runs before Gainesville, and made quite a few changes. Once we got there, we had a car that qualified No. 2."

It is Coughlin’s first No. 1 position since the 2008 season and his 16th overall. He will face Rodger Brogdon, Phoenix runner-up Bob Yonke and rookie Shane Gray in the opening round of eliminations. He is looking forward to the challenge of four-wide eliminations.

“I’ve been a drag racer my entire life, and this [four wide] is definitely more of a challenge for a driver,” said Coughlin, a four-time Pro Stock world champion. “I’ve made thousands of runs in many kinds of cars and this is more of a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve tried to prepare over the last few weeks. We’ve talked about how the format works. Mentally I’ve put a lot of time and thought into it as far as how we will handle different situations. I had a lot of them play out on four of my qualifying runs this weekend. Coming in, I’d say my comfort level was about 60-percent, but it’s now well above 90-percent."

Also making news in Pro Stock was three-time world champ Greg Anderson, who set a national speed record at 212.46 mph. However his time of 6.570 seconds in his Summit Racing GXP was only good enough for fifth in the ultra-quick starting lineup.

McClenathan claimed the No. 1 position in Top Fuel with his Friday performance of 3.790 seconds in his FRAM dragster, as no one ran quicker than that in Saturday’s two sessions. It is McClenathan’s 35th career No. 1, second of the season and first at zMAX Dragway.

“I think we have a car that they are going to have to step up to beat us,” said McClenathan, who also posted Saturday’s quickest run at 3.810 seconds. “We’ve had the same car all year long. We have either shined or taken someone for granted this year. Todd [Okuhara, co-crew chief] said we were going to try and run 3.79 again but I was happy with an 81. That’s the perfect package for tomorrow. Thought it was a gutsy call, though. The track temp jumped up but at the same time, Todd and Phil [Shuler, co-crew chief] were swinging for fences and I like that.”

McClenathan will face Brandon Bernstein, Morgan Lucas and Rhonda Hartman-Smith in the first round.

"As for the four lane, it is very interesting,” McClenathan said. “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from fans, all positive. Everything is different from the track to the time slip but it’s all been handled very well. All four lanes are raceable. Everything is smooth. I do like lane two better, but maybe that’s because we won in that lane last year. At the same time, I’m good with all of them.”

In Funny Car, no one improved on Hight’s track-record performance of 4.024 seconds at 314.24 mph from Friday and the defending world champion earned his second No. 1 of the season and 34th of his career. He will pull his Auto Club Ford Mustang to the expanded starting line against Paul Lee, Matt Hagan and Jeff Arend in the first round.

"The car is good," said Hight. "We tried to set the national record on the first run today but we were too far into the day, but I'm excited about tomorrow. The record is still out there for us, and for a lot of other people. The conditions are supposed to be cool tomorrow. I told my crew I don't even want to know who I'm running tomorrow. I don't want to think about who's in what lane when I'm staging. It's just go up there, see the amber, and step."

Local favorite Smith of nearby King, N.C. claimed his 33rd No. 1 qualifying position in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a track-record time of 6.875 at 193.18 on his Al-Anabi Racing Buell. Smith topped the quickest bike field in NHRA history, which was anchored by Doug Horne’s 7.025-second run on a Buell.

"We struggled at the first race [in Gainesville] but we've worked on it quite a bit and made a lot of strides,” Smith said. “As long as nothing mechanical happens, we have the bike that can win. We should be in the final four and we'll see what happens there."

Smith will meet Horne, Junior Pippin and Craig Treble in the first round. Eddie Krawiec qualified second on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a 6.882 at a track-record speed of 195.42.


CONCORD, N.C. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the Inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Cory McClenathan, 3.790 seconds, 319.82 mph vs. 16. Brandon Bernstein, 3.998, 288.39 vs. 8. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 3.888, 313.15 vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 3.888, 309.13; 2. Larry Dixon, 3.812, 320.66 vs. 15. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.968, 303.91 vs. 7. Steve Torrence, 3.878, 309.84 vs. 10. Shawn Langdon, 3.892, 312.42; 3. Antron Brown, 3.819, 314.90 vs. 14. Terry McMillen, 3.954, 302.82 vs. 6. David Grubnic, 3.856, 313.73 vs. 11. Doug Herbert, 3.911, 303.84; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.827, 319.45 vs. 13. Pat Dakin, 3.915, 308.28 vs. 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.848, 314.97 vs. 12. Doug Foley, 3.912, 293.60. Did Not Qualify: 17. Ron August, 4.013, 282.84; 18. Luigi Novelli, 4.087, 267.27; 19. Chris Karamesines, 4.182, 224.21.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.024, 314.24 vs. 16. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 7.251, 91.64 vs. 8. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.091, 306.12 vs. 9. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.104, 308.14; 2. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.039, 310.34 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.347, 122.54 vs. 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.088, 303.43 vs. 10. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.105, 304.19; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.040, 313.66 vs. 14. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.179, 262.74 vs. 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.067, 310.77 vs. 11. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.107, 308.71; 4. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.062, 314.24 vs. 13. Bob Gilbertson, Monte Carlo, 4.161, 295.59 vs. 5. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.064, 309.77 vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.110, 303.43.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.520, 212.29 vs. 16. Rodger Brogdon, Pontiac GXP, 6.618, 210.57 vs. 8. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.592, 210.97 vs. 9. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.595, 209.56; 2. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.548, 212.13 vs. 15. John Nobile, Ford Mustang, 6.614, 208.88 vs. 7. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.590, 210.34 vs. 10. Vinnie Deceglie, Dodge Avenger, 6.599, 209.17; 3. Jason Line, GXP, 6.551, 212.19 vs. 14. Larry Morgan, Mustang, 6.614, 209.17 vs. 6. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.580, 210.80 vs. 11. Erica Enders, Mustang, 6.602, 209.01; 4. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.560, 211.30 vs. 13. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.606, 209.69 vs. 5. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.570, 212.46 vs. 12. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.606, 209.85. Did Not Qualify: 17. V. Gaines, 6.626, 209.69; 18. Ronnie Humphrey, 6.628, 210.80; 19. Steve Spiess, 6.631, 207.88; 20. Ron Krisher, 6.642, 208.17; 21. Johnny Gray, 6.656, 209.43; 22. Jimmy Alund, 6.663, 207.30; 23. Bob Benza, 6.708, 206.70; 24. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.828, 204.29; 25. Wally Stroupe, 7.049, 196.73; 26. Justin Humphreys, 13.429, 64.87.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.875, 193.18 vs. 16. Doug Horne, Buell, 7.025, 191.16 vs. 8. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.954, 189.95 vs. 9. Junior Pippin, Buell, 6.957, 190.65; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.882, 195.42 vs. 15. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.016, 188.83 vs. 7. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.924, 192.33 vs. 10. LE Tonglet, Buell, 6.963, 192.30; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.883, 195.11 vs. 14. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.998, 188.12 vs. 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.924, 194.86 vs. 11. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.967, 196.02; 4. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.897, 193.18 vs. 13. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.992, 191.32 vs. 5. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.906, 193.90 vs. 12. David Hope, Buell, 6.981, 190.59. Did Not Qualify: 17. Darin McCurdy, 7.090, 191.35.
 

McCLENATHAN, HIGHT, LINE AND SMITH ARE EARLY QUALIFYING LEADERS AT

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS AT ZMAX DRAGWAY

CONCORD, N.C. – Cory McClenathan raced to the Top Fuel qualifying lead Friday at the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Robert Hight, Jason Line and Matt Smith also were leaders in their respective categories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event, the first in NHRA history to feature four-wide drag racing.

McClenathan posted a track-record time of 3.790 seconds at 315.93 mph in his FRAM dragster to hold the early lead over teammates Antron Brown, who was second with a 3.819 at 213.93 in his Matco Tools dragster, and third-place Tony Schumacher, who posted a performance of 3.830 at 315.49 in his U.S. Army dragster.

"The last time we were here we did well,” said McClenathan, who won here last September during the Countdown to 1 playoffs. “Todd [Okuhara, crew chief] said he was gonna push it and see what it would hold. The lane was good; it was fantastic all day long. At 800-feet I knew it was on a good run. We punished the motor a little but [team owner] Don [Schumacher] will be OK with it. I look at this as being a special event. It seems to come together for me. Now, we’ll just see how it stacks up."

The day featured many spectacular four-wide runs with thrilling side-by-side-by-side-by-side finishes in all four pro categories. In Brown's first session run it was the first of the day where four nitro cars crossed the finish line together at full speed, producing an incredible rush.

"I was just relaxed and wanted to have some fun," Brown said. "I watched the entire Pro Stock car and Funny Car sessions and that gave me a chance to get accustomed to the staging process. It's just a different atmosphere than what we're used to with staging against one other car. When we went down there, all the cars were between a 3.86 and 3.88 and that just shows how phenomenal this facility here at zMax really is."

Defending world champ Hight set both ends of the track record to lead Funny Car qualifying. He posted a 4.024 at 314.24 in his Auto Club Ford Mustang to edge first session leader Ron Capps, who was second with a 4.039 at 310.34 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. Jack Beckman was third in his Valvoline/MTS Charger with a 4.040 at 310.48.

"So far, our first two runs have been flawless,” said Hight, whose leading time was just short of Capps’ 1,000-foot national record time of 4.023 seconds.

“NHRA has done a great job setting up the tree so we can see who is where in staging,” Hight continued. “[Crew Chief] Jimmy Prock lives this car night and day. He gave it a ton more fuel and it worked. We haven’t run that well since back when these cars were 150 pounds lighter. I’ve had the quickest runs in quarter-mile and 1,000-feet, but I’ve never gotten a record. Tomorrow, my goal is to back it up. I’m going to have to, or I won’t be the No. 1 qualifier."

Local-favorite Line was quickest in Pro Stock. The Troutman, N.C.-based driver posted a 6.584 at 210.50 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to pace the 16-car order. Jeg Coughlin was second in his JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt with a 6.584 at 210.08, while defending world champ Mike Edwards was third with a 6.601 at 209.85 in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries GXP.

"It feels good to run that good and have the Summit car on the pole, especially in front of a lot of friends and family and friends in our hometown," Line said. "I don't know if it will stay No. 1, but it's good to be there for one night. The four-wide thing is definitely throwing us Pro Stock guys for a loop and it's a challenge to get used to, but we're definitely enjoying it. The run itself is no different, but you stage a Pro Stock car with the throttle and the clutch, so it's a bit of a challenge. By Sunday we should have it down pat."

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, another North Carolina resident, Smith of King, N.C., powered his Al-Anabi Racing Buell to a leading performance of 6.904 at 193.16. Andrew Hines was second on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a 6.941 at 192.93, while defending world champ Hector Arana was third with a 6.942 at 191.59 on his Lucas Oil Buell.

"We ran the first race here two years ago and I really wanted to win,” Smith said. “I was confident that I could pull it off, but it just didn’t work out. This time, if I can stay No. 1 and do my job I think we’ve got a good chance."

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations start at noon.


CONCORD, N.C. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the Inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Cory McClenathan, 3.790 seconds, 315.93 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.819, 312.93; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.830, 315.49; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.848, 314.97; 5. Larry Dixon, 3.850, 314.97; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.879, 307.30; 7. David Grubnic, 3.880, 304.25; 8. Morgan Lucas, 3.888, 309.13; 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.898, 302.96; 10. Doug Herbert, 3.911, 303.84; 11. Doug Foley, 3.912, 276.75; 12. Pat Dakin, 3.915, 308.28; 13. Terry McMillen, 3.954, 302.82; 14. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 3.982, 307.02; 15. Brandon Bernstein, 7.622, 91.09; 16. Bobby Lagana Jr., 10.061, 84.14. Not Qualified: 17. Luigi Novelli, 12.038, 82.07.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.024, 314.24; 2. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.039, 310.34; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.040, 310.48; 4. John Force, Mustang, 4.067, 310.77; 5. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.074, 308.99; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.088, 293.86; 7. Jeff Arend, Toyota Solara, 4.091, 306.12; 8. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.105, 304.19; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.110, 303.43; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.179, 262.74; 11. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.229, 268.97; 12. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.723, 158.06; 13. Paul Lee, Chevy Impala SS, 7.251, 91.64; 14. Del Worsham, Solara, 7.631, 78.54; 15. Jeff Diehl, Monte Carlo, 8.256, 80.83; 16. Matt Hagan, Charger, 8.720, 77.18.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.584, 210.50; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.586, 210.08; 3. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.601, 209.85; 4. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.601, 209.62; 5. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.621, 209.20; 6. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.622, 209.01; 7. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.623, 208.55; 8. V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.626, 208.91; 9. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.627, 208.97; 10. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.628, 210.18; 11. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.631, 207.88; 12. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.635, 208.49; 13. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.638, 208.52; 14. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.642, 208.17; 15. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.644, 210.31; 16. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.664, 208.26. Not Qualified: 17. Warren Johnson, 6.676, 208.49; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.684, 206.80; 19. Jimmy Alund, 6.713, 206.29; 20. Bob Benza, 6.749, 206.70; 21. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.837, 204.29; 22. Wally Stroupe, 7.336, 166.72; 23. Vinnie Deceglie, 7.550, 135.74; 24. Erica Enders, 8.252, 118.13; 25. John Nobile, 12.642, 85.86; 26. Justin Humphreys, 13.429, 64.87.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.904, 193.16; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.941, 192.93; 3. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.942, 191.59; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.949, 195.34; 5. Junior Pippin, Buell, 6.957, 190.65; 6. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.958, 192.19; 7. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.991, 189.04; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.992, 191.32; 9. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.993, 193.60; 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.999, 189.23; 11. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.005, 192.17; 12. LE Tonglet, Buell, 7.019, 190.92; 13. Douglas Horne, Buell, 7.025, 191.16; 14. David Hope, Buell, 7.034, 190.59; 15. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.056, 188.83; 16. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.064, 188.12. Not Qualified: 17. Darin McCurdy, 7.090, 189.60.
 

ESPN2 INCREASES CAMERAS, STAFF FOR FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

CONCORD, N.C. -- NHRA isn't the only one utilizing an increase in equipment and manpower to
handle the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway this weekend. ESPN2, the longtime
television partner of NHRA, who will bring the historic NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
event to millions watching at home Saturday (7 p.m. ET) and Sunday (5 p.m. ET), also has beefed
up its on-site presence.

Shawn Murphy, senior coordinating producer for ESPN2's NHRA coverage, says seven additional
cameras, a helicopter and an estimated 15 more crew members were needed to pull off coverage of
NHRA's first-ever venture into four-wide drag racing. "We needed the additional equipment to
help tell the story," Murphy explained. "A single round of racing will take approximately the
same amount of time, but two additional cars will be in the mix each time. We have to tell the
story about four racers instead of two during each run, so we'll have to maximize that time
with more camera selections and graphics."

Murphy said ESPN2 added two additional hand-held cameras for the extra lanes at the starting
line, a new crane camera positioned near mid-track just outside lane four, an extra super slow-
mo camera, a helicopter-mounted camera to provide dramatic overhead visuals, a small robotic
camera situated on the wall outside lane four and one additional point of view camera, bringing
the grand total of cameras in use by ESPN2 at this event to a whopping 28.

"We plan to continuously remind our viewers that four cars are racing instead of two, that will
be very important," Murphy said. "And we have created a lot of graphics packages that will
reinforce the rules of how four-wide racing works."

IT’S FOUR-WIDE OR NOTHING!; DRIVERS PREPARE FOR INAUGURAL EVENT AT zMAX DRAGWAY:

For the first time ever in NHRA national event history, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will hold an entire event, qualifying and eliminations, using four lanes instead of the traditional two. At the very special and history-making inaugural event, the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the first of two races in the season held at zMAX Dragway, drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag racing series will go head-to-head-to-head-to-head, to compete for valuable points toward the Full Throttle world championships and a chance to hoist the coveted Wally at the end of eliminations on Sunday. With all the excitement that an event like this brings it’s only understandable that the drivers are pumped and ready to end their week off and hit the track in Concord, N.C. “We’re going four wide. Wow,” said Top Fuel dragster pilot Antron Brown. “We experienced it already last year and we made a good showing in the four wide exhibition even though we didn’t have the results we were looking for during the regular race.”

“With two 8,000-horsepower nitro-breathing dragsters or Funny Cars on the ready line, it’s bone-rattling,” said Top Fuel pilot Brandon Bernstein. “But with 32,000 horsepower on the starting grid, it’s pretty indescribable.”

“It’s going to be exciting,” said 14-time Funny Car world champion and NHRA legend John Force. “You’re talking over 30,000 horsepower at one time. You’re talking over 1,200 mph out there on that racetrack.”

“The qualifying is going to be pretty crazy and interesting,” said Top Fuel pilot Cory McClenathan. “We’re there to put a show on, and obviously everybody wants to win the race. I think the roar of three other dragsters, when you’re in your own car, is going to be a real rush.”

Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling Charlotte Motor Speedway at 800-455-FANS (3267) or online at zmaxdragway.com. Right now, O’Reilly Auto Parts and zMAX Dragway have teamed up to offer fans eight dollars off on $45 tickets for Saturday and Sunday through purchasing tickets at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio. After purchasing the tickets, fans will receive a receipt that can be redeemed at the zMAX Dragway ticket window on event days or at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office in advance.

OLYMPIC GOLD-MEDAL U.S. BOBSLEDDERS NAMED GRAND MARSHALS OF NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS:

The U.S. gold-medal-winning bobsled team will serve as honorary grand marshals for the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, March 25-28 at zMAX Dragway. As honorary grand marshals, the crewmembers of the famous Night Train bobsled will be honored during pre-race festivities with a commemorative plaque, participate in a question-and-answer session during opening ceremonies, and experience 30,000 horsepower firsthand as they stand on the starting line for the first four-wide pass during Sunday’s eliminations. “It’s an honor to be named grand marshal for this event,” said Steven Holcomb, pilot of the gold-medal-winning bobsled. “The support of the racing community has been instrumental in our success, and it’s great to have this opportunity. Now I get to cheer for some of our biggest advocates that have supported us over the last few years. They’ve earned this gold medal too.” The team, led by driver Holcomb and consisting of pushers Steve Mesler, Justin Olsen, and Curt Tomasevicz, made history as it piloted the Night Train to a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. The victory marked the first time in 62 years that the U.S. won an Olympic gold medal in bobsled competition. The famed Night Train sled was created by the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, a combination of NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine and Chassis Dynamics. For more information on this story, visit NHRA.com.
 

FULLER TAKES TWO OF THREE MATCH RACES ON DAY TWO OF YAS DRAG FESTIVAL:

“Hot Rod” Fuller was the big winner on day two of the Yas Drag Festival, taking two of three races against teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. Fuller and Johnson finished the inaugural event at Yas Drag Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with three wins each. “There are so many people who made this great event a success,” Fuller said. “The Yas Marina team and everyone at DSR all worked together, and now we have thousands of new Top Fuel fans. This is a great start for NHRA Drag Racing in Abu Dhabi.” After earning one win light in Friday’s three races, Fuller evened the score at two wins each by powering to a run of 3.898-seconds at 499.97 kph to hold off Johnson. “We’ve worked for months to come here and put on a good show, and I really think we did that,” said Johnson. “This entire event has been beyond my wildest imagination. What a great two days of drag racing.” For more on this event, visit NHRA.com.


COMING ATTRACTIONS


NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25-28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of two. For tickets to this inaugural event, call (800) 455-3267 or online at ticketmaster.com.


O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9-11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (281) 383-RACE or online at HoustonRaceway.com. 


SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, April 16-18: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the first of two stops in Sin City. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock). For tickets, call (800) 644-4444 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

 

HE SAID, SHE SAID
 

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE, DOUBLE YOUR FUN!:

Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson on racing in the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway this weekend: “Side-by-side Funny Car racing is pretty impressive on any track, but going four-wide just doubles everything up, and it’s kind of hard to believe. Maybe somebody ought to talk to Doublemint gum about this. You know the old slogan, ‘Double your pleasure, double your fun.’ This is going to be pretty intense, with points on the line, and it will be interesting to think about the strategies and how we can advance and earn as many Full Throttle points as possible.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

8: That’s the number of drivers, who by winning the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, would not only be the first drivers to win the first national event held completely using four lanes, but would also become the first driver to win a second event at zMAX Dragway. Below are a list of drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and the years they won their first event at zMAX Dragway:

TOP FUEL
Cory McClenathan (2009)
Tony Schumacher (2008)

FUNNY CAR
Jack Beckman (2008)
Robert Hight (2009)

PRO STOCK
Mike Edwards (2009)
Justin Humphreys (2008)

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
Hector Arana (2009)
Steve Johnson (2008)
 

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Todd Smith was named crew chief for the Copart/Lucas Oil Kenny Bernstein Racing Top Fuel dragster driven by Brandon Bernstein. “Todd has a wealth of experience and some new ideas that we felt might be beneficial, so we are going to try a new path,” said team owner Kenny Bernstein. Smith will make his debut as crew chief at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this weekend at zMAX Dragway.
 

BERNSTEIN SAYS DRAG RACING BASICS WILL STILL BE IN PLAY AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES GOES FOUR-WIDE AT zMAX DRAGWAY

CONCORD, N.C. – In the classic movie “Hoosiers,” the small-town basketball coach pulled out his tape-measure to show his underdog players that even though they were competing for the state title in a massive arena, the basket was still set at 10 feet and the general fundamentals of the sport remained the same.

The same theory is basically true for NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series teams that will enter a somewhat unfamiliar realm at the spectacular zMAX Dragway March 25-28 during the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. The unique race will be the first in NHRA history where teams will compete in four lanes instead of the traditional two.

If you watch closely, you may see some crew chiefs and team owners with their tape measures in hand, giving similar pep talks to their drivers. The lanes will still be approximately 30 feet wide. Top Fuel and Funny Car racers will have a set competition distance of 1,000 feet, and Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle teams will race to a quarter-mile finish. Amber lights. Green light. Win light.

All of the basic rules of drag racing will be in place.

It will just be double the fun. Four cars will roll to the starting line for each round instead of two. Four cars will perform their burnouts side-by-side-by-side-by-side. Four cars will launch in each qualifying session and elimination round. Aside from a few differences in protocol during the lane-choice process, everything will be business as usual.

For the driver, once he or she is strapped in and performs the burnout, it will be Drag Racing 101 all the way. Drivers always say they race the track, focus on their lane, and never what their opponent is doing. In this case, it will be opponents.

Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein, who pilots the Copart/Lucas Oil dragster, says the inner-focused mental game plan required to be successful at this event is easier said than done, given all the moving parts. But that’s how he’s going to approach the weekend.

“Basically from inside the cockpit, my job is the same,” Bernstein said. “However, you have the added challenge of trying to concentrate on what three other drivers are doing instead of just one. It will be easy to become distracted with a lot going on during the staging process so focusing on my Christmas tree and my lane will be my objective.”

Though the driver will try to stick to his or her general pre-race routine, the experience for the fans in the grandstands will be anything but routine. Four Top Fuel dragsters or Funny Cars blasting down the dragstrip simultaneously will be an amazing spectacle for all to witness throughout the entire weekend.

“With two 8,000-horsepower nitro-breathing dragsters or Funny Cars on the ready line, it’s bone-rattling, but with 32,000 horsepower on the starting grid, it’s pretty indescribable,” Bernstein said. “This track is one of the finest facilities there is, and this is the only drag strip where four-wide racing can be contested as we speak today. It is going to be a real fan sensory overload, and we’re excited that we’re going to be on-site for this historical occasion.”

Bernstein was one of four Top Fuel drivers who participated in a four-wide exhibition race during last season’s NHRA Carolinas Nationals in September.

“We have an idea of what to expect,” Bernstein said. “We’ll get to ‘warm up’ with some qualifying runs, so that will give us more time to adjust. I think it will be pretty awesome for the fans.”

• FOUR-WIDE RULES BREAKDOWN: Lanes will be identified from left to right facing downtrack as 1-4; Qualifying sessions and elimination rounds will be conducted using all four lanes; The standard Friday qualifying procedure of a top 12 format will not be in use at this event; Two Christmas trees will be in use, one between each pair of lanes; The Compulink Autostart system will continue to be utilized and it will not activate until all four vehicles are pre-staged and one vehicle has staged; The ladder structure will feature Race A: qualifiers 1, 8, 9, 16, Race B: qualifiers 4, 5, 12, 13, Race C: qualifiers 2, 7, 10, 15, and Race D: qualifiers 3, 6, 11, 14… Race A and Race B will be on one side of the ladder, while Race C and Race D will be on the other; Lane choice for eliminations goes to the driver with the quickest E.T., then the second-quickest, and so on; The first two drivers in each elimination round to cross the finish line advance to the second round and final; In the final round, teams will finish in the order they cross the finish line (barring any red-light starts).

• SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:15 and 3:45 p.m. on March 26 and 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on March 27. Final eliminations begin at noon on Sunday, March 28.

• TICKETS: Tickets are available for the inaugural NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Call zMAX Dragway at (800) 455-3267 or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com to purchase tickets.

• ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 9 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 27. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 28. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours and 30 minutes of eliminations coverage beginning at 5 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 28.

• LUCAS OIL SERIES: The inaugural NHRA 4-Wide Nationals also will feature competition in six categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. All Lucas Oil Series competition at this event will be conducted in the traditional two-lane format. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 9 a.m. on March 25. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m. on March 26.

• ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

COMPETITION WILL BE INTENSE AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES DRIVERS SEEK TITLE OF FIRST FOUR-WIDE WINNERS IN NHRA HISTORY

CONCORD, N.C. – There’s a first time for everything.

However, in the world of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, those milestone opportunities come and go at rapid speed, often at more than 320 mph. Those drivers who are able to break through and become the first to accomplish a feat are long-remembered for their achievements.

Drag racing fans remember Kenny Bernstein as the first to eclipse the 300-mph barrier in official NHRA competition. Shirley Muldowney achieved legendary status for becoming the first female to win an NHRA Top Fuel race and world championship crown. Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson was the first to post a 200-mph speed in his category. Two years ago 14-time Funny Car champ John Force became the first driver to record 1,000 round wins in NHRA competition. Earlier that same year he watched his daughter Ashley become the first female to win a Funny Car race.

So now, the big question looms as to who will be the first drivers to win four-wide races in their respective categories?

The inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, one of the most anticipated NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in NHRA history, will be held at the spectacular zMAX Dragway, March 25-28. The track is the only drag racing facility in the world to feature four all-concrete lanes for racing. The historic race will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

Not only is a solid place in the record books waiting for the four winners of the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, but also critical NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championship points will be up for grabs. This is no exhibition. This event will be important for teams who are working to position themselves for a strong finish in the Countdown to 10, NHRA’s 17-race regular season.

In Top Fuel, seven-time defending world champ Tony Schumacher moved back into the series lead with a victory at the tradition-rich Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals two weeks ago in Florida. The U.S. Army dragster driver will certainly be one of the favorites for this event, along with teammate and driver of the FRAM dragster, Cory McClenathan. Schumacher’s arch-rival, Al-Anabi Racing’s Larry Dixon, also will be a major threat to win the race, as will Matco Tools dragster pilot Antron Brown, runner-up at the Gatornationals. Others to watch include Doug Kalitta, who has advanced to two finals in three races this year, Brandon Bernstein, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon and upset-minded Steve Torrence.

Force comes into the event as the Funny Car series leader based on a victory at the season-opening 50th Winternationals and a runner-up finish in Phoenix. The 60-year-old Funny Car icon is back on his game and will be hungry to win at his old pal Bruton Smith’s “Bellagio” of drag strips. His daughter Ashley Force Hood finished second in the series standings last year and will be in the hunt to get her season on track after a slow start has her mired in ninth place. Defending world champ Robert Hight also will be in the mix in his Auto Club Ford Mustang, as will veteran driver Ron Capps in his NAPA Dodge Charger, second-year star Matt Hagan, who set the national speed record at 316.15 mph in Florida in his DieHard Charger, and Gainesville winner Tim Wilkerson, driver of the Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Mustang, and one of the hardest working drivers in the business.

Defending Pro Stock world champ Mike Edwards continues to be the class of the field in his category. He has two victories, a runner-up finish and three No. 1 qualifying performances in three races this season and has built a 132-point lead over the second place driver in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. North Carolina resident Jason Line and his teammate Greg Anderson will be Edwards’ toughest competition in their identically-prepared Summit Racing GXPs. Line used a holeshot start at the last race to snag the victory away from Edwards in the final round. Other favorites in the category include Tennessee’s Allen Johnson, who has posted three semifinal finishes in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger, four-time world champ Jeg Coughlin, who drives the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt, and the always-tough Greg Stanfield, who can run with anyone in his NitroFish Gear GXP.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, 2008 world champ Eddie Krawiec opened the season with a victory at the Gatornationals aboard his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. His final round opponent was surprising Shawn Gann, who hadn’t advanced to a final round since the 2004 season. Meanwhile, Karen Stoffer powered her GEICO Powersports Suzuki to the No. 1 qualifying position and the national E.T. record with an amazing 6.847-second run during the first round of eliminations. Defending world champ Hector Arana is currently fourth on his Lucas Oil Buell, while new Don Schumacher Racing rider Craig Treble anchors fifth place on his Valvoline Motorcycle Oils Suzuki. The King, N.C.-based husband and wife tandem of Matt and Angie Smith will be huge favorites among the Carolina locals.

• FOUR-WIDE RULES BREAKDOWN: Lanes will be identified from left to right facing downtrack as 1-4; Qualifying sessions and elimination rounds will be conducted using all four lanes; The standard Friday qualifying procedure of a top 12 format will not be in use at this event; Two Christmas trees will be in use, one between each two lanes; The Compulink Autostart system will continue to be utilized and it will not activate until all four vehicles are pre-staged and one vehicle has staged; The ladder structure will feature Race A: qualifiers 1, 8, 9, 16, Race B: qualifiers 4, 5, 12, 13, Race C: qualifiers 2, 7, 10, 15, and Race D: qualifiers 3, 6, 11, 14… Race A and Race B will be on one side of the ladder, while Race C and Race D will be on the other; Lane choice for eliminations goes to the driver with the quickest E.T., then the second-quickest, and so on; The first two drivers in each elimination round to cross the finish line advance to the second round and final; In the final round, teams will finish in the order they cross the finish line (barring any red-light starts).

• SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:15 and 3:45 p.m. on March 26 and 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on March 27. Final eliminations begin at noon on Sunday, March 28.

• TICKETS: Tickets are available for the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Call zMAX Dragway at (800) 455-3267 or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com to purchase tickets.

• ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 9 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 27. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 28. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours and 30 minutes of eliminations coverage beginning at 5 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, March 28.

• LUCAS OIL SERIES: The inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals also will feature competition in six categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. All Lucas Oil Series competition at this event will be conducted in the traditional two-lane format. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 9 a.m. on March 25. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m. on March 26.

• ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: Inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the fourth of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - earn points leading to 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: zMAX Dragway- Track is located on Hwy 29 off I-85 at exit 49 (Speedway Blvd.) in the Concord, N.C. area.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, March 25-28

SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, March 25 - Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, March 26 - Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8:30 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, March 27 - Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, March 28 - Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at noon

TELEVISION: Saturday, March 27, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, March 28, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 10 a.m. (ET)

Sunday, March 28, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two and a half hours of coverage starting at 5 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE: Friday, March 26, 6 - 6:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 6 / Transponder 21K (12120 MHz, vertical)

(Analog feed) Saturday, March 27, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 6 / Transponder 21K (12120 MHz, vertical)

Sunday, March 28, 6 - 6:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 6 / Transponder 21K (12120 MHz, vertical)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.

TRACK Top Fuel - 3.826 seconds by Shawn Langdon, Sept. ’09; 317.87 mph by Antron Brown, Sept. ’09

RECORDS: Funny Car - 4.072 seconds by Frank Hawley, Sept. ’08; 308.99 mph by Robert Hight, Sept. ’09

Pro Stock - 6.594 sec. by Mike Edwards, Sept. ’09; 209.62 mph by Edwards, Sept. ’09

PS Motorcycle - 6.952 sec. by Matt Smith, Sept. ’08; 192.91 mph by Eddie Krawiec, Sept. ’08

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet; Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1,320 feet)

NATIONAL Top Fuel - 3.771 sec. by Tony Schumacher, Oct. ’08, Richmond, Va.; 324.98 mph by Schumacher, March, ’10, Gainesville, Fla.

RECORDS: Funny Car - 4.023 sec. by Ron Capps, Feb. ’09, Chandler, Ariz.; 316.15 mph by Matt Hagan, March ’10, Gainesville, Fla.

Pro Stock - 6.509 sec. by Mike Edwards, Oct. ’09, Richmond, Va.; 212.36 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. ’09, Richmond, Va.

PS Motorcycle- 6.847 sec. by Karen Stoffer, March ’10, Gainesville, Fla.; 197.45 mph by Andrew Hines, March ’05, Gainesville, Fla.

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet; Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1,320 feet)

TICKETS: For tickets call (800) 455-3267. Tickets also are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $10; Junior (12 & under), free.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $25-35; Junior (12 & under), $5-10. Saturday: Adult, $45-55; Junior (12 & under), $10-15. Sunday: Adult, $45-55; Junior (12 & under), $10-15.
 

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the third of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 266; 2. Cory McClenathan, 255; 3. Larry Dixon, 239; 4. Doug Kalitta, 230; 5. Antron Brown, 194; 6. Shawn Langdon, 169; 7. Steve Torrence, 160; 8. Morgan Lucas, 140; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 137; 10. David Grubnic, 120.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 280; 2. Ron Capps, 226; 3. Jack Beckman, 219; 4. Bob Tasca III, 205; 5. (tie) Matt Hagan, 181; Robert Hight, 181; 7. Tony Pedregon, 180; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 177; 9. Ashley Force Hood, 149; 10. Del Worsham, 128.

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 363; 2. Allen Johnson, 231; 3. Greg Anderson, 221; 4. Jason Line, 200; 5. Ron Krisher, 162; 6. Greg Stanfield, 157; 7. Rodger Brogdon, 147; 8. Ronnie Humphrey, 137; 9. Bob Yonke, 135; 10. Jeg Coughlin, 134.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Eddie Krawiec, 119; 2. Shawn Gann, 94; 3. Karen Stoffer, 84; 4. Hector Arana, 76; 5. Craig Treble, 75; 6. David Hope, 58; 7. Andrew Hines, 54; 8. Steve Johnson, 53; 9. Junior Pippin, 36; 10. Matt Smith, 33.
 

NEWS NUGGETS

THE CHAMP IS BACK!; SCHUMACHER GRABS FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON AND POINTS LEAD IN GAINESVILLE: It only took three races, one No. 1 qualifier, seven round wins and a Wally at the third race of the season, but seven-time and defending Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher took the points lead with his win at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals this past week at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. It was Schumacher’s fourth win at the historic track and 62nd of his career, the most all time in the Top Fuel category. Even more impressive than his final round win over teammate Antron Brown was Schumacher’s semifinal win over longtime rival, Larry Dixon, when Schumacher set a national record for speed, driving his U.S. Army dragster to a blistering 324.98 mph run. “This is absolutely special,” said Schumacher. “First of all, this is the Gatornationals; it’s Gainesville. I’ve won it four times now. But my lights have been bad at the first two races. We’ve had a car that could win, and I’ve been doing everything I can. We finally started working on it hard, and we needed that confidence; I needed that confidence again. That was perfect. It was exactly what we had to go out and do at the exact right time.” Schumacher was joined in the winner’s circle by Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For Wilkerson, it was also the first win of the season and boosted the driver back into the Top 10 point standings in Funny Car. Wilkerson was able to hold off teammate and defending Gatornationals winner Bob Tasca in the final round to collect his 14th career win. Line was able to hold off the hot-handed Mike Edwards to successfully defend his 2009 Gatornationals win and earn his third win at the track. The win also gave Line the boost he needed, pushing him all the way up to fourth-place and into the Top 10 point standings. Former world champion Krawiec held off Shawn Gann in the final round en route to his first win of the season at the first race of the season for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. For more results from the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, visit NHRA.com.
 

EDWARDS WINS DELAYED ARIZONA NATIONALS PRO STOCK TITLE IN GAINESVILLE: Reigning NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock world champion Mike Edwards defeated Bob Yonke in the final round of the resumption of eliminations for the NHRA Arizona Nationals, which were contested during qualifying at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. It was Edwards’ second-straight win of the season and 22nd of his career. Eliminations were held during the third and fourth qualifying rounds of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. “I didn’t like waiting three weeks, but a win is a win,” said Edwards. “I’m just really thankful to do it. We ran well. There were some changes in the rules, but we adapted to those, and it seems like we’ve managed to keep up.” To see more results from the re-scheduled eliminations, visit NHRA.com.
 

DRISCOLL NAMED NHRA VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: After a national search, NHRA has hired motorsports executive Tony Driscoll as vice president of sales and business development. Driscoll will be based in Charlotte will report to Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. Driscoll has spent more than 10 years working in motorsports, most recently as senior director of partnership and integrated media sales for International Speedway Corp (ISC). ISC, whose primary business is the ownership and management of 13 NASCAR racetracks, is a leading promoter of motorsports activities. In his role as senior director, Driscoll was responsible for developing integrated partnership for Corporate America. NHRA will maintain its strategic alliance with IMG, which began in 2008, as its exclusive outside sponsorship marketing agent at the league level. Driscoll will split time between NHRA’s corporate headquarters in Glendora, Calif., and his permanent location in Charlotte. Coupled with IMG’s strong presences in New York, NHRA now boasts a strong sales effort presence in New York, Charlotte, and Southern California. “I’m excited to join NHRA and am anxious to get started on meeting the current partners and immediately make an impact on developing new partnerships,” said Driscoll. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I believe my experience will allow me to contribute to the continued success of NHRA.” For more information, visit. NHRA.com.


COMING ATTRACTIONS


NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS, zMAX DRAGWAY, March 25-28: For the first time in NHRA Nationals history, qualifying and eliminations for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle at an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event will be conducted four-wide instead of two. For tickets to this inaugural event, call (800) 455-3267 or online at ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, April 9-11: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes it’s first of two stops in the Lone Star State. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ashley Force Hood (Funny Car); Ron Krisher (Pro Stock); and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call (281) 383-RACE or online at HoustonRaceway.com.

SUMMITRACING.COM NHRA NATIONALS, THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, April 16-18: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the first of two stops in Sin City. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Ron Capps (Funny Car); and Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock). For tickets, call (800) 644-4444 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations, Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.



HE SAID, SHE SAID

“I WANNA GO FAST!”: Funny Car driver Matt Hagan on setting the National Record for speed in Funny Car this past week at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals: “There’s no doubt in my mind on any given day we have one of the fastest race cars out here. We just have to put a couple of laps together and make that all come together. When that happens, watch out, because we’re going to be somebody to really reckon with out here.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

4: That’s the number of Pro Stock Motorcycle riders that have won the first race of the season, the NHRA Gatornationals, and have gone on and won the world championship that same year, since the race was made the first race of the season for the class in 1996. Former world champion Eddie Krawiec will look to get his name on that list as he battles for his second world championship this season.

(NOTE: In 2001, the Houston race was run before the Gatornationals, and Angelle Sampey won that event, the official first race of that season for the class, then went on to win the world championship that year.)

DID YOU KNOW…

…that the upcoming NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway will be the first national event in NHRA history where qualifying and eliminations for all four professional classes will be run four-wide instead of two.
 

LANG RACES TO VICTORY IN FIRST NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES EVENT

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Canadian flags waved in the grandstands at historic Gainesville Raceway Sunday as Manitoba’s Kenny Lang made drag racing history as the first to win a Wally in the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series.

Lang became the first winner in NHRA’s newest national touring series as he drove his green 1953 Corvette to victory over Sweden’s Michael Gullqvist, who drove the ProCareRX 1968 Camaro owned by series supporter Roger Burgess.

“This is a great event and I am thrilled to win it,” said Lang who qualified sixth and defeated a tough group of drivers in earlier rounds including JEGS.com’s Troy Coughlin, In-N-Out Burger ’63 Corvette driver Melanie Troxel and Qatar’s Khalid Balooshi.

Lang powered his ’53 Corvette to a 5.908-second run at 243.68 mph to earn the victory in the final-round, but ultimately didn’t need the strong performance when Gullqvist fouled at the start.

“It definitely hasn’t all sunk in yet,” said Lang about being the first official Pro Mod winner in NHRA history. “We are one of the lesser-funded teams out here but we do a good job and we do it because we love it. I wasn’t surprised to see those flags out there because we get a lot of support wherever we go. We had a great car today.”

The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series continues April 9-11 at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Final finish order for the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series Sunday at Gainesville Raceway. It is the first of 10 events for the series in 2010.

PRO MODIFIED:

1. Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette; 2. Michael Gullqvist; 3. Khalid Balooshi; 4. Burton Auxier; 5. Jay Payne; 6. Joe Baker; 7. Melanie Troxel; 8. Roger Burgess; 9. Tony Pontieri; 10. Ed Hoover; 11. Mike Knowles; 12. Rickie Smith; 13. Chip King; 14. Tim Tindle; 15. Troy Coughlin; 16. Adam Flamholc.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Round-by-round results for the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series Sunday at Gainesville Raceway. It is the first of 10 events for the series in 2010.

ROUND ONE -- Michael Gullqvist, Chevy Camaro, 5.852, 248.84 def. Tim Tindle, Shelby Mustang, 6.030, 207.02; Khalid Balooshi, Camaro, 5.916, 244.03 def. Tony Pontieri, Camaro, 5.877, 246.30; Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 5.860, 244.92 def. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, foul; Burton Auxier, Camaro, 5.898, 240.12 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.937, 238.76; Joe Baker, Pontiac Firebird, 5.956, 232.35 def.

Mike Knowles, Corvette, 5.913, 246.80; Melanie Troxel, Corvette, 5.901, 247.70 def. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.945, 241.41; Jay Payne, Camaro, 5.809, 244.87 def. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 5.893, 244.25; Roger Burgess, Corvette, 5.824, 246.80 def. Adam Flamholc, Camaro, broke;

QUARTERFINALS -- Auxier, 5.943, 237.71 def. Baker, 6.853, 160.54; Lang, 5.883, 244.43 def. Troxel, 8.028, 125.44; Gullqvist, 5.827, 248.52 def. Burgess, DQ; Balooshi, 5.877, 245.72 def. Payne, 5.913, 244.34;

SEMIFINALS -- Lang, 5.932, 244.03 def. Balooshi, 5.909, 245.49; Gullqvist, 5.857, 248.16 def. Auxier, 11.983, 81.19;

FINAL -- Lang, 5.908, 243.68 def. Gullqvist, foul.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Top 10 point standings for the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series following Sunday’s race at Gainesville Raceway. It is the first of 10 events for the series in 2010.

1. Kenny Lang, 95; 2. Michael Gullqvist, 74; 3. (tie) Burton Auxier, 63; Khalid Balooshi, 63; 5. (tie) Joe Baker, 52; Roger Burgess, 52; Jay Payne, 52; Melanie Troxel, 52; 9. (tie) Troy Coughlin, 41; Adam Flamholc, 41; Ed Hoover, 41; Chip King, 41; Mike Knowles, 41; Tony Pontieri, 41; Rickie Smith, 41.
 

SCHUMACHER, WILKERSON, LINE AND KRAWIEC WIN TIRE KINGDOM NHRA GATORNATIONALS

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tony Schumacher raced to his first victory of the season and in the process moved into the NHRA Full Throttle Series points lead Sunday at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Tim Wilkerson, Jason Line and Eddie Krawiec also were winners in their respective categories at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Schumacher earned his fourth Gatornationals win and 62nd of his career by powering his U.S. Army dragster to a performance of 3.797 seconds at 322.04 mph while teammate Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster lost traction in the runner-up effort.

The seven-time Top Fuel world champ beat Terry McMillen, Doug Foley and rival Larry Dixon to advance to the final round.

“It was a perfect win for this team,” said Schumacher, who posted the national speed record at 324.98 mph in a thrilling side-by-side win over Dixon in the semifinals. “This is something we needed to do. Now we’re in the points lead and that’s important as we go to Charlotte for the four-wide race.”

Wilkerson scored his 14th career victory by holding off defending race winner and teammate Bob Tasca in the Funny Car final. Wilkerson’s Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Mustang finished in 4.097 at 303.78, while Tasca’s Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang trailed with a 4.192 at 287.17.

Wilkerson beat Jeff Arend, top qualifier Matt Hagan and two-time world champ Tony Pedregon to advance to the final round, his first at the Gatornationals.

“When you run well and you run consistent, people will show you enough respect to try pretty hard against you,” Wilkerson said. “We did have a good day today. I’m not going to say we were world-beaters, but we made some pretty darn good runs to keep them on their toes.”

Line used a quicker reaction time to defeat Mike Edwards in the Pro Stock final. Line claimed his 21st career win, first of the season and second-straight at this event with a winning performance of 6.581 at 210.14 in his Summit Racing Pontiac GXP to overcome Edwards’ quicker, but losing Penhall/Interstate Batteries GXP, which posted a 6.556 at 211.16.

“It really wasn’t a good weekend, actually,” Line said. “We started out awful, and I didn’t think we were going to qualify. Going into the third session, I really felt like this was going to be the time we didn’t qualify. But we got it done somehow. We didn’t run great, that’s for sure, but I guess right now the only way to beat Mike is with your left foot because you’re not going to outrun him. Fortunately, he gave us the opening, and we managed to get it done somehow.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Krawiec claimed his sixth career victory with a 6.899 at 195.68 on his Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to beat surprise finalist Shawn Gann, who posted a 6.908 at 194.21 on his RumBum Buell. It was Gann’s first final round appearance since 2004.

“Gainesville is very special to me,” said 2008 world champ Krawiec, who beat Angie Smith, Steve Johnson and Craig Treble in the first three rounds. “Years ago when I first started out, I wanted to win here. To finally get a win here, I can’t be any more excited. We ended 2009 with a win in Pomona and to start 2010 with another one is awesome.”

Top qualifier Karen Stoffer earned a 20-point bonus for setting the national elapsed time record with a 6.847-second run on her GEICO Powersports Suzuki in the first-round, but was upset in the quarterfinals by Gann.

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series continues March 25-28 with the 4-Wide NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, N.C.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The race is the third of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Tony Schumacher; 2. Antron Brown; 3. Larry Dixon; 4. Shawn Langdon; 5. Cory McClenathan; 6. Steve Torrence; 7. Doug Foley; 8. Brandon Bernstein; 9. Terry McMillen; 10. Pat Dakin; 11. Bobby Lagana Jr.; 12. Doug Kalitta; 13. Todd Paton; 14. David Grubnic; 15. Morgan Lucas; 16. Chris Karamesines.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang; 2. Bob Tasca III; 3. Ron Capps; 4. Tony Pedregon; 5. John Force; 6. Melanie Troxel; 7. Matt Hagan; 8. Robert Hight; 9. Del Worsham; 10. John Smith; 11. Jim Head; 12. Jeff Arend; 13. Ashley Force Hood; 14. Jack Beckman; 15. Bob Bode; 16. Cruz Pedregon.


PRO STOCK:

1. Jason Line, Pontiac GXP; 2. Mike Edwards; 3. Allen Johnson; 4. Greg Anderson; 5. Ronnie Humphrey; 6. Ron Krisher; 7. V. Gaines; 8. Jeg Coughlin; 9. Bob Yonke; 10. Rickie Jones; 11. Vinnie Deceglie; 12. Johnny Gray; 13. Steve Spiess; 14. Shane Gray; 15. Rodger Brogdon; 16. Greg Stanfield.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson; 2. Shawn Gann; 3. Craig Treble; 4. Hector Arana; 5. Andrew Hines; 6. David Hope; 7. Karen Stoffer; 8. Steve Johnson; 9. Jim Underdahl; 10. Michael Phillips; 11. Junior Pippin; 12. Angie Smith; 13. Matt Smith; 14. Redell Harris; 15. LE Tonglet; 16. Mike Berry.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Sunday's final results from the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The race is the third of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 3.797 seconds, 322.04 mph def. Antron Brown, 6.632 seconds, 101.17 mph.

Funny Car -- Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.097, 303.78 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.192, 287.17.

Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Pontiac GXP, 6.580, 210.14 def. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.556, 211.16.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.899, 195.68 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.908, 194.21.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Duane Shields, 5.362, 267.27 def. Darren Nicholson, 8.334, 114.93.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.475, 265.33 def. Mickey Ferro, Monte Carlo, 5.498, 262.44.

Pro Modified -- Kenny Lang, Chevy Corvette, 5.908, 243.68 def. Michael Gullqvist, Chevy Camaro, foul.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Final round-by-round results from the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:


TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Steve Torrence, 3.879, 311.05 def. Morgan Lucas, 7.782, 91.43; Doug Foley, 3.959, 254.47 def. Doug Kalitta, 6.519, 113.58; Shawn Langdon, 3.919, 299.06 def. Chris Karamesines, 9.076, 56.08; Brandon Bernstein, 3.891, 313.22 def. David Grubnic, 7.263, 87.20; Antron Brown, 3.973, 229.90 def. Todd Paton, 7.079, 94.98; Tony Schumacher, 3.818, 320.81 def. Terry McMillen, 3.865, 304.94; Larry Dixon, 3.824, 319.37 def. Pat Dakin, 3.952, 275.45; Cory McClenathan, 3.816, 322.50 def. Bobby Lagana Jr., 3.955, 305.91;

QUARTERFINALS -- Brown, 3.812, 318.92 def. Torrence, 3.862, 314.61; Dixon, 3.831, 317.87 def. Bernstein, 8.355, 82.55; Schumacher, 3.839, 319.45 def. Foley, 4.332, 179.42; Langdon, 3.852, 317.57 def. McClenathan, 3.840, 315.42;

SEMIFINALS -- Schumacher, 3.822, 324.98 def. Dixon, 3.825, 319.75; Brown, 3.801, 318.24 def. Langdon, 3.909, 304.74;

FINAL -- Schumacher, 3.797, 322.04 def. Brown, 6.632, 101.17.


FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.087, 310.13 def. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 8.061, 98.35; Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.128, 310.13 def. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 8.771, 90.18; Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.072, 310.63 def. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.157, 306.88; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.061,

316.15 def. John Smith, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.223, 268.38; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.122, 305.84 def. Jim Head, Solara, 4.223, 301.94; Melanie Troxel, Charger, 5.324, 158.61 def. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 5.980, 134.85; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.139, 308.57 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 6.672, 94.77; Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.188, 283.37 def. Jeff Arend, Solara, 5.520, 190.19;

QUARTERFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.113, 310.27 def. Troxel, 4.164, 307.30; Capps, 4.066, 312.35 def. Force, 4.135, 310.05; Wilkerson, 4.094, 307.86 def. Hagan, 4.465, 284.62; Tasca III, 4.131, 309.70 def. Hight, 4.804, 178.97;

SEMIFINALS -- Wilkerson, 4.149, 298.67 def. T. Pedregon, 8.493, 85.67; Tasca III, 4.125, 308.85 def. Capps, 4.562, 216.76;

FINAL -- Wilkerson, 4.097, 303.78 def. Tasca III, 4.192, 287.17.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Ronnie Humphrey, Pontiac GXP, 6.553, 211.66 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Dodge Avenger, 6.574, 209.82; Jason Line, GXP, 6.556, 211.76 def. Greg Stanfield, GXP, foul; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.603, 210.70 def. Steve Spiess, Chevy Cobalt, 6.595, 210.05; V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.556, 210.73 def. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.732, 201.55; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.587, 210.64 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.616, 209.69; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.520, 212.23 def. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.571, 210.05; Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.542, 210.67 def. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.574, 210.18; Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.559,

211.73 def. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.563, 210.34;

QUARTERFINALS -- Anderson, 6.587, 210.60 def. Coughlin, 9.637, 93.10; A. Johnson, 6.600, 210.05 def. Gaines, 6.616, 209.49; Line, 6.582, 210.83 def. Krisher, 6.592, 210.14; Edwards, 6.549, 210.83 def. Humphrey, 6.577, 210.97; Anderson, 6.587, 210.60 def. Coughlin, 9.637, 93.10; A. Johnson, 6.600, 210.05 def. Gaines, 6.616, 209.49; Line, 6.582, 210.83 def. Krisher, 6.592, 210.14; Edwards, 6.549, 210.83 def. Humphrey, 6.577, 210.97;

SEMIFINALS -- Line, 6.606, 210.24 def. Anderson, 17.349, 43.53; Edwards, 6.564, 211.23 def. A. Johnson, 6.596, 210.54;

FINAL -- Line, 6.580, 210.14 def. Edwards, 6.556, 211.16.


PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE -- Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.893, 193.85 def. Junior Pippin, Buell, 6.941, 191.59; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.978, 193.18 def. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.982, 191.13; Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.901, 193.49 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, foul; Hector Arana, Buell, 6.868, 194.41 def. LE Tonglet, Buell, 7.055, 192.08; David Hope, Buell, 6.939, 189.76 def. Mike Berry, Buell, DQ; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.864, 195.11 def. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.976, 187.47; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.847, 193.46 def. Redell Harris, Buell, 6.999, 187.08; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.875, 195.51 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, foul;

QUARTERFINALS -- Treble, 7.038, 186.07 def. Hope, foul; Arana, 6.916, 191.70 def. Hines, foul; Krawiec, 6.856, 194.63 def. Johnson, foul; Gann, 6.945, 192.06 def. Stoffer, 6.979, 187.52;

SEMIFINALS -- Gann, 6.907, 193.18 def. Arana, foul; Krawiec, 6.903, 194.63 def. Treble, 6.971, 189.52;

FINAL -- Krawiec, 6.899, 195.68 def. Gann, 6.908, 194.21.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -


Top Fuel

1. Tony Schumacher, 266; 2. Cory McClenathan, 255; 3. Larry Dixon, 239; 4. Doug Kalitta, 230; 5. Antron Brown, 194; 6. Shawn Langdon, 169; 7. Steve Torrence, 160; 8. Morgan Lucas, 140; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 137; 10. David Grubnic, 120.


Funny Car

1. John Force, 280; 2. Ron Capps, 226; 3. Jack Beckman, 219; 4. Bob Tasca III, 205; 5. (tie) Matt Hagan, 181; Robert Hight, 181; 7. Tony Pedregon, 180; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 177; 9. Ashley Force Hood, 149; 10. Del Worsham, 128.


Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 363; 2. Allen Johnson, 231; 3. Greg Anderson, 221; 4. Jason Line, 200; 5. Ron Krisher, 162; 6. Greg Stanfield, 157; 7. Rodger Brogdon, 147; 8. Ronnie Humphrey, 137; 9. Bob Yonke, 135; 10. Jeg Coughlin, 134.


Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Eddie Krawiec, 119; 2. Shawn Gann, 94; 3. Karen Stoffer, 84; 4. Hector Arana, 76; 5. Craig Treble, 75; 6. David Hope, 58; 7. Andrew Hines, 54; 8. Steve Johnson, 53; 9. Junior Pippin, 36; 10. Matt Smith, 33.
 

BURGESS TAKES FIRST OFFICIAL NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITION IN NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD DRAG RACING HISTORY

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Roger Burgess earned the first official No. 1 qualifying position of the new NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series Saturday at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. After nine seasons as an exhibition category, the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Series became an official NHRA touring series with 10 races on the 2010 schedule and is making its much-anticipated debut this weekend.

Burgess earned the historic top spot with a performance of 5.856 at 248.39 in his ProCare RX Corvette.

Jay Payne was second in his FireIce ’68 Camaro with a 5.887 at 241.28.

Burgess and Payne were both among the first-round winners during Saturday’s first round of eliminations. Eliminations for the category will continue on Sunday.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. – First-round elimination pairings for the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series from the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Pro Modified -- 1. Roger Burgess, Chevy Corvette, 5.856, 248.39 vs. 16. Adam Flamholc, Chevy Camaro, 6.115, 232.39; 2. Jay Payne, Camaro, 5.887, 241.28 vs. 15. Ed Hoover, Camaro, 6.019, 235.84; 3. Melanie Troxel, Corvette, 5.888, 246.57 vs. 14. Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 6.017, 236.46; 4. Burton Auxier, Camaro, 5.905, 240.25 vs. 13. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 6.007, 238.68; 5. Mike Knowles, Corvette, 5.909, 244.60 vs. 12. Joe Baker, Pontiac Firebird, 6.003, 242.02; 6. Kenny Lang, Corvette, 5.924, 241.24 vs. 11. Troy Coughlin, Camaro, 5.998, 216.34; 7. Khalid Balooshi, Camaro, 5.925, 244.29 vs. 10. Tony Pontieri, Camaro, 5.957, 241.07; 8. Michael Gullqvist, Camaro, 5.933, 244.47 vs. 9. Tim Tindle, Shelby Mustang, 5.953, 239.95. Did Not Qualify: 17. Mike Janis, 6.230, 233.84; 18. Von Smith, 6.380, 236.13; 19. Rick Distefano, 7.038, 220.62; 20. Brad Personett, 7.102, 145.06; 21. Raymond Commisso, 8.096, 117.09; 22. Danny Rowe, 8.178, 118.52; 23. Dennis Radford, 8.223, 133.29; 24. Mike Castellana, 9.813, 87.51; 25. Scott Ray, 10.367, 83.97.

First-round results for the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series:

Roger Burgess, 5.824, 246.80 def. Adam Flamholc, ccl; Michael Gullqvist, 5.852, 248.84 def. Tim Tindle, 6.030, 207.02; Burton Auxier, 5.898, 240.12 def. Rickie Smith, 5.937, 238.76; Joe Baker, 5.956, 232.35 def. Mike Knowles, 5.913, 246.80; Jay Payne, 5.809, 244.87 def. Ed Hoover, 5.893, 244.25; Khalid Balooshi, 5.916, 244.03 def. Tony Pontieri, 5.877, 246.30; Melanie Troxel, 5.901, 247.70 def. Chip King, 5.945, 241.41; Ken Lang, 5.860, 244.92 def. Troy Coughlin, 17.248, 45.98.

EDWARDS WINS RESCHEDULED PHOENIX PRO STOCK ELIMINATIONS AND CLAIMS NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITION FOR TIRE KINGDOM GATORNATIONALS
Brown, Hagan and Stoffer also No. 1 qualifiers at Gainesville Raceway

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mike Edwards accomplished a rare feat Saturday at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals when he raced to a Pro Stock victory and a No. 1 qualifying position in the same day at historic Gainesville Raceway.

The defending NHRA world champ powered his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP to a win in the completion of the weather-delayed NHRA Arizona Nationals and scored his third No. 1 qualifying effort of the season and 25th of his career.

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their respective categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations as No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Edwards scored his second win of the season and 22nd of his career by outrunning rookie driver Bob Yonke in the final. It was Yonke’s first final round appearance in his first NHRA start. Edwards posted a winning performance of 6.552 at 211.16, while Yonke trailed with a 6.601 at 209.36 in his Adrenaline Motorsports GXP.

Edwards took the top qualifying spot for the Gatornationals with a 6.537-second run at a speed of 211.56 mph.

“A win’s a win,” Edwards said. “I am real thankful. We’ve come here to Gainesville and ran good. We had some changes to the rules and my guys made the changes and we’ve done well. I am real proud of them.”

In Top Fuel, Brown powered his Matco Tools dragster to a track-record time of 3.803 at 321.04 to earn his first No. 1 of the season and 22nd of his career (11th in Top Fuel).

“To come out here and do this is definitely a blessing,” Brown said. “I just want to take it one step at a time, and being No. 1 qualifier is definitely putting a foot in the right direction, and I’m stoked about that. It feels good to get two solid laps back to back. It’s not just being No. 1; it’s just getting two solid laps back to back because that gives you confidence going into race day where you can go round to round.”

Hagan claimed his third Funny Car top qualifying effort with a 4.060 at a track-record speed of 313.58 in his DieHard Dodge Charger.

“First of all, it’s great to snag the No. 1 spot,” Hagan said. “I have a little history here [in Gainesville] with the Pro Mod car, and this is big. I knew Tommy [DeLago, crew chief] was going for it because we were already qualified. When the clutch went one-to-one, I knew it was gonna run.”

Earlier in the day, Hagan’s Don Schumacher Racing-owned team announced that former John Force Racing crew chief John Medlen had joined his team and would be working alongside DeLago as co-crew chief.

“As for John Medlen, I’m not sure what his impact is yet,” Hagan said. “He’s feeling his way through everything. I’m sure he had some input, and I’m sure we’ll see a lot of stuff from him and Tommy. I’m really excited and can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow. We need to put four runs together on race day. We always qualify well, but we need to get that Wally on Sunday.”

Stoffer earned her second career No. 1 position in Pro Stock Motorcycle, speeding to a track-record time of 6.855 at 194.77 on her GEICO Powersports Suzuki.

“We knew we had a fast bike, and I just had to do my job,” Stoffer said. “I was excited that they gave me the performance, and I was able to do my job and put the package together and get that No. 1 back. I’ve had the No. 1 before, but I’ve never had to fight for it like that, so it was pretty cool to be able to do that.”


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.803 seconds, 321.04 mph vs. 16. Todd Paton, 7.542, 89.46; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.805, 321.12 vs. 15. Terry McMillen, 7.363, 94.82; 3. Larry Dixon, 3.820, 317.87 vs. 14. Pat Dakin, 4.458, 192.60; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.829, 317.12 vs. 13. Chris Karamesines, 4.052, 288.39; 5. Cory McClenathan, 3.830, 317.79 vs. 12. Bobby Lagana Jr., 4.011, 298.54; 6. David Grubnic, 3.832, 321.58 vs. 11. Brandon Bernstein, 3.906, 314.46; 7. Doug Kalitta, 3.846, 315.49 vs. 10. Doug Foley, 3.891, 312.35; 8. Steve Torrence, 3.856, 311.99 vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 3.880, 303.43.

Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.060, 313.58 vs. 16. John Smith, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.231, 299.80; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.060, 310.13 vs. 15. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.202, 303.64; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.070, 306.81 vs. 14. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.156, 305.42; 4. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Impala, 4.078, 311.49 vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.152, 288.09; 5. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.081, 312.42 vs. 12. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.144, 305.84; 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.093, 308.85 vs. 11. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.140, 304.12; 7. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.107, 306.81 vs. 10. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.135, 306.05; 8. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.107, 305.01 vs. 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.114, 305.84. Did Not Qualify: 17. Jeff Diehl, 4.284, 293.79; 18. Paul Lee, 4.324, 260.76.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.537, 211.56 vs. 16. Rickie Jones, GXP, 6.601, 209.10; 2. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cobalt, 6.540, 211.13 vs. 15. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.590, 209.75; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 6.551, 210.90 vs. 14. Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.590, 209.98; 4. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.559, 211.16 vs. 13. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.584, 208.84; 5. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.561, 210.77 vs. 12. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.583, 209.56; 6. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.569, 211.86 vs. 11. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.582, 209.23; 7. Jason Line, GXP, 6.570, 211.20 vs. 10. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.573, 210.50; 8. Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, 6.571, 209.75 vs. 9. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.572, 211.26. Did Not Qualify: 17. Justin Humphreys, 6.604, 209.26; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.604, 209.07; 19. Warren Johnson, 6.608, 210.14; 20. John Nobile, 6.611, 208.36; 21. Erica Enders, 6.614, 208.81; 22. Bob Benza, 6.627, 207.88; 23. Kurt Johnson, 6.643, 209.56; 24. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.755, 202.55.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.855, 194.77 vs. 16. Redell Harris, Buell, 7.032, 186.48; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.868, 195.51 vs. 15. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.025, 185.38; 3. David Hope, Buell, 6.874, 193.29 vs. 14. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.006, 188.20; 4. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.881, 195.39 vs. 13. LE Tonglet, Buell, 6.962, 192.33; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.883, 195.08 vs. 12. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.956, 194.46; 6. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.888, 194.41 vs. 11. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.943, 194.27; 7. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.894, 193.38 vs. 10. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.924, 191.32; 8. Junior Pippin, Buell, 6.894, 192.19 vs. 9. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.907, 193.21. Did Not Qualify: 17. Darin McCurdy, 7.034, 193.16; 18. Douglas Horne, 7.067, 190.97; 19. James Surber, 7.089, 188.17; 20. Katie Sullivan, 7.105, 188.52; 21. Wesley Wells, 7.110, 190.38; 22. Joe DeSantis, 7.111, 188.41; 23. Bailey Whitaker, 7.267, 160.77.


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories from the weather-delayed 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals. The race is the second of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.


PRO STOCK:

1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP; 2. Bob Yonke; 3. Greg Stanfield; 4. Allen Johnson; 5. Ron Krisher; 6. Rodger Brogdon; 7. Greg Anderson; 8. Jason Line; 9. Jeg Coughlin; 10. Shane Gray; 11. Warren Johnson; 12. Kurt Johnson; 13. Ronnie Humphrey; 14. Rickie Jones; 15. Larry Morgan; 16. Vinnie Deceglie.



GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Final round-by-round results from the weather-delayed 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, the second of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GXP, 6.646, 207.66 def. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 12.898, 67.04; Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.656, 206.29 def. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.649, 201.31; Bob Yonke, GXP, 6.675, 205.16 def. Rickie Jones, GXP, 14.598, 58.41; Jason Line, GXP, 6.777, 207.34 def. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.909, 183.92; Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 14.342, 58.30 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, broke; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.652, 208.59 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, broke; Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.619, 208.84 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.697, 205.69; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.617, 209.82 def. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.706, 206.83;

QUARTERFINALS – Edwards 6.537, 211.53 def. Anderson, 6.569, 211.86; A. Johnson, 6.559, 211.16 def. Line, 9.900, 92.48; Stanfield, 6.590, 209.75 def. Krisher, 6.555, 210.44; Yonke, 6.623, 209.79 def. Brogdon, 6.561, 210.77.

SEMIFINALS – Edwards, 6.544, 211.56 def. A. Johnson, 17.110, 47.69; Yonke, 6.590, 209.98 def. Stanfield, 6.573, 210.50.

FINAL -- Edwards, 6.552, 211.16 def. Yonke, 6.604, 209.36.



GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the weather-delayed 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, the second of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 257; 2. Allen Johnson, 156; 3. Greg Anderson, 147; 4. Greg Stanfield, 125; 5. Rodger Brogdon, 112; 6. Bob Yonke, 104; 7. Larry Morgan, 102; 8. Ron Krisher, 99; 9. Jason Line, 87; 10. Ronnie Humphrey, 85.

JOHN FORCE BACK IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT AS NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES HEADS TO PHOENIX

CHANDLER, Ariz. – NHRA Funny Car legend John Force’s Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang can cover a dragstrip’s race distance in a little over four seconds at more than 300 mph. However, that isn’t the performance that the 14-time world champion is most proud of.

To hear him tell it, the 60-year-old Force is just giddy over his newfound ability to master the treadmill.

“I remember I got on the treadmill and I couldn’t run for two minutes,” said a re-energized Force, winner of the season-opening Winternationals and current points leader who has committed himself to a rigorous physical fitness program to increase his stamina and build back lost muscle following his harrowing 2007 crash at the Texas Motorplex. “Now I can go for an hour.

“I read in the paper that 60 is the new 40, and I’m going with that.”

Force will try to keep his energy level up and his early-season momentum on the track going at the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway, Feb. 19-21. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event near Phoenix, which will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

Before the ’07 accident Force was a top contender in the Countdown playoffs, looking to add to his world championship trophy collection. Since then, however, he has struggled on the track like never before. Last year he went winless for the first time since the 1986 season and it was the first time he didn’t advance to a final round since the 1984 campaign.

“My legs were broken and they said I might not walk again or win again and that gets in your head,” Force said. “Just coming out of the hospital and winning again in Topeka (2008) that was awesome. To win (the 50th Winternationals), was special because it’s my home. I’ve worked hard and got back on my game because I really want it.”

Force said there were times when he took pity on himself, but he never lost hope. He said he received plenty of encouragement from family and friends.

“My trainer told me if I kept working I could get my legs back,” Force said. “He told me I had to keep building my legs so I could push on that gas… Over the winter I hit it harder and all of a sudden I had strength to get through the day. It is awesome.”

During his aerobics filled off-season, Force also made some changes to his race team. He parked the team’s fourth car, which was driven the last two seasons by Mike Neff. Neff was then named co-crew chief on Force’s car alongside longtime tuner Austin Coil. Former co-crew chief Bernie Fedderly was reassigned to managing the day-to-day activities at the team’s Brownsburg, Ind. shop.

“You used to think that winning was easy, and then it got real tough,” said Force, who has earned eight of his NHRA-record 127 victories at the Phoenix track. “Then you start to think that maybe it’s me that’s the problem, and that maybe I’m not a good driver. But sometimes a little bit of change gets a team moving again, and this team is moving again. I’ve got a good brain trust and a good race car and we’re going to win.”

Standing in the way of a ninth FIR victory and a 15th world championship crown for Force is a large contingent of talented Funny Car drivers, including two-time and defending Arizona Nationals winner Capps, who finished runner-up to Force at Pomona in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. Third-year driver Bob Tasca is also looking like a title-contender this season in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang, while Ashley Force Hood and defending world champ Robert Hight have also been highly touted as pre-season favorites in the 7,000-horsepower category. Del Worsham, Jack Beckman and Cruz and Tony Pedregon are all past Phoenix winners and will be in the hunt as well.

Two-time world champ Larry Dixon is setting the early pace in Top Fuel. The two-time Phoenix winner powered his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to the victory at the Kragen O’Reilly Winternationals and holds a 26-point lead over Doug Kalitta, a winner here in 2001. Tony Schumacher looks strong once again in his U.S. Army dragster and will try to add a fourth NHRA Arizona Nationals trophy to his collection. The seven-time world champ posted wins here in 2005, 2002 and 2000. Other past Phoenix winners who are among the pre-race favorites include red-hot Cory McClenathan in the FRAM dragster, Copart/Lucas Oil dragster driver Brandon Bernstein and defending winner Brown in his Matco Tools dragster.

In Pro Stock, defending world champ Mike Edwards picked up where he left off in 2009 with a victory at the season-opener in Pomona in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP. Three-time world champ Greg Anderson, who was runner-up last weekend, will try for his second win at FIR. Others to watch in the 200-mph category include defending winner Coughlin, Team Mopar’s Allen Johnson and Larry Morgan, who looked strong with the debut of his Lucas Oil Ford Mustang at Pomona.

• SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Feb. 19 and at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Feb. 20. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.

• TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals. Call Firebird International Raceway at (602) 268-0200 or visit www.ticketforce.com to purchase tickets.

• ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 2 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 21. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 11 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 21. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations coverage beginning at 7 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 21.

• LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals also will feature competition in five categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 19. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on Feb. 20.

• ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com.  Visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 26th annual Arizona Nationals, the second of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories - Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock - earn points leading to 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz. Track is located off Interstate 10 from the north at exit 162A (Maricopa). From the south, take exit 162 (Maricopa). Follow the signs.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Feb 19-21

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Feb. 19 – Lucas Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 20 – Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8 a.m.

FULL THROTTLE SERIES QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, Feb. 21 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Sunday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 2 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11a.m. (ET)

Sunday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of coverage starting at 7 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE: Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K (12180 MHz, vertical)

(Analog feed) Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:30 - 10.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K (12180 MHz, vertical)

Sunday, Feb. 21, 9 - 9:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K (12180 MHz, vertical)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.
 

2009 EVENT

WINNERS: Antron Brown, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin, Pro Stock.

TRACK Top Fuel - 3.802 sec. by Larry Dixon Feb. ’09; 317.27 mph by Dixon, Feb. ’09.

RECORDS: Funny Car - 4.023 sec. by Ron Capps, Feb. ’09; 330.88 mph by Mike Neff., Feb. ’09.

Pro Stock - 6.598 sec. by Mike Edwards, Feb. ’09; 209.49 mph by Greg Anderson, Feb. ’09.

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet; Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1,320 feet)



NATIONAL Top Fuel - 3.771 sec. by Tony Schumacher, Oct. ’08, Richmond, Va.; 321.58 mph by Larry Dixon, Nov. ’09, Pomona, Calif.

RECORDS: Funny Car - 4.023 sec. by Ron Capps, Feb. ’09, Chandler, Ariz.; 312.13 mph by Ashley Force Hood, April ’09, Atlanta

Pro Stock - 6.509 sec. by Mike Edwards, Oct. ’09, Richmond, Va.; 212.36 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. ’09, Richmond, Va.

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet; Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1,320 feet)


TICKETS: For tickets call Firebird International Raceway, (602) 268-0200. Tickets also are available at ticketforce.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $33; Junior (6-12 years), $15. Saturday: Adult, $46, Junior (6-12 years), $15. Sunday: Adult, $48, Junior (6-12 years), $15.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $43-55; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years-under), $20. Saturday: Adult, $56-80; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $20. Sunday: Adult, $58-85; Junior (6-12 years), $27; Child (5 years and under), $22.

NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel

1. Larry Dixon, 122; 2. Doug Kalitta, 96; 3. Cory McClenathan, 86; 4. Tony Schumacher, 81; 5. Shawn Langdon, 55; 6. (tie) Brandon Bernstein, 52; Antron Brown, 52; Troy Buff, 52; 9. Morgan Lucas, 36; 10. (tie) Thomas Nataas, 34; Steve Torrence, 34.

Funny Car

1. John Force, 121; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Bob Tasca III, 78; 4. Jack Beckman, 74; 5. Del Worsham, 59; 6. Matt Hagan, 57; 7. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 43; 10. (tie) Jim Head, 33. Tony Pedregon, 33.

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 130; 2. Greg Anderson, 95; 3. Allen Johnson, 78; 4. Larry Morgan, 71; 5. Rodger Brogdon, 54; 6. Greg Stanfield, 53; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 52; 8. Shane Gray, 51; 9. Jeg Coughlin, 42; 10. Ron Krisher, 39.
 

FORCE ENDS 40-RACE WINLESS STREAK WITH 50TH WINTERNATIONALS WIN
Dixon, Edwards complete winner’s circle at 2010 season-opening race

POMONA, Calif. – On a weekend in which NHRA paid tribute to its rich history during the 50th running of the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, NHRA legend John Force turned back the clock himself by winning for the first time in a year-and-a-half.

The other winners at the season-opening event in the 23-race NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season were Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). All three final rounds featured drivers who ranked in the top-10 on the all-time wins lists in their respective classes.

The holeshot win for Force (4.124 at 298.67 to Capps’ 4.123 at 305.08), who had a .016 advantage (.057 to .073) on the tree, was the NHRA-record 127th in his legendary career, but his first in 40 races dating back to Topeka, 2008.

“I’ve got a good race car and a good brain trust,” said Force, who kept Capps (29 FC wins) from tying Kenny Bernstein (30 FC wins) for fourth place on the all-time Funny Car wins list. “Then you start to think it’s me and maybe I’m not a good driver. I came out here this weekend with the right attitude to get in the fight and walked out of here with a win.”

Force, the 14-time champion, is in first place for the first time since Nov. 12, 2006, the last day of the 2006 season when he celebrated the last of his 14 championships in his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang.

“I read in the paper that 60 is the new 40, and I’m going with that. I am just a guy that won a race with a great team around me. Sometimes a little bit of change gets people moving again and this team is moving again. I am proud that I could win this 50th (Winternationals),” Force said.

In Top Fuel, Dixon powered his Al-Anabi dragster to a 3.808 at 316.60 for a narrow win over defending Winternationals champion Doug Kalitta and the Kalitta Motorsports dragster team (3.848 at 310.05).

“It’s beyond words,” said Dixon, who notched his 49th career win, tying him for eighth place on the all-time NHRA wins list with Don “The Snake” Prudhomme. “With all the hype going into this race for the 50th it feels good to just have a shot at it. Then to actually do it, I really feel blessed to be in this car and with this team.”

The win was the fifth for Dixon at storied Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (four Winternationals, one Finals), the track he grew up and the one where his father Larry won the Winternationals Top Fuel title in 1970. The Dixons are one of two father-son tandems to have won Winternationals Top Fuel titles (Connie and Scott Kalitta).

Dixon went through quite a gauntlet for the win, defeating Steve Chrisman in the opening round before eliminating Brandon Bernstein in the quarters and six-time defending champion Tony Schumacher in semis.

In Pro Stock, defending champion Edwards left the line second in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP, but he made up the difference with a booming 6.577 at 210.47 (to Anderson’s 6.618 at 209.62 in his Summit Racing Pontiac) to win by a final margin of .003 at the stripe.

“It’s a major win,” Edwards said. “What a way to start the season. My team is outrageously dependable and they make the car go down the track. We are real fortunate to have what we have.”

The NHRA Full Throttle Series continues next weekend, Feb. 19-21, in Phoenix with the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.


POMONA, Calif. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The race is the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Larry Dixon; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Tony Schumacher; 4. Cory McClenathan; 5. Shawn Langdon; 6. Brandon Bernstein; 7. Antron Brown; 8. Troy Buff; 9. Steve Torrence; 10. Morgan Lucas; 11. Steven Chrisman; 12. Steve Faria; 13. Chris Karamesines; 14. Thomas Nataas; 15. Terry McMillen; 16. David Grubnic.

FUNNY CAR:

1. John Force, Ford Mustang; 2. Ron Capps; 3. Jack Beckman; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Ashley Force Hood; 6. Cruz Pedregon; 7. Del Worsham; 8. Matt Hagan; 9. Melanie Troxel; 10. Jeff Arend; 11. Tony Pedregon; 12. Gary Densham; 13. Tim Wilkerson; 14. Jim Head; 15. Bob Bode; 16. Robert Hight.

PRO STOCK:

1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP; 2. Greg Anderson; 3. Allen Johnson; 4. Larry Morgan; 5. Greg Stanfield; 6. Shane Gray; 7. Rodger Brogdon; 8. Ronnie Humphrey; 9. Jason Line; 10. Vinnie Deceglie; 11. Steve Spiess; 12. Ron Krisher; 13. Johnny Gray; 14. Kurt Johnson; 15. Justin Humphreys; 16. Jeg Coughlin.


POMONA, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The race is the first of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 3.808 seconds, 316.60 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.848 seconds, 310.05 mph.

Funny Car -- John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.124, 298.67 def. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.123, 305.08.

Pro Stock -- Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.577, 210.47 def. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.618, 209.62.


POMONA, Calif. -- Final round-by-round results from the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Shawn Langdon, 3.855, 315.93 def. David Grubnic, broke; Brandon Bernstein, 3.887, 312.64 def. Thomas Nataas, 10.242, 72.05; Antron Brown, 3.883, 314.61 def. Steve Torrence, 3.897, 310.98; Troy Buff, 3.950, 295.85 def. Morgan Lucas, 4.108, 263.92; Cory McClenathan, 3.843, 318.77 def. Steve Faria, 5.482, 126.82; Larry Dixon, 3.799, 318.99 def. Steven Chrisman, 5.301, 130.58; Tony Schumacher, 7.838, 73.37 def. Chris Karamesines, foul; Doug Kalitta, 4.518, 254.14 def. Terry McMillen, 11.960, 54.85;

QUARTERFINALS -- Kalitta, 3.929, 309.84 def. Buff, 7.715, 84.99; Schumacher, 3.923, 302.69 def. Brown, 4.535, 196.99; McClenathan, 3.855, 314.39 def. Langdon, 3.916, 306.74; Dixon, 3.854, 316.82 def. Bernstein, 3.929, 309.34;

SEMIFINALS -- Kalitta, 3.849, 315.64 def. McClenathan, 3.860, 315.86; Dixon, 3.836, 317.05 def. Schumacher, 3.836, 317.05;

FINAL -- Dixon, 3.808, 316.60 def. Kalitta, 3.848, 310.05.


FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.524, 270.00 def. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.572, 278.69; John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.132, 308.07 def. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 6.109, 113.40; Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.188, 302.82 def. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.205, 301.67; Cruz Pedregon, Solara, 4.330, 251.81 def. Robert Hight, Mustang, DQ; Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.191, 301.33 def. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.197, 304.32; Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.121, 307.72 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.720, 185.95; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.164, 306.12 def. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.210, 306.33; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.174, 301.20 def. Jim Head, Solara, 5.825, 98.88;

QUARTERFINALS -- Tasca III, 4.196, 301.00 def. Hagan, 4.636, 237.25; Capps, 4.153, 299.60 def. C.Pedregon, 4.307, 284.45; Force, 4.120, 305.49 def. Force Hood, 4.187, 305.98; Beckman, 4.183, 304.32 def. Worsham, 4.587, 244.38;

SEMIFINALS -- Capps, 4.158, 300.46 def. Tasca III, 12.686, 46.02; Force, 4.125, 305.56 def. Beckman, 5.658, 132.02;

FINAL -- Force, 4.124, 298.67 def. Capps, 4.123, 305.08.


PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GXP, 6.635, 209.17 def. Jason Line, GXP, 6.624, 209.75; Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.676, 208.14 def. Vinnie Deceglie, Dodge Avenger, 6.647, 208.71; Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.608, 210.31 def. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 7.263, 163.00; Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.651, 209.07 def. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.717, 205.88; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.637, 209.49 def. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.667, 207.66; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.604, 210.57 def. Justin Humphreys, GXP, 10.628, 85.83; Shane Gray, GXP, 6.668, 207.66 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.685, 208.07; Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.702, 206.39 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cobalt, 11.876, 76.45;

QUARTERFINALS -- Morgan, 6.674, 208.07 def. Humphrey, 12.837, 68.67; A. Johnson, 6.634, 209.20 def. Brogdon, foul; Anderson, 6.626, 209.75 def. S. Gray, 6.697, 207.88; Edwards, 6.610, 210.05 def. Stanfield, 6.659, 208.91;

SEMIFINALS -- Anderson, 6.632, 209.10 def. Morgan, 6.681, 208.20; Edwards, 6.615, 210.11 def. A. Johnson, 6.645, 209.95;

FINAL -- Edwards, 6.577, 210.47 def. Anderson, 6.618, 209.62.


POMONA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Larry Dixon, 122; 2. Doug Kalitta, 96; 3. Cory McClenathan, 86; 4. Tony Schumacher, 81; 5. Shawn Langdon, 55; 6. (tie) Brandon Bernstein, 52; Antron Brown, 52; Troy Buff, 52; 9. Morgan Lucas, 36; 10. (tie) Thomas Nataas, 34. Steve Torrence, 34.


Funny Car

1. John Force, 121; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Bob Tasca III, 78; 4. Jack Beckman, 74; 5. Del Worsham, 59; 6. Matt Hagan, 57; 7. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 43; 10. (tie) Jim Head, 33. Tony Pedregon, 33.
 

Pro Stock

1. Mike Edwards, 130; 2. Greg Anderson, 95; 3. Allen Johnson, 78; 4. Larry Morgan, 71; 5. Rodger Brogdon, 54; 6. Greg Stanfield, 53; 7. Ronnie Humphrey, 52; 8. Shane Gray, 51; 9. Jeg Coughlin, 42; 10. Ron Krisher, 39.



NHRA LUCAS OIL SERIES RESULTS

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Chris Demke, 5.332, 269.67 def. Joey Severance, 5.916, 196.42.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Sean O'Bannon, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.541, 259.96 def. Doug Gordon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.643, 259.16.

Competition Eliminator -- Lou Ficco Jr., GXP, 8.624, 114.87 def. Dean Carter, Dragster, foul.

Super Stock -- Jeff Lane, Achieva, 8.880, 153.63 def. Jimmy DeFrank, Cobalt, 8.806, 153.39.

Stock Eliminator -- Brad Burton, Formula, 10.820, 119.97 def. Ryan McClanahan, Firebird, 9.817, 135.43.

Super Comp -- Kevin Wright, Dragster, 9.902, 107.96 def. Ed Olpin, Dragster, broke.

Super Gas -- Brad Pierce, Corvette, 9.901, 146.45 def. Jimmy Lewis, Corvette, 9.905, 151.44.
 

McCLENATHAN TAKES TOP SPOT IN TOP FUEL; HIGHT, EDWARDS ALSO AT TOP OF CATEGORIES AT POMONA

POMONA, Calif. – Perennial bridesmaid Cory McClenathan stated his championship case with a stout 3.787-second pass in the next-to-last pair Saturday night to claim the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline.

The other No. 1 qualifiers at the 50th annual Winternationals were Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock), each of whom celebrated his first career NHRA Full Throttle Series championship just three months earlier at this track when the curtain fell on the 2009 season.

McClenathan (FRAM dragster) was followed in the final pair by defending champion Tony Schumacher (U.S. Army) and runner-up Larry Dixon (Al-Anabi) and his run held up by a thousandth-of-a-second when Dixon just missed with his time of 3.788.

“It backs up what you say,” McClenathan said. “We need to go in with the attitude that we need to take it, no one’s going to give it to us. Looking over my shoulder, yeah, we’ve got some tough competitors, but it’s nice to go out and do what we did tonight.”

McClenathan, who has 10 top-five finishes in his career and four second-place finishes, posted a top speed of at 320.05 mph on the No. 1 qualifying pass, the 34th of his career and third at the Winternationals.

“Todd (Okuhara, crew chief) came back and said it’s all or nothing. It’s going to go all the way, or 60 feet, and by the time we got to half track I knew we were on a good run,” said McClenathan, who will meet No. 16 Steve Faria in the first round of eliminations Sunday.

Hight set the pace in the first qualifying session on Thursday with a 4.059-second pass at a track-record 312.86 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang and that time held up on Saturday. It was the 33rd No. 1 of his career and second-straight at the Winternationals.

“I didn’t think it would hold,” Hight said. “But what is awesome, we got one good run in today … a (4.)10 and ours was backed off so that’s what’s really going to win this race (Sunday), runs like that.”

Hight will meet 2008 Funny Car champ Cruz Pedregon in the first round of eliminations on Sunday in a matchup of the last two NHRA Full Throttle Series champions.

“There are no easy rounds,” Hight said. “I’m racing 2008 Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon in the first round and we know he is always tough.”

In Pro Stock, defending Full Throttle Series champion Edwards picked up where he left off in 2009 with his 10th straight No. 1 qualifier, claiming the position with his 6.578 at 211.00 in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP in the early session Saturday.

“It does (feel good). My guys did an awesome job today, made some awesome calls, made a really, really good run this morning,” said Edwards, who will meet No. 16 qualifier Justin Humphreys and the RaceRedi Motorsports Ford Mustang team in the first round.

The 50th annual Winternationals begins Sunday at 11 with Top Fuel, followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock.


POMONA, Calif. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Cory McClenathan, 3.787 seconds, 320.05 mph vs. 16. Steve Faria, 5.610, 121.18; 2. Larry Dixon, 3.788, 317.79 vs. 15. Steven Chrisman, 4.604, 267.43; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.801, 320.05 vs. 14. Chris Karamesines, 4.035, 308.00; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.822, 317.72 vs. 13. Terry McMillen, 3.955, 303.64; 5. Morgan Lucas, 3.823, 316.90 vs. 12. Troy Buff, 3.950, 294.05; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.844, 314.17 vs. 11. Antron Brown, 3.869, 313.73; 7. Thomas Nataas, 3.844, 310.34 vs. 10. Brandon Bernstein, 3.863, 312.57; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.847, 309.98 vs. 9. David Grubnic, 3.849, 319.60.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Andy Carter, 6.093, 218.34; 18. Mike Strasburg, 7.791, 96.14.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.059, 312.86 vs. 16. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Solara, 4.300, 301.20; 2. Del Worsham, Solara, 4.062, 312.35 vs. 15. Jeff Arend, Solara, 4.200, 281.13; 3. John Force, Mustang, 4.066, 310.41 vs. 14. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.184, 264.49; 4. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.075, 306.88 vs. 13. Melanie Troxel, Dodge Charger, 4.180, 304.67; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.091, 308.64 vs. 12. Gary Densham, Impala, 4.167, 293.60; 6. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.093, 310.70 vs. 11. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.167, 298.73; 7. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.101, 310.91 vs. 10. Tony Pedregon, Impala, 4.151, 307.58; 8. Jim Head, Solara, 4.131, 304.74 vs. 9. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.144, 301.54. Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry Haddock, 4.652, 257.09; 18. Jeff Diehl, 5.869, 283.91; 19. Paul Lee, 8.165, 278.58.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.578, 211.00 vs. 16. Justin Humphreys, GXP, 6.650, 209.10; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.591, 210.08 vs. 15. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.645, 207.88; 3. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.595, 209.75 vs. 14. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.642, 208.23; 4. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.595, 209.56 vs. 13. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.631, 208.26; 5. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.603, 209.36 vs. 12. Johnny Gray, GXP, 6.627, 208.52; 6. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.608, 209.82 vs. 11. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.627, 209.39; 7. Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, 6.613, 209.23 vs. 10. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.619, 209.75; 8. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.617, 209.30 vs. 9. Jason Line, GXP, 6.619, 210.24. Did Not Qualify: 17. Bob Yonke, 6.654, 208.14; 18. Danny Gruninger, 6.657, 207.62; 19. Warren Johnson, 6.659, 208.36; 20. V. Gaines, 6.661, 207.82; 21. Rickie Jones, 7.859, 129.29; 22. John Nobile, 14.265, 207.82; 23. Gordie Rivera, broke.
 

DIXON JOINS DEFENDING CHAMPIONS HIGHT, EDWARDS ON PROVISIONAL POLE

POMONA, Calif. – Larry Dixon joined Robert Hight and Mike Edwards as the provisional pole-sitters after the second of three days of qualifying at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline on Friday.

Dixon assumed the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel from Thursday pace-setter Cory McClenathan with a 3.795-second pass at 317.79 mph. The run all but ensures that Dixon will be in the show a year after the eventual Series runner-up DNQ’d at last year’s rain-soaked Winternationals, his first race for Al-Anabi Racing.

“We’re going to race this year so I’m thrilled about that…” Dixon said. “Today’s probably more realistic of what we’ll see during the weekend. Alan (Johnson) and Jason (McCulloch) made the adjustments (after the car smoked the tires Thursday) and it stuck so that’s nice.”

In Funny Car, defending Full Throttle Series champion Hight set the pace on Thursday with a 4.059 at a track-record 312.86 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang and that time held up on Friday. It would be the 33rd No. 1 of his career and second-straight at the Winternationals.

But the run of the day in Funny Car on Friday belonged to John Force, whose category-best 4.066 at 310.41 in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang vaulted the 14-time champion up to No. 3 on the ladder behind Hight and Del Worsham (4.062).

“It’s just exciting always to be back. We’ve worked real hard over the winter,” Force said. “I’m excited (Austin) Coil, (Mike Neff) and Bernie (Fedderly) are working together. Coil is loving it having a young kid with a lot of energy running around.”

In Pro Stock, defending Full Throttle Series champion Edwards’ 6.580 at 210.47 from Thursday in his Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac GXP also remained on top. This would be Edwards’ 10th straight No. 1 dating back to 2009 when he finished with nine straight No. 1s.

“(Saturday) morning possibly could be a pretty good run,” Edwards said. “But the hotter it gets, it definitely affects the track. You just have to make an adjustment and race the track.”

Qualifying at the historic 50th running of the Winternationals concludes with the third and fourth sessions on Saturday when the fields will be set for Sunday’s final eliminations.


POMONA, Calif. -- Results Friday after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 3.795 seconds, 317.79 mph; 2. Cory McClenathan, 3.809, 320.05; 3. Morgan Lucas, 3.823, 316.90; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.835, 317.57; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.847, 309.98; 6. David Grubnic, 3.854, 319.60; 7. Antron Brown, 3.869, 313.73; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.876, 313.44; 9. Thomas Nataas, 3.880, 306.33; 10. Brandon Bernstein, 3.899, 310.98; 11. Steve Torrence, 3.929, 305.42; 12. Troy Buff, 3.950, 286.01. Not Qualified: 13. Chris Karamesines, 3.997, 308.00; 14. Steven Chrisman, 4.239, 267.43; 15. Andy Carter, 4.260, 218.34; 16. Mike Strasburg, 7.622, 91.96; 17. Terry McMillen, 8.674, 84.24.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.059, 312.86; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.062, 312.35; 3. John Force, Mustang, 4.066, 310.41; 4. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.093, 310.70; 5. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.101, 310.91; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.109, 305.01; 7. Jim Head, Solara, 4.166, 304.74; 8. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.167, 293.60; 9. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.167, 289.76; 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.182, 294.43; 11. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.184, 264.49; 12. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.189, 305.01. Not Qualified: 13. Bob Tasca III, 4.190, 299.26; 14. Cruz Pedregon, 4.231, 301.20; 15. Melanie Troxel, 4.296, 285.95; 16. Jeff Diehl, 4.299, 283.91; 17. Paul Lee, 4.327, 278.58; 18. Terry Haddock, 4.422, 257.09; 19. Jeff Arend, 4.712, 175.02.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.580, 210.47; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.591, 209.59; 3. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.595, 209.75; 4. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.603, 209.36; 5. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.611, 209.56; 6. Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, 6.613, 209.23; 7. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.617, 209.30; 8. Greg Anderson, GXP, 6.623, 209.62; 9. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.631, 208.26; 10. Jason Line, GXP, 6.640, 209.79; 11. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.642, 208.23; 12. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.644, 209.26. Not Qualified: 13. V. Gaines, 6.647, 207.82; 14. Kurt Johnson, 6.654, 208.71; 15. John Nobile, 6.660, 207.82; 16. Warren Johnson, 6.662, 208.10; 17. Larry Morgan, 6.674, 207.72; 18. Bob Yonke, 6.675, 208.01; 19. Justin Humphreys, 6.678, 207.94; 20. Johnny Gray, 6.681, 208.14; 21. Danny Gruninger, 6.681, 207.18; 22. Gordie Rivera, 6.730, 204.54; 23. Rickie Jones, 8.395, 116.98.
 

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS HIGHT, EDWARDS OPEN 2010 WITH PROVISIONAL POLES
McClenathan is provisional pace-setter in Top Fuel

POMONA, Calif. – Defending champions Robert Hight and Mike Edwards picked up right where they left off with pace-setting runs on the first day of qualifying at the season-opening Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline on Thursday.

Joining Hight (Funny Car) and Edwards (Pro Stock) was Cory McClenathan, who rounded out the provisional qualifying leaders through the first of four rounds of qualifying at the historic 50th running of the Winternationals.

The Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is the first of 17 races in NHRA’s regular season, the Countdown to 10.

In Top Fuel, McClenathan claimed the provisional pole in his FRAM dragster with a 3.809-second pass at 320.05 mph. McClenathan had to wait out the final pass of the day that saw six-time defending champion Tony Schumacher’s U.S. Army dragster go up in flames and 2009 runner-up Larry Dixon smoke the tires on his Al-Anabi dragster.

“I can guarantee you one thing: it won’t stick,” said McClenathan, seeking his 34th career No. 1. “But it’s nice to come out, we made a commitment to come here with a better power package than we left here (at the season-ending Auto Club Finals in November) and we were 282 at half-track, so that feels good.”

McClenathan, who finished fourth last year and second in points four other times in his career, says he’s ready to mount a challenge for the title this year from the start in his Don Schumacher Racing-owned car.

“We plan on making noise early,” McClenathan said. “I’m tired of waiting, lurking; we’re going to try to go toe-to-toe with these guys from day one.”

In Funny Car, defending Full Throttle Series champion Robert Hight set the pace in his Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.059-second pass at a track-record 312.86 mph. If the performance holds through Saturday’s qualifying, it would be the 33rd No. 1 of his career and second straight at the Winternationals.

“It’s definitely good to get off on a nice foot,” Hight said. “I figured it would run an oh-five (4.05). That’s what we ran in Phoenix (in testing) and we didn’t change anything.”

Hight was in the last pair of the session with teammate Ashley Force Hood and his pace-setting run moved him around Del Worsham and the Al-Anabi Toyota team.

“Definitely feel bad for my buddy, Del Worsham, on his 40th birthday, bumping him,” Hight said.

In Pro Stock, defending Full Throttle Series champion Edwards set the early pace in his brand new Interstate Batteries Pontiac with a 6.580 at 210.47. This would be Edwards’ 10th straight No. 1 dating back to 2009 when he finished the season with nine-straight No. 1s.

“We did start off good, that’s for sure,” Edwards said. “We’re happy with our start, we’re ready to start the new season and hopefully we can build on this first run and get better as the weekend progresses.”

Qualifying resumes with Round 2 on Friday and Rounds 3 and 4 on Saturday before the fields are set for Sunday’s final eliminations.



POMONA, Calif. -- Results Thursday after the first of four rounds of qualifying for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Friday and Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Cory McClenathan, 3.809 seconds, 320.05 mph; 2. Shawn Langdon, 3.847, 309.98; 3. Thomas Nataas, 3.880, 306.33; 4. Troy Buff, 3.950, 286.01; 5. David Grubnic, 3.954, 258.52; 6. Chris Karamesines, 3.997, 308.00; 7. Tony Schumacher, 4.056, 206.99; 8. Doug Kalitta, 4.254, 265.95; 9. Steve Torrence, 6.124, 105.23; 10. Larry Dixon, 7.439, 112.87; 11. Mike Strasburg, 7.688, 85.52; 12. Antron Brown, 8.361, 76.03. Not Qualified: 13. Morgan Lucas, 8.580, 59.18; 14. Terry McMillen, 8.674, 80.00; 15. Brandon Bernstein, 9.402, 76.45; 16. Andy Carter, 10.485, 72.63; 17. Steven Chrisman, 11.936, 75.25.

Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.059, 312.86; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Solara, 4.062, 312.35; 3. Ashley Force Hood, Mustang, 4.093, 310.70; 4. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.101, 310.91; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.109, 305.01; 6. Jim Head, Solara, 4.166, 304.74; 7. Gary Densham, Chevy Impala, 4.167, 293.60; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.182, 294.43; 9. Bob Bode, Chevy Impala SS, 4.184, 264.49; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.190, 299.26; 11. Melanie Troxel, Charger, 4.296, 285.95; 12. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.377, 270.81. Not Qualified: 13. Jeff Arend, 4.712, 175.02; 14. Cruz Pedregon, 5.508, 138.80; 15. Ron Capps, 8.725, 75.85; 16. Terry Haddock, 11.554, 73.27; 17. Paul Lee, broke; 18. John Force, broke.

Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.580, 210.47; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cobalt, 6.591, 209.59; 3. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.595, 209.75; 4. Rodger Brogdon, GXP, 6.603, 209.23; 5. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.611, 209.39; 6. Vinnie Deceglie, Avenger, 6.613, 209.23; 7. Greg Stanfield, GXP, 6.617, 209.23; 8. Steve Spiess, Cobalt, 6.631, 208.26; 9. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.642, 208.23; 10. Ronnie Humphrey, GXP, 6.644, 209.26; 11. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.647, 207.82; 12. John Nobile, Ford Mustang, 6.660, 207.82. Not Qualified: 13. Warren Johnson, 6.662, 208.10; 14. Bob Yonke, 6.676, 205.91; 15. Danny Gruninger, 6.697, 207.18; 16. Larry Morgan, 6.707, 207.72; 17. Kurt Johnson, 6.730, 207.50; 18. Gordie Rivera, 6.730, 204.54; 19. Jason Line, 7.235, 149.03; 20. Johnny Gray, 9.483, 163.57; 21. Rickie Jones, 12.807, 69.23; 22. Greg Anderson, 13.511, 64.16; 23. Justin Humphreys, 24.106, 34.75.

START ‘EM UP! 2010 NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SEASON BEGINS WITH

THE KRAGEN O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS:

The off-season is gone. The months of preparation are at an end. The wait is officially over as the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season official begins this week at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. And what better way to kick it off than with one of the most anticipated events of the year, the 50th annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals. The official start of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season has always been an exciting one, but with the celebration of 50 years of drag racing in the heart of Southern California, past truly meets present, as NHRA stars will swap stories with drag racing legends and fans will have the chance to see some of their favorite drag racing vehicles on display during the event. “It all starts at the Winternationals,” said seven-time and defending NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world champion, Tony Schumacher. “The biggest names that have ever won championships in racing and just races in general started right there. So that’s the place. The history of racing comes from California. To go out and perform at that race from the first get-go, man, you just can’t beat it.” Schumacher and all the famous drivers of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will be on hand to compete in this historical event, which will include more than just great drag racing. Here is a list of some of the special events schedule for this weekend:

*The Golden 50 Corral Car Show, effectively a museum displaying the cars including Roland Leong’s Hawaiian and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s Hot Wheels Funny Car that laid the foundation for today’s 7,000-horsepower, 300-mph dragsters

*Daily Cacklefests, featuring top cars from the last 50 years in one of the oldest traditions in drag racing

*Autograph sessions with NHRA legends, including Shirley Muldowney, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Bob Glidden, Kenny Bernstein and many, many more

*Exhibition runs by legendary tribute cars on the Auto Club Raceway track

*The unveiling of the Greatest Moments in Winternationals history

Plus, see NHRA Full Throttle world champions Schumacher, Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) begin their title defense against an impressive and highly competitive pool of drivers. With so much excitement centered around one weekend, one thing is for certain. The 50th annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals is the one race you don’t want to miss. For tickets, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or online at ticketmaster.com.
 

MORE THAN JUST THE SEASON-OPENER: NHRA Full Throttle Series drivers discuss what it means to participate

in the 50th annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals:

ANTRON BROWN, MATCO TOOLS DRAGSTER: “This is a great way to kick off 2010 with such an important race. That gold ‘Wally’ trophy is one that you want to have in your trophy case one day. I can tell you, our whole Don Schumacher Racing Matco Tools team is excited to get back in the swing of things at Pomona. Our goal is to start off the season where we left off last season and that’s with a win at Pomona.”

ASHLEY FORCE HOOD, CASTROL GTX FORD MUSTANG: “It’s a huge event. Everybody new out there, new sponsors, new fans, it’s the race you want to do well at and start your year strong. It definitely gives you a great confidence boost if you are able to start your season on such a great note. It’s such a special one, it’s going to be cool.”

JACK BECKMAN, VALVOLINE/MTS DODGE CHARGER: “The Winternationals has always been the kickoff of the season. It’s the race where you get to see all of the new paint schemes, but for me it’s always been the local race too. When you think about it, for a Southern California boy, it’s triply exciting to be at my home race track, at the opening season of the year, and where there are so many new things to see.”

GREG ANDERSON, SUMMIT RACING PONTIAC GXP: “The first time I ever went to the Winternationals I was about 10 or 12 years old, and my father and I traveled cross-country to go see a big-time drag race. I remember getting to the track and seeing all the heroes that I had watched on TV, and looking up at the snow on the mountains when I was sitting in the stands where it was 80 degrees. It was a sight unlike any other I had experienced growing up in Minnesota. It was such a neat setting that gave me a special feeling that I still have today whenever I pull into the track, and probably the reason why I am racing today.”

NHRA CELEBRATES 50TH WINTERNATIONALS WITH

'ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME' PACKAGE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIANS

From the legendary cars and stars of yesterday to today's 0-to-100-mph-in-less-than-a-second
dragsters, the 'best value in sports' just got even better

POMONA, Calif. - In today's increasingly fast-paced and mobile world, with its 0-to-100-mph-in-
less-than-a-second dragsters and the wildly frenetic action in the open pits, perhaps no sport
on the planet does a better job of attacking boredom from all angles than the NHRA Full
Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Whether you're 16 or 66, whether you know that AOL's Hottest Athlete Ashley Force Hood races a
Ford Mustang at 300-plus mph, if you live in Southern California, you should drop what you're
doing and make plans to attend the 50th running of the Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals
presented by Valvoline, Feb. 11-14, at storied Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (ticket information
at 800-884-NHRA or ticketmaster.com).

"This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event not just for drag racing fans in Southern California,
but for all Southern Californians," said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president, sales and
marketing. "To see - and feel - an NHRA drag race in person is the ultimate adrenaline rush in
sports. Combine that with our unparalleled Open-Pit access, and all of the really extraordinary
activities we have scheduled to celebrate this 50th running of the Kragen O'Reilly
Winternationals, and you have a package that we couldn't be more excited to offer to sports
fans and families here in our home market of Southern California."

Already renowned as "the best value in sports" by the SportsBusiness Journal for all of the
ways fans can entertain themselves at an NHRA event, they'll have to come up with a new
category to characterize the value of a ticket to the 2010 NHRA season-opener.

To mark the milestone 50th running of the iconic Winternationals, NHRA has scheduled a series
of "events-within-the-event" that will transform Auto Club Raceway at Pomona into a virtual hot-
rodding amusement park for the weekend.

In addition to what fans can already expect at an NHRA race - the open pit access, interaction
with drivers and crews, witnessing the quickest accelerating vehicles on the planet and so much
more - among the scheduled events specific to the 50th running of the Winternationals include:

* The Golden 50 Corral Car Show, effectively a museum displaying the cars including Roland
Leong's Hawaiian and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme's Hot Wheels Funny Car that laid the foundation
for today's 7,000-horsepower, 300-mph dragsters

* Daily Cacklefests, featuring top cars from the last 50 years in one of the oldest traditions
in drag racing

* Autograph sessions with NHRA legends, including Shirley Muldowney, "Big Daddy" Don Garlits,
Bob Glidden, Kenny Bernstein and many, many more

* Exhibition runs by legendary tribute cars on the Auto Club Raceway track

* The unveiling of the Greatest Moment in Winternationals history (the complete list of moments
can be found on NHRA.com)
NHRA has also launched an event-specific Web site that is chock full of features that will help
first-time and returning fans heading to Pomona for this historic event, including lists of all
past winners, plenty of vintage video and a decade-by-decade look back at the second-longest
running event on the NHRA circuit behind only the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

SCHUMACHER HUNGRY TO INCREASE HIS LEGEND AT LEGENDARY RACE

POMONA, Calif. - With seven Top Fuel world championship trophies on his mantle, including the
last six in a row, some might think it's a chore for Tony Schumacher to pump himself up for yet
another season, another title run, to try and keep his dominating streak going.

But Schumacher says he doesn't have those problems. He's a racer, pure and simple. He says he
was ready to race the next weekend after last year's finals. It's been a long winter for the
Chicago-based speedster.

So as his U.S. Army team rolls to the starting line for the first time in the 2010 NHRA Full
Throttle Drag Racing Series season at the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals, Feb. 11-14 at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Schumacher, arguably the
greatest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 61 career victories, will be itching to get the
season started like never before.

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending
winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2
and ESPN2 HD.

As an A-plus student of the sport of drag racing, Schumacher knows the importance of this
milestone event and all the legends that have come before him. To know that his name is now
mentioned alongside Don Garlits, Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme, to name a few, as one of
the greats, gives Schumacher even more motivation to succeed.

"It all starts at the Winternationals," said Schumacher, who won NHRA's prestigious season-
opening event in 2004 and 2008. "The biggest names that have ever won championships in racing
and just races in general started right there. So that's the place. The history of racing
comes from California. To go out and perform at that race from the first get go, man, you just
can't beat it. It was an amazing thing to be able to accomplish."

Schumacher's Winternationals titles came during some amazing championship runs during the last
decade. He claimed world championship titles in 2006 and 2007 in dramatic fashion during the
closing moments of the season. In 2008 he had one of the most dominating runs ever, ultimately
capturing the prestigious DRIVER OF THE YEAR title for all of motorsports. However his title
last year - a two-point thriller over rival Larry Dixon - may be his most satisfying of all. He
won the title with a new crew chief and new teammates, defeating former tuner Alan Johnson and
most of his former crew.

"It was an amazing year last year to be able do what we did," Schumacher said. "To be able to
go out there after losing Alan Johnson and my whole Army team and beat them by two points,
which is what everyone in the world showed up to watch."

Schumacher expects another tough battle with Dixon and the Al-Anabi Racing team. However, many
other drivers will be in the championship hunt as well, including Antron Brown, who swept the
Western Swing last season in his Matco Tools dragster, veteran Cory McClenathan in the FRAM
Tough Guard dragster, a reenergized Brandon Bernstein in the Copart dragster, and Morgan Lucas,
who won three times last year in the GEICO Powersports dragster.

"We're giving them the best show I've ever seen," Schumacher said of the competition in NHRA
Top Fuel. "It is brutal right now, the hardest thing I've ever been a part of. Best show I've
ever been a part of."

Schumacher still gets a chuckle at all of those prognosticators who predicted his downfall last
year. And he knows there may be a few who still think last year was a fluke. No matter, he
plans to keep his expectations in check and focus on the task at hand, just like he's done for
the last six championship-winning seasons.

"I never expected to win six championships in a row," Schumacher said. "And I don't expect to
go on and win every championship from here on out. The competition's too tough. We're going
to show up, qualify the best and run the best we can each round. At the end of the season
we'll know where it falls."

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

FUNNY CAR TITLE CONTENDER FORCE HOOD CAN JOIN STRONG

FEMALE LEGACY OF WINNING AT TRADITION-RICH  WINTERNATIONALS

POMONA, Calif. - Ever since Shirley Shahan raced past Ken Heinemann for the 1966 Stock
Eliminator victory and became the first female winner of a national event in NHRA history, the
Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals has become a race that's known for the girls
beating the boys.

In Top Fuel, four women have visited winner's circle at the tradition-rich event at historic
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The legendary Shirley Muldowney was the first female to win a Top
Fuel title and raced to two victories here, in 1980 and 1983. She was runner-up in 1982. Lori
Johns won in 1990, Shelley Anderson in 1994 and most recently Melanie Troxel opened with a
Winternationals victory in 2006.

There has never been a female in a Funny Car final round at the Winternationals, but that could
change this season. Ashley Force Hood, who finished second in the Funny Car point standings
last year with two wins in eight final rounds, comes into the much-hyped 50th anniversary event
Feb. 11-14 as a heavy favorite to win the race, as well as the pre-season favorite for many to
win the world championship crown.

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending
winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2
and ESPN2 HD.

Force Hood, who has claimed many firsts during the past three seasons, including first female
in her category to go to a final round, win a race, lead the point standings and hold the
national speed record, to name a few of her accomplishments, seems poised to make more history
in her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. She understands what it would mean to be a part of the great
Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals legacy.

"It's just a huge event," Force Hood said. "The first race of the year kicks off everything.
Everybody new out there, new sponsors, new fans, it's the race you want to do well at and start
your year strong. It definitely gives you a great confidence boost if you are able to start
your season on such a great note. And I think it's going to be a big deal. I know that NHRA is
promoting a lot and doing a lot of special events and activities. It's going to be exciting.
I hope we can do well there. It is a tough one to win because you are coming back after a few
months off. You might have a change in crew members or changes with your car. But we're all
out there. That's what's on everyone's mind in their off season is to go out and win that
race. Especially this year. It's such a special one, it's going to be cool."

While she's heard the rumblings that she may have the car to beat this season, she puts it all
in perspective. It may be an overused cliché, but she's taking them one race at a time. Her car
may top 310 mph, but her focus on the season is slow and deliberate.

"We've got to go out there for the Winternationals and we've got to qualify," she said. "We've
got to utilize every qualifying run. Get that info that we need. I need to get my experience
in the car and then go out there hopefully on Sunday and have a strong race. That is the way
that we believe, and every team might have a different philosophy for how they do it. But we
try to not even get so far ahead to where we're thinking of the championship points. For now
we want to win the Winternationals. We want to qualify and win the Winternationals. So that's
where our goals are set as of today."

After finishing 10th in points in her rookie year and sixth in 2008, her second-place run last
year came up a few points short of teammate Robert Hight, who claimed his first championship
title. Hight's Auto Club Ford Mustang will be just one of the very tough competitors she'll
have to face in order to win the Winternationals and the season title.

In addition to Hight, other top contenders in Funny Car include her father, 14-time champ John
Force, last year's third place finisher Ron Capps, 2008 champ Cruz Pedregon in his Snap-on
Tools Toyota, fellow-Ford drivers Tim Wilkerson and Bob Tasca, two-time champ Tony Pedregon and
the always tough Del Worsham.

"I believe in Funny Car the competition has gotten so close," Force Hood said. "That's why the
fans love to see the Funny Car category. There are so many different teams, every pair that
goes up there is a car that can run a great time. There is nobody really dominating anything.
So it's exciting to watch, and obviously, it's exciting to be a part of that."

And in terms of the Full Throttle Series championship hunt, Force Hood isn't putting any extra
pressure on herself or her race team.
"Maybe the championship will be ours, and maybe it won't," Force Hood said. "You know, the
talent, the skill, all those things are so important. Sometimes you just need a little bit of
luck, and that is part of this racing thing as well. We can just do the best that we can do.
And not let the pressure that media or fans might want to put on us on this championship, not
let it get to us because it doesn't help you at all. Every time you go up to run that car,
we're all doing the best that we can do. Whether it's your day to win or not, you know, it's
how it's going to be. You can't get too ahead of yourself."

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

PRO STOCK'S COUGHLIN SAYS WINTERNATIONALS OFFERS ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE, PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT

POMONA, Calif. - Every season Jeg Coughlin says he anxiously counts the days until the start of
the Winternationals. So you can imagine the popular Ohio Pro Stock driver's eagerness to be a
part of the 50th annual edition of one of NHRA's most tradition-rich and historic races.

Not only does the event mark the beginning of a new season, but for Coughlin it marks an event
at a track where the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt driver has excelled since he turned pro in 1997.

Maybe Auto Club Raceway at Pomona just fits the eye of Midwestern-based Pro Stock drivers. Just
like Indiana's Bob Glidden, the winningest pro driver in Winternationals history with seven
victories, Coughlin has put together a strong performance record at this track. Of his 10
career finals and six wins at Pomona, two wins and four finals have come at the
Winternationals.

Coughlin will be among the Pro Stock favorites at the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts
NHRA Winternationals presented by Valvoline, Feb. 11-14. Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Ron Capps
(Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag
Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

"Pomona and the Fairplex are always electric at the Winternationals," Coughlin said. "When you
roll onto those historic grounds for the first race of the year there is just a lot of
excitement in the air. All the new teams, new colors and most importantly, everybody has a
fresh start in the points. There is a lot of media coverage and the fans literally come from
all over the world to attend that race. It just really makes you want to focus that much more
to go out and perform and win the Winternationals."

He says the secret to success at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is essentially the same at all
tracks: preparation. Last year he didn't win the Winternationals, but Coughlin's JEGS.com
team's pre-season preparation paid big dividends. He raced to seven victories in nine final
rounds in the first 18 events to finish the regular season as the top seed for the Countdown to
1 playoffs.

"Without question, being prepared is the key," Coughlin said. "You have almost three months to
prepare for the first race and getting out of the gate with momentum is very important to
having a good season."

Last season veteran driver Mike Edwards ultimately won the championship, his first as a driver.
He will be back this year to defend his title with a new sponsor in Interstate Batteries. He is
one of the drivers Coughlin figures to battle in the championship hunt. Others include four-
time Winternationals winner Greg Anderson, defending winner Line, Team Mopar Avenger driver
Allen Johnson, fourth-place points finisher Greg Stanfield and the always-tough veteran drivers
Ron Krisher and Johnny Gray.

"It will be interesting to see how our off-season efforts stack up within the Pro Stock ranks,"
Coughlin said. "There are three or four teams with multiple cars that have been awesome and we
feel as though we will be back in the mix again with them. We will approach the season similar
to 2009 and that is to be prepared, drive aggressive and put ourselves in a position to win
rounds and win races."

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

FOR 50 YEARS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS HAS CREATED ITS SHARE OF MEMORABLE HOT-RODDING MOMENTS

POMONA, Calif. - Since 1961, the Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals has been
NHRA's official season kick-off event. For 50 years, drag racers have flocked to venerable Auto
Club Raceway at Pomona to show off their new race cars, paint schemes, sponsors and new
drivers. With each new season world championship hopes begin anew.

Since then, a lot has changed on the drag racing landscape. There's big money on the line for
the race victory as well as the season championship. There's worldwide television exposure.
There's bigger sponsors and bigger race car transporters. On the track the performances are
quicker and faster. And did we mention there's more pressure on each driver to win?

While the days of racing for fun and driving cross-country with your hot-rod affixed to the
back of a flat-bed trailer are long gone, the memories for several of the sport's biggest icons
remain.

Many of NHRA's legendary drivers will be participating in various special events and autograph
sessions at the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 11-14 at Auto
Club Raceway at Pomona, and sharing their stories from hot-rodding's glory days. Doug Kalitta
(Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

For Bob Glidden, seven-time winner of the Winternationals and 10-time NHRA Pro Stock world
champion, the race always meant the first opportunity to see how the competition stacked up for
the season.

"Certainly it was proven to us that Pomona was a great springboard to the whole season,"
Glidden said. "And if we could go and run well at Pomona, we ordinarily ran well throughout
the season. Fortunately, for us, the track there at Pomona was just a great place for us to
be, because we were lucky enough to win a lot of races there."

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits, who annually towed his race car from Florida, claimed Winternationals
trophies in Top Fuel five times, and always loved to check out the latest gadgets and gizmos in
Pomona.

"The Winternationals was a special deal because that's where we saw the new cars," said
Garlits, voted the greatest drag racer of all time in 2001 during NHRA's 50th anniversary
season. "That's where we tested our new stuff like that rear engine car was tested. Well, I
tested a lot of stuff there. The first port nozzles in drag racing were tested there in
Pomona. The wing on the car in 1963 was tested there in Pomona. It was a test bed. Of course
if it didn't work real well, you went home and regrouped and you had time because there wasn't
a race real soon afterwards. But it was just a great deal because we loved it. It was out in
California where all the manufacturers were, all the equipment was out there. The track was
great, and there were lots of competitors."

According to Garlits, sometimes the real adventure was actually making it to the track, not
making it down the dragstrip.

"We towed on open trailers and four door sedans," Garlits said. "The used ones I might add. We
were all good mechanics. Most of those cars ran real good. They didn't look all that good, but
they were pretty sound automobiles. We could make that trip from Tampa to Los Angeles in 54
hours, me and Art Malone and Connie Swingle. And we did it many times just like that. It was
fun."

A young Kenny Bernstein advanced to the final round in his very first race, at the
Winternationals in 1973, where he lost to Don Schumacher. Now with six world championship
crowns and 69 victories to his credit after an amazing career behind the wheel, Bernstein
reflects on those early days with a big smile. Bernstein went on to win the Winternationals in
both Funny Car (1987) and Top Fuel (1992), one of only three drivers in NHRA history to
accomplish the feat.

"You know, the Winternationals for me, being from Texas, we called it the 'Big Go West' back in
the early days," Bernstein recalled. "That's what they named it. For all the kids back when
we were growing up, we couldn't wait to have our chance to go to Pomona for the
Winternationals. Then later when I did become able to do this as a profession, the
Winternationals always marked the start, obviously of the season. But it was almost a welcome
race in the sense that you had been off for a couple of months and you were anxious to get back
to it. You wanted to see all the new cars, all the new looks, all the new teams -- whatever
was coming would always show up at Pomona."

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

"GOLDEN 50 CORRAL" HEADLINES SERIES OF PREMIER BONUS EVENTS

ON DISPLAY AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY  WINTERNATIONALS

The once-in-a-lifetime display of vintage cars will be free and open to all NHRA fans with
their admission to the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals

POMONA, Calif. - Whatever your favorite sport or hobby, nothing stirs the emotions like a walk
down memory lane.

And nothing, not before or perhaps ever again, will compare to the walk down memory lane NHRA
fans will get to take at the 50th running of the Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 11-
14, 2010 at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, when NHRA officials unveil the "Golden 50 Corral," a
car show to end all car shows.

From "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' Swamp Rat V to the Kohler Brothers' King Kong AA/GS to the Stone,
Woods & Cook Willy's coupe (voted No. 1 in National DRAGSTER's "Favorite Race Car Ever" poll)
to so many more classics, this would be a drop-everything, must-attend event for every car
enthusiast from Los Angeles to London - even if it stood as a standalone, paid-entry car show.

But admission to the once-in-a-lifetime event, amazingly, will be free and open to all NHRA
fans with their entry to the historic 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals.

"We know how emotionally connected our legion of fans are to this era of NHRA drag racing so we
couldn't be more excited about providing them with this rare opportunity to see and touch and
feel this very important part of their past," said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president,
sales and marketing.

The "Golden 50 Corral" will feature approximately 75 cars and from that collection of vehicles
50 will be identified as the "Golden 50" based on historical event significance, originality,
and quality of presentation.

Some of the other legendary cars on display will include:

* Don "The Snake" Prudhomme's Hot Wheels Car Hauler and AA/FC and Shelby Super Snake AA/FD
* The "big-four" Fuel-Altereds: Pure Hell, Pure Heaven, The Winged Express and the Mondello and
Matsubara entry
* The Chi-Town Hustler
* The Candies & Hughes AA/FD and AA/FC
* The Dragmaster Dart and Dragmaster Two Thing AA/D
* The Jungle Jim AA/FC
* The Bud King AA/FC
* The Hawaiian AA/FD and AA/FC
* Bruce Larsen's USA-1 Chevelle AA/FC
* Howard Cams Twin Bear AA/GD

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

TOP FIVE WINTERNATIONALS MOMENTS TO BE REVEALED

POMONA, Calif. - To help salute the milestone 50th Anniversary Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona Feb. 11-14, NHRA fans had the opportunity to
vote for their favorite Winternationals moment of the past 49 years in a special poll on NHRA.
com. Moments 6-25 have already been announced. During race week the top five moments will be
revealed, culminating with the unveiling of the top moment during Sunday's pre-race festivities
at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

TOP 5 FINALISTS (listed in chronological order)

Garlits Goes Big (1963) -- Don Garlits already was a drag racing legend, but his first NHRA
win, with a revolutionary and controversial winged Top Fuel dragster, really puts him on the
map

The Mystery Train (1963) -- Bob Muravez, forbidden by his parents to drag race, wins Top Gas in
the fabled Freight Train twin-engine dragster using the pseudonym Floyd Lippencott

'Grumpy' Rules First Pro Stock Go (1970) -- Crowd favorite Bill Jenkins wins NHRA's first Pro
Stock title, besting the previously unbeatable Sox & Martin team in the final with low elapsed
time of the meet

Garlits Kicks 'em in the Rear (1971) -- A year after a near-career-ending accident, Don Garlits
wins Top Fuel with a revolutionary rear-engine dragster in its NHRA national event debut

Up, Up, and Away (1989) -- Eddie "the Thrill" Hill lives up to his nickname after a front-
spoiler malfunction sends his yellow Top Fuel dragster soaring across the finish line

PREVIOUSLY UNVEILED

6. That's Really Showing 'em (2006) -- Robert Hight's Funny Car engine blows in round two,
destroying the body; The team pulls the body off its show car and wins

7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1981) -- The roof of Raymond Beadle's famed Blue Max Funny Car
blows off at the finish line on a winning semifinal run, but fellow Texan Kenny Bernstein
allows Beadle to saw the roof off of his car and graft it to the Max; Beadle loses the final,
but not for lack of effort

8. Scelzi Sez ... Winner (1997) -- Gary Scelzi wins at his first event since taking the wheel
of Alan Johnson's dragster five months after the death of Alan's brother, Blaine; He becomes
the first driver since K.C. Spurlock in 1990 to win in his Pro debut

9. 'The Snake's' Double Strike (1998) -- The two fuel cars owned by Don "the Snake" Prudhomme
double up with wins by Larry Dixon and Ron Capps; Prudhomme hadn't won as a driver or owner in
Pomona since 1978

10. The Kid Is All Right (2008) -- Former Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Antron Brown shows that he
is as adept on four wheels as on two when he qualifies No. 1 in his Top Fuel debut

11. The Flyin' Hawaiian (1969) -- Roland Leong's first Hawaiian Funny Car, an ill-handling,
full-size Dodge Charger driven by Larry Reyes, takes flight and sails backward through the
finish-line lights; The duo wins the race the following year

12. 'The King' Gets Crowned (1993) -- Kenny Bernstein loses more than the Top Fuel final to Joe
Amato; The former world champ loses, in succession, an engine, a tire, control of his race car,
and the race car itself in a violent top-end tumble that leaves "the Bud King" dazed but
unhurt

13. Garlits' Gift (1975) -- Don Garlits smokes the tires against Don Ewald in round one of Top
Fuel, but Ewald is disqualified for crossing the centerline; Garlits wins the event and season
title and admits that had he not won the Winternationals, he likely would not have pursued the
championship

14. Hawaiian Domination (1965-66) -- Car owner Roland Leong wins Top Fuel back to back, giving
Don Prudhomme his first win in 1965 and Mike Snively his a year later

15. Thar She Blows ... again! (1984-85) -- Al Segrini wins dramatic back-to-back Funny Car
titles; In 1984, he rides out a huge top-end blower explosion; the following year, he crosses
the finish line with a cockpit full of sparks from a disintegrating clutch

16. Ladies Day (1966) -- Shirley Shahan becomes the first woman to win a major drag racing
national event eliminator title with her stunning victory in the popular Top Stock class

17. Upset of the Decade (1990) -- With the ink practically still wet on his nitro license, K.C.
Spurlock wins Funny Car in his Pro debut, knocking off John Force, Bruce Larson, and, in the
final, Ed "the Ace" McCulloch

18. Roll Over, Ivo (1974) -- Tommy Ivo barrel-rolls his beautiful Top Fuel dragster in the
finish-line lights during qualifying in a fiery and car-destroying crash

19. Rookies Rule (2001) -- Former Top Alcohol Dragster racer Darrell Russell joins Gary Scelzi
and K.C. Spurlock as the only drivers to score in their Professional debuts by winning aboard
Joe Amato's Top Fuel dragster with rookie crew chief Jimmy Walsh

20. Galloping Ponies (1968) -- Ford crashes Mopar's Stocker monopoly with a fleet of 10 Cobra
Jet Mustangs, and Al Joniec, at the wheel of the Rice-Holman entry, collects the victory

21. The Real Winter-nationals (1978) -- Southern California is supposed to be home to sunshine
and blue skies, but the 1978 event is besieged by foul weather, including a first ever: a rare
dusting of snow

22. The America's Cup, Quarter-Mile Style (1987) -- While U.S. sailors battle the Australians
in the America's Cup, American Kenny Bernstein and Aussie Graeme Cowin wage their own war in
Funny Car, complete with flags on their tow vehicles

23. Seven Seconds to Glory (1982) -- After years of using a complicated weight-break rule, NHRA
switches Pro Stock to a straight-up 500-cubic-inch limit. The big horsepower gains lead to the
class' first seven-second pass, by the late Lee Shepherd

24. Too Slick for Its Own Good (1986) -- Gary Ormsby unveils a super-swoopy streamliner, and
the car's debut is a bang ... in the worst way. An ignition short caused by the engine-cloaking
body leads to a huge blower explosion in the water box on its first pass

25. In Hindsight... (1975) -- Dennis Geisler calls his rare rear-engine Funny Car Hindsight;
after he backflips the flopper in a huge starting-line wheelstand, he might have had second
thoughts on its design

* SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 11-12 and at noon and 3 p.
m. on Feb. 13. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA
Winternationals presented by Valvoline. Call NHRA at (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit nhra.com or
ticketmaster.com.

* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.m. (ET) on
Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at
10 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of eliminations
coverage beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented
by Valvoline also will feature competition in seven categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series,
where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series earn their racing stripes. Lucas Oil
Series qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. Lucas Oil Series eliminations begin at 8:15 a.
m. on Feb. 12.

* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia and the latest news updates from every NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit the official NHRA
pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

KRAGEN O'REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 50th annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals, the first of 23 events in the NHRA
Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories -- Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro
Stock -- earn points leading to 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world
championships.


WHERE: Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif. Track is located off I-10 at Fairplex Drive.
Go north on Fairplex drive to the Fairplex.


WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Feb 11-14


SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, Feb. 11 - Sportsman qualifying begins at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSION at 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, Feb. 12 - Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 13 - Sportsman eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at noon and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, Feb. 14 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.


TELEVISION:
Saturday, Feb. 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11 p.
m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show,
at 10a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours of coverage starting at 8 p.m.
(ET).


SATELLITE (Analog feed):
Friday, Feb. 12, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K (12060 MHz, vertical)

Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 -10:30p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K (12060 MHz, vertical)

Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 - 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K (12060 MHz, vertical)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners' interviews on Sunday.


2009 EVENT WINNERS: Doug Kalitta, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock.


TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.772 seconds by Tony Schumacher, Nov. '09; 321.58 mph by Larry Dixon, Nov. '09.

Funny Car - 4.037 seconds by Robert Hight, Feb. '09; and 301.55 mph by Hight, Nov. '09.

Pro Stock - 6.528 seconds by Greg Anderson, Feb. '09; and 211.63 mph by Jason Line, Feb. '09.

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is a 1000 ft. Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1320
ft)


NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.771 sec. by Tony Schumacher, Oct. '08, Richmond, Va.; 319.60 mph by Antron Brown,
Oct. '09, Richmond, Va.

Funny Car - 4.023 sec. by Ron Capps, Feb. '09, Chandler, Ariz.; 312.13 mph by Ashley Force
Hood, April '09, Atlanta

Pro Stock - 6.509 sec. by Mike Edwards, Oct. '09, Richmond, Va.; 212.36 mph by Greg Anderson,
Oct. '09, Richmond, Va.

(Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet; Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle race
distance is 1,320 feet)


TICKETS: For tickets call NHRA, (800) 884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also available at Ticketmaster.
com or at NHRA.com

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - FULL EVENT: $130. DAILY: Thursday: Adult, $25; Junior
(6-12 years), $10; Friday: Adult, $30; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $50; Junior
(6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $50; Junior (6-12 years) $10. Children (5 years-under), free
with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - FULL EVENT: $150. DAILY: Friday: Adult, $40; Junior (6-12
years), $15; Child (5 years-under), $10. Saturday: Adult, $62; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child
(5 years and under), $10. Sunday: Adult, $62; Junior (6-12 years), $20; Child (5 years and
under), $10.


 

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