In a scene reminiscent of the Rocky V movie, where Sylvester Stallone's character, boxer Rocky Balboa landed a punch on a seemingly invincible opponent, Pro Stock racer Vincent Nobile landed a solid blow during the first session of Pro Stock at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals.

KB Racing had led all 43 qualifying sessions of 2016, until Friday afternoon when Nobile's 6.613 eclipsed the best effort of the three-car Summit Racing Equipment-sponsored team. Jason Line was second quickest with a 6.618. In 11 events, only Nobile had come within striking distance of them at .006 behind, and in claiming the most qualifying bonus points for a non-KB Racing team. 

Nobile was quick to put the accomplishment into perspective. 

"It’s only one run, don’t get me wrong we made a great run," Nobile said. "I went up there thinking .63, .62 maybe. When Lump [Brian Self] got on the radio and said 6.613, I was like okay, that’s a pretty good run. Those guys might be able to go 6.60, and we’d be right in the ballpark." 

Right now, when a class has been dominated the way KB Racing has dominated, any victory, no matter how small is a victory. 

"Any victory is a good victory," Nobile concluded.