Bobby Cottrell didn't let the disqualification of his first run during the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion didn't deter him. The driver of the Bucky Austin Chevrolet Camaro had laid by far the quickest run of the opening session with a 5.62, but because he deposited oil on the racing surface the run was thrown out.

No problem for Cottrell who entered the event third in Funny Car points, as he just corked off an even quicker 5.563 elapsed time at 256.06 miles per hour. 

Cottrell lead a contingent of the swoopy Camaros as Dan Horan Jr. and point leader Ryan Hodgson filled the top three spots.

Six-time Funny car champion and second place in points Jason Rupert ran in the 5.60s during both sessions but had both runs tossed due to oil on the surface. He is unqualified headed into Saturday's qualifying. 

Bakersfield March Meet winner Mendy Fry picked up where she left off at seven months ago by racing to the top of the list in Friday's lone Top Fuel session. 

Fry's 5.692 was considerably ahead of the pack as the second quickest belonged to Adam Sorokin, who turned in a 5.742.

Point leader Jim Murphy heads in Saturday's remaining sessions on the outside looking in. 

Third-generation drag racer Drew Austin paced the A/Fuel division with a 5.976, 230.33 to edge out veteran Kin Bates. 

The California Hot Rod Reunion will continue Saturday with two additional qualifying rounds for Top Fuel and Funny Car and nostalgia racing beginning at 8 a.m.  Saturday evening will also feature the famous Cacklefest with crowd-pleasing push starts and displays of dozens of nitro-burning machines.