2016 NHRA GATORNATIONALS - GAINESVILLE RESULTS
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SUNDAY - BRITTANY FORCE RACES TO FIRST CAREER VICTORY; HIGHT, ANDERSON AND KRAWIEC ALSO WIN AT GATORS
Brittany Force raced to her first career victory and took control of the Top Fuel point standings Sunday at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Robert Hight (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious at the third of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Force powered her Monster Energy dragster to a 3.772-second run at 318.77 mph to outlast Terry McMillen’s 3.981 at 266.90 in his Amalie Motor Oil XTERMIGATOR dragster. This was Force’s eighth career final round appearance and first ever at Gainesville Raceway. After also racing to the finals three weeks ago in Phoenix, Force became the first female Top Fuel racer to appear in back-to-back finals since Melanie Troxel in 2006. As the No. 5 qualifier, Force defeated Morgan Lucas, Tripp Tatum and Dave Connolly before beating McMillen in the final.
“It feels good to finally bring home the win,” said Force, daughter of 16-time Funny Car champion John Force. “Our car was on fire all weekend. It went down there and had great runs. This is a very proud moment for me and the John Force Racing team, the Monster Energy team. It took everyone to get us here.”
McMillen, also appearing in his first ever final round, sped past defending world champ Antron Brown, eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher and Clay Millican before having engine problems in the final against Force. McMillen jumped from 10th to fifth in points.
Leah Pritchett raced to victory in Phoenix three weeks ago, and with Force’s victory in Gainesville, this is the first time since 1990 that female Top Fuel racers have won back-to-back events.
Pritchett’s Phoenix win was also the first of her career, so Gainesville marks the first time there have been back-to-back first-time Top Fuel winners since 1993.
John Force Racing doubled up for the first time in team history as Hight pushed his Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car to a 4.429 at 280.95, outrunning Ron Capps’ 7.047 at 89.05 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. This is Hight’s first win in 2016 and third at Gainesville. He qualified third and beat Terry Haddock, Matt Hagan and Chad Head en route to earning his 37th career win. Hight leads the Funny Car points.
“We’ve had a great race car the first two races, so we actually felt that we let a couple slip by that we actually could have won,” Hight said. “To come in here and actually get it done, and get it done with Brittany, both of us leaving with the points lead, man it doesn’t get any better than this. It’s been a lot of hard work and it’s finally paying off.”
Capps, who has three victories in five final round appearances at Gainesville, raced past John Hale, Cruz Pedregon and Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman in the first three rounds. Capps is second in points.
In Pro Stock, Anderson raced his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro to a holeshot win against Ken Black Racing teammate and points leader Jason Line. Anderson posted a 6.590 at 210.01 and used a quicker reaction time to cross the finish line before his teammate, who powered his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.581 at 210.57. Anderson raced past V. Gaines, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Allen Johnson in the earlier rounds. The KB Racing duo of Anderson and Line has combined to win the first three Pro Stock events this year.
“The whole weekend was great for KB Racing,” Anderson said. “These races are not decided on paper, they’re decided on the racetrack every time. We are human and things happen different on the starting line. Somehow, I overachieved in the final and stole a victory from Jason. Good for me, but it’s still great for KB Racing. No matter had happened in the final round, it was a victory for the team. I can’t be prouder of the race team I’m on.”
Line, who won the last event in Phoenix, qualified first and had a first round bye. He then defeated Vincent Nobile and 2015 Rookie of the Year Drew Skillman in the second and third rounds respectively. Line has four victories in six final round appearances at Gainesville. This is second consecutive year Line has lost to Anderson in the final at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.820 at 198.23 to defeat Hector Arana’s 6.920 at 196.44 on his Lucas Oil Buell. This marks Krawiec’s 32nd career win and his fourth victory at Gainesville Raceway. As the No. 1 qualifier, Krawiec outran Michael Phillips, Jerry Savoie and teammate and world champion Andrew Hines to make it to the final.
“Going out there I had a great motorcycle,” Krawiec said. “I have a great crew behind me, but the key thing for me was to not screw it up. You have the first round jitters after four months of not racing, but I knew I had a fast motorcycle. We’re all really excited, everybody back at our shop. We’re glad one of our Harley-Davidsons got the win.”
SMITH EARNS FIRST NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES VICTORY OF 2016 IN GAINESVILLE
Two-time world champion Rickie Smith outran Danny Rowe in the final round to win the NHRA J&A Services Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Sunday at Gainesville Raceway. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, co-presented by Pro Line Racing and Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Inc., is the first of 10 events on the season.
Smith’s late model IDG Chevrolet Camaro powered to a performance of 5.829 seconds at 249.86 mph to hold off Rowe’s Agave Underground Tequila ’68 Chevy Camaro that raced a 5.869 at 233.76. It was Smith’s ninth victory and second at Gainesville Raceway. He was runner-up here in 2014.
Smith took out Steven Whiteley, last year’s Gatornationals champ, Mike Castellana, and Chip King to meet Rowe in the finals.
Rowe, who qualified 15th, was looking for his fifth career victory and first at Gainesville. He defeated Robert Patrick Jr., Steve Matusek and former Pro Stock driver, Jonathan Gray in the earlier rounds. Rowe was runner-up behind Khalid alBalooshi here in 2011.
The Pro Mod Drag Racing Series returns April 29-May 1 at the NHRA SpringNationals at Royal Purple Raceway near Houston.
Final finish order (1-16) at the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The race is the first of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
1. Rickie Smith; 2. Danny Rowe; 3. Jonathan Gray; 4. Chip King; 5. Sidnei Frigo; 6. Steve Matusek; 7. Mike Castellana; 8. Bob Rahaim; 9. Troy Coughlin; 10. Steven Whiteley; 11. Kenny Lang; 12. Michael Biehle; 13. Mike Janis; 14. Robert Patrick Jr.; 15. Kevin Fiscus; 16. Pete Farber.
Sunday's final results from the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The race is the first of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Pro Modified -- Rickie Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.829, 249.86 def. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 5.869, 233.76.
Final round-by-round results from the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.845, 244.43 def. Pete Farber, Daytona, 9.081, 99.95; Steve Matusek, Chevy Camaro, 5.873, 247.57 def. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.822, 256.65; Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.835, 247.20 def. Michael Biehle, Ford Mustang, 6.091, 249.95; Mike Castellana, Corvette, 5.812, 247.47 def. Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.119, 235.10; Sidnei Frigo, Corvette, 5.810, 254.04 def. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 8.643, 85.99; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.784, 250.23 def. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS-V, 5.901, 246.35; Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 5.751, 258.02 def. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 5.913, 245.81; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.016, 243.41 def. Robert Patrick Jr., Mustang, 6.965, 151.15;
QUARTERFINALS -- Rowe, 5.881, 246.62 def. Matusek, 5.876, 249.21; King, 5.860, 245.54 def. Frigo, 5.839, 253.61; R. Smith, 5.838, 249.03 def. Castellana, 5.907, 245.27; Gray, 5.827, 256.06 def. Rahaim, 5.913, 247.07;
SEMIFINALS -- R. Smith, 5.854, 249.39 def. King, 6.968, 148.54; Rowe, 5.901, 246.17 def. Gray, 5.850, 253.23;
FINAL -- R. Smith, 5.829, 249.86 def. Rowe, 5.869, 233.76.
SATURDAY - BECKMAN, CRAMPTON, LINE AND KRAWIEC ARE NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT GATORNATIONALS
Jack Beckman set a national record and raced to the No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car at the 47th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on Saturday.
Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers at the third of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Beckman posted a 3.879-second at 329.26 mph sprint in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record and become the No. 1 qualifier. His time was a Gainesville Raceway track record. He has 17 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two so far in 2016. This is his first No. 1 at Gainesville Raceway and he will hope to secure his first win at the facility tomorrow. Beckman will open eliminations against Jeff Diehl.
“I’m always excited to come here,” said Beckman. “This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
Courtney Force qualified second in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 3.893 at 322.96. Force will open eliminations against Dave Richards. Her John Force Racing teammate, Robert Hight, pushed his Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS to a 3.921 at 327.43 to qualify third. Hight will face Terry Haddock in Sunday’s first round.
Phoenix winner Tim Wilkerson will enter eliminations as the fourth qualifier and race Cruz Pedregon. Pomona winner Ron Capps is fifth and will meet John Hale in the opening round.
Crampton powered his Lucas Oil dragster to the fifth-quickest Top Fuel pass in NHRA history with a 3.698 at 317.42, earning his first No. 1 of 2016, fourth of his career and first ever at Gainesville Raceway. Crampton, a South Australia native, will open Sunday’s eliminations against Chris Karamesines.
“We struggled a bit yesterday and we were looking forward to the overcast conditions today because we didn’t know what (crew chief) Aaron Brooks could do when the weather was like that, with a cool track temperature,” said Crampton, the 2014 Rookie of the Year. “To do what we did in the first qualifying session today and then run a 3.6 was very cool. Hats off to Aaron Brooks and my Lucas Oil guys.”
Clay Millican raced to a 3.722 at 326.71 in his Parts Plus / Great Clips dragster to qualify second. Millican was the runner-up in Gainesville in 2013. He will face Ike Maier in Sunday’s first round.
Defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown pushed his Matco Tools dragster to the No. 3 spot with a 3.729 at 318.54. The 2013 Gainesville event winner will battle Terry McMillen in the opening round of eliminations.
Phoenix winner Leah Pritchett is fourth and will meet Tripp Tatum in the first round, while Phoenix runner-up Brittany Force is fifth and will race Morgan Lucas.
In Pro Stock, Line raced his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to the No. 1 qualifier with a 6.584 at 208.84. Line, riding momentum from his recent win in Phoenix, has 42 No. 1 qualifiers in his career. After a first round bye, Line will meet the winner of Shane Gray versus Vincent Nobile in the second round.
“We made good runs,” said Line, a four-time Gatornationals winner. “We struggled a little bit with the race car but my Summit hot rod is pretty fast right now. My car has been very good and that’s probably one of the reasons she’s been a little faster than everybody else’s. We fell a little bit short but still had very good runs today and I’m very happy about that.”
Line’s Ken Black Racing teammate, Bo Butner, pushed his Jim Butner Auto Chevy Camaro to the No. 2 qualifier with a 6.591 at 209.26. Butner will open Sunday’s eliminations against V. Gaines. Greg Anderson, the third member of the Ken Black Racing team, qualified third with a 6.595 at 209.65 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. The defending event winner will go up against Matt Hartford Sunday morning.
Krawiec posted a 6.801 at 196.42 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to become the No. 1 qualifier at the first of 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle events in 2016. Krawiec has 28 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two at Gainesville Raceway. He has won this event three times and was the event runner-up one year ago. Krawiec will face Michael Phillips in the first round of eliminations.
“You want to get back on that motorcycle,” said Krawiec, a three-time world champion. “Definitely wanted to come out here to Gainesville, blow the dust off, get the cobwebs behind me and start moving forward. The key yesterday was making a good lap off the trailer and setting the tone for the weekend. Anybody could win. Every round is important and every round you have to do your best.”
Hector Arana qualified second with a 6.821 at 197.10 on his Lucas Oil Buell and will go up against Mike Berry in Sunday’s opening round. Chip Ellis posted a 6.829 at 195.34 on his Junior Pippin Trucking Company Buell to qualify third. Ellis will battle Hector Arana Jr. in the first round.
Five-time and defending world champion Andrew Hines pushed his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to the fourth place qualifier and will begin eliminations against Angie Smith.
Eliminations at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. Richie Crampton, 3.698 seconds, 319.37 mph vs. 16. Chris Karamesines, broke; 2. Clay Millican, 3.722, 326.71 vs. 15. Ike Maier, 3.937, 301.00; 3. Antron Brown, 3.729, 319.07 vs. 14. Terry McMillen, 3.895, 308.57; 4. Leah Pritchett, 3.744, 325.69 vs. 13. Tripp Tatum, 3.862, 317.05; 5. Brittany Force, 3.745, 320.81 vs. 12. Morgan Lucas, 3.810, 315.64; 6. Tony Schumacher, 3.754, 315.12 vs. 11. Shawn Langdon, 3.783, 318.84; 7. Steve Torrence, 3.757, 325.22 vs. 10. J.R. Todd, 3.779, 323.35; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.761, 324.05 vs. 9. Dave Connolly, 3.762, 325.45.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.879, 329.26 vs. 16. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Solara, 11.122, 83.59; 2. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.893, 322.96 vs. 15. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 7.160, 195.68; 3. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.921, 327.43 vs. 14. Terry Haddock, Solara, 6.288, 161.32; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.928, 321.65 vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 5.143, 146.42; 5. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.929, 321.27 vs. 12. John Hale, Charger, 4.170, 290.19; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.953, 323.74 vs. 11. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.041, 314.61; 7. Chad Head, Camry, 3.957, 321.04 vs. 10. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.016, 307.65; 8. Del Worsham, Camry, 3.958, 320.28 vs. 9. John Force, Camaro, 3.996, 299.20.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.584, 210.44 vs. Bye; 2. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.591, 209.33 vs. 15. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.724, 206.01; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.595, 209.65 vs. 14. V. Gaines, Dodge Dart, 6.685, 208.17; 4. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.614, 209.04 vs. 13. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.663, 207.91; 5. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.616, 208.94 vs. 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.651, 208.17; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.627, 208.30 vs. 11. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.644, 208.46; 7. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.628, 207.91 vs. 10. Erica Enders, Dart, 6.636, 208.33; 8. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.631, 208.17 vs. 9. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.632, 208.62.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.801, 197.71 vs. 16. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.938, 194.49; 2. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.821, 197.10 vs. 15. Mike Berry, Buell, 6.937, 190.11; 3. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.829, 195.34 vs. 14. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.917, 194.13; 4. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.844, 194.94 vs. 13. Angie Smith, Victory, 6.914, 192.85; 5. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.847, 195.70 vs. 12. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.907, 197.22; 6. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.850, 196.04 vs. 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.901, 193.65; 7. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.853, 194.86 vs. 10. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.885, 196.47; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.862, 195.82 vs. 9. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.868, 196.62.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Matt Smith, 6.942, 193.71; 18. Cory Reed, 6.950, 191.40; 19. Shawn Gann, 6.965, 190.59; 20. Kalle Lyren, 6.967, 193.21; 21. Karen Stoffer, 6.968, 193.63; 22. Joe DeSantis, 6.978, 192.58; 23. Brian Pretzel, 7.017, 193.90; 24. David Hope, 7.058, 188.86; 25. Katie Sullivan, 7.136, 187.26; 26. Lance Bonham, 7.212, 187.21.
FRIGO RACES TO NO. 1 QUALIFIER AND A FIRST ROUND PRO MOD VICTORY AT GAINESVILLE
Sidnei Frigo claimed the No. 1 qualifying position and first round victory Saturday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, co-presented by the Pro Line Racing and Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Inc., is the first of 10 events on the season.
Frigo’s second-session pass of 5.839 seconds at 240.47 mph in his late model Artivinco Racing/FuelTech Chevy Corvette held up for his first career No. 1 qualifier.
In the first round of eliminations, Frigo outran Kevin Fiscus, of Jacksonville, Fla., with a 5.810 pass at 254.04. Fiscus ran an 8.643 at 85.99 in his 2012 Ford Mustang. Frigo will face Chip King in the second round of eliminations on Sunday.
Robert Patrick Jr.’s second round pass of 5.850 at 242.58 kept him qualified at second in his Purvis Ford Mustang. Patrick Jr. fell in the first round of eliminations to No. 15 qualifier Danny Rowe, of Laguna Hills, Calif., in his Agave Tequila ’68 Chevy Camaro with a pass of 6.016 at 243.41. Rowe will matchup against Steve Matusek, from Olathe, Kan., in the second round.
Matusek, in his Agave Underground ’68 Camaro, took out eleventh place qualifier and reigning world champ Troy Coughlin with a 5.873 pass at 247.57. Coughlin ran a 5.822 at 256.65 in his late model Corvette.
Third place qualifier, Jonathan Gray in his Precision Turbo and Engine Chevy Camaro, ran a 5.751 at 258.02 in his first round win over Kenny Lang and will face Bob Rahaim in the second round.
Pro Mod Series eliminations will resume on Sunday.
First round-by-round results from the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
ROUND ONE -- Chip King, Dodge Daytona, 5.845, 244.43 def. Pete Farber, Daytona, 9.081, 99.95; Steve Matusek, Chevy Camaro, 5.873, 247.57 def. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.822, 256.65; Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.835, 247.20 def. Michael Biehle, Ford Mustang, 6.091, 249.95; Mike Castellana, Corvette, 5.812, 247.47 def. Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.119, 235.10; Sidnei Frigo, Corvette, 5.810,
254.04 def. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 8.643, 85.99; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.784, 250.23 def. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS-V, 5.901, 246.35; Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 5.751, 258.02 def. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 5.913, 245.81; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.016, 243.41 def. Robert Patrick Jr., Mustang, 6.965, 151.15;
Final order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Modified at the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals:
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd
1 288 Sidnei Frigo, Ball Ground GA, '15 Corvette 5.839 240.47 252.24
2 262 Robert Patrick Jr., Fredricksburg VA, '14 Must 5.850 242.58 242.58
3 2133 Jonathan Gray, Artesia NM, '14 Camaro 5.851 255.34 255.48
4 4 Rickie Smith, King NC, '15 Camaro 5.851 248.93 248.93
5 44 Mike Castellana, Muttontown NY, '15 Corvette 5.854 246.48 246.48
6 360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, '15 Corvette 5.860 245.76 245.76
7 1 Troy Coughlin, Columbus OH, '15 Corvette 5.870 255.24 255.24
8 10 Pete Farber, Baldwinville MA, '69 Daytona 5.876 247.43 247.43
9 213 Chip King, Semora NC, '69 Daytona 5.878 243.41 243.41
10 5450 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '68 Camaro 5.884 248.11 248.11
11 318 Michael Biehle, North Vernon IN, '67 Mustang 5.885 252.43 252.43
12 2 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '13 Camaro 5.915 233.80 237.80
13 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '14 CTS-V 5.922 246.57 246.57
14 5012 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, '69 Camaro 5.926 245.63 245.63
15 7 Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills CA, '15 Corvette 5.963 245.27 245.27
16 220F Kevin Fiscus, Jacksonville FL, '12 Mustang 5.982 246.44 246.44
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 6 Bill Glidden, Whiteland IN, '10 Mustang 6.009 235.56 235.56
18 1938 Eric Latino, Port Perry ON, '69 Camaro 6.029 241.80 241.80
19 2105 Doug Winters, Pleasant Garden NC, '69 Chevelle 6.048 244.65 244.65
20 5087 Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '69 Chevelle 6.051 241.54 241.54
21 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE, '63 Corvette 6.068 230.21 230.21
22 275T Ruben Tetsoshvill, West Chapel FL, '70 Camaro 6.140 223.47 223.47
23 2377 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '16 Corvette 6.153 184.75 200.77
24 701 Clint Satterfield, Albuquerque NM, '68 Firebi 6.275 235.72 241.80
25 6967 Jim Bell, Edmonton AB, '69 Camaro 6.670 191.97 191.97
26 6718 Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, '70 Camaro 7.067 158.28 158.28
27 303 Dan Stevenson, Lisle IL, '13 Camaro 7.227 130.63 130.63
28 1262 Chuck Little, Atkinson NH, '63 Corvette 7.728 127.14 127.14
FRIDAY - B. FORCE, BECKMAN, LINE AND KRAWIEC QUALIFYING LEADERS
Brittany Force raced to the qualifying lead in Top Fuel at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on Friday.
Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the third of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.
Force powered her Monster Energy dragster to a 3.745-second pass at 309.56 mph to earn the qualifying lead at Gainesville Raceway. Force, who was the runner-up in Phoenix three weeks ago, has four No. 1 qualifiers in her career. She is chasing her first career victory.
“Coming out here, we didn’t know what we were going to get with the weather conditions,” Force said. “We were at least hoping to get one good run in and we did that our first run today and then we really stepped it up on the second run. When I got out and they told me that we were number one and what we ran, I was blown away.”
2015 Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown pushed his Matco Tools dragster to the second qualifying position through Friday with a 3.755 at 319.07. Brown, who won this event in 2013, was followed by Steve Torrence, the winner of the season-opener in Pomona, Calif., in his Capco Contractors dragster. Eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher is fourth and Clay Millican is fifth.
Beckman set a Gainesville Raceway Funny Car track record during Friday’s second session with a 3.913 at 323.74 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T. There were eight three-second runs in Funny Car on Friday. Beckman has 16 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and is two sessions away from securing his first at Gainesville.
“It’s always tough when you show up to a race and the forecast is rain, rain, rain,” Beckman said. “It rained yesterday and the forecast didn’t look good for today. We got one run in and I thought for sure that was going to be it and we smoked the tires on that first run so I was a little bit frustrated. So to be able to get the full session in for the Florida fans and to be able to run that good for the Infinite Hero Team, that’s a perfect day for me.”
Beckman opened the 2016 season with a No. 1 qualifier at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals in Pomona. Last year, Beckman won a career-high seven events and reset the national record four times before finishing second in points to eventual world champion Del Worsham.
Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Ron Capps, is currently second in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T with a 3.929 at 319.37. Capps rode into Gainesville with momentum after winning in Phoenix. John Force Racing teammates, Courtney Force and Robert Hight, sit third and fourth respectively. Reigning world champ Worsham is sixth.
Line took the qualifying lead in Pro Stock with a 6.596 at 210.01 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. The Phoenix winner has 41 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and four wins at Gainesville Raceway. He is hoping to secure his first No. 1 qualifier at the facility tomorrow.
“There’s a long ways to go and we don’t feel like we are running up to our potential and I know the other teams aren’t doing as well,” said Line, a two-time world champ. “It’s just a matter of time but for right now I’m going to enjoy the fact that we have a small advantage and it’s fun – fun to come to the race track.”
Line was followed by both of his Ken Black Racing teammates, Greg Anderson and Bo Butner, currently in second and third respectively. Anderson powered his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to a 6.613 at 209.39 while Butner posted a 6.617 at 209.33 in his Jim Butner Auto Chevy Camaro. Back-to-back defending world champ Erica Enders is fourth and Alex Laughlin is fifth.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Krawiec raced to the provisional lead in the two-wheeled category season-opener with a 6.808 at 197.71 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. Krawiec has 27 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and one at Gainesville. He has three wins at the event.
“Anytime you can come off the trailer and make a great run like [we did] it sets the pace for the season,” said Krawiec, a three-time world champion. “That’s the way I look at it; not just the event but the season because that’s what’s all in front of you.”
Chip Ellis rode his Junior Pippin Trucking Company Buell to the second qualifying position with a 6.829 at 195.34. 2015 Pro Stock Motorcycle title winner and Krawiec’s teammate, Andrew Hines, sits third and Angelle Sampey is fourth.
Qualifying resumes Saturday at noon with the final two sessions to set the fields for Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, third of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brittany Force, 3.745 seconds, 320.81 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.755, 319.07; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.757, 325.22; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.760, 314.75; 5. Clay Millican, 3.787, 324.51; 6. Dave Connolly, 3.793, 323.04; 7. Leah Pritchett, 3.858, 310.13; 8. Tripp Tatum, 3.873, 313.88; 9. Ike Maier, 3.937, 301.00; 10. Terry McMillen, 4.448, 185.03; 11. J.R. Todd, 4.479, 175.39; 12. Morgan Lucas, 4.715, 157.91. Not Qualified: 13. Richie Crampton, 4.831, 150.26; 14. Shawn Langdon, 5.634, 123.18; 15. Doug Kalitta, 6.543, 106.29; 16. Chris Karamesines, 13.685, 35.86.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.913, 323.74; 2. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.929, 319.37; 3. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.944, 321.42; 4. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.945, 322.96; 5. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 3.958, 320.28; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.965, 321.12; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.978, 315.05; 8. Chad Head, Camry, 3.981, 318.47; 9. John Force, Camaro, 4.063, 262.69; 10. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.074, 305.29; 11. John Hale, Charger, 4.170, 290.19; 12. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.505, 188.17. Not Qualified: 13. Dave Richards, 4.561, 195.68; 14. Terry Haddock, 4.980, 161.32; 15. Cruz Pedregon, 5.276, 140.49; 16. Jeff Diehl, 16.124, 77.38.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.596, 210.01; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.613, 209.39; 3. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.617, 209.33; 4. Erica Enders, Dodge Dart, 6.644, 207.82; 5. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.647, 208.36; 6. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.652, 208.62; 7. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.655, 206.54; 8. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.659, 207.62; 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.660, 208.01; 10. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.662, 206.29; 11. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.671, 205.60; 12. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.682, 207.78. Not Qualified: 13. V. Gaines, 6.693, 206.51; 14. Jeg Coughlin, 6.695, 206.67; 15. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.807, 204.73.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.808, 197.71; 2. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.829, 195.34; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.844, 194.94; 4. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.854, 192.44; 5. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.885, 191.57; 6. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.892, 195.45; 7. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.899, 193.74; 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.900, 195.03; 9. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.907, 197.22; 10. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.907, 193.38; 11. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.909, 192.60; 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.911, 192.41. Not Qualified: 13. Angie Smith, 6.915, 192.77; 14. Brian Pretzel, 6.928, 193.90; 15. Cory Reed, 6.933, 191.40; 16. Michael Phillips, 6.942, 193.71; 17. Hector Arana Jr, 6.942, 194.02; 18. Karen Stoffer, 6.950, 193.07; 19. Matt Smith, 6.962, 193.71; 20. Mike Berry, 6.968, 190.11; 21. David Hope, 6.969, 188.86; 22. Joe DeSantis, 6.995, 192.58; 23. Kalle Lyren, 7.056, 190.89; 24. Shawn Gann, 7.059, 188.70; 25. Lance Bonham, 7.209, 187.21; 26. Katie Sullivan, 11.695, 68.94.
FRIGO SPRINTS TO PRO MOD QUALIFYING LEAD FRIDAY
Sidnei Frigo sprinted to the qualifying lead Friday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, co-presented by the Pro Line Racing and Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Inc., is the first of 10 events on the season.
Frigo, from Brazil, powered his late model Artivinco Racing/FuelTech Chevy Corvette to the top qualifying run of 5.839-seconds at 240.07 mph. Frigo is racing in his first full NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series season. He is chasing his first career No. 1 qualifier and has raced in only three Pro Mod events. He is a former Top Fuel dragster and Top Alcohol dragster racer.
Robert Patrick Jr., of Fredericksburg, Va., sits second with a 5.850 in his Purvis Ford Mustang while Former Pro Stock racer Jonathan Gray is third with a 5.851 at 255.34 in his Precision Turbo and Engine Chevy Camaro.
2014 NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world Champion Rickie Smith is fourth and Mike Castellana is fifth.
Troy Coughlin, the reigning world champ is eleventh.
Dan Stevenson, 59, from Bolingbrook, Ill., was transported by ground to University of Florida Health Shands Hospital for further evaluation after car caught fire. Stevenson exited his vehicle on his own power and was checked by NHRA emergency services officials before being transported to the hospital.
Pro Mod Series eliminations will continue at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday with the first round of eliminations at 5 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 47th annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the first of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Saturday's first round of eliminations.
Pro Modified -- 1. Sidnei Frigo, Chevy Corvette, 5.839, 252.24; 2. Robert Patrick Jr., Ford Mustang, 5.850, 242.58; 3. Jonathan Gray, Chevy Camaro, 5.851, 255.34; 4. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.852, 248.43; 5. Mike Castellana, Corvette, 5.854, 246.48; 6. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.876, 247.43; 7. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.884, 248.11; 8. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.885, 243.94; 9. Michael Biehle, Mustang, 5.898, 250.55; 10. Chip King, Daytona, 5.908, 242.89; 11. Troy Coughlin, Corvette, 5.909, 254.09; 12. Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.915, 233.80; 13. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS-V, 5.922, 246.57; 14. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 5.982, 246.44; 15. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.007, 244.74; 16. Bill Glidden, Mustang, 6.009, 235.56. Not Qualified: 17. Eric Latino, 6.029, 241.80; 18. Danny Rowe, 6.041, 196.67; 19. Doug Winters, 6.048, 244.65; 20. Jim Whiteley, 6.051, 241.54; 21. Gerry Capano, 6.068, 230.21; 22. Ruben Tetsoshvill, 6.140, 223.47; 23. Von Smith, 6.153, 200.77; 24. Clint Satterfield, 6.396, 241.80; 25. Jim Bell, 7.043, 147.23; 26. Shane Molinari, 7.067, 158.28; 27. Dan Stevenson, 7.227, 130.63; 28. Chuck Little, 7.728, 127.14.
