2016 NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS - ATLANTA RESULTS
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SUNDAY - KALITTA, HAGAN, LINE AND KRAWIEC RACE TO VICTORY AT SOUTHERN NATIONALS
Doug Kalitta raced to his second consecutive Top Fuel victory of the season Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious at the seventh event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Kalitta powered his Mac Tools dragster to a 3.801-second pass at 323.19 mph to defeat Kalitta Motorsports teammate J.R. Todd’s 3.780 at 320.66 in his SealMaster dragster on a holeshot in the final round. Kalitta tallied his 40th career victory and third at Atlanta Dragway. The margin of victory between Kalitta and Todd was .0000, making it the closest Top Fuel race in NHRA history. It was the first time since 2006 that two Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel cars decided a final. Kalitta sprinted past Terry Haddock, eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher and reigning world champ Antron Brown in the earlier rounds.
“I really didn’t think I had won,” said Kalitta, the Top Fuel points leader. “The last couple of rounds I didn’t see the win light on the wall. J.R. went blowing by me at the end there and I got around the corner and I was very relieved, to say the least. Jim (Oberhofer, crew chief) and my Mac Tools guys have been busting their butts all day long and we were hungry to do well in front of the sellout crowd here in Atlanta.”
J.R. Todd beat Kyle Wurtzel, two-time 2016 winner Brittany Force and 2013 Top Fuel world champ Shawn Langdon before racing Kalitta in the final. Todd is sixth in the Top Fuel points standings.
Force and her Monster Energy dragster are second in the points. She is trailed by Brown and Steve Torrence in third and fourth, respectively.
In Funny Car, Hagan sprinted to his first victory of 2016 with a 3.965 at 314.90 in his Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger R/T, beating Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman in the final. Hagan ended a 19-race winless streak and notched his 19th career victory. Hagan outlasted Chad Head, reigning world champ Del Worsham and points leader Courtney Force in the earlier rounds to win his first NHRA Southern Nationals title.
“We’ve been trying to dig our way out of a hole we dug for ourselves in the beginning of the season with a new chassis and some new parts and different things like that,” said Hagan, who currently sits ninth in the points standings. “We went back to what we know and pulled our old car back out. We won a championship with it. We all knew it was just a matter of time before we figured it out. We’re really happy to get that monkey off our back.”
Beckman, the No. 1 qualifier, made his first final round appearance of 2016 at Atlanta. He raced past Jim Campbell and Don Schumacher Racing teammates Ron Capps and Tommy Johnson Jr. in the earlier rounds. Beckman moved to second in the points standings.
Tim Wilkerson, who entered Atlanta tied with Force for first in the Funny Car points standings, is now third, while Capps is fourth and Robert Hight is fifth.
In Pro Stock, Jason Line drove his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to a 6.611 at 209.75 in the final round to better teammate Greg Anderson on a holeshot. This is Line’s fourth victory of 2016 and 41st in his career. Line has advanced to the final round in all seven races this season. This is Line’s second consecutive win at this event and third overall. The victory extends his series points lead. As the No. 2 qualifier, Line beat John Gaydosh Jr., five-time world champ Jeg Coughlin and Allen Johnson in the earlier rounds.
“We kind of whined and complained about the rules change, but I never would’ve thought that this would be the result of that,” said Line, who has only lost to Anderson this year. “It’s a great day anytime you can win in front of your sponsor. This is a very tricky racetrack. I haven’t been on an Atlanta track like this ever. We struggled hard with it, but again, I’m a little bit in awe that I’ve been able to race in all the final rounds this year.”
Anderson raced past V. Gaines in the first round, then had a second round bye before beating Kenny Delco in the third round to meet Line in the final. Anderson is second in the points standings.
Bo Butner, teammate to Anderson and Line, is third in the points standings and is followed by Drew Skillman in fourth and Chris McGaha in fifth.
Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.824 at 196.66 to outlast Jerry Savoie’s 6.851 at 195.79 on his White Alligator Racing Suzuki in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final. This is Krawiec’s second victory of 2016, 33rd of his career and fourth at Atlanta Dragway. He has raced in all three Pro Stock Motorcycle event finals this season and has control of the Pro Stock Motorcycle points lead. Krawiec raced to his first career victory at the NHRA Southern Nationals in 2009.
“Atlanta has treated me well,” said Krawiec, a three-time world champ. “I got my first win here and it’s one of those things where if you just feel comfortable and you’re in a groove, you’ll have confidence. For me, I think all of that has fallen into place. The track was a little tricky for us but we were able to figure out our chassis set up and as we made more laps throughout the weekend it got better and better. It was definitely a good, exciting, fun weekend for me.”
Savoie, a Louisiana alligator farmer, beat Michael Phillips, Scotty Pollacheck and No. 1 qualifier Angelle Sampey in the earlier rounds. Savoie is fourth in the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings.
Krawiec’s teammate and reigning world champ Andrew Hines is second in points and Hector Arana is third.
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues in Topeka, Kan., May 20-22, with the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.
SMITH RACES TO PRO MOD VICTORY IN ATLANTA
Rickie Smith raced to his second victory of the 2016 season on Sunday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing is co-presented by Pro Line Racing and FuelTech. This is the third of 10 Pro Mod events on the 2016 season.
Smith, making his third straight final round appearance of 2016, powered his late model IDG Chevy Camaro to a 5.873-second pass at 248.48 mph to defeat Kevin Fiscus’ 6.072 at 243.50 in his Your Name Here 2012 Ford Mustang.
Smith, who won at the season-opening Gatornationals and posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Houston, tallied his 10th career victory. As the No. 1 qualifier, Smith outlasted Gerry Capano, Doug Winters and Steve Matusek en route to the final round against Fiscus. Smith is the points leader.
Fiscus, the No. 15 qualifier, beat Troy Coughlin, Kenny Lang and former Top Fuel racer Khalid alBalooshi in the earlier rounds. Fiscus is seventh in the points standings.
Danny Rowe is second in points while Matusek is third and Coughlin fourth.
The NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will make its fourth appearance of the 2016 season at the NHRA Summernationals, June 9-12, at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J.
Final finish order (1-16) at the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
1. Rickie Smith; 2. Kevin Fiscus; 3. Khalid alBalooshi; 4. Steve Matusek; 5. Pete Farber; 6. Doug Winters; 7. Michael Biehle; 8. Kenny Lang; 9. Eric Latino; 10. Troy Coughlin; 11. Clint Satterfield; 12. Bill Glidden; 13. Danny Rowe; 14. Von Smith; 15. Mike Knowles; 16. Gerry Capano.
Sunday's final results from the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Pro Modified -- Rickie Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.873, 248.48 def. Kevin Fiscus, Ford Mustang, 6.072, 243.50.
Final round-by-round results from the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 5.986, 241.15 def. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 6.574, 166.79; Kenny Lang, Chevy Camaro, 6.024, 242.67 def. Von Smith, Chevy Corvette, 7.693, 113.13; Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.938, 245.99 def. Mike Knowles, Mustang, 7.851, 123.73; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.954, 245.49 def. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 6.509, 207.02; Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.951, 241.76 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.054, 241.50; Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 6.107, 242.98 def. Troy Coughlin, Corvette, 6.450, 186.36; Michael Biehle, Mustang, 5.945, 248.25 def. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.696, 196.30; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.872, 248.89 def. Gerry Capano, Corvette, 9.253, 105.76; QUARTERFINALS -- Fiscus, 6.072, 243.11 def. Lang, 10.142, 80.74; alBalooshi, 5.844, 245.18 def. Farber, 5.913, 246.30; Matusek, 6.064, 216.86 def. Biehle, 6.177, 242.19; R. Smith, 5.813, 250.78 def. Winters, 5.923, 240.98; SEMIFINALS -- Fiscus, 6.206, 240.85 def. alBalooshi, 5.880, 246.12; R. Smith, 5.895, 248.84 def. Matusek, 8.176, 114.67; FINAL -- R. Smith, 5.873, 248.48 def. Fiscus, 6.072, 243.50.
Point standings (top 10) following the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Pro Modified
1. Rickie Smith, 331; 2. Danny Rowe, 154; 3. Steve Matusek, 153; 4. Troy Coughlin, 147; 5. Michael Biehle, 140; 6. Bob Rahaim, 138; 7. Kevin Fiscus, 132; 8. Khalid alBalooshi, 129; 9. Pete Farber, 117; 10. Jonathan Gray, 110.
SATURDAY - BECKMAN, KALITTA, ANDERSON AND SAMPEY NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT SOUTHERN NATIONALS
Jack Beckman secured the No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car on Saturday in front of a sold out crowd at Atlanta Dragway during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the seventh event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Beckman, a two-time Atlanta winner, used his track record 3.939-second run at 326.32 mph from Friday night in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to secure his fourth No. 1 of the season and 19th of his career. This is his first top qualifier at Atlanta Dragway. Beckman will face Jim Campbell to open Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations.
“I’m happy where we are, qualifying No. 1,” said Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion. “It’s nice for a little bit of prestige, you get some bonus points that go with it, and it’s maybe even nicer because you get a more favorable matchup first round. The whole idea behind that is to play it smart and strategic and win four rounds on Sunday. I think I’ll sleep well tonight and come in tomorrow embracing the fact that we’ll be the favorite.”
Matt Hagan, Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing teammate, qualified second with a 3.943 at 326.08 in his Rocky Boots/Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T. Hagan will meet Chad Head in the opening round.
Courtney Force powered her Traxxas Chevy Camaro SS to the No. 3 spot with a 3.946 at 326.08 and will race Jeff Diehl in the first round. Force is riding momentum from her win at the most recent event in Houston. She is also the Funny Car points leader.
Kalitta, who won two weeks ago in Houston, powered his Mac Tools dragster to a 3.731 at 328.70 on Friday night to take the No. 1 qualifier in Top Fuel. Kalitta, who reset Atlanta Dragway’s elapsed time track record, earned his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 45th in his career. This is his second No. 1 at Atlanta. Kalitta will face Terry Haddock in round one.
“We’re looking good,” said Kalitta, the Top Fuel points leader. “I think it’s supposed to cool off a little more for tomorrow, but we were getting down a pretty hot racetrack today, so hopefully we’ve got it dialed in for tomorrow. We’re feeling pretty good about it. We’ll be digging tomorrow.”
Richie Crampton qualified second in his Lucas Oil dragster with 3.761 at 321.50, which came on Friday night. Crampton will face Chris Karamesines in round one. J.R. Todd is third and is paired against Kyle Wurtzel. Steve Torrence, who won at the season-opening Winternationals, qualified fourth and will meet Scott Palmer in the opening round.
In Pro Stock, Anderson used his Friday night qualifying performance of 6.610 at 210.14 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to carry him to the No. 1 spot. The four-time Atlanta winner has four No. 1 qualifiers this season and has raced to three victories in the first six races of the year. This is his seventh top qualifier at Atlanta Dragway and the 84th of his career. Anderson will race fellow veteran V. Gaines in the first round of eliminations Sunday morning.
“We’ve had a lot of magic at this racetrack and it makes it even more special to have Summit Racing Equipment on the billboard out there,” Anderson said. “We’ve had four really good qualifying runs and I feel a little bit fortunate because it appears we have our No. 3 car, Bo Butner’s car, faster than both Jason (Line)’s and mine. Bottom line is we have three great cars over there at Ken Black Racing. We’re going to have a great chance tomorrow.”
Jason Line, Anderson’s Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro teammate, posted a 6.615 at 209.36 on Friday night to enter eliminations as the No. 2 qualifier. Line has three victories so far this year and has raced to the final round of every race in 2016. The two-time Atlanta winner and current points leader will meet John Gaydosh in the opener.
Butner qualified third and will race against Alex Laughlin to open eliminations. Shane Gray is fourth and will go head-to-head with Kenny Delco.
Sampey rode her Precision Service Equipment/Star Racing Buell to her first No. 1 qualifier since 2008 with a 6.865 at 193.32, which she posted on Friday night. Sampey, who secured the 46th No. 1 qualifier of her career, has four victories at Atlanta Dragway. She will battle Steve Johnson to open eliminations.
“It’s been so long and we’ve only been back for a little less than two years, but this feels like the first No. 1 qualifier ever, not the first since 2008,” Sampey said. “I’m very excited. We were contemplating not making that (final qualifying) run. I was ready to sit out because we wanted to save the engine and run it tomorrow. I didn’t think we were going to do well with the headwind and when they told me it was an .87 I was very excited. We have a little bit more in it.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Eddie Krawiec powered his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.880 at 193.71 to qualify second. Krawiec, who won the season-opening Gatornationals and is a two-time Atlanta winner, will meet Matt Smith in the first round.
Chip Ellis qualified third and will race rookie Cory Reed Sunday morning, while Louisiana alligator farmer Jerry Savoie is fourth and will race Michael Phillips.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh 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. Doug Kalitta, 3.731 seconds, 328.70 mph vs. 16. Terry Haddock, 4.177, 284.51; 2. Richie Crampton, 3.761, 321.50 vs. 15. Chris Karamesines, 4.149, 278.75; 3. J.R. Todd, 3.762, 323.81 vs. 14. Kyle Wurtzel, 4.015, 278.92; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.771, 324.12 vs. 13. Scott Palmer, 4.008, 295.08; 5. Antron Brown, 3.775, 321.27 vs. 12. Pat Dakin, 3.878, 295.34; 6. Brittany Force, 3.777, 320.51 vs. 11. Clay Millican, 3.868, 315.42; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.783, 319.52 vs. 10. Terry McMillen, 3.843, 319.37; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.811, 319.82 vs. 9. Leah Pritchett, 3.822, 308.07. Did Not Qualify: 17. Smax Smith, 4.466, 270.97.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.939, 326.32 vs. 16. Jim Campbell, Toyota Camry, broke; 2. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.943, 326.08 vs. 15. Chad Head, Camry, 5.985, 136.88; 3. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.946, 324.67 vs. 14. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Solara, 5.509, 285.95; 4. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 3.949, 318.69 vs. 13. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 4.192, 288.27; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 3.973, 317.94 vs. 12. John Hale, Charger, 4.093, 290.26; 6. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.980, 323.58 vs. 11. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.042, 310.27; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.001, 320.66 vs. 10. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.019, 316.82; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.003, 322.04 vs. 9. John Force, Camaro, 4.010, 321.96.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.610, 210.14 vs. 14. V. Gaines, Dodge Dart, 7.424, 140.90; 2. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.615, 209.36 vs. 13. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.748, 204.70; 3. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.618, 209.26 vs. 12. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.734, 206.54; 4. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.620, 208.04 vs. 11. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.714, 206.10; 5. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.648, 208.39 vs. 10. Erica Enders, Dart, 6.701, 207.05; 6. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.649, 208.46 vs. 9. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.688, 207.34; 7. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.666, 207.37 vs. 8. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.686, 206.86.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.865, 193.32 vs. 16. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.973, 191.00; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.880, 194.80 vs. 15. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.962, 191.05; 3. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.895, 194.04 vs. 14. Cory Reed, Buell, 6.952, 190.38; 4. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.895, 193.85 vs. 13. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.944, 194.74; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.898, 192.22 vs. 12. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.936, 191.73; 6. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.907, 194.04 vs. 11. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.933, 192.69; 7. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.910, 193.63 vs. 10. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.932, 192.17; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.926, 193.18 vs. 9. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.929, 192.88. Did Not Qualify: 17. Angie Smith, 6.973, 189.84; 18. Michael Ray, 6.979, 192.96; 19. Mike Berry, 6.993, 190.70; 20. Joe DeSantis, 7.004, 190.00; 21. David Hope, 7.038, 189.58; 22. Brian Pretzel, 7.049, 191.57; 23. Chaz Kennedy, 7.093, 188.67; 24. Lance Bonham, 7.256, 184.65; 25. Jim Underdahl, 14.659, 161.87.
SMITH RACES TO A FIRST ROUND VICTORY AS THE NO. 1 PRO MOD QUALIFIER AT ATLANTA
Rickie Smith claimed the No. 1 qualifying position and a first round victory in front of a sold out crowd at Atlanta Dragway on Saturday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing is co-presented by Pro Line Racing and FuelTech. This is the third of 10 Pro Mod events on the 2016 season.
Smith, who won the season opening Gatornationals and raced to a runner up finish at the most recent event in Houston, used Friday night’s 5.781-second pass at 250.51 mph in his late model IDG Chevy Camaro to claim the seventh No. 1 qualifier of his career.
The two-time Pro Mod world champion and 2014 NHRA Southern Nationals winner then posted a 5.872 at 248.89 to outlast Gerry Capano’s 9.253 at 105.76 in his Split Racing ’63 Chevy Corvette and win the first round of eliminations Saturday afternoon. In the second round, Smith will face Doug Winters, who beat Bill Glidden in the first round.
Troy Coughlin qualified second but was upset by Kevin Fiscus in the first round. Fiscus will meet Kenny Lang in the second round on Sunday.
Third place qualifier and former Top Fuel standout Khalid alBalooshi sprinted past Mike Knowles in the first round. alBalooshi will race Pete Farber in the second round.
Michael Biehle II beat Danny Rowe in the first and will face Steve Matusek in the second round.
Eliminations in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals will continue on Sunday.
First round results from the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 5.986, 241.15 def. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 6.574, 166.79; Kenny Lang, Chevy Camaro, 6.024, 242.67 def. Von Smith, Chevy Corvette, 7.693, 113.13; Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.938, 245.99 def. Mike Knowles, Mustang, 7.851, 123.73; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.954, 245.49 def. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 6.509, 207.02; Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.951, 241.76 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.054, 241.50; Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 6.107, 242.98 def. Troy Coughlin, Corvette, 6.450, 186.36; Michael Biehle, Mustang, 5.945, 248.25 def. Danny Rowe, Corvette, 6.696, 196.30; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.872, 248.89 def. Gerry Capano, Corvette, 9.253, 105.76.
Final order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Modified at the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd
1 4 Rickie Smith, King NC, '15 Camaro 5.781 250.51 250.51
2 1 Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '15 Corvette 5.806 253.14 253.14
3 327 Khalid alBalooshi, Doha QA, '69 Camaro 5.816 247.20 247.20
4 318 Michael Biehle, North Vernon IN, '67 Mustang 5.845 252.14 252.14
5 5450 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '68 Camaro 5.853 248.80 248.80
6 11 Eric Latino, Whitby ON, '69 Camaro 5.857 247.57 247.57
7 2377 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '16 Corvette 5.885 246.12 246.12
8 2105 Doug Winters, Pleasant Garden NC, '69 Chevelle 5.893 240.94 241.93
9 6 Bill Glidden, Whiteland IN, '10 Mustang 5.915 242.36 242.36
10 5012 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, '69 Camaro 5.931 242.28 242.28
11 10 Pete Farber, Baldwinville MA, '69 Daytona 5.932 246.62 246.62
12 701 Clint Satterfield, Albuquerque NM, '68 Firebi 5.954 246.71 246.71
13 7 Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills CA, '15 Corvette 5.960 246.71 246.71
14 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '14 CTS-V 5.961 206.64 206.64
15 220F Kevin Fiscus, Jacksonville FL, '12 Mustang 5.995 244.03 244.03
16 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE, '63 Corvette 5.998 239.91 239.91
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 5011 Mike Knowles, Grand Junction CO, '67 Mustang 6.046 233.64 233.64
18 6967 Jim Bell, Edmonton AB, '69 Camaro 6.080 214.89 214.89
19 360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, '15 Corvette 6.238 238.64 238.64
20 275T Ruben Tetsoshvili, West Chapel FL, '70 Camaro 6.239 239.19 239.19
21 2 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '13 Camaro 6.274 205.07 205.07
22 6718 Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, '67 Firebird 6.766 200.56 200.56
23 303 Dan Stevenson, Bolingbrook IL, '16 Camaro 8.271 125.26 125.26
24 1262 Chuck Little, Atkinson NH, '63 Corvette 9.732 96.26 96.26
25 44 Mike Castellana, Muttontown NY, '15 Corvette 9.950 90.25 90.25
26 5087 Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '69 Chevelle 10.245 91.68 95.78
27 213 Chip King, Semora NC, '69 Daytona 13.905 67.50 67.50
FRIDAY - KALITTA, BECKMAN, ANDERSON AND SAMPEY RACE TO QUALIFYING LEADS AT ATLANTA
Doug Kalitta raced to the qualifying lead in Top Fuel on Friday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders in their respective categories at the seventh event of 24 on the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Kalitta, riding the momentum from his victory in Houston two weeks ago, powered his Mac Tools dragster to a 3.731-second pass at 328.70 mph to take the qualifying lead. Kalitta, whose time and speed were both Atlanta Dragway track records, has one No. 1 qualifier this season and 44 in his career. He was the No. 1 qualifier at this event in 2014.
“That was a great run,” said Kalitta, who moved into the Top Fuel points lead with his Friday qualifying effort. “(Crew chief) Jim (Oberhofer) and my whole team were really serious about making a good run tonight. That thing left really hard. I was glad there were only two cars left after I made my run because the conditions were really good. They let the sun go down and let everything cool off a little bit more. We’re all hungry to do good out here. We’ll see what tomorrow brings but it’s definitely a good start for us today.”
Richie Crampton sprinted to the provisional No. 2 spot with a 3.761 at 321.50 in his Lucas Oil dragster. J.R. Todd is third and Steve Torrence, who won at the season-opener in Southern California, is fourth.
Brittany Force, who has two wins so far this season, entered the event ahead of Kalitta in the Top Fuel points standings by one point. She now trails Kalitta by two. Force is currently qualified fifth.
Two-time Atlanta winner Beckman took the qualifying lead in Funny Car with a track record performance of 3.939 at 326.32 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T. Beckman has three No. 1 qualifiers already this season but is still chasing his first victory of the year. He has 18 No. 1 qualifiers in his career, but none in Atlanta.
“This year we have not had the same performances as we did last year,” said Beckman, who raced to a career-high seven victories in 2015. “We are fine when the track conditions are cool, but we’re struggling when it’s warm. There’s still some more performance in this car. At the end of the day, end of the weekend, end of the race, really the only thing that matters is holding up that trophy with your group in the winner’s circle. We haven’t even been to a final yet, and I’m hoping this Sunday is our first one.”
Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan is second with a 3.943 at 326.08 in his Rocky Boots/Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T.
Recent Houston winner and points leader Courtney Force is third. With her qualifying effort today, Force moved two points ahead of Tim Wilkerson, who is currently qualified seventh, for the Funny Car points lead. Las Vegas winner Alexis DeJoria is fourth and Gatornationals winner Robert Hight is fifth.
In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson posted a 6.610 at 210.14 at the controls of his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to take the qualifying lead. Anderson, a four-time Atlanta event winner, has three No. 1 qualifiers so far this season and has also won three of the first six races of the year. He has 83 top qualifiers in his career, including six at the NHRA Southern Nationals.
“It was a good day,” Anderson said. “I’ve always loved this racetrack. I’ve got a lot of history here. Ever since I started this driving gig of my own, I’ve had a lot of success here. I’ve had a lot of laps both outside of the car and inside of the car, so I love coming here. We’ve had a great year and we’re looking to keep it going. We know the competition is going to close the gap on us, but we’re just trying to keep this string going as long as we can.”
Anderson’s Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro teammate, Jason Line, posted a 6.615 at 209.36 to sit second through the first two qualifying sessions. Line, who has raced to the final round of every race this season and won three times, is a two-time NHRA Southern Nationals winner and currently has control of the Pro Stock points lead.
Shane Gray is currently qualified third in his Gray Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. Bo Butner, a teammate of Anderson and Line, is fourth and is trailed by the rising star from Texas, Chris McGaha, in fifth.
Three-time world champ Sampey rode her Precision Service Equipment/Star Racing Buell to the provisional top qualifying position in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a 6.865 at 193.32. Sampey, who hasn’t qualified No. 1 since 2008, has earned six top qualifiers and four victories at Atlanta Dragway in her career. She will hope to secure the 47th No. 1 qualifier of her career on Saturday.
“I’ve only been back for a handful of races and I struggled with the bike when I first returned, so the excitement of getting the No. 1 qualifier, even it’s just for Friday, is so exciting for the whole team,” Sampey said. “We are working really, really hard. It’s a lot of work for me to stay in shape, stay mentally and physically fit to do this and I want to do it so bad.”
Five-time and reigning world champion Andrew Hines currently sits second with a 6.898 at 192.22 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. Hines, who won the most recent Pro Stock Motorcycle event in Charlotte, N.C., has two career victories at Atlanta Dragway.
Karen Stoffer sits third through two sessions and is followed by LE Tonglet and points leader Eddie Krawiec in fourth and fifth, respectively.
The final two qualifying sessions of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals will be held Saturday, May 14, at 1:30 and 4 p.m. and will set the field for Sunday’s eliminations, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, seventh of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.731 seconds, 328.70 mph; 2. Richie Crampton, 3.761, 321.50; 3. J.R. Todd, 3.762, 323.81; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.771, 324.12; 5. Brittany Force, 3.777, 320.51; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.783, 319.52; 7. Antron Brown, 3.789, 321.27; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.811, 319.82; 9. Leah Pritchett, 3.822, 303.50; 10. Clay Millican, 3.868, 312.64; 11. Pat Dakin, 3.878, 295.34; 12. Scott Palmer, 4.008, 295.08. Not Qualified: 13. Chris Karamesines, 4.532, 199.67; 14. Kyle Wurtzel, 4.571, 167.51; 15. Terry McMillen, 5.421, 129.29.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.939, 326.32; 2. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.943, 326.08; 3. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.946, 324.67; 4. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 3.949, 318.69; 5. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.980, 323.58; 6. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.011, 322.04; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.016, 311.41; 8. John Force, Camaro, 4.019, 321.73; 9. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.022, 311.05; 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.042, 306.95; 11. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.057, 312.35; 12. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.192, 288.27. Not Qualified: 13. John Hale, 4.210, 288.89; 14. Jeff Diehl, 4.216, 285.95; 15. Chad Head, 5.335, 136.88; 16. Jim Campbell, 7.944, 82.16.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.610, 210.14; 2. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.615, 209.36; 3. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.620, 207.75; 4. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.624, 209.04; 5. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.648, 208.39; 6. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.649, 208.46; 7. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.666, 207.37; 8. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.686, 206.86; 9. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.688, 206.70; 10. Erica Enders, Dart, 6.708, 207.05; 11. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.714, 205.85; 12. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.738, 206.54. Not Qualified: 13. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.876, 199.67; 14. V. Gaines, 8.859, 107.22.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.865, 193.32; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.898, 192.22; 3. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.907, 194.04; 4. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.910, 193.63; 5. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.911, 194.80; 6. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.932, 192.17; 7. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.933, 192.69; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.940, 192.49; 9. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.949, 191.62; 10. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.950, 193.05; 11. Cory Reed, Buell, 6.952, 190.38; 12. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 6.959, 194.13. Not Qualified: 13. Michael Ray, 6.964, 192.38; 14. Steve Johnson, 6.969, 190.70; 15. Matt Smith, 6.972, 191.05; 16. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.977, 191.10; 17. Mike Berry, 7.001, 190.70; 18. Hector Arana Jr, 7.011, 192.00; 19. Angie Smith, 7.020, 187.52; 20. Joe DeSantis, 7.046, 188.38; 21. David Hope, 7.048, 188.41; 22. Jim Underdahl, 7.196, 161.87; 23. Lance Bonham, 7.229, 183.64; 24. Brian Pretzel, 11.003, 73.60.
SMITH RACES TO QUALIFYING LEAD FRIDAY DURING PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES ACTION
Rickie Smith powered to the qualifying lead Friday in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing at Atlanta Dragway is co-presented by Pro Line Racing and FuelTech. This is the third of 10 Pro Mod events on the 2016 season.
Smith, a two-time NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world champion, powered his late model IDG Chevy Camaro to a 5.781-second pass at 250.51 mph to take the qualifying lead. Smith won the season-opener in Gainesville, Fla. and posted a runner-up finish two weeks ago in Houston, where he was the No. 1 qualifier. He has six No. 1 qualifiers in his career.
Troy Coughlin raced to the No. 2 spot with a 5.806 at 253.14 in his late model JEGS Mail Order Chevy Corvette. Coughlin was the runner-up at this event one year ago.
Former Top Fuel racer Khalid alBalooshi is third in his 1968 Chevy Camaro. alBalooshi was the No. 1 qualifier at this event in 2011.
Michael Biehle is fourth, Steve Matusek is fifth and Eric Latino is sixth.
The final qualifying session for the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals will be held Saturday, May 14, at 12:45 p.m. Round one of eliminations is later on Saturday at 3:15 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 36th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, third 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. Rickie Smith, Chevy Camaro, 5.781, 250.51; 2. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.806, 253.14; 3. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.816, 247.20; 4. Michael Biehle, Ford Mustang, 5.845, 252.14; 5. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.853, 248.80; 6. Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.857, 247.57; 7. Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 5.893, 241.93; 8. Bill Glidden, Mustang, 5.915, 242.36; 9. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 5.931, 242.28; 10. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 5.954, 246.71; 11. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS-V, 5.961, 206.64; 12. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 5.995, 244.03; 13. Gerry Capano, Corvette, 5.998, 239.91; 14. Von Smith, Corvette, 6.007, 242.63; 15. Jim Bell, Camaro, 6.080, 214.89; 16. Mike Knowles, Mustang, 6.147, 228.04. Not Qualified: 17. Bob Rahaim, 6.238, 238.64; 18. Ruben Tetsoshvili, 6.239, 239.19; 19. Mike Janis, 6.274, 205.07; 20. Pete Farber, 6.407, 167.70; 21. Shane Molinari, 6.766, 200.56; 22. Dan Stevenson, 8.271, 125.26; 23. Chuck Little, 9.732, 96.26; 24. Mike Castellana, 9.950, 90.25; 25. Jim Whiteley, 10.245, 91.68; 26. Danny Rowe, 11.903, 79.83; 27. Chip King, 13.905, 67.50.
FRIDAY QUALIFYING -
SUPER STOCK
1 373 FSS/E Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '10 Mustang 8.995 10.05 -1.055
2 445 GT/EA Aaron Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '87 Cam 9.749 10.65 -0.901
3 368 SS/TB Fred Allen, Mary Esther IL, '03 S-10 9.062 9.95 -0.888
4 203 SS/BS Gary Coccaro, Panama City FL, '10 Cobalt 8.766 9.65 -0.884
5 22 GT/CA Jeff Adkinson, Damascus GA, '05 Sunfire 9.532 10.40 -0.868
6 332 GT/FA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '90 S 9.932 10.80 -0.868
7 1227 GT/HA Michael Volkman, Campobello SC, '00 Sebri 10.213 11.05 -0.837
8 2428 GT/CA Andy Fogle, Aiken SC, '05 Cavalier 9.568 10.40 -0.832
9 6 GT/HA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '87 Camaro 10.219 11.05 -0.831
10 4457 SS/BS Jonathan Womack, Houston TX, '05 Cavalier 8.833 9.65 -0.817
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK
1 3499 U/SA Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '75 Mustang 13.759 14.85 -1.091
2 373 FS/A Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '14 Mustang 8.613 9.70 -1.087
3 3909 FS/B Drew Skillman, Bargersville IN, '12 Musta 8.978 10.00 -1.022
4 10 FS/J Charlie Downing, Britton MI, '10 Mustang 10.803 11.80 -0.997
5 P270 FS/H Ricky Pennington, Gardendale AL, '12 Must 10.552 11.50 -0.948
6 3014 FS/D Steve Novosel, Troy MI, '15 Camaro 9.678 10.60 -0.922
7 383 A/SA Larry Hill, Hickory KY, '70 Cuda 10.091 11.00 -0.909
8 456 FS/H Gary Robillard, Walker LA, '09 Challenger 10.592 11.50 -0.908
9 2007 FS/G Daren Poole-Adams, Shelby NC, '15 Camaro 10.446 11.35 -0.904
10 5 F/SA Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Donaldsonville LA, '04 10.946 11.85 -0.904
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 1 Jeffrey Barker, Kathleen GA, '06 Cobalt 6.456 217.42 217.42
2 6 Sandy Wilkins, Mount Ulla NC, '69 Camaro 6.499 213.70 213.70
3 23 Dylan Stott, Columbus NC, '67 Shelby GT 6.669 208.52 208.52
4 27 Jackie Robison, Greer SC, '66 Nova 6.712 206.73 206.73
5 2708 Donny Urban, Selma NC, '10 GXP 6.750 205.35 205.35
6 38 Tommy Turner, Naples FL, '12 GXP 6.763 208.55 208.55
7 29 Chadrick Morrison, Statesville NC, '57 Bel Air 6.789 201.07 201.07
8 2062 Todd Ewing, Vinemont AL, '00 Camaro 6.801 205.94 205.94
9 4 Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg VA, '51 Henry J 6.811 201.43 201.43
10 1903 Mark Payne, Waynesboro VA, '06 Cavalier 6.913 201.70 201.70
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP DRAGSTER
1 170 Alan O'Brien, Roncerverte WV, RaceTech-AMC 6.180 226.16 226.16
2 21 Steve Furr, Harrisburg NC, American-Chevy 6.348 221.60 221.60
3 2151 Lindsey Barker, Kathleen GA, Miller-Chevy 6.404 210.14 210.14
4 445 Aaron Stanfield, Bossier City LA, Undercover-C 6.427 208.20 208.20
5 5 Lynn Ellison, Central City KY, M&M-Chevy 6.428 211.26 211.26
6 3991 J.B. Strassweg, Evansville IN, Undercover-Chevy 6.434 209.14 209.14
7 408 Richard Prince, Metairie LA, Undercover-Chevy 6.436 221.31 221.31
8 10 Ross Laris, Raceland LA, American-Chevy 6.444 220.73 221.71
9 2564 Bill Earnest, Knoxville TN, Miller-Chevy 6.485 215.72 215.72
10 3 J.R. Baxter, Waxahachie TX, Miller-Chevy 6.502 183.59 183.59
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
