2018 NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATS - EVENT RESULTS
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SUNDAY - HAGAN, TORRENCE AND MCGAHA EMERGE VICTORIOUS AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS
Matt Hagan remained one of the hottest Funny Car racers by winning his second straight event of the season at the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals. Hagan drove to victory in front of a sellout crowd for the second consecutive day at New England Dragway.
Steve Torrence (Top Fuel) and Chris McGaha (Pro Stock) were also winners in their respective categories at the 13th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Hagan powered to the winner’s circle with a run of 4.156 seconds at 292.01 mph in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T to take down Tim Wilkerson’s 4.181 at 287.35 in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang. Hagan secured his third win in 2018 as he has now earned victories at New England Dragway in back-to-back years.
“We’ve got a good racecar, we were the No. 1 qualifier and this car just continues to go down the track,” Hagan said. “This car is responding well to what Dickie Venables is asking it to do, and that makes my confidence continue to grow.”
Hagan was the No. 1 qualifier for the weekend and took down Terry Haddock and teammates Tommy Johnson Jr. and Ron Capps on his way to victory.
Wilkerson qualified ninth and defeated J.R. Todd, Jack Beckman and Shawn Langdon as he reached his first final round of the season.
Torrence notched his fifth victory of the year by beating Antron Brown in the final round with a 3.909 at 320.74 in his Capco Contractors dragster to Brown’s 3.948 at 315.12 in his Matco Tools / U.S. Army dragster. Torrence notched his first career win in Epping as he continues to build on his points lead in the Top Fuel class.
“This was a rough weekend but my team did an excellent job of adjusting to the track prep and the conditions out here,” Torrence said. “Our team is more well-rounded than it has ever been, and that gives me confidence every time I get in this car.”
Torrence entered the day qualified third as he defeated Dan Mercier, Shawn Reed and Tony Schumacher en route to victory.
Brown qualified 12th on the weekend and bested Clay Millican, defending world champion Brittany Force and No. 1 qualifier Leah Pritchett as he reached his first final round of 2018.
McGaha took home the win in the Pro Stock class with a 6.570 at 211.10 in his Harlow Sammons Chevrolet Camaro during the final round to take down Erica Enders who red-lit. McGaha secured his second win of the season and first since Phoenix as he becomes the fourth driver in the class to record multiple victories in 2018.
“We knew we needed to be aggressive in the final round against Erica [Enders], and we were lucky enough to end up winning that one,” McGaha said. “It’s been a very competitive year in this class so we are happy with any wins we can get.”
McGaha qualified ninth and beat Jeg Coughlin Jr., No. 1 qualifier Greg Anderson and Kenny Delco on his path to victory.
Enders qualified second on the weekend and defeated Alan Prusiensky, Matt Hartford and Vincent Nobile as she took over the category points lead with her fifth runner-up finish of the season.
The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Bandimere Speedway in Denver, Colorado from July 20-22.
SATURDAY - PRITCHETT, HAGAN AND ANDERSON HOLD ON FOR NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT NEW ENGLAND DRAGWAY
Leah Pritchett secured the Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier for the second consecutive season at New England Dragway on Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals.
Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) are also No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 13th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Pritchett powered to the top spot with a run of 3.742-seconds at 324.51 mph in her Mopar dragster during the second qualifying pass on Friday. She earned the No. 1 qualifying position a year ago in Epping with a track record 3.673 pass, as she now has nine top qualifiers in her career.
“Today was all about practicing for Sunday, and we got the results that we wanted heading into tomorrow,” Pritchett said. “I have all the confidence in the world for this team because they never give up, and their hard work is definitely paying off.”
Pritchett will go head-to-head with Audrey Worm in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.
Tony Schumacher finds himself qualified second after a 3.744 at 330.31 in his U.S. Army dragster during his second qualifying run on Friday. He faces off with Jim Maroney in Sunday’s eliminations.
Hagan jumped atop the Funny Car category lead with a pass of 3.932 at 322.04 in his Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T recorded during his second qualifying run Friday. He entered the weekend tied for second in the Funny Car points standings as he notched third No. 1 qualifier of the year.
“We have a great racecar right now and that builds confidence for me with each run,” Hagan said. “When you give Dickie Venables (crew chief) a few chances to figure out the track he can be deadly, and we have had some really strong runs this weekend that we need to build on tomorrow.”
Hagan matches up against Terry Haddock on Sunday as he looks for his second consecutive event win at New England Dragway.
Jack Beckman qualified second after a 3.956 at 320.20 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T during the second round of qualifying on Friday. He will take on Jeff Diehl in Sunday’s eliminations.
Anderson held on to the top spot in the Pro Stock class after driving to a 6.517 at 211.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro during his second pass on Friday. The four-time world champion locked in his eighth No. 1 qualifying spot of the year and fourth in the past five races.
“Yesterday we had the racetrack figured out and today we struggled a bit with the sun out on the track,” Anderson said. “Today was definitely a learning experience and we will get another shot tomorrow, we will just have to learn what to do differently.”
Anderson matches up with Val Smeland in the first round of eliminations.
Erica Enders qualified second after a 6.521 at 211.63 in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the fourth round of qualifying. She is set to take on Alan Prusiensky on Sunday.
Eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at New England Dragway.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway, the 13th 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. Leah Pritchett, 3.742 seconds, 324.51 mph vs. 16. Audrey Worm, 5.791, 111.38; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.744, 330.31 vs. 15. Jim Maroney, 4.826, 153.51; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.756, 327.66 vs. 14. Dan Mercier, 4.530, 173.92; 4. Brittany Force, 3.775, 316.60 vs. 13. Mike Salinas, 4.004, 281.77; 5. Clay Millican, 3.778, 328.14 vs. 12. Antron Brown, 3.974, 276.58; 6. Dom Lagana, 3.781, 326.16 vs. 11. Shawn Reed, 3.895, 320.81; 7. Scott Palmer, 3.803, 323.97 vs. 10. Richie Crampton, 3.884, 316.97; 8. Terry McMillen, 3.857, 322.19 vs. 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.874, 303.64.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.932, 322.04 vs. 16. Terry Haddock, Toyota Solara, 5.873, 102.77; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.956, 320.20 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.316, 289.45; 3. Shawn Langdon, Camry, 3.976, 321.42 vs. 14. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.203, 300.26; 4. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.978, 320.89 vs. 13. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.165, 304.46; 5. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.979, 324.44 vs. 12. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.126, 281.01; 6. John Force, Camaro, 3.988, 324.75 vs. 11. Jonnie Lindberg, Mustang, 4.118, 307.93; 7. J.R. Todd, Camry, 4.021, 319.67 vs. 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.104, 308.35; 8. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.023, 322.58 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.044, 314.09.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Mike Smith, 8.701, 102.11.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.517, 212.33 vs. 16. Val Smeland, Camaro, 7.224, 148.35; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.521, 212.49 vs. 15. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.656, 209.01; 3. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.528, 211.43 vs. 14. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.617, 209.75; 4. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.538, 212.63 vs. 13. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.590, 210.60; 5. Tanner Gray, Camaro, 6.540, 212.69 vs. 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.581, 210.77; 6. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.546, 211.99 vs. 11. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.564, 211.96; 7. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.546, 212.16 vs. 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.554, 212.06; 8. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.547, 212.16 vs. 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.547, 211.79.
FRIDAY - HAGAN, PRITCHETT AND ANDERSON EARN PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATS
Matt Hagan continued his recent hot stretch in the Funny Car class by earning the preliminary No. 1 qualifier at the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway.
Leah Pritchett (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) are also preliminary No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 13th of 24 events on the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.
Hagan jumped atop the category lead with a pass of 3.932-seconds at 322.04 mph in his Sandvik Coromant Dodge Charger R/T recorded during his second qualifying run of the day. He entered the weekend tied for second in the Funny Car points standings following his victory in Norwalk, Ohio as he also chases his second consecutive win in Epping.
“Coming off the race win in Ohio gives us confidence heading into this event, and so far we have continued to just build on that,” Hagan said. “I felt like we had a good handle on the track today, and it’s definitely something we can work off of for the rest of the weekend.”
Jack Beckman finds himself second currently after a 3.956 at 320.20 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T during the second round of qualifying.
Pritchett powered to the preliminary top spot with a run of 3.742 at 324.51 in her Mopar dragster during her second qualifying pass of the day. Pritchett earned the No. 1 qualifying spot a year ago at New England Dragway by setting the track record with a 3.673 pass, as she looks to make it two consecutive top qualifiers in Epping.
“Our last pass came together with some last-minute changes, but I have confidence in my team and we are starting to feel like we have our strongest car of the year,” Pritchett said. “We’re going to take it one round at a time to prepare for Sunday, but we feel very strongly about this run.”
Tony Schumacher winds up second after the initial day of qualifying with a 3.744 at 330.31 in his U.S. Army dragster during his second qualifying run.
Anderson currently leads the Pro Stock class after driving to a 6.517 at 211.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro during his second pass of the day. The four-time world champion is chasing his eighth No. 1 qualifying spot of the year and fourth in the past five races.
“It was very humid when we came out this morning which made it tough on our race cars, but the temperature went down enough to give perfect conditions for the Pro Stock class,” Anderson said. “This is a great racetrack and the air here is fantastic, so thankfully our team made the most of these conditions.”
Vincent Nobile is currently qualified second following a 6.528 at 211.20 in his Mountain View Tire Chevrolet Camaro as he chases his second No. 1 qualifier of 2018.
Qualifying continues at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at New England Dragway.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the sixth annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway, 13th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Leah Pritchett, 3.742 seconds, 324.51 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.744, 330.31; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.756, 327.66; 4. Brittany Force, 3.775, 316.60; 5. Clay Millican, 3.778, 328.14; 6. Dom Lagana, 3.781, 326.16; 7. Scott Palmer, 3.803, 323.97; 8. Terry McMillen, 3.872, 317.05; 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.874, 303.64; 10. Shawn Reed, 3.895, 320.81; 11. Mike Salinas, 4.353, 185.05; 12. Dan Mercier, 4.530, 173.92; 13. Jim Maroney, 4.826, 153.51; 14. Audrey Worm, 5.791, 111.38; 15. Richie Crampton, 6.040, 103.44; 16. Antron Brown, 6.500, 104.50.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.932, 322.04; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.956, 320.20; 3. Shawn Langdon, Toyota Camry, 3.976, 321.42; 4. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.978, 320.89; 5. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.979, 324.44; 6. John Force, Camaro, 3.988, 324.75; 7. J.R. Todd, Camry, 4.021, 319.67; 8. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.023, 322.58; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.044, 314.09; 10. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.261, 217.39; 11. Jeff Diehl, Camry, 4.316, 289.45; 12. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.885, 158.87; 13. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 5.917, 112.97; 14. Jim Campbell, Charger, 7.633, 84.76; 15. Jonnie Lindberg, Mustang, 7.793, 82.40; 16. Mike Smith, Dodge Stratus, 12.225, 102.11.
Not Qualified: 17. Terry Haddock, 12.290, 49.11.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.517, 211.73; 2. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.528, 211.20; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.535, 211.03; 4. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.546, 210.50; 5. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.546, 209.95; 6. Tanner Gray, Camaro, 6.547, 210.70; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.548, 211.66; 8. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.553, 211.56; 9. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.560, 210.60; 10. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.566, 209.88; 11. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.588, 209.59; 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.604, 208.94; 13. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.623, 208.04; 14. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.627, 209.26; 15. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.671, 204.57; 16. Val Smeland, Camaro, 7.224, 148.35.
FRIDAY - SPORTSMAN
TOP DRAGSTER
1 12 Alan Kenny, Kutztown PA, Dan Page-Chevy 6.253 218.37 218.37
2 1702 Frank Zeffiro, Winchester Center CT, Bos-Mopar 6.372 234.86 234.86
3 1831 Jim Dunn, Roselle Park NJ, '32 Altered 6.516 208.65 208.65
4 1057 Bob Vojtila, Southington CT, Dan Page-Chevy 6.520 206.23 206.23
5 177L Brian Khary, Derry NH, Dan Page-Chevy 6.546 201.88 201.88
6 150 Rick Bell, Merrimack NH, Dan Page-Chevy 6.658 195.51 195.51
7 110 Mike Sullivan, Peabody MA, Dan Page-Chevy 6.706 197.51 197.51
8 15 Ken Moses, Colonia NJ, American-Chevy 6.714 194.55 194.55
9 138 Al Staffieri, Tewksbury MA, Dan Page-Chevy 6.744 195.45 195.45
10 1124 Doug Forbes, Douglas NB, S&W-Chevy 6.765 205.57 205.57
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 1220 Angela Kinson, Plaistow NH, '67 Mustang 6.231 232.59 232.59
2 1025 John Prime, Thomastown CT, '68 Camaro 6.328 220.48 220.48
3 172X Cedric Beaulieu, Lac Etchemin PQ, '92 LeBaron 6.359 223.65 223.65
4 1092 Dennis Gaboriault, Millbury MA, '07 Mustang 6.372 222.88 222.88
5 1691 Daniel Hill, Thomaston CT, '69 Camaro 6.646 205.54 205.54
6 168T Luc Angers, Laval PQ, '06 GTO 6.713 205.57 205.57
7 1357 John Benoit, Montpelier VT, '15 Corvette 6.743 155.02 155.02
8 105B Wayne Horton, Smithfield RI, '07 GXP 6.847 202.03 202.03
9 141 Sylvain Nadon, Laval PQ, '07 Mustang 6.853 199.26 199.26
10 189 Dave Miller, Canterbury CT, '00 S-10 6.855 198.85 198.85
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 1340 SS/AM Scott Gove, Dennysville ME, '93 Daytona 7.922 9.00 -1.078
2 1381 SS/KA Mark Howes, Rothesay NB, '71 Duster 10.317 11.25 -0.933
3 201 GT/IA Herbie Null Jr., Greencastle PA, '87 Cama 9.758 10.65 -0.892
4 1116 SS/AA John Armstrong, Kingston NS, '69 Corvette 8.837 9.70 -0.863
5 1584 SS/BM Arnie Martel Jr, Tewksbury MA, '09 Cobalt 8.370 9.20 -0.830
6 1318 SS/FA Joseph Hertline, Whitesboro NY, '67 Camaro 9.648 10.45 -0.802
7 1140 GT/GA Tom Boucher, Byfield MA, '97 Firebird 9.620 10.40 -0.780
8 1519 SS/HA Jerry Hatch, Lubec ME, '70 Challenger 9.842 10.60 -0.758
9 1633 GT/JA Lincoln Morehead, Marlboro NY, '88 Camaro 10.048 10.80 -0.752
10 1759 FSS/B Anthony Bongiovanni, Hopatcong NJ, '14 Mu 8.530 9.20 -0.670
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK (FINAL)
1 1967 I/SA Jim Marshall, Indian Land SC, '77 Nova 11.204 12.30 -1.096
2 1135 D/SA Nick Reiter, Warminster PA, '71 Charger 10.559 11.55 -0.991
3 187 B/SA Bob Moran, E Falmouth MA, '69 Camaro 10.260 11.25 -0.990
4 1979 I/S Terry Knapper, Moncton NB, '78 Camaro 11.216 12.20 -0.984
5 1455 F/SA Lenny Williams, Poughkeepsie NY, '71 Gran 10.881 11.85 -0.969
6 1557 B/SA Fred Thibeault, Middleton NS, '69 Camaro 10.292 11.25 -0.958
7 152 H/SA Chris Butcher, Burlington MA, '83 Camaro 11.210 12.15 -0.940
8 1013 A/SA David Ficacci, Whippany NJ, '69 Camaro 10.063 11.00 -0.937
9 18 K/SA Eugene Monahan, Brockton MA, '89 Firebird 11.717 12.65 -0.933
10 1507 H/SA Thomas Auger, Marco Island FL, '63 Dodge 11.224 12.15 -0.926
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
RAIN DELAYS QUALIFYING
The rain has stopped, but due to the rain this morning the Safety Safari is working to rebuild the dragstrip. Apparently water got under the rubber on the top end of the race track, so the Safety Safari is scrapping the rubber up. It will then have to rebuild the drag strip rubber. There is no estimated time when racing will start. UPDATED - Sportsman qualifying will start at 2:30 PM.
