2020 NHRA GATORNATIONALS - EVENT RESULTS
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SUNDAY - S. TORRENCE, CAPPS, LAUGHLIN AND M. SMITH PICK UP VICTORIES AT 51ST ANNUAL AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS
Defending Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence vaulted into the points lead on Sunday at Gainesville Raceway, powering past his father, Billy, in the final round to win the AMALIE Motor Oil Gatornationals for the first time in his career.
Ron Capps (Funny Car), Alex Laughlin (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the seventh race of the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Torrence, who has won back-to-back world titles, went 3.809-seconds at 322.11 mph in the final round in his 11,000-horsepower dragster, which paid special tribute to “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ iconic “Swamp Rat 14.” With Garlits watching on the starting line, Torrence and his throwback look slipped past his father’s 3.810 at 320.74 to win for the third time this year and 39th time overall. Torrence, who beat Tony Schumacher, Doug Foley and Leah Pruett to reach the final round in Gainesville for the first time, also moved into first in the class by 22 points over Doug Kalitta to cap off a memorable weekend.
“To come out here and have the opportunity to run the ‘Swamp Rat 14’ and have (Garlits) here with us, it’s icing on the cake for anything you want to do,” Torrence said. “We’ve got some good momentum and to be in the points lead, that’s just a testament to how hard Richard Hogan, Bobby Lagana and every one of these Capco boys work. For my dad to go to the final round, both of us are doing well. We’ve just to stay focused and concentrate on what the task at hand is, and that’s trying to win a championship. These guys give me an unbelievable race car and you just try not to screw it up.”
Billy Torrence reached his second final round this season and ninth in his career with victories against Todd Paton, Shawn Langdon and Terry McMillen.
Capps picked up his fourth career win at Gainesville with a clutch performance, running 3.937 at 323.12 in the final round in his 11,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to squeak past Tim Wilkerson’s 3.945 at 325.92. It gave Don Schumacher Racing its 10th straight Funny Car win and came in a backup car after an explosion during Capps’ semifinal victory against teammate Matt Hagan. The team, led by crew chief Rahn Tobler, got the new car ready quickly, and Capps, who also had round wins against John Smith and Alexis DeJoria, delivered his second win in 2020 and 66th in his standout career.
“To be able to win four (Gatornationals) is pretty wild,” Capps said. “We put a spare car together that went out on its first full run and went 3.93 and won the Gatornationals. To run that well and have it be in the final round of the Gatornationals, it’s unbelievable. Rahn had it perfect and I felt pretty good about it. The best part is keeping the streak alive for Don Schumacher Racing. The guys on this team bring out on the best in me, and those semifinals were a big round. We had to make points up and we came through.”
Wilkerson reached his first final round this season and 45th in his career after beating Terry Haddock, Tommy Johnson Jr. and Bob Tasca III. Jack Beckman maintains a four-point lead over Hagan.
Pro Stock’s Laughlin turned around his 2020 season in a major way, racing to his first victory of the year in his Havoline/Laughlin Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 7.068 at 204.76 in the final round against Aaron Stanfield. It was Laughlin’s first final round of the season and also made up for his crushing loss in the final round at Gainesville a year ago. He beat Kenny Delco, Kyle Koretsky and No. 1 qualifier Deric Kramer to reach the championship round before cruising to his fourth career win.
“After the first qualifier, I thought we were going to win the race this weekend,” Laughlin said. “This track has always been really good to me. I was amped (in the finals) and I just went nuts when I saw the win light come on. What a weekend. More than anything, I just needed that this year with how awful a year it’s been. We had a completely brand new crew this weekend and we were just trying to find a routine. Everything just paid off.”
Stanfield reached his first career final round in Pro Stock thanks to wins against Bo Butner, Cristian Cuadra and Jason Line. In the points race, Line jumped two points ahead of Erica Enders.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith finished off a dominant weekend with his first win of the season on his Denso/Stockseth/MSR EBR, going 6.843 at 196.99 to beat defending world champ Andrew Hines in the final round. It also gives Smith, who was the No. 1 qualifier, his 25th career victory, continuing a stretch that also saw him win the Mickey Thompson Pro Bike Battle at the most recent race. He knocked off Kelly Clontz, John Hall and Scotty Pollacheck to reach the final round before his wire-to-wire win against Hines. Smith moved into the points lead with his first win at Gainesville, celebrating a special weekend that also saw his dad, Rickie, win in Pro Mod.
“I’ve tried since 2006 to win this race and I've never been able to do it,” said Smith, a three-time world champ. “I’ve watched my dad do it a couple times and it means a lot to win it. I’ve always wanted to win Gainesville and leave with the points lead, and I was able to do it. Right now, I think Team MSR has the best team out here and we have the power to win this thing. We’ve just to keep everything together, but we have the power to win races and win a championship.”
Hines reached his 98th final round with victories against Hector Arana Jr., and teammates Eddie Krawiec and Angelle Sampey.
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues Oct. 2-4 with the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Pennzoil at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.
SATURDAY - MILLICAN, HAGAN, KRAMER AND M. SMITH ALL CLAIM NO. 1 SPOTS AT GATORNATIONALS
In the first NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series race outside of Indianapolis since February, Top Fuel’s Clay Millican powered to the No. 1 spot in qualifying during Saturday’s 51st annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Deric Kramer (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the seventh race of the 2020 NHRA season. Eliminations for the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals begin at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday. After resuming its season in July, the past four NHRA races had been in Indianapolis before this weekend’s Gatornationals, which is taking place in September for the first time in NHRA history after being postponed six months.
Millican’s impressive run of 3.821-seconds at 313.51 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Parts Plus dragster gave him the No. 1 position for the second time in four races and the 25th time in his career. Next up is trying to pick up his first victory of the 2020 season.
“That was pretty cool,” Millican said. “This is a big race and we were proud to go No. 1. We’ve had the craziest racing gremlins on the car. We’ve qualified well and haven’t raced worth a darn (at Indy). I lost this race in the final round last year, and that one was my fault. So, would I like to make up for it tomorrow? Absolutely.”
Billy Torrence took the second spot thanks to his 3.828 at 320.28, while Antron Brown qualified third with a 3.831 at 320.36. Points leader Doug Kalitta starts eliminations from sixth after going 3.869 at 300.13.
Hagan made the only three-second run in Funny Car action, closing out qualifying with a pass of 3.975 at 321.35 in his 11,000-horsepower Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye to take the No. 1 spot. Hagan, who is currently second in points behind Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman, picked up his third No. 1 qualifier of 2020 and 39th in his career, as he also tries to win for the third time this year. A DSR victory would also give the team its 10th straight Funny Car win dating back to 2019. Tim Wilkerson qualified second with a 4.003 at 318.47 and Bob Tasca III is a spot behind after his run of 4.020 at 317.57. Points leader Beckman will open race day from the ninth spot after going 4.123 at 254.18.
Pro Stock’s Kramer jumped to the top spot on the last qualifying pair of the day in the class, going 6.602 at 208.78 in his American Ethanol Chevrolet Camaro. Kramer slipped past reigning champion and current points leader Erica Enders on the pass, claiming his first No. 1 qualifier of 2020 and fifth in his career. He will take on Bob Benza to open race day, seeking his first victory of the season. Enders, who also won the most recent event, finished second in qualifying with her 6.608 at 208.65, while Matt Hartford jumped to the third spot with his pass of 6.608 at 207.08 during the last qualifying session.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith was impressive on Saturday, making the quickest run during both qualifying sessions, including a 6.814 at 198.96 on his DENSO Auto Parts/Stockseth Racing EBR during the final qualifier. It gives Smith, a three-time world champion, his second No. 1 qualifier in 2020 and 40th in his standout career. He will face off with Kelly Clontz to open eliminations as Smith seeks his first victory of the year. Angelle Sampey, who has a win this season, qualified second with a 6.858 at 197.08 and Eddie Krawiec’s 6.862 at 198.35 puts him third. Points leader Scotty Pollacheck is a spot behind after going 6.872 at 196.62.
In the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Brandon Snider raced to the No. 1 spot for the first time in his career, going 5.813 at 246.66 in his blown Al-Anabi Performance Corvette. He will take on AAP teammate Todd Tutterow, who won in Gainesville last year, to open eliminations. Reigning world champ and points leader Stevie “Fast” Jackson, who also won the most recent race in Indy, jumped to the second spot in the final qualifying session with a 5.851 at 246.62 and former world champ Mike Janis qualified third after going 5.861 at 244.07.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the seventh event in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 3.821 seconds, 313.51 mph vs. Bye; 2. Billy Torrence, 3.828, 320.28 vs. 15. Todd Paton, 7.033, 87.95; 3. Antron Brown, 3.831, 320.36 vs. 14. Cameron Ferre, 6.734, 100.92; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.867, 318.54 vs. 13. Tony Schumacher, 5.391, 127.68; 5. Doug Foley, 3.868, 321.19 vs. 12. Arthur Allen, 4.952, 153.30; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.869, 300.13 vs. 11. Terry McMillen, 4.724, 162.96; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.880, 315.93 vs. 10. Justin Ashley, 4.118, 203.06; 8. Leah Pruett, 3.922, 315.64 vs. 9. Joe Morrison, 4.077, 294.63.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.975, 321.35 vs. Bye; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.003, 318.47 vs. 15. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 11.919, 81.56; 3. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.020, 317.57 vs. 14. Dave Richards, Mustang, 6.212, 106.64; 4. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.025, 309.27 vs. 13. John Smith, Charger, 4.729, 152.81; 5. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.088, 269.67 vs. 12. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.424, 233.80; 6. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.097, 301.94 vs. 11. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.174, 245.99; 7. J.R. Todd, Camry, 4.107, 308.64 vs. 10. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.129, 249.44; 8. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.108, 291.07 vs. 9. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.123, 254.18.
Pro Stock -- 1. Deric Kramer, Chevy Camaro, 6.602, 208.78 vs. 16. Bob Benza, Camaro, 6.662, 208.42; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.608, 208.65 vs. 15. Troy Coughlin Jr., Ford Mustang, 6.660, 207.53; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.608, 207.08 vs. 14. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.654, 207.98; 4. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.615, 208.42 vs. 13. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.648, 208.49; 5. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.620, 206.86 vs. 12. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.642, 207.37; 6. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.623, 208.55 vs. 11. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.640, 206.10; 7. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.624, 207.34 vs. 10. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.637, 207.88; 8. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.629, 207.34 vs. 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.631, 207.85. Did Not Qualify: 17. Val Smeland, 6.674, 207.40; 18. Wally Stroupe, 6.678, 206.57; 19. Richie Stevens, 6.703, 206.26; 20. Fernando Cuadra, 19.351, 38.62; 21. Alan Prusiensky, broke.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.814, 198.96 vs. 16. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 7.126, 191.08; 2. Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.858, 197.08 vs. 15. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.063, 191.29; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.862, 198.35 vs. 14. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.029, 188.89; 4. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.872, 196.62 vs. 13. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.942, 194.80; 5. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.889, 193.63 vs. 12. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.935, 193.79; 6. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.899, 195.59 vs. 11. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.930, 195.48; 7. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.903, 193.79 vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.929, 193.13; 8. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.917, 197.13 vs. 9. John Hall, Suzuki, 6.918, 193.85. Did Not Qualify: 17. David Barron, 7.143, 183.27; 18. Lance Bonham, 7.217, 186.02.
Pro Modified -- 1. Brandon Snider, Chevy Corvette, 5.813, 246.66 vs. 16. Todd Tutterow, Chevy Camaro, 6.037, 244.69; 2. Steve Jackson, Camaro, 5.851, 246.62 vs. 15. Justin Jones, Corvette, 6.021, 199.91; 3. Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.861, 244.07 vs. 14. Kris Thorne, Camaro, 6.003, 253.61; 4. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.866, 249.63 vs. 13. Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 5.979, 241.37; 5. Jim Whiteley, Corvette, 5.866, 244.56 vs. 12. Steve Matusek, Ford Mustang, 5.944, 247.52; 6. Chad Green, Corvette, 5.867, 249.35 vs. 11. Tommy Daprile, Camaro, 5.912, 244.03; 7. Clint Satterfield, Camaro, 5.867, 242.45 vs. 10. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.889, 246.26; 8. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 5.878, 249.95 vs. 9. Jeffery Barker, Camaro, 5.885, 249.95. Did Not Qualify: 17. Brandon Pesz, 6.129, 210.28; 18. Jeff Jones, 7.042, 178.17; 19. Jason Scruggs, 8.399, 113.67.
FRIDAY RETURN - SNIDER, TURNER, JANAC LEAD GAINESVILLE RETURN QUALIFYING
PRO MODIFIED (Q-1)
1 9 Brandon Snider, Atmore AL, '16 Corvette 5.813 246.66 246.66
2 3 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '20 Camaro 5.861 244.07 244.07
3 473 Chad Green, Midland TX, '17 Corvette 5.874 246.80 246.80
4 2343 Jeffery Barker, Kathleen GA, t'18 Camaro 5.885 249.95 249.95
5 8 Khalid alBalooshi, Dubai UE, '19 Camaro 5.889 246.26 246.26
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MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES TOP FUEL HARLEY
1 63 Jay Turner, Julian NC, '18 Harley 6.664 180.65 180.65 2 300 Ryan Peery, Milford OH, '20 Harley 6.694 220.73 220.73
3 13 Tracy Kile, Asheville NC, '20 Weekend 6.782 211.66 211.66
4 6640 Rich Vreeland, Danville PA, '20 Sportster 7.243 194.49 194.49
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FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN (Q-1)
1 402 David Janac, Caldwell TX, '18 Camaro 8.037 171.27 171.27
2 4 Stephen Bell, Shreveport LA, '18 Camaro 8.038 171.79 171.79
3 2 Arthur Kohn, Richmond TX, '18 Camaro 8.056 171.36 171.36
4 313 Jesse Alexandra, West Bend WI, '20 Camaro 8.057 169.70 169.70
5 8 David Barton, Sinking Springs PA, '17 Camaro 8.151 170.28 170.28
6 1991 Pete Gasko Jr., Monroe Twp NJ, '20 Camaro 8.216 167.34 167.34
7 7773 Leah Pruett, Lake Havasu City AZ, '18 Challeng 8.297 168.01 168.01
8 222 Waldemar Rodriguez, Cidra PR, '19 Camaro 8.331 162.41 162.41
9 445 Aaron Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '20 Camaro 8.383 170.67 170.67
10 3805 Kevin Skinner, Grove City OH, '19 Mustang 8.472 170.21 170.21
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TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1 2 B/AD Shawn Cowie, Langley BC, Hadman-BAE 5.250 276.75 276.75
2 1 A/FD Megan Meyer, Olathe KS, Copeland-BAE 5.257 272.67 278.06
3 5 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Copelan 5.264 278.75 278.75
4 6 A/FD Josh Hart, Ocala FL, Page-BAE 5.267 276.75 276.75
5 4 TA/D Julie Nataas, Santa Monica CA, Copeland 5.297 275.84 276.52
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TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (Q-1)
1 1 Sean Bellemeur, Placentia CA, '18 Camaro 5.529 265.64 265.64
2 6 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '20 Camaro 5.559 266.27 266.27
3 2183 Aryan Rochon, Dade City FL, '18 Camaro 5.666 256.50 256.50
4 7 Kris Hool, Evansville WY, '16 Camaro 5.694 260.71 260.71
5 196 Bill Naves, Salisbury NC, '14 Mustang 11.286 75.56 75.56
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TOP DRAGSTER (FINAL)
1 2114 Steve Furr, Harrisburg NC, American-Chevy 6.103 227.73 227.73
2 213A Anthony Bertozzi, Richmond VA, Race Tech-Chevy 6.134 224.25 224.25
3 4911 Darian Boesch, Ponchatoula LA, Miller-Chevy 6.188 228.00 228.00
4 C132 Camrie Caruso, Fairport NY, Racecraft-Bran 6.198 231.83 231.83
5 2415 Robert May, Kinsey AL, Racecraft-Chevy 6.255 221.20 221.20
6 444B Wayne Landry, St. Bernard LA, American-Chevy 6.260 219.86 220.37
7 2526 Larry Strickland, Oxford FL, Elite-Chevy 6.380 216.13 216.13
8 202R Ric Mills, Arcadia FL, Mullis-Chevy 6.777 199.85 199.85
9 2946 Vaughn Cauffield, Lake Placid FL, Spitzer-Fult 6.781 199.11 199.11
10 232 Clint Riley, Greenville FL, Maddox-MRE 7.069 184.09 184.09
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TOP SPORTSMAN (FINAL)
1 9 Lester Johnson, Cynthiana KY, '55 Bel Air 6.413 232.59 232.59
2 45 Darian Boesch, Kenner LA, '18 Camaro 6.424 226.43 226.43
3 1357 John Benoit, Montpelier VT, '15 Corvette 6.546 210.11 210.11
4 J275 Jacky Bennett, Palatka FL, '16 Camaro 6.603 209.23 209.23
5 2459 Tommy Turner, Naples FL, '12 GXP 6.664 209.98 209.98
6 1 Sandy Wilkins, Mount Ulla NC, '69 Camaro 6.730 205.47 205.47
7 27 Jackie Robison, Greer SC, '66 Nova 6.769 202.03 202.03
8 119K Freddy Perkins, Higganum CT, '57 Bel Air 6.924 197.91 198.55
9 25 John Taylor, Naples FL, '99 Dakota 7.063 194.52 194.52
10 241 Mark Roberts, Orange Lake FL, '63 Corvette 7.441 171.93 177.46
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SUPER COMP (E-1 WINNERS)
1 3764 SUC Rusty Cook, Cynthiana KY, American-Chevy 8.900 8.90 0.000
2 K139 S/C Kyle Koretsky, Fairless Hills PA, America 8.900 8.90 0.000
3 233A S/C Chuck Trotter, MacClenny FL, '88 Thunderb 8.904 8.90 0.004
4 2438 S/C Allan Ackles, Thonotosassa FL, Mullis-Che 8.907 8.90 0.007
5 2231 S/C Frank Altilio, Apopka FL, Undercover-Chevy 8.907 8.90 0.007
6 232 S/C John Labbous, Goodletsville TN, RaceTech- 8.949 8.90 0.049
7 2551 S/C Maverick Palmatier, Deland FL, Miller 9.156 8.90 0.256
8 2067 S/C Scot LaMar, Hawthorne FL, Mullis-Chevy 8.898 8.90 -0.002
9 2954 S/C Austin Solesbee, Sautee Nacoochee GA, Mil 8.883 8.90 -0.017
10 28 S/C Joseph Moeckel, Brandenton FL, American-C 8.880 8.90 -0.020
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SUPER GAS (E-1 WINNERS)
1 1351 S/G Craig Porter, Silver Spring MD, '04 Musta 9.902 9.90 0.002
2 2923 S/G Greg Slack, Albemarle NC, '70 Maverick 9.913 9.90 0.013
3 243X S/G Christopher Lewis, Rincon GA, '68 Camaro 9.916 9.90 0.016
4 3604 S/G Rusty Cook, Cynthiana KY, '99 Corvette 9.917 9.90 0.017
5 2893 S/G David Morris, Clover SC, '69 Camaro 9.920 9.90 0.020
6 2676 S/G Sergio Santovenia, Boca Raton FL, '69 AMX 9.931 9.90 0.031
7 1796 S/G Jaimie Kelly, Ocala FL, '86 Dodge 9.937 9.90 0.037
8 2369 S/G Jock Lisenby, Panama City Beach FL, '05 R 9.939 9.90 0.039
9 2459 S/G Tommy Turner, Naples FL, '63 Corvette 10.000 9.90 0.100
10 217 S/G Larry Forbes, Green Cove Springs FL, '72 10.231 9.90 0.331
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SUPER STREET (E-1 WINNERS)
1 2307 S/ST Randy Whitner, Oviedo FL, '68 Corvette 10.903 10.90 0.003
2 2157 S/ST Victor Singer Jr, Summerfireld FL, '80 Mo 10.906 10.90 0.006
3 21 S/ST Jonathan Anderson, Williamson GA, '05 Sun 10.914 10.90 0.014
4 22 S/ST Jimmy Dniel, Montgomery AL, '63 Tempest 10.915 10.90 0.015
5 1808 S/ST Scott Mackie, Fort Meyer FL, '66 Chevy II 10.919 10.90 0.019
6 B213 S/ST Bruce Berntsen, Shalimer FL, '70 Mustang 10.924 10.90 0.024
7 2148 S/ST David Scigliuto, Largo FL, '97 Mustang 10.936 10.90 0.036
8 2912 S/ST Ed Pauley, Shelby NC, '68 Camaro 11.146 10.90 0.246
9 V268 S/ST Tony Johnson, Palmetto FL, '87 Monte Carlo10.898 10.90 -0.002
10 2454 S/ST Viktor Adams, Gainesville FL, '89 Firebird10.891 10.90 -0.009
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FRIDAY SPORTSMAN - LATINO HEADLINES NHRA GATORNATS SPORTSMAN WINNERS
David Latino doubled up in Super Stock and Stock and reigning NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world champions Ray Miller III in Super Comp and Sandy Wilkins Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers scored victories at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Racing in the Mello Yello, E3 Pro Mod, Top Alcohol, and SAMTech.edu Factory Stock Showdown was postponed to a later date.
Latino claimed the first half of his double -– the 41st in NHRA national event history –- by scoring in Stock with his C/SA Corvette when reigning Comp eliminator world champion Frank Aragona Jr. red-lighted with a -.023 reaction time in the final round. A short time later, Latino wheeled his GT/GA Cobalt to victory in Super Stock, defeating red-lighting Anthony Bertozzi. It was Latino's first win in nearly five years.
Bertozzi was also on the losing end of the final round in Top Dragster presented by Vortech Superchargers where Ross Laris took the win, the third of hi scareer, running 6.194 on his 6.19 dial after a .013 reaction time that forced Bertozzi into a 6.119 breakout on a 6.13 dial.
Miller took home the win in Super Comp, the eighth win of his NHRA career, after putting together a tight .012-second package that included a .007 reaction time and an 8.905 on the 8.90 index to defeat Ken Moses' 8.927.
Wilkins, who also won last year's Gatornationals, got his title defense off to a strong start by claiming the Gatornationals victory with a holeshot-aided 6.741 on his 6.73 dial to defeat Ron Riegel's closer-but-later 6.962 on a 6.96 dial.
Brad Plourd was the winner in Comp with his supercharged AA/AM roadster, defeating Wes Leopold Jr. in the final with a (-.57) 6.34 to defeat Leopold’s (-.50) 7.95. It was Plourd's 21st career win and his second in Comp after his win at the 2017 U,S. Nationals.
Jonathan Anderson was the winner in Super Gas with a 9.910 on the 9.90 class index after opponent Greg Slack ran too quick and broke out with a 9.884. It was the fifth win of Anderson's career.
Sportsman results from the 51st annual AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. The race is the third of 24 in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:
HILL GETS TWO-FER IN GATORS SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING ON HALL OF FAME DAY
Getting inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame wasn't enough of a showcase for Roy Hill on Thursday.
The veteran Pro Stock pioneer from Sophia, NC, led two of the showcase class racing divisions by setting the pace for both Super Stock and Stock.
Hill took the top spot in Super Stock running an 8.123, -1.077 under the FGT/B index. Amarillo, TX.-based Craig Gualtiere was second as he went -1.069 under the GT/FA standard. Todd Patterson finished third with a -1.067, 8.983 under the FSS/E mark.
In Stock, Hill used a -1.129, 8.3571 performance against the FS/A index to take the top spot when Richard Mace's -1.170, 10.830 G/Stock Automatic run was disqualified.
Comp Eliminator racer Joseph Arrowsmith made his trip from Minnesota a worthwhile one as he will head into Friday's final eliminations as the top seed courtesy of a -.742 run, 8.098 second elapsed time against the G/Altered Automatic standard. Two-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders was second with a -.0699 hit in G/Altered trim. Longtime Comp racer Jim Kimbrough was third in his C/Econo Dragster.
Sandy Wilkins set the pace in Top Sportsman with a 6.436, 214.25, while veteran professional sportsman racer Anthony Bertozzi was tops in Top Dragster with a 6.103, 226.54.
On Thursday afternoon, NHRA officials postponed professional racing as well as the Top Alcohol and Factory Stock Showdown competition until a later date. The categories mentioned above will race until completion on Friday without ticketed spectators.
THURSDAY SPORTSMAN
COMP ELIMINATOR
1 503 G/AA Joseph Arrowsmith, Ham Lake MN, '06 GTO 8.098 8.84 -0.742
2 430E G/A Erica Enders, Houston TX, '08 G5 8.301 9.00 -0.699
3 23 C/ED Jim Kimbrough, Pace FL, ProStart-Chevy 7.263 7.92 -0.657
4 3002 F/A Pat Ross, Avon Lake OH, '05 Grand Am 7.986 8.64 -0.654
5 1 J/AA Frank Aragona, Freehold NJ, '32 Bantam 7.400 8.04 -0.640
6 21 F/AA Van Puckett, Monroe GA, '05 Cavalier 7.884 8.52 -0.636
7 22 D/SM Randy Daniels, Grantsboro NC, '08 Sunfire 8.405 9.04 -0.635
8 9 D/AA Jim Greenheck, Schofield WI, '12 Camaro 7.447 8.08 -0.633
9 2112 E/EA Jenny Treadwell, Mount Plymouth FL, '23 F 8.292 8.92 -0.628
10 5233 D/A Taylor Chomiski, Dallas TX, '19 Dart 7.698 8.32 -0.622
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SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 243 FGT/B Roy Hill, Sophia NC, '12 Mustang 8.123 9.20 -1.077
2 4343 GT/FA Craig Gualtiere, Amarillo TX, '05 Cavalier 9.181 10.25 -1.069
3 5250 FSS/E Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '19 Camaro 8.983 10.05 -1.067
4 1108 FSS/G Gary Richard, Bay Shore NY, '10 Mustang 9.231 10.25 -1.019
5 1529 SS/JA Mark Alvey, Chesterfield VA, '80 Camaro 9.982 11.00 -1.018
6 R210 FSS/B Richard Bierie, Acworth GA, '17 Camaro 8.211 9.20 -0.989
7 3043 SS/CA Allen Wade, Rochester IN, '69 Camaro 9.069 10.05 -0.981
8 336 GT/LA Lisa Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '90 Sun 10.070 11.05 -0.980
9 3909 FSS/C Drew Skillman, Bargersville IN, '10 Musta 8.678 9.65 -0.972
10 131 GT/FA Sterling Simmons, Chesterfield VA, '05 Ca 9.309 10.25 -0.941
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STOCK FINAL
1 243 FS/A Roy Hill, Sophia NC, '12 Mustang 8.571 9.70 -1.129
2 5033 K/SA Rachelle Thibert, Louisburg KS, '81 Malibu11.543 12.65 -1.107
3 1967 I/SA Jim Marshall, Indian Land SC, '77 Nova 11.289 12.30 -1.011
4 159 FS/D Victor Cagnazzi, Mooresville NC, '15 Cama 9.598 10.60 -1.002
5 3154 A/S Gary Russell, East Sparta OH, '67 Camaro 9.976 10.95 -0.974
6 3662 FS/B Scott Libersher, Wilmington IL, '18 Camaro 9.032 10.00 -0.968
7 3200 FS/F Tim Lowe, Macy IN, '15 Camaro 10.233 11.20 -0.967
8 400B A/SA Britt Cummings, Hammond LA, '00 Corvette 10.048 11.00 -0.952
9 400D B/SA Slate Cummings, Ponchatoula LA, '00 Corve 10.300 11.25 -0.950
10 190 A/SA Frank Aragona, Freehold NJ, '69 Camaro 10.060 11.00 -0.940
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TOP SPORTSMAN (FINAL)
1 1 Sandy Wilkins, Mount Ulla NC, '69 Camaro 6.436 214.25 214.25
2 12 Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg VA, '51 Henry J 6.480 219.04 219.04
3 16 Vonnie Mills, Kennedyville MD, '06 Colbalt 6.533 213.33 213.33
4 2459 Tommy Turner, Naples FL, '12 GXP 6.535 213.81 213.81
5 3102 Mark McDonald, Boonville IN, '67 Mustang 6.548 209.46 209.46
6 106B Ed Foley, Warminster PA, '18 Mustang 6.682 207.94 207.94
7 27 Jackie Robison, Greer SC, '66 Nova 6.691 203.92 207.43
8 4 Curt Fredrich, Burlington WI, '68 Camaro 6.749 207.15 207.15
9 6 Ronnie Proctor, Harpers Ferry WV, '09 Mustang 6.778 203.40 203.61
10 29 Chad Morrison, Statesville NC, '57 Bel Air 6.790 202.70 202.70
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TOP DRAGSTER (FINAL)
1 213A Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland VA, Race Tech-PAR 6.103 226.54 226.54
2 4369 Holden Laris, Raceland LA, Racecraft-APD 6.120 231.12 231.12
3 3687 Al Peavler, Olney IL, American-Chevy 6.133 229.55 229.55
4 2415 Robert May, Kinsey AL, Racecraft-Chevy 6.148 225.41 225.41
5 359X Zach Sackman, Channahon IL, Spitzer-RCE 6.149 227.54 227.54
6 3 Ross Laris, Raceland LA, Racecraft-APD 6.156 227.08 227.42
7 58 Les Feist, Clearwater MN, Miller-PAR 6.163 225.97 225.97
8 2114 Steve Furr, Harrisburg NC, American-Chevy 6.171 227.54 227.54
9 8 Al Kenny, Kuntztown PA, Page-Stin 6.203 222.51 222.51
10 444B Wayne Landry, St. Bernard LA, American-PAR 6.219 224.28 224.28
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