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MONDAY
ANDERSON GETS WIN NO. 100; CAPPS, BROWN AND M. SMITH ALL GET VICTORIES AT DODGE POWER BROKERS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS – Greg Anderson picked up his 100th career win on Monday and veteran Ron Capps won for the first time at the prestigious 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, capping off a memorable day for the pair of longtime standouts at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won at the 16th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the final event of the regular season.
Anderson drove to the milestone win with a run of 6.587-seconds at 208.07 mph in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro to defeat Dallas Glenn in the finals, becoming just the second driver in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series history to reach 100 career victories. He knocked off Fernando Cuadra Sr., Troy Coughlin Jr., and Fernando Cuadra Jr. to reach the final round, making the quickest run of each round of eliminations. Glenn went red in the finals, handing the five-time world champion his seventh Indy win and one of the best moments in his incredible career.
“I don’t know if I can explain how meaningful this is,” Anderson said. “It’s incredible and this (100th) win was meant to happen here. Indy means everything to me, and I’ve said that my whole career.
“Nothing compares to this place and to get my 100th win here, I couldn’t possibly ask for anything more. This just means everything to me. It’s been a while since I’ve won here and it’s hard to win here, so it really makes you appreciate it. It’s probably my most special win here because of that. It’s just unbelievable.”
Glenn reached the final for the second time this year by knocking off Kenny Delco, Kyle Koretsky, and Erica Enders, who will enter the playoffs as the points leader.
Capps, the defending Funny Car world champion, went 3.911 at 327.98 in his 11,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts GR Toyota Supra to defeat points leader Robert Hight in the final round, giving the veteran his 71st career win and his first victory in 27 appearances at the Big Go. He also won the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Sunday and earned $180,000 over two days, also qualifying No. 1 en route to one of the biggest weekends in his career. To reach the finals, Capps beat Dale Creasy Jr., J.R. Todd, and John Force, making three straight runs of 3.88. He drove past Hight in the final round, avenging last year’s defeat in the final round and adding another significant chapter in his first year as a team owner.
“It’s such a surreal feeling, I can’t even put it into words,” Capps said. “There are so many emotions that come from winning such a big event that exemplifies NHRA’s heritage and history. This year has been so crazy being a first-year team owner and having so much help around me. So many people wanted to be a part of what we were doing, and what we’re building, and it was so nice to have that support. There are so many neat things that have happened in my life this past year. I’m living the American dream, now running my own business. We’ve been trying to win this one for a long, long time.”
Hight, who will be the points leader to start the Countdown to the Championship, reached his ninth final this year and 93rd in his career after picking up wins against John Smith, Matt Hagan, and Bob Tasca III.
Brown drove to his second win in the past three races, earning his first Indy victory since 2011 with a strong run of 3.706 at 321.66 in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools dragster to knock off points leader Brittany Force in the final round. It also hands Brown his 70th career win and fourth at Indy, two of which have come in Top Fuel. The last one came 11 years ago, but Brown was on his game on Monday, defeating Tripp Tatum, Steve Torrence, and Justin Ashley to reach the final round. He went 3.698 to defeat Ashley to make his first run in the 3.60s this year and then led wire-to-wire against Force in the championship round. He’ll open the playoffs in sixth place, but Brown, who also became a team owner in the off-season, seems to be peaking after a fabulous weekend in Indy.
“You come here to Indy with 25 good teams, and it took a 3.75 just to get in the show,” Brown said. “At the beginning of this year, we started from scratch in putting this team together. But it’s all coming together. That final round, it was the longest 3.7-seconds of my entire life. When that win light came on, I said look at what this team has done. It’s a testament to all the work everyone has put in. All of these guys, they never lost faith and they never gave up. Heading into the Countdown, we’re going to let the racetrack do the talking, but we’re going to be humble, fierce, and give it all we’ve got.”
Force reached her second straight final round at Indy, beating Dan Mercier, Josh Hart, and Doug Kalitta to reach the finals for the sixth time this season. She’ll also open the Countdown to the Championship as the points leader.
Defending world champ Smith may be getting hot at the perfect time in Pro Stock Motorcycle, rolling to the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals victory in impressive fashion. He went 6.872 at 195.99 on his Denso Auto Parts EBR in the final round, knocking off Karen Stoffer to claim his first Indy win since 2006. It’s also Smith’s third win this season and 35th in his standout career, as he knocked off Scotty Pollacheck, Hector Arana Jr., and Jerry Savoie to reach the final round. Smith was consistent throughout qualifying and eliminations, putting together an ideal weekend to win at the Big Go, moving into the points lead heading into the Countdown to the Championship.
“We started with the Suzuki on Friday, but I just wasn’t happy with it,” Smith said. “It ran well up to the eight-mile, but I was just frustrated with it. I decided to go with the (EBR) and we had a good bike the rest of the weekend. All in all, I felt it was a great weekend for the bike. I’ve been to the finals a lot of times here and I’m just blessed to have two (Indy) wins. They better watch out for me. We’ve got a good bike and we’re going to defend our championship.”
Stoffer reached her 30th career final round and third this season on the strength of round wins against Joey Gladstone, Ron Tornow, and Steve Johnson.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action with the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway on Sept. 15-18. It is the first event in the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
SUNDAY – CAPPS WINS PEP BOYS NHRA FUNNY CAR ALL-STAR CALLOUT; B. FORCE, CAPPS, ANDERSON AND SAMPEY QUALIFY NO. 1 AT DODGE POWER BROKERS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the 16th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the final event of the regular season.
Capps, the defending world champion, put together a run of 3.936-seconds at 330.47 mph in his 11,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts GR Toyota Supra, knocking off Hagan on a holeshot. Hagan ran a quicker 3.900 at 328.66, but Capps was quicker off the starting line to pick up the specialty race win. He beat Tim Wilkerson and John Force to reach the final round, while Hagan knocked off Alexis DeJoria and Robert Hight. Capps’ .026 reaction time ultimately proved to be the difference in the finals.
Looking for his first Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals victory, Capps also secured his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season with his run of 3.864 at 333.58 against Wilkerson. Sunday’s win provided momentum, but Capps knows he could get one of the biggest wins of his career on Monday. He’ll open eliminations against Dale Creasy Jr.
“We’ve got a great race car right now,” Capps said. “Last year stung and that was the run of the year in Funny Car. We’ll take some time to enjoy this No. 1 and this (callout) win, and we’ll get ready for tomorrow.”
“This is definitely a big one for this Monster Energy team,” Force said. “This is the biggest race of the season, it’s the one race everyone wants to win. There’s extra motivation coming into it. It’s Indy and everyone wants to accomplish something here. That was a killer run, especially since we struggled every lap and then we finally got it figured out. It was outstanding. Then for it to be part of the quickest field in NHRA history and to be part of that with 25 cars is pretty incredible. That’s history and we want to leave our mark so to come here to Indy and take that No. 1, we’re just excited.”
Justin Ashley secured the second spot with a run of 3.671 at 335.32, which momentarily set the speed record on Saturday, while Steve Torrence is third with his 3.692 at 329.02.
“It’s just nice to have a race car that can win again,” Anderson said. “We were not up to par for the first 8-10 races but we’re back. We’re climbing the ladder and we know that we can win again. Now, we just need to put it all together on Monday. The driver has to have his act together and do a good job. Everyone in this class is a killer. Indy is a marathon, so you’ve got to learn to save a little for Monday. Now, it’s just a matter of who can bring the biggest gun tomorrow.”
Anderson’s KB Racing teammate Dallas Glenn wrapped up the second spot after going 6.578 at 207.72, while points leader Erica Enders finished third with a 6.582 at 208.97. Enders has won the last two races at Indy.
“The last two runs today were good, and we feel confident going into tomorrow,” said Sampey, who has seven career No. 1 qualifiers at the U.S. Nationals. “We’re going to hold onto this the best we can and we’re certainly capable of winning this race if I can keep my composure. I’m going to give it my all and I just want to win the race. But I need to do my job in the first round and that’s where I need to keep my focus. I’m just so comfortable on this bike.”
Defending world champ Matt Smith made the best two runs on Sunday and finished second with a 6.800 at 201.16, while Krawiec’s 6.826 at 198.79 from earlier in the weekend put him third. Points leader Joey Gladstone qualified seventh.
Eliminations for the prestigious Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals begin at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
FUNNY CAR ALL-STAR SHOOTOUT:
ROUND ONE — John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.931, 327.82 def. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 4.031, 311.49; Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.870, 332.26 def. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 12.865, 60.32; Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 3.864, 333.58 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.920, 329.50; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.895, 334.15 def. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 7.413, 92.95;
SEMIFINALS — Hagan, 4.180, 255.73 def. Hight, 10.119, 82.57; Capps, 3.896, 332.59 def. Force, 5.162, 147.65;
FINAL — Capps, 3.936, 330.47 def. Hagan, 3.900, 328.86.
Monday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, the 16th of 22 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Sunday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.640 seconds, 337.75 mph vs. 16. Dan Mercier, 3.758, 318.99; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.671, 335.32 vs. 15. Shawn Langdon, 3.754, 322.73; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.692, 329.02 vs. 14. Austin Prock, 3.750, 333.58; 4. Mike Salinas, 3.701, 331.36 vs. 13. Tony Schumacher, 3.743, 325.37; 5. Clay Millican, 3.707, 324.98 vs. 12. Doug Kalitta, 3.741, 324.44; 6. Antron Brown, 3.712, 330.55 vs. 11. Tripp Tatum, 3.739, 326.71; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.717, 325.53 vs. 10. Leah Pruett, 3.725, 332.51; 8. Josh Hart, 3.722, 330.15 vs. 9. Doug Foley, 3.722, 326.56.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.795, 327.59; 18. Spencer Massey, 3.798, 323.89; 19. Alex Laughlin, 3.809, 319.14; 20. Will Smith, 3.832, 318.02; 21. Krista Baldwin, 3.866, 305.01; 22. Lex Joon, 3.901, 318.69; 23. Scott Palmer, 3.972, 264.39; 24. Cameron Ferre, 5.864, 116.44; 25. Scott Farley, broke.
Funny Car — 1. Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 3.864, 333.58 vs. 16. Dale Creasy Jr., Dodge Charger, 4.075, 290.51; 2. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.866, 327.27 vs. 15. John Smith, Charger, 4.034, 312.50; 3. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.878, 331.53 vs. 14. Jim Campbell, Charger, 3.961, 319.22; 4. John Force, Camaro, 3.881, 333.25 vs. 13. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.937, 328.78; 5. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.881, 327.19 vs. 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.924, 324.28; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.891, 330.55 vs. 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.908, 318.92; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.892, 333.41 vs. 10. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.907, 329.02; 8. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.894, 329.50 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.906, 324.83.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Justin Schriefer, 4.079, 294.37; 18. Terry Haddock, 4.159, 307.65.
Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.567, 208.10 vs. 16. Fernando Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.661, 206.57; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.578, 207.72 vs. 15. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.644, 208.42; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.582, 208.97 vs. 14. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.640, 207.02; 4. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.584, 208.26 vs. 13. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.634, 208.01; 5. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.592, 208.14 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.629, 207.15; 6. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.594, 207.82 vs. 11. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.617, 207.27; 7. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.596, 208.97 vs.10. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.605, 207.62; 8. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.598, 207.78 vs. 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.604, 209.20.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 206.57; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.714, 205.79.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.796, 199.88 vs. 16. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.945, 192.28; 2. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.800, 201.16 vs. 15. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.937, 195.87; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.826, 198.79 vs. 14. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.924, 195.17; 4. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.828, 200.20 vs. 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.910, 196.02; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.835, 197.57 vs. 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.900, 195.39; 6. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.846, 196.50 vs. 11. Chip Ellis, EBR, 6.899, 194.94; 7. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.873, 197.86 vs. 10. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.898, 195.00; 8. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.873, 195.70 vs. 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.875, 197.05.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Malcolm Phillips Jr., 6.946, 194.41; 18. Chris Bostick, 6.989, 191.38; 19. Gaige Herrera, 7.067, 188.31; 20. Michael Phillips, 14.068, 58.40.
SATURDAY – TORRENCE WINS PEP BOYS NHRA TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT; ASHLEY, HIGHT, ANDERSON & SAMPEY NO. 1 AT U.S. NATIONALS
Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the current No. 1 qualifiers at the 16th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the final event of the regular season.
In the final round of the specialty event with a total purse of $130,000, Torrence, the four-time defending world champion, went 3.692-seconds at 329.02 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Capco Contractors dragster to slip past points leader Brittany Force, who had a run of 3.704 at 330.31. Torrence beat Justin Ashley in the semifinals, while Force advanced to the final with a victory against Mike Salinas. It continues the strong momentum for Torrence, who won in Brainerd and was stellar on the starting line on Saturday to collect the $80,000 prize.
“First, tons of respect for Brittany Force and that team because they’ve been bad to the bone, but them Capco boys have been bad to the bone for five years,” said Torrence, whose run also has him qualified second. “We didn’t forget what we were doing, but you’ve got to persevere and stay with the boys who brought you there. I’ll tell you what, we’re standing proud. We don’t look stupid now because we’re walking away with the cash. I’m only as good as the car that they give me, but when you’re confident in it, you’re confident in yourself.”
“Obviously, we didn’t accomplish what we wanted to and win the shootout, but we really went up there with a plan and we executed on it,” Ashley said. “To go out there tonight and run 335 miles per hour, that’s the type of run where you’re really excited to see the time slip. I mean, 335 miles per hour at Indy, where there’s so much history and strategy, it means so much to us. It’s really an amazing feeling.”
Salinas is currently third with a run of 3.701 at 331.36, while Force’s run in the final puts her fourth.
Hight had the first pick and selected Tasca, who has won three of the past four races. The Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout will take place on Sunday and the rest of the first-round matchups include Ron Capps taking on defending Indy winner Tim Wilkerson, Matt Hagan facing off with Alexis DeJoria and Cruz Pedregon racing John Force.
“We had three runs in a row that this Auto Club Chevy made respectable runs and that’s what you have to do to win races, whether it’s a specialty race or on race day Monday,” Hight said. “As far as our selection, there’s no guarantees after first round you’re going to get lane choice. We thought originally it was going to be hotter, a little bit tougher conditions and that would have played into our hand. When the conditions changed, we didn’t change our minds. Why not get out there and have some fun? That’s what this is all about, creating excitement for the fans so why not have the two best cars in the country running against each other. It’s going to be an exciting day.”
Tasca’s 3.878 at 331.53 from Friday has him second, while Force’s 3.881 at 333.25 held up for the third spot.
“I wasn’t necessarily expecting that, but wishing and hoping we could do it,” Anderson said. “We knew going in that this would be the pole run, without a doubt. It’s not very often you hear a driver say they made a perfect run, but that was pretty close. I hit all the shift points and the car went straight down the lane. We all know I’m trying to get my 100th win and I couldn’t think of a better scenario than to win it here. I love this race more than anything. It’s bigger, better, and it’s so hard to win.”
Anderson’s KB Racing teammate Dallas Glenn is currently second after going 6.578 at 207.72, while points leader Erica Enders got bumped to third with her 6.582 at 208.97.
“Last night, my teammate Eddie was No. 1, and I came out here and took it from him,” Sampey said. “We knew last night there was more left in my bike and there is still more left. I don’t think I did the best job of riding it. This is Indy and I know it’s the biggest race but to be honest, I’m greedy. I want to win them all.”
Matt Smith jumped up to second with a 6.800 at 201.16, while Krawiec’s 6.826 at 198.79 has him third.
Qualifying continues at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday at the prestigious Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout will also take place on Sunday.
TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT:
ROUND ONE — Justin Ashley, 3.722, 330.96 def. Doug Kalitta, Foul – Red Light; Mike Salinas, 3.709, 332.10 def. Shawn Langdon, Broke; Brittany Force, 3.684, 337.75 def. Antron Brown, 5.056, 168.20; Steve Torrence, 3.697, 329.50 def. Leah Pruett, 5.125, 227.34;
SEMIFINAL — S. Torrence, 3.701, 329.10 def. J. Ashley, 3.721, 323.74; B. Force, 4.016, 230.29 def. M. Salinas, 7.929, 84.99;
FINAL — S. Torrence, 3.692, 329.02 def. B. Force, 3.704, 330.31.
Saturday’s results after the first three of five rounds of qualifying for the 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, 16th of 22 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Sunday for Monday’s final eliminations.
Top Fuel — 1. Justin Ashley, 3.671 seconds, 335.32 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.692, 329.02; 3. Mike Salinas, 3.701, 331.36; 4. Brittany Force, 3.704, 330.31; 5. Clay Millican, 3.707, 324.98; 6. Antron Brown, 3.712, 330.55; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.717, 325.53; 8. Josh Hart, 3.722, 330.15; 9. Doug Foley, 3.722, 326.56; 10. Leah Pruett, 3.725, 332.51; 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.749, 320.43; 12. Austin Prock, 3.750, 333.58; 13. Shawn Langdon, 3.754, 322.73; 14. Dan Mercier, 3.758, 318.77; 15. Tripp Tatum, 3.781, 318.54; 16. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.795, 327.59.
Not Qualified: 17. Alex Laughlin, 3.813, 311.99; 18. Will Smith, 3.832, 318.02; 19. Krista Baldwin, 3.866, 305.01; 20. Tony Schumacher, 3.960, 246.21; 21. Scott Palmer, 3.972, 264.39; 22. Spencer Massey, 4.168, 198.52; 23. Cameron Ferre, 5.864, 116.44; 24. Lex Joon, 10.263, 99.83; 25. Scott Farley, broke.
Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.870, 331.94; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.878, 331.53; 3. John Force, Camaro, 3.881, 333.25; 4. Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 3.881, 326.56; 5. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.892, 333.41; 6. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.894, 329.50; 7. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.899, 326.16; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.906, 324.83; 9. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.907, 329.02; 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.924, 304.39; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.937, 320.97; 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.955, 319.98; 13. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.963, 322.73; 14. Jim Campbell, Charger, 3.980, 316.45; 15. John Smith, Charger, 4.034, 312.50; 16. Justin Schriefer, Charger, 4.132, 283.19.
Not Qualified: 17. Dale Creasy Jr., 4.176, 240.12; 18. Terry Haddock, 5.063, 155.85.
Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.567, 208.10; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.578, 207.72; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.582, 208.97; 4. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.593, 207.34; 5. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.596, 208.97; 6. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.599, 208.52; 7. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.600, 207.88; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.601, 208.71; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.604, 209.20; 10. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.605, 207.62; 11. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.629, 207.15; 12. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.633, 207.59; 13. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.634, 208.01; 14. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.640, 207.02; 15. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.644, 208.42; 16. Fernando Cuadra, Mustang, 6.661, 206.57.
Not Qualified: 17. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 205.72; 18. Larry Morgan, 6.714, 205.79.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.796, 199.88; 2. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.800, 201.16; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.826, 198.79; 4. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.828, 200.20; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.835, 197.57; 6. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.846, 196.50; 7. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.873, 195.70; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.875, 197.05; 9. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.884, 198.76; 10. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.898, 195.00; 11. Chip Ellis, EBR, 6.899, 194.94; 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.900, 195.39; 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.910, 196.02; 14. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.937, 192.28; 15. Ron Tornow, Victory, 6.945, 192.28; 16. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.946, 194.41.
Not Qualified: 17. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.958, 196.53; 18. Chris Bostick, 6.989, 191.38; 19. Gaige Herrera, 7.068, 188.31; 20. Michael Phillips, 7.099, 193.05.
FRIDAY RESULTS – ASHLEY, HIGHT, ENDERS AND KRAWIEC PROVISIONAL LEADERS AT DODGE POWER BROKERS NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley delivered a strong performance under the lights at the prestigious 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, racing to the provisional No. 1 position on Friday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Robert Hight (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 16th of 22 races during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the final event of the regular season.
In a preview of his semifinal matchup in the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, Ashley went 3.716-seconds at 330.23 mph in a side-by-side pairing against Steve Torrence, putting him on track to earn his third career No. 1 qualifier in his 11,000-horsepower Phillips Connect dragster. The young standout is also seeking his first victory at the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
“You always want to come out hot and make a good run down the track,” Ashley said. “It’s a special weekend for us and we always want to put on a good show. People are going to go faster than that (this weekend), but this is a really good start for our team. We feel good about how we ran, and we’ll try to put our best foot forward tomorrow. This (callout) is going to be so exciting and we’re ready to go. I didn’t want to think about it too much until after we ran, but we can focus on trying to win it.”
Torrence went 3.725 at 327.51 to sit in the second spot, while Josh Hart is currently third after going 3.726 at 319.37. The semifinal field was also set for the completion of the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which will be completed on Saturday. Brittany Force selected Mike Salinas for her opponent, while the other semifinal will feature Torrence and Ashley, with the final round set to take place at 6:25 p.m. ET.
“This race is like a marathon, and you have to take it in stride and one run at a time,” Hight said. “Give an A-plus to the Auto Club team tonight. They did an awesome job. We’ve got a brand new Camaro body on the car and it went well. The forecast keeps changing and we could see runs like this all weekend long, which is going to make it exciting for the fans and a challenge for us as teams and racers.”
Bob Tasca III, who has won two straight races this season, also made a stellar run, going 3.878 at 331.53 to put him second. John Force’s 3.881 at 333.25 gave him the third spot after the first session
“It’s definitely exciting to come out like that,” Enders said. “We’re coming here with two consecutive victories here at the U.S. Nationals, so we’ve had a lot of success here and I’m definitely looking forward to that trend continuing. Having said that, it’s tough competition out there. We’ve got a new motor in my car, and we saw some promising numbers, so we figured we would run it here. It’s a good start and there’s definitely something left in it, and we’ve got a great race car this weekend.”
Glenn is in the second spot with his quality run, while defending world champ Greg Anderson, who has six Indy wins, is third after going 6.599 at 207.78.
“I just want to win,” Krawiec said. “I’m just going to come out here and stay focused on my program, keep my head looking forward. I feel very confident. I’ve got a good motorcycle and I’m coming into where I need to be at the right time. This is a points-and-a-half and it’s about being really consistent on raceday.”
Angie Smith is currently second after the opening qualifying session with a run of 6.859 at 199.85 and Jerry Savoie is a spot behind after going 6.882 at 192.91.
Qualifying continues at 1:15 p.m. ET on Saturday at the prestigious Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout will also finish on Saturday, with the semifinals taking place at 2:40 p.m.
Friday’s results after the first one of five rounds of qualifying for the 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, 16th of 22 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Monday’s final eliminations.
Top Fuel — 1. Justin Ashley, 3.716 seconds, 330.23 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.725, 327.51; 3. Josh Hart, 3.726, 319.37; 4. Mike Salinas, 3.727, 325.85; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.734, 328.38; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.753, 322.19; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.754, 322.73; 8. Clay Millican, 3.761, 322.96; 9. Antron Brown, 3.764, 325.61; 10. Leah Pruett, 3.765, 325.22; 11. Tripp Tatum, 3.781, 318.54; 12. Doug Foley, 3.792, 317.72; 13. Dan Mercier, 3.793, 312.71; 14. Alex Laughlin, 3.813, 303.16; 15. Will Smith, 3.844, 318.02; 16. Krista Baldwin, 3.866, 305.01. Not Qualified: 17. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.904, 305.77; 18. Scott Palmer, 3.972, 264.39; 19. Brittany Force, 4.739, 152.06; 20. Spencer Massey, 4.809, 144.33; 21. Austin Prock, 5.363, 125.20; 22. Tony Schumacher, 7.117, 84.44; 23. Lex Joon, DQ; 24. Scott Farley, DQ.
Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.870, 331.94; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.878, 331.53; 3. John Force, Camaro, 3.881, 333.25; 4. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.905, 323.19; 5. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.906, 324.83; 6. J.R. Todd, Toyota Supra, 3.927, 331.04; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.935, 321.73; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.938, 309.49; 9. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.953, 296.24; 10. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.963, 322.73; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.974, 279.73; 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.047, 300.06; 13. Justin Schriefer, Charger, 4.132, 283.19; 14. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.375, 208.07; 15. John Smith, Charger, 4.440, 196.73; 16. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 5.063, 155.85.
Not Qualified: 17. Jim Campbell, DQ; 18. Ron Capps, DQ.
Pro Stock — 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.598, 208.49; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.598, 208.01; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.599, 207.78; 4. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.600, 207.88; 5. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.606, 208.10; 6. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.612, 207.75; 7. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.613, 208.46; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.615, 208.33; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.618, 208.52; 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.624, 206.73; 11. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.629, 207.15; 12. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.633, 207.59; 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.640, 207.02; 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.644, 207.43; 15. Fernando Cuadra, Mustang, 6.678, 206.01; 16. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.736, 204.63.
Not Qualified: 17. Kenny Delco, 7.594, 190.27; 18. Alan Prusiensky, 10.307, 88.96.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.826, 198.79; 2. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.859, 199.85; 3. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.882, 192.91; 4. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.884, 198.76; 5. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.886, 197.59; 6. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.890, 196.27; 7. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.898, 195.00; 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.929, 196.10; 9. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.937, 192.28; 10. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.946, 194.41; 11. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.958, 196.53; 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.981, 194.04; 13. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 7.017, 193.49; 14. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.079, 190.00; 15. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 7.079, 168.77; 16. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 7.172, 184.55.
Not Qualified: 17. Ryan Oehler, 7.396, 156.08; 18. Chip Ellis, 7.891, 168.49; 19. Ron Tornow, 10.209, 84.16.
THURSDAY RESULTS – COMELLA, FORBES JOIN LEADERS IN SECOND DAY NHRA U.S. NATIONALS QUALIFYING
Comella surpassed Wednesday’s leader Jim Pancake for the top spot during Thursday’s two qualifying sessions, amping up his performance in consecutive sessions and ending with an 8.421, 158.80 best. Pancake ended the day second quickest with an 8.491, followed by the only other car in the 8.4-second range, James Daniels, with an 8.492.
Competition Eliminator got in two sessions, and by the end of Thursday’s qualifying, the H/Econo Altered ’32 Bantam of Matt Forbes had overtaken Doug Engel’s Dragster atop the largest field (48 entries) assembled at an NHRA Lucas Oil Series event this year.
Forbes heads into the final session with an 8.908, -.652 best, slightly ahead of Engels’ -.638, 7.362 performance. The Factory Stock/Super Modified 2021 Challenger of A.J. Berge is third with a -.626, 7.864,
Ernie Neal remained at the top of the ladder in Super Stock qualifying. Still, he added an extra level of success in winning his 14th career NHRA Class Eliminations crown by driving his Super Stock P/Automatic entry to victory in the final round of the Automatic Transmission Combo bracket by beating the GT/CA entry of Jason DeForrest. When a class has only one entrant, instead of a bye run for a single, these cars are combined for an overall category.
The fast bracket divisions of Top Dragster and Top Sportsman hit the track for the first time.
Thomas Bayer (6.104) set the pace for the dragsters, while Lester Johnson’s ’55 Chevy was tops among the doorslammers with a 6.131.
There are 56 entries remaining in Super Gas after a brutal first round of eliminations that took out several of the usual champions. Brian Shockley’s 9.901 with the best of the first round.
THURSDAY QUALIFYING
DODGE HEMI SHOOTOUT (FINAL)
1 1968 Steve Comella, Webster NY, ’68 Barracuda 8.421 158.80 159.08
2 350 Jim Pancake, Cardington OH, ’68 Dart 8.491 157.89 157.89
3 1058 James Daniels, Bristol PA, ’68 Dart 8.492 157.80 158.06
4 1426 Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill WV, ’68 Barracuda 8.508 156.66 156.66
5 7077 Richard Locker, North Royalton OH, ’68 Barracu 8.545 155.29 155.29
6 1945 Gary Wolkwitz, Whitehouse Station NJ, ’68 Dart 8.550 155.94 155.94
7 2113 Anthony Rhodes, Charleston SC, ’68 Barracuda 8.558 156.12 157.56
8 1979 Eldon Baum Jr., Wellsville PA, ’68 Dart 8.570 156.12 156.12
9 364 Tony DePillo, Dayton OH, ’68 Barracuda 8.651 156.12 156.12
10 4300 Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro AR, ’68 Barracuda 8.675 153.77 154.35
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
COMP ELIMINATOR (Q2 SESSION)
1 3885 H/EA Matt Forbes, Horse Cave KY, ’32 Bantam 8.908 9.56 -0.652
2 5212 D/DA Doug Engels, Watertown SD, Stevens 7.362 8.00 -0.638
3 1014 FS/SM AJ Berge, Bayshore NY, ’21 Challenger 7.864 8.49 -0.626
4 220 B/AA Jeff Taylor, Sellersburg IN, ’08 Cobalt 7.015 7.62 -0.605
5 717 A/SM Mike DePalma, Fort Worth TX, ’08 G5 7.784 8.38 -0.596
6 3864 B/D Scott Chamness, Kankakee IL, Dragster-Che 6.672 7.26 -0.588
7 5929 A/EA Brett Speer, Fort Ripley MN, ’23-T Ford 7.298 7.88 -0.582
8 21 A/AP David Eaton, Merrit Island FL, ’32 Bantam 6.650 7.23 -0.580
9 3 J/AA Frank Aragona, Freehold NJ, ’32 Bantam 7.400 7.98 -0.580
10 3038 I/D Andrew Holt, Columbus OH, Holt-Honda 6.651 7.23 -0.579
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 354E SS/PA Ernie Neal, Columbus IN, ’96 Caprice 10.960 12.65 -1.690
2 3858 GT/K Dan Jacobs, Elizabeth IN, ’03 Cavalier 9.325 10.75 -1.425
3 12 SS/JA Lincoln Morehead, Marlboro NY, ’89 Camaro 9.642 11.00 -1.358
4 2426 GT/IA Johnny Fogle, Norway SC, ’05 Cavalier 9.323 10.65 -1.327
5 5466 GT/EA Robert Cruzen, Cleveland OK, ’06 Cobalt 8.774 10.10 -1.326
6 3269 SS/HA Jeff Dona, Cape Girardeau MO, ’98 Firebird 9.275 10.60 -1.325
7 306 SS/IA David Tincher, Elizabethtown IN, ’91 Corv 9.459 10.70 -1.241
8 33 GT/FA Irvin Johns, Memphis IN, ’08 Cobalt 9.039 10.25 -1.211
9 2 SS/IA Ricky Decker, Charlestown IN, ’94 Camaro 9.500 10.70 -1.200
10 4026 FSS/D Mike Bryant, New Orleans LA, ’15 Camaro 8.710 9.90 -1.190
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP DRAGSTER (Q2)
1 7942 Thomas Bayer, Cherry Valley CA, Miller-Chevy 6.104 232.19 232.19
2 317 Ed Dudley, Plainfield IN, Spitzer-Chevy 6.109 229.47 229.47
3 52 Afton Swanson, Denver IA, Spitzer-Chevy 6.114 229.12 229.12
4 8 Holden Laris, Raceland LA, Racecraft-Chevy 6.114 227.27 227.27
5 2 Danny Nelson, Batesville AR, Racecraft-BROD 6.118 222.88 228.77
6 1 Blake Peavler, Olney IL, American-Chevy 6.122 229.35 229.35
7 9 Darian Boesch, Kenner LA, Racecraft-Chevy 6.124 230.06 230.06
8 71 Jeff Connelly, Mesa AZ, Splitzer-Chevy 6.125 192.52 192.52
9 122 Michael Kalin, Niagara Falls NY, Mullis-Chevy 6.128 228.19 228.54
10 14 Freddy Perkins, Plainville CT, Dragster-Chevy 6.128 217.39 217.39
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP DRAGSTER (Q2)
1 7942 Thomas Bayer, Cherry Valley CA, Miller-Chevy 6.104 232.19 232.19
2 317 Ed Dudley, Plainfield IN, Spitzer-Chevy 6.109 229.47 229.47
3 52 Afton Swanson, Denver IA, Spitzer-Chevy 6.114 229.12 229.12
4 8 Holden Laris, Raceland LA, Racecraft-Chevy 6.114 227.27 227.27
5 2 Danny Nelson, Batesville AR, Racecraft-BROD 6.118 222.88 228.77
6 1 Blake Peavler, Olney IL, American-Chevy 6.122 229.35 229.35
7 9 Darian Boesch, Kenner LA, Racecraft-Chevy 6.124 230.06 230.06
8 71 Jeff Connelly, Mesa AZ, Splitzer-Chevy 6.125 192.52 192.52
9 122 Michael Kalin, Niagara Falls NY, Mullis-Chevy 6.128 228.19 228.54
10 14 Freddy Perkins, Plainville CT, Dragster-Chevy 6.128 217.39 217.39
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN (Q2)
1 3556 Lester Johnson, Cynthiana KY, ’58 Corvette 6.131 238.22 238.22
2 3190 Glenn Butcher, Doylestown OH, ’69 Camaro 6.189 228.34 228.34
3 3 Darian Boesch, Kenner LA, ’18 Camaro 6.271 229.24 229.24
4 3685 Eric Burnett, Charlestown IN, ’17 Corvette 6.283 233.12 233.12
5 1 Jimmy Lewis, Forney TX, ’08 GXP 6.289 224.14 224.32
6 41 Vince Hoda, D’Iberville MS, ’68 Camaro 6.330 222.22 222.22
7 4697 Anthony Manzella, Robert LA, ’68 Camaro 6.388 199.35 199.35
8 406 Glenn Wright, Odessa TX, ’21 Camaro 6.396 224.96 224.96
9 9 Allen Firestone, Velma OK, ’16 Camaro 6.409 214.08 214.38
10 4059 Jim Thorp, Mertzon TX, ’19 Camaro 6.425 223.58 223.58
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER GAS (After E1)
1 3647 S/G Brian Shockley, Spring Hill TN, ’66 Nova 9.901 9.90 0.001
2 3205 S/G Scott Tuttle, Franklin IN, ’33 Ford 9.902 9.90 0.002
3 A320 S/G Tim Lynch, Dalton City IL, ’00 Corvette 9.904 9.90 0.004
4 2 S/G Austin Williams, Waxachie TX, ’68 Camaro 9.904 9.90 0.004
5 3988 S/G Ashley Cole, Avon IN, ’63 Corvette 9.904 9.90 0.004
6 2920 S/G Edmond Richardson, Greenbrier TN, ’68 Cam 9.908 9.90 0.008
7 6997 S/G Michael Dalrymple, Sunnyside WA, ’68 Cama 9.908 9.90 0.008
8 3391 S/G Randy Shipp, Whiteland IN, ’58 Corvette 9.910 9.90 0.010
9 3050 S/G John Sikish, Belmont OH, ’63 Corvette 9.910 9.90 0.010
10 3604 S/G Rusty Cook, Cynthiana KY, ’99 Corvette 9.911 9.90 0.011
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
WEDNESDAY RESULTS – NEAL, SEABURG SET WEDNESDAY PACE AMONGST THE SS, STK QUALIFIERS
Ernie Neal jumped out to an early lead in Super Stock and maintained the top spot throughout three sessions by running a 10.967 elapsed time, which is 1.1690 seconds under the Super Stock/P Automatic index.
Dan Jacobs is second with a 9.331, -1.419 against the GT/K index, while Lincoln Morehead is third with a 9.642, -1.358. There are 141 entries in competition this weekend.
Brian Seaburg set the pace for the Stockers with his 302-inch Ford-powered Mercury Comet by running a 13.332-second elapsed time to run -1.518 under the 14.85 index.
Slipping into second was Jim Marshall, whose K/Stock Automatic ’78 Camaro was -1.454 under the index. Glenn Briglio was third with a 10.999, -1/301 under the I/Stock Automatic standard. A total of 58 out of 158 entries were a second under their index. Reigning Stock world champion Jerry Emmons was 23rd with one session to go.
Super Stock and Stock will begin class eliminations at 8 a.m. Thursday.
Super Comp (144 entries) and Super Gas (112 entries) racers made time-trial runs.
WEDNESDAY SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING
SUPER STOCK (Q2)
1 354E SS/PA Ernie Neal, Columbus IN, ’96 Caprice 10.960 12.65 -1.690
2 3858 GT/K Dan Jacobs, Elizabeth IN, ’03 Cavalier 9.331 10.75 -1.419
3 12 SS/JA Lincoln Morehead, Marlboro NY, ’89 Camaro 9.642 11.00 -1.358
4 3215 GT/LA Ron Terrell, Hebron KY, ’87 Camaro 9.811 11.05 -1.239
5 306 SS/IA David Tincher, Elizabethtown IN, ’91 Corv 9.484 10.70 -1.216
6 33 GT/FA Irvin Johns, Memphis IN, ’08 Cobalt 9.039 10.25 -1.211
7 2426 GT/IA Johnny Fogle, Norway SC, ’05 Cavalier 9.446 10.65 -1.204
8 4312 FGT/B PB Candies, Des Allemands LA, ’10 Mustang 8.011 9.20 -1.189
9 3254 FSS/E Jeff Myers, Decatur IN, ’15 Camaro 8.883 10.05 -1.167
10 4208 FGT/J James Caro, Houma LA, ’10 Challenger 9.436 10.60 -1.164
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK (Q-1)
1 627 U/SA Brian Seaburg, Belfair WA, ’72 Comet 13.332 14.85 -1.518
2 29 K/SA Jim Marshall, Indian Island SC, ’78 Camaro11.196 12.65 -1.454
3 1762 I/SA Glenn Briglio, Massapequa Park NY, ’89 Ca 10.999 12.30 -1.301
4 4312 FS/D PB Candies, Des Allemands LA, ’15 Challen 9.305 10.60 -1.295
5 3139 EF/S Ron Seibenick, Perry OH, ’86 Tempo 16.178 17.45 -1.272
6 1499 B/SA Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury MA, ’69 Camaro 9.990 11.25 -1.260
7 2800 J/SA John Fisher, Wake Forrest NC, ’80 Cordoba 11.214 12.45 -1.236
8 152 H/SA Chris Butcher, Merrimack NH, ’83 Camaro 10.914 12.15 -1.236
9 9 FS/D Justin Lamb, Henderson NV, ’22 Camaro 9.372 10.60 -1.228
10 1614 B/SA Barry Parker, Southampton MA, ’70 Camaro 10.025 11.25 -1.225
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE –
Wednesday run schedule for the 68th annual Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park:
Today’s activities feature the initial rounds of qualifying and time trials for four of the Sportsman classes.
Weather prediction for Wednesday:
Sunny. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday’s Planned Run Schedule
Stock Q1 – COMPLETED
Super Comp T1 – COMPLETED
Super Stock Q1 – COMPLETE
Super Gas T1 – COMPLETE
Stock Q2 – COMPLETE
Super Comp T2 – IN PROGRESS
Super Stock Q2
Hemi Challenge Q1
Super Gas T2
Super Stock Q3
Super Gas T3