SUNDAY FINAL – PROCK, HIGHT, KRAMER AND HERRERA PICK UP WINS AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

 

John Force Racing swept the nitro classes on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, as Austin Prock and Robert Hight rolled to wins in Top Fuel and Funny Car, respectively, at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
 
Deric Kramer (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
 
In the Top Fuel final quad, Prock went 3.684-seconds at 330.88 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, beating a group that also included points leader Steve Torrence, Josh Hart and Leah Pruett. It gives Prock his first win this season and fourth in his career, along with his first-early season victory, which could bode well for season-long momentum.
 
He finished first in all three quads, posting a 3.686 in the opening quad and then making the quickest run of eliminations in the final round. After struggling at the four-wide race in Las Vegas, Prock enjoyed a strong bounce back weekend in Charlotte, moving to fourth in points.
 
“It was a great weekend overall, Prock said. “To rebound like we did after an awful weekend in Vegas shows how strong this team is. I’ve never had any success in Charlotte, so I’m super proud of my team. This category is just booming right now, so this is extra special.
   
“All my wins have come pretty late in the season, so it feels really good to get a win early like this. It sets us up to do our part at JFR and give ourselves a chance at the championship. This is just the start.”
 
Pruett finished as the runner-up with her run of 3.708 at 329.99, with Hart taking third. Torrence maintains his points lead in the class.
 
In Funny Car, Hight powered to a 3.888 at 328.30 in his 11,000-horsepower Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS to beat John Force, defending world champ Ron Capps and Alexis DeJoria. It’s the second win this season for Hight and helped give John Force Racing its 13th overall win in Charlotte. Before this weekend, Hight had endured a rare slump, suffering back-to-back first-round losses.
 
But the multi-time champ and his team didn’t disappoint in Charlotte, rolling to the win in every quad as he collected his 63rd career Wally. It’s also his seventh career win at zMAX Dragway, which is the most for anyone in Funny Car.
 
“I love this place. Everybody always asks me my favorite racetrack, and without a doubt, it’s this place. This facility is like none other; it’s amazing, the fans are great, and luckily, we get to come here twice a year,” Hight said.
 
“We did change our car around, we stayed and tested Monday after Vegas. We had some ignition problems and I was thinking, ‘Oh man, we’re not going to get the data we need.’ But Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) said, ‘Nope, we’re going to be fine.’ To come here and make seven respectable runs, you can see it in his eyes; he’s excited. I’m proud of him for not overdoing it and giving me a chance to win. That was a big, big deal.” 
 
DeJoria finished as the runner-up as she continued her solid season, while Capps was third. Despite a first-round exit, Hagan maintained the points lead in Funny Car over DeJoria.
 
Kramer enjoyed a huge turnaround in Charlotte, driving to his first win in nearly four years by going 6.555 at 208.88 in his Get BioFuel Chevrolet Camaro in the championship round. Kramer ousted the likes of points leader Dallas Glenn, who was after his third straight win, No. 1 qualifier Matt Hartford and Fernando Cuadra Jr. to earn his fifth career victory. But it was also Kramer’s first win since earning the Wally at the fall race in Charlotte in 2019, which left the veteran plenty excited on Sunday.
 
“The Get BioFuel Chevy Camaro is a fun car to drive, first and foremost, and that right there is enough to keep someone wanting to be out here. Once you hoist that Wally, you want to win another. The drought is so long, and when it finally happens again, the euphoria just washes over you,” Kramer said.
 
“I think we’ve been, as a team, struggling with the car the last few years. It was a lot of small stuff. But we got to the finals [in Vegas], stayed and tested the day after, and it’s just been getting more and more laps, getting more comfortable, getting more data, and compiling it all to get a victory.”
 
Kramer finished second to Hartford in the opening-round quad and then won a round later, finishing his day with back-to-back 6.55 runs. After making it to the final quad in Las Vegas, Kramer took an impressive next step in Charlotte, as Glenn finished second with his 6.581 at 208.81 and extended his points lead over Hartford in the process.
 
Herrera continued to be incredible to open the 2023 season in Pro Stock Motorcycle, staying perfect with another dominant performance, breaking the track E.T. record with a stellar run of 6.710 at 202.00 in the final round on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki. After qualifying No. 1 for the second straight race, Herrera made the quickest run in two of the three rounds on Sunday, delivering an epic performance in the final quad against teammate Eddie Krawiec, defending world champ Matt Smith and defending event winner Steve Johnson.
 
Herrera finished first in both quads heading into the final and then ran away from his competition in the final round, posting a .013 reaction time and making the quickest PSM run at zMAX Dragway.
 
“I’m on cloud nine. To be out here and go No. 1 back-to-back, win the race back-to-back, it’s a lot to take in. I’m enjoying the ride,” Herrera said. “There are plenty of good riders out there, so to be able to be in the final with those three and come out on top, that’s awesome. It’s going to be a tough season. We’re out here basically dominating, but it’s the beginning of the season, and it’s going to be a long ride. (Four-wide) is a different kind of pressure. To be up there with three other rides, you have to focus. I didn’t want to wait or get timed out, so pretty much every round I put it on the 2-step and made sure I was ready for anything that happened.” 
 
Smith finished as the runner-up, going 6.780 at 199.61, with Krawiec, who was seeking his 50th career win, taking third and Johnson following in fourth.
 
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 19-21 with the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.

 

 

 

SATURDAY QUALIFYING – B. FORCE, TASCA, HARTFORD AND HERRERA ALL QUALIFY NO. 1 AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS
 
Brittany Force made the quickest run in zMAX Dragway history on Saturday, as the defending Top Fuel world champion rocketed to the No. 1 spot at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
 
Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
 
Force went 3.651-seconds at 336.32 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Flav-R-Pac dragster, breaking her own track record at Charlotte in the process. It gives the reigning champ her third No. 1 spot this year and the 45th in her career as she looks to pick up her first victory of the 2023 season. After struggling in the opening qualifying session, Force and her team responded with three strong runs, giving her plenty of momentum going into Sunday, where she’ll opening eliminations in a quad also featuring Doug Foley, Las Vegas four-wide winner Antron Brown and Clay Millican.
 
“That was an incredible run, it was more than our team expected,” Force said. “Three of the four runs were solid, and hopefully, that will carry over and we’ll go some rounds tomorrow. We’ve had success here in the past, and I’ve always loved this track – but four-wide is tricky. That’s what makes it rewarding.
 
“We were doing some testing and finished that up yesterday, and that was part of our game plan coming in. We kind of expected that it might not go down there that first run, but it got down there on the second run and today was a whole new set-up. Like Grubnic said, it flew. (Crew chief) David Grubnic always wants more. He expects the best and he pushes hard, and he wants to win them all. I think that motivates all of us, and we all want to win together.” 
 
Justin Ashley qualified second with a 3.662 at 332.84 and Leah Pruett jumped to third with a 3.678 at 334.65 during the final qualifying session. In all, six drivers dipped into the 3.60s during qualifying.
 
In Funny Car, Tasca showcased a strong performance on Saturday, vaulting to No. 1 in his 11,000-horsepower BG Products Ford Mustang with a run of 3.852 at 324.59. It’s the second No. 1 spot for Tasca already this season and the 11th in his career. After a tough loss in the opening quad in Las Vegas, Tasca is looking for redemption and his first victory of the 2023 campaign. His car has performed at a high level for most of the season, as Tasca also just missed out on a career-best pass and the track E.T. record. Still, he feels confident about his chances on Sunday, which starts with a quad that includes Dave Richards, Tim Wilkerson and defending world champ Ron Capps.
 
“I said leaving Gainesville, the first five races of the season (will be) really critical to show performance,” Tasca said. “We’ve had two No. 1 qualifiers in the first five races, and we haven’t won a race yet, but we’ve been working on getting this car to run really hard and compete. Come championship time, if you’re not running mid- to low-3.80s, you’re not running for a championship. That’s just the hard reality out here. 
 
“That was the run we’ve been looking for since we put this together. We’re five races in with a completely new team and complete new package, and we’re racing against guys with thousands of runs and a plethora of data. We don’t have that yet as a team, and yet we’ve still competed at a very high level. That gives a lot of confidence. To have this under our belt, I’m way ahead of where I was the last three years. I’m very pleased at this point, but I really want to get a win. My goal was to get a win in the first five races.”
 
Cruz Pedregon jumped to No. 2 in the final session by going 3.859 at 330.23, just missing out on his third straight No. 1 qualifier, and Robert Hight is third with a 3.865 at 330.23.
   
After car struggles before the second session on Friday, Hartford made a big move on Saturday, driving to the top spot in his Total Seal/CIP1/GETTRX Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 6.538 at 208.52. Not only was it a huge jump for Hartford, it also gave the veteran his second straight No. 1 qualifier and another huge opportunity to grab his first victory of the season. His opening round quad will feature David Cuadra, who is making his first Pro Stock start, Deric Kramer and Troy Coughlin Jr., with Hartford sweeping the No. 1 spot at both four-wide races this season.
 
“Let me tell you, getting out of here late last night – none of us were in a good mood,” Hartford said. “We went to bed really disappointed, knowing that we had a car that could go to the pole. But luck was on our side last night, because if we had that failure past the finish-line we wouldn’t be here for this. 
 
“But we regrouped. Coming out here, we were the first car out, which means we had to pull back some, but we made a good run. We came in this morning with the idea that we could go into the top five, and that if we made the right run, we could go No. 1. That’s what we did. It’s a rocket ship right now. This is the best car and the best team I’ve ever had, and we just have to capitalize on it.”
 
Points leader Dallas Glenn, who has back-to-back wins this season, qualified second with a 6.553 at 209.07 and Kyle Koretsky is third with a 6.557 at 208.52.
 
Herrera’s dominant start to the 2023 season in Pro Stock Motorcycle took yet another impressive step, making two more great runs on Saturday, including a 6.735 at 201.52 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki to secure his second straight No. 1 qualifier to open the year. His opening round quad includes Marcus Hylton, Ryan Oehler and Kelly Clontz, as Herrera looks to make it two straight wins to start 2023. The young standout has praised the performance of his team and a bike that has delivered incredible results thus far this season.
 
“Just being part of this, I can’t ask for anything better,” Herrera said. “You’re always trying to improve, always trying to out-do yourself each round, and for us to make that big improvement – Andrew (Hines), our crew chief, has both bikes on rails, and it’s showing. It makes me feel good, but it puts more pressure on my shoulders. It’s exciting to know I have a top tier bike, and it’s a lot of pressure on me. There is more pressure on me than there is on the bike. The whole team, they have a lot of confidence in their machine. At the end of the day, it’s all on me.”
 
Herrera’s Vance & Hines teammate, Eddie Krawiec, qualified second with a 6.765 at 197.77 and Steve Johnson, who has won the Charlotte four-wide race in back-to-back years, is third with his 6.804 at 196.27.

Eliminations for the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at zMAX Dragway.


First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 13th annual Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, the fifth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
 
Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.651 seconds, 336.32 mph vs. 16. Doug Foley, 3.803, 323.89 vs. 8. Antron Brown, 3.711, 330.47 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.712, 331.69; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.662, 332.84 vs. 15. Jacob McNeal, 3.793, 320.81 vs. 7. Austin Prock, 3.701, 332.34 vs. 10. Mike Salinas, 3.717, 333.74; 3. Leah Pruett, 3.678, 334.65 vs. 14. Pat Dakin, 3.791, 323.66 vs. 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.699, 331.69 vs. 11. Shawn Langdon, 3.727, 332.18; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.679, 335.32 vs. 13. Dan Mercier, 3.752, 318.09 vs. 5. Josh Hart, 3.689, 329.75 vs. 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.741, 326.79. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Lex Joon, 3.918, 265.12; 18. Keith Murt, 4.057, 309.84. 
 
Funny Car — 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.852, 324.59 vs. 16. Dave Richards, Mustang, 7.537, 87.71 vs. 8. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.899, 330.55 vs. 9. Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 3.899, 330.07; 2. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.859, 330.23 vs. 15. John Smith, Charger, 6.695, 104.71 vs. 7. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.898, 772.00 vs. 10. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.914, 324.05; 3. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.865, 330.31 vs. 14. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 4.143, 290.19 vs. 6. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.888, 334.40 vs. 11. Mike McIntire, Toyota Camry, 3.981, 318.54; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.866, 328.46 vs. 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.113, 290.88 vs. 5. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.876, 334.65 vs. 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.011, 313.95. 

Pro Stock — 1. Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.538, 209.49 vs. 16. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.596, 208.10 vs. 8. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.566, 209.95 vs. 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.571, 209.72; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.553, 209.20 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.592, 208.94 vs. 7. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.561, 209.79 vs. 10. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.574, 209.04; 3. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.557, 208.52 vs. 14. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.589, 208.97 vs. 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.560, 208.91 vs. 11. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.576, 209.14; 4. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.558, 209.72 vs. 13. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.584, 209.01 vs. 5. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.559, 209.23 vs. 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.582, 209.62. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Shane Tucker, 6.598, 208.68; 18. Fernando Cuadra, 6.611, 207.50; 19. Larry Morgan, 6.624, 207.53; 20. Val Smeland, 6.628, 207.21; 21. Kenny Delco, 6.646, 208.01; 22. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 206.10; 23. Brandon Miller, 6.721, 205.88. 
 
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.735, 201.52 vs. 16. Marcus Hylton, 7.109, 187.63 vs. 8. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.858, 197.05 vs. 9. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.870, 195.68; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.765, 200.77 vs. 15. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.026, 191.13 vs. 7. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.825, 200.80 vs. 10. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.874, 198.00; 3. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.804, 196.27 vs. 14. John Hall, Buell, 6.949, 195.22 vs. 6. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.821, 197.94 vs. 11. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.877, 196.79; 4. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.806, 199.26 vs. 13. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.923, 191.38 vs. 5. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.806, 199.29 vs. 12. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.901, 195.03. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Chris Bostick, 7.458, 180.77. 

 

 

FRIDAY QUALIFYING – HART, DEJORIA, C. CUADRA AND HERRERA RACE TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

Josh Hart put himself in position for his first career No. 1 qualifier, powering to the provisional top spot in Top Fuel on Friday at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car), Cristian Cuadra (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

 Hart delivered a run of 3.689-seconds at 328.38 mph in his 11,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, putting together two strong runs as he aims for the first No. 1 in his career and making the only run in the 3.60s on Friday. His second career win in Top Fuel also came at the Charlotte fall race during his rookie season in 2021, and Hart has done well in the four-wide setting, advancing to the final quad the last two years in Charlotte.

 “The team deserves it. (Crew chief) Ron Douglas and the crew always give me a great car,” Hart said. “We’ve been learning a lot about each other and gelling properly, and it’s nice to hit that milestone and show what we’re capable of.

 It was never a car problem, it was a driver problem, I’ll openly admit that. I can make a bunch of excuses, but I just didn’t get the job done. I learned a lot the last race in Vegas. Overall, you watch these guys busting their butts every single weekend and you just have to focus and do your job. Every day is a new start, but we’ve got a great car and a great team. A lot of good morale over there, and it’s just about surrounding yourself with good people.”
 
Austin Prock’s 3.707 at 328.70 during the second session gave him the second spot, while points leader Steve Torrence had two strong runs, including a 3.708 at 330.55 that puts him in the third spot.


DeJoria’s stellar start to the 2023 season in Funny Car continued, as she raced to the No. 1 spot to close out qualifying, going 3.876 at 333.08 in her 11,000-horsepower Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra. If it holds, it would give DeJoria her first No. 1 qualifier this season and seventh in her career. She’s qualified second the past three races, putting together a series of consistent results that currently has the standout third in points. The only thing missing thus far is her first victory of the season, something DeJoria looks to change this weekend.
 
“I have yet to win a four-wide so it’s exciting to be number one right now,” DeJoria said. “Hopefully it stays. God willing we’ll stay No. 1 and make it to the winner’s circle on Sunday, but you can’t think that far ahead.
 
“We’ve been working towards this, our current success, so we’re really excited about how we’re running. This is the best start to our season; it’s been so consistent, and it’s about getting down the track and quickly when a lot of cars haven’t. Having a good consistent racecar is a huge confidence builder for the entire team. It does a lot for us, and I can tell.
 
“I want to win this race. It’s time. It’s past time. We need to win this race.”
 
Cruz Pedregon, who has qualified No. 1 the past two races, is currently second with a 3.879 at 327.11 and Robert Hight’s 3.894 at 330.23 has him third.
 
Cuadra jumped to the top during the final session in Pro Stock, looking to grab his second career No. 1 qualifier thanks to his run of 6.558 at 208.91 in his Corral Boots Chevrolet Camaro. Cuadra earned his first career No. 1 qualifier earlier this season in Phoenix and made a big jump in the second session on Friday in Charlotte. He’s also one of four members of the Cuadra family racing this season, as his brothers, Fernando Jr. and David, are competing, with his father, Fernando Sr., also racing. David Cuadra is making his first Pro Stock start this season, but everyone is chasing Cristian at the moment.
 
“I’m really happy about that run,” Cuadra said. “After the (first) run I was nervous; I was first pair out and nervous to shake (the tires), but the guys from Elite, they gave me a really good engine. I put it all together, and I’m number one for the moment. I’m happy. The four wide puts a little bit more pressure on the driver, but I love it. Sometimes it gets confusing for us, but if you’re able to focus on your lane, you can do really, really good.”
 
Deric Kramer’s 6.566 at 208.46 puts him third, while points leader Dallas Glenn, who has won back-to-back races, is right behind in third after going 6.575 at 209.20.
 
It’s been nearly two months since Pro Stock Motorcycle opened its season in Gainesville, but Herrera kept rolling with a run of 6.758 at 201.10 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki. Herrera qualified No. 1 and won in Gainesville to open the year, earning his first career victory in the category, and continued to impress on Friday in Charlotte. It has the young phenom on track for his second straight No. 1 qualifier as Herrera made a huge run under the lights at zMAX Dragway.
 
“This feels good. We had a little problem in Q1, but sometimes you’ll have that. I have all the confidence in the world in my Vance & Hines/Mission Foods team,” Herrera said. “We’ve got two more rounds tomorrow and anything can happen, but we’ll see if we can keep It going.”
 
“There is a lot more to pay attention to (in four-wide racing). I just wanted to make sure I didn’t get timed out, which seems like the biggest thing. I went up and watched Pro Mod before we ran to see how it all went so hopefully, I got a little rhythm going.”
 

His teammate, Eddie Krawiec, is currently second after going 6.765 at 197.77 and Hector Arana Jr. is third with a 6.825 at 200.80.
 
Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 13th annual Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, fifth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Josh Hart, 3.689 seconds, 329.50 mph; 2. Austin Prock, 3.707, 328.70; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.708, 332.92; 4. Clay Millican, 3.725, 330.63; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.727, 332.18; 6. Mike Salinas, 3.728, 327.74; 7. Brittany Force, 3.730, 328.70; 8. Justin Ashley, 3.733, 331.28; 9. Tony Schumacher, 3.741, 326.79; 10. Dan Mercier, 3.752, 315.34; 11. Leah Pruett, 3.770, 323.19; 12. Doug Kalitta, 3.770, 320.97; 13. Pat Dakin, 3.791, 323.66; 14. Jacob McNeal, 3.801, 319.60; 15. Doug Foley, 3.832, 310.98; 16. Antron Brown, 3.897, 313.73. Not Qualified: 17. Keith Murt, 4.088, 309.84. 

Funny Car — 1. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Supra, 3.876, 333.08; 2. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.879, 327.11; 3. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.894, 330.31; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.912, 325.53; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.941, 326.71; 6. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.971, 327.66; 7. Mike McIntire, Toyota Camry, 4.134, 295.01; 8. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.460, 213.47; 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.660, 173.78; 10. John Force, Camaro, 4.966, 772.00; 11. Ron Capps, Supra, 5.355, 139.07; 12. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 5.594, 127.52; 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 5.749, 122.44; 14. John Smith, Charger, 6.695, 104.71; 15. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 7.369, 96.99. 

Pro Stock — 1. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.558, 208.91; 2. Deric Kramer, Chevy Camaro, 6.566, 208.46; 3. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.575, 209.20; 4. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.576, 207.85; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.578, 207.98; 6. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.581, 209.79; 7. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.581, 208.36; 8. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.584, 209.01; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.589, 209.10; 10. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.589, 207.72; 11. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.591, 207.98; 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.596, 208.23; 13. David Cuadra, Mustang, 6.596, 208.10; 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.598, 209.62; 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.609, 208.62; 16. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.622, 208.91. Not Qualified: 17. Fernando Cuadra, 6.633, 207.02; 18. Kenny Delco, 6.661, 208.01; 19. Val Smeland, 6.674, 207.21; 20. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 204.54; 21. Shane Tucker, 6.684, 207.88; 22. Larry Morgan, 8.764, 106.90; 23. Brandon Miller, 31.702, 25.73. 

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.758, 201.10; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.765, 197.77; 3. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.825, 200.80; 4. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.836, 199.29; 5. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.854, 197.94; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.860, 195.08; 7. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.900, 195.59; 8. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.901, 191.35; 9. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.902, 193.85; 10. John Hall, Buell, 6.951, 194.41; 11. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.961, 190.11; 12. Marcus Hylton, 7.109, 187.63; 13. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.314, 180.55; 14. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.458, 179.04; 15. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 8.685, 104.01; 16. Angie Smith, EBR, 13.025, 63.27. 

 

 

FRIDAY SPORTSMAN – 

SUPER STOCK (Q1)

1 2113  SS/AH Anthony Rhodes, Charleston SC, ’68 Barrac  8.444  9.45  -1.006
  2 1969  SS/CA Brian Oakes, Taylorsville NC, ’69 Camaro   9.056 10.05  -0.994
  3 2426  GT/HA Johnny Fogle, Norway SC, ’05 Cavalier      9.569 10.50  -0.931
  4 1968  SS/AH Steve Comella, Webster NY, ’68 Dart        8.569  9.45  -0.881
  5 2910  FGT/H Edward Longhany, Wade NC, ’99 Mopar        9.494 10.35  -0.856
  6 4192  FSS/G Brett Candies, Thibodaux LA, ’10 Mustang   9.417 10.25  -0.833
  7   27  GT/GA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, ’06 C  9.570 10.40  -0.830
  8 2701  GT/JA Kenneth Horne, Fayetteville NC, ’97 Achie  9.989 10.80  -0.811
  9  159  FSS/F Victor Cagnazzi, Mooresville NC, ’22 Cama  9.399 10.20  -0.801
 10 1990  FSS/C David Barton, Sinking Spring PA, ’14 Must  8.850  9.65  -0.800

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
 

STOCK (Q1)

 1 C166   FS/C Clifton Hynson, Fredericksburg VA, ’19 Ca  9.418 10.30  -0.882
  2 L177   FS/B Lenny Lottig, Meyersdale PA, ’19 Camaro    9.125 10.00  -0.875
  3 505B   D/SA Michael Brand II, Alpharetta GA, ’73 Fire 10.700 11.55  -0.850
  4  259   G/SA Morgan Taylor, Simpsonville SC, ’69 Nova  11.162 12.00  -0.838
  5 2106   H/SA Roy Caraway, Ravenel SC, ’77 Nova         11.315 12.15  -0.835
  6 2964   G/SA Gene Britt, Pembroke NC, ’70 Nova         11.166 12.00  -0.834
  7  224   D/SA Brad Plourd, Holly Pond AL, ’70 Nova      10.735 11.55  -0.815
  8 2461   G/SA Kenny Anderson, Lake Worth FL, ’69 Nova   11.208 12.00  -0.792
  9 1151   F/SA Ronald Urquhart, Chesterfield VA, ’68 Cam 11.060 11.85  -0.790
 10 2700   L/SA Joseph Strickland, Rowland NC, ’92 Camaro 11.912 12.70  -0.788

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS

 

SCHEDULE

11:00 am Stock                   Q1
         Super Comp              TT1
         Super Stock             Q1
         Super Gas               TT1
         Top Dragster            Q1
         Competition Eliminator  Q1
         Top Sportsman           Q1
         Stock                   Q2
         Super Comp              TT2
         Super Stock             Q2
         Super Gas               TT2
         Top Alcohol Funny Car   Q1
         Top Alcohol Dragster    Q1
         Factory Stock Showdown  Q1
         Pro Mod                 Q1
4:00 pm  Pro Stock Motorcycle    Q1
         Pro Stock               Q1 
4:45 pm  Funny Car               Q1
         Top Fuel                Q1
         Top Dragster            Q2
         Top Alcohol Funny Car   Q2
         Top Alcohol Dragster    Q2
         Factory Stock Showdown  Q2
         Pro Mod                 Q2
7:00 pm  Pro Stock Motorcycle    Q2
         Pro Stock               Q2
7:45 pm  Funny Car               Q2
         Top Fuel                Q2

 
 

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2023 NHRA CIRCLE K FOUR – WIDE NATIONALS – EVENT RESULTS

 



 

 SUNDAY FINAL – PROCK, HIGHT, KRAMER AND HERRERA PICK UP WINS AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

 

John Force Racing swept the nitro classes on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, as Austin Prock and Robert Hight rolled to wins in Top Fuel and Funny Car, respectively, at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
 
Deric Kramer (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
 
In the Top Fuel final quad, Prock went 3.684-seconds at 330.88 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, beating a group that also included points leader Steve Torrence, Josh Hart and Leah Pruett. It gives Prock his first win this season and fourth in his career, along with his first-early season victory, which could bode well for season-long momentum.
 
He finished first in all three quads, posting a 3.686 in the opening quad and then making the quickest run of eliminations in the final round. After struggling at the four-wide race in Las Vegas, Prock enjoyed a strong bounce back weekend in Charlotte, moving to fourth in points.
 
“It was a great weekend overall, Prock said. “To rebound like we did after an awful weekend in Vegas shows how strong this team is. I’ve never had any success in Charlotte, so I’m super proud of my team. This category is just booming right now, so this is extra special.
   
“All my wins have come pretty late in the season, so it feels really good to get a win early like this. It sets us up to do our part at JFR and give ourselves a chance at the championship. This is just the start.”
 
Pruett finished as the runner-up with her run of 3.708 at 329.99, with Hart taking third. Torrence maintains his points lead in the class.
 
In Funny Car, Hight powered to a 3.888 at 328.30 in his 11,000-horsepower Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS to beat John Force, defending world champ Ron Capps and Alexis DeJoria. It’s the second win this season for Hight and helped give John Force Racing its 13th overall win in Charlotte. Before this weekend, Hight had endured a rare slump, suffering back-to-back first-round losses.
 
But the multi-time champ and his team didn’t disappoint in Charlotte, rolling to the win in every quad as he collected his 63rd career Wally. It’s also his seventh career win at zMAX Dragway, which is the most for anyone in Funny Car.
 
“I love this place. Everybody always asks me my favorite racetrack, and without a doubt, it’s this place. This facility is like none other; it’s amazing, the fans are great, and luckily, we get to come here twice a year,” Hight said.
 
“We did change our car around, we stayed and tested Monday after Vegas. We had some ignition problems and I was thinking, ‘Oh man, we’re not going to get the data we need.’ But Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) said, ‘Nope, we’re going to be fine.’ To come here and make seven respectable runs, you can see it in his eyes; he’s excited. I’m proud of him for not overdoing it and giving me a chance to win. That was a big, big deal.” 
 
DeJoria finished as the runner-up as she continued her solid season, while Capps was third. Despite a first-round exit, Hagan maintained the points lead in Funny Car over DeJoria.
 
Kramer enjoyed a huge turnaround in Charlotte, driving to his first win in nearly four years by going 6.555 at 208.88 in his Get BioFuel Chevrolet Camaro in the championship round. Kramer ousted the likes of points leader Dallas Glenn, who was after his third straight win, No. 1 qualifier Matt Hartford and Fernando Cuadra Jr. to earn his fifth career victory. But it was also Kramer’s first win since earning the Wally at the fall race in Charlotte in 2019, which left the veteran plenty excited on Sunday.
 
“The Get BioFuel Chevy Camaro is a fun car to drive, first and foremost, and that right there is enough to keep someone wanting to be out here. Once you hoist that Wally, you want to win another. The drought is so long, and when it finally happens again, the euphoria just washes over you,” Kramer said.
 
“I think we’ve been, as a team, struggling with the car the last few years. It was a lot of small stuff. But we got to the finals [in Vegas], stayed and tested the day after, and it’s just been getting more and more laps, getting more comfortable, getting more data, and compiling it all to get a victory.”
 
Kramer finished second to Hartford in the opening-round quad and then won a round later, finishing his day with back-to-back 6.55 runs. After making it to the final quad in Las Vegas, Kramer took an impressive next step in Charlotte, as Glenn finished second with his 6.581 at 208.81 and extended his points lead over Hartford in the process.
 
Herrera continued to be incredible to open the 2023 season in Pro Stock Motorcycle, staying perfect with another dominant performance, breaking the track E.T. record with a stellar run of 6.710 at 202.00 in the final round on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki. After qualifying No. 1 for the second straight race, Herrera made the quickest run in two of the three rounds on Sunday, delivering an epic performance in the final quad against teammate Eddie Krawiec, defending world champ Matt Smith and defending event winner Steve Johnson.
 
Herrera finished first in both quads heading into the final and then ran away from his competition in the final round, posting a .013 reaction time and making the quickest PSM run at zMAX Dragway.
 
“I’m on cloud nine. To be out here and go No. 1 back-to-back, win the race back-to-back, it’s a lot to take in. I’m enjoying the ride,” Herrera said. “There are plenty of good riders out there, so to be able to be in the final with those three and come out on top, that’s awesome. It’s going to be a tough season. We’re out here basically dominating, but it’s the beginning of the season, and it’s going to be a long ride. (Four-wide) is a different kind of pressure. To be up there with three other rides, you have to focus. I didn’t want to wait or get timed out, so pretty much every round I put it on the 2-step and made sure I was ready for anything that happened.” 
 
Smith finished as the runner-up, going 6.780 at 199.61, with Krawiec, who was seeking his 50th career win, taking third and Johnson following in fourth.
 
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action May 19-21 with the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.

 

 

 

SATURDAY QUALIFYING – B. FORCE, TASCA, HARTFORD AND HERRERA ALL QUALIFY NO. 1 AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS
 
Brittany Force made the quickest run in zMAX Dragway history on Saturday, as the defending Top Fuel world champion rocketed to the No. 1 spot at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
 
Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
 
Force went 3.651-seconds at 336.32 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Flav-R-Pac dragster, breaking her own track record at Charlotte in the process. It gives the reigning champ her third No. 1 spot this year and the 45th in her career as she looks to pick up her first victory of the 2023 season. After struggling in the opening qualifying session, Force and her team responded with three strong runs, giving her plenty of momentum going into Sunday, where she’ll opening eliminations in a quad also featuring Doug Foley, Las Vegas four-wide winner Antron Brown and Clay Millican.
 
“That was an incredible run, it was more than our team expected,” Force said. “Three of the four runs were solid, and hopefully, that will carry over and we’ll go some rounds tomorrow. We’ve had success here in the past, and I’ve always loved this track – but four-wide is tricky. That’s what makes it rewarding.
 
“We were doing some testing and finished that up yesterday, and that was part of our game plan coming in. We kind of expected that it might not go down there that first run, but it got down there on the second run and today was a whole new set-up. Like Grubnic said, it flew. (Crew chief) David Grubnic always wants more. He expects the best and he pushes hard, and he wants to win them all. I think that motivates all of us, and we all want to win together.” 
 
Justin Ashley qualified second with a 3.662 at 332.84 and Leah Pruett jumped to third with a 3.678 at 334.65 during the final qualifying session. In all, six drivers dipped into the 3.60s during qualifying.
 
In Funny Car, Tasca showcased a strong performance on Saturday, vaulting to No. 1 in his 11,000-horsepower BG Products Ford Mustang with a run of 3.852 at 324.59. It’s the second No. 1 spot for Tasca already this season and the 11th in his career. After a tough loss in the opening quad in Las Vegas, Tasca is looking for redemption and his first victory of the 2023 campaign. His car has performed at a high level for most of the season, as Tasca also just missed out on a career-best pass and the track E.T. record. Still, he feels confident about his chances on Sunday, which starts with a quad that includes Dave Richards, Tim Wilkerson and defending world champ Ron Capps.
 
“I said leaving Gainesville, the first five races of the season (will be) really critical to show performance,” Tasca said. “We’ve had two No. 1 qualifiers in the first five races, and we haven’t won a race yet, but we’ve been working on getting this car to run really hard and compete. Come championship time, if you’re not running mid- to low-3.80s, you’re not running for a championship. That’s just the hard reality out here. 
 
“That was the run we’ve been looking for since we put this together. We’re five races in with a completely new team and complete new package, and we’re racing against guys with thousands of runs and a plethora of data. We don’t have that yet as a team, and yet we’ve still competed at a very high level. That gives a lot of confidence. To have this under our belt, I’m way ahead of where I was the last three years. I’m very pleased at this point, but I really want to get a win. My goal was to get a win in the first five races.”
 
Cruz Pedregon jumped to No. 2 in the final session by going 3.859 at 330.23, just missing out on his third straight No. 1 qualifier, and Robert Hight is third with a 3.865 at 330.23.
   
After car struggles before the second session on Friday, Hartford made a big move on Saturday, driving to the top spot in his Total Seal/CIP1/GETTRX Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 6.538 at 208.52. Not only was it a huge jump for Hartford, it also gave the veteran his second straight No. 1 qualifier and another huge opportunity to grab his first victory of the season. His opening round quad will feature David Cuadra, who is making his first Pro Stock start, Deric Kramer and Troy Coughlin Jr., with Hartford sweeping the No. 1 spot at both four-wide races this season.
 
“Let me tell you, getting out of here late last night – none of us were in a good mood,” Hartford said. “We went to bed really disappointed, knowing that we had a car that could go to the pole. But luck was on our side last night, because if we had that failure past the finish-line we wouldn’t be here for this. 
 
“But we regrouped. Coming out here, we were the first car out, which means we had to pull back some, but we made a good run. We came in this morning with the idea that we could go into the top five, and that if we made the right run, we could go No. 1. That’s what we did. It’s a rocket ship right now. This is the best car and the best team I’ve ever had, and we just have to capitalize on it.”
 
Points leader Dallas Glenn, who has back-to-back wins this season, qualified second with a 6.553 at 209.07 and Kyle Koretsky is third with a 6.557 at 208.52.
 
Herrera’s dominant start to the 2023 season in Pro Stock Motorcycle took yet another impressive step, making two more great runs on Saturday, including a 6.735 at 201.52 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki to secure his second straight No. 1 qualifier to open the year. His opening round quad includes Marcus Hylton, Ryan Oehler and Kelly Clontz, as Herrera looks to make it two straight wins to start 2023. The young standout has praised the performance of his team and a bike that has delivered incredible results thus far this season.
 
“Just being part of this, I can’t ask for anything better,” Herrera said. “You’re always trying to improve, always trying to out-do yourself each round, and for us to make that big improvement – Andrew (Hines), our crew chief, has both bikes on rails, and it’s showing. It makes me feel good, but it puts more pressure on my shoulders. It’s exciting to know I have a top tier bike, and it’s a lot of pressure on me. There is more pressure on me than there is on the bike. The whole team, they have a lot of confidence in their machine. At the end of the day, it’s all on me.”
 
Herrera’s Vance & Hines teammate, Eddie Krawiec, qualified second with a 6.765 at 197.77 and Steve Johnson, who has won the Charlotte four-wide race in back-to-back years, is third with his 6.804 at 196.27.

Eliminations for the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at zMAX Dragway.


First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 13th annual Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, the fifth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
 
Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.651 seconds, 336.32 mph vs. 16. Doug Foley, 3.803, 323.89 vs. 8. Antron Brown, 3.711, 330.47 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.712, 331.69; 2. Justin Ashley, 3.662, 332.84 vs. 15. Jacob McNeal, 3.793, 320.81 vs. 7. Austin Prock, 3.701, 332.34 vs. 10. Mike Salinas, 3.717, 333.74; 3. Leah Pruett, 3.678, 334.65 vs. 14. Pat Dakin, 3.791, 323.66 vs. 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.699, 331.69 vs. 11. Shawn Langdon, 3.727, 332.18; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.679, 335.32 vs. 13. Dan Mercier, 3.752, 318.09 vs. 5. Josh Hart, 3.689, 329.75 vs. 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.741, 326.79. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Lex Joon, 3.918, 265.12; 18. Keith Murt, 4.057, 309.84. 
 
Funny Car — 1. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.852, 324.59 vs. 16. Dave Richards, Mustang, 7.537, 87.71 vs. 8. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.899, 330.55 vs. 9. Ron Capps, Toyota Supra, 3.899, 330.07; 2. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.859, 330.23 vs. 15. John Smith, Charger, 6.695, 104.71 vs. 7. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.898, 772.00 vs. 10. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.914, 324.05; 3. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.865, 330.31 vs. 14. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 4.143, 290.19 vs. 6. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.888, 334.40 vs. 11. Mike McIntire, Toyota Camry, 3.981, 318.54; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.866, 328.46 vs. 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.113, 290.88 vs. 5. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.876, 334.65 vs. 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.011, 313.95. 

Pro Stock — 1. Matt Hartford, Chevy Camaro, 6.538, 209.49 vs. 16. David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.596, 208.10 vs. 8. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.566, 209.95 vs. 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.571, 209.72; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.553, 209.20 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.592, 208.94 vs. 7. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.561, 209.79 vs. 10. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.574, 209.04; 3. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.557, 208.52 vs. 14. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.589, 208.97 vs. 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.560, 208.91 vs. 11. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.576, 209.14; 4. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.558, 209.72 vs. 13. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.584, 209.01 vs. 5. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.559, 209.23 vs. 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.582, 209.62. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Shane Tucker, 6.598, 208.68; 18. Fernando Cuadra, 6.611, 207.50; 19. Larry Morgan, 6.624, 207.53; 20. Val Smeland, 6.628, 207.21; 21. Kenny Delco, 6.646, 208.01; 22. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 206.10; 23. Brandon Miller, 6.721, 205.88. 
 
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.735, 201.52 vs. 16. Marcus Hylton, 7.109, 187.63 vs. 8. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.858, 197.05 vs. 9. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.870, 195.68; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.765, 200.77 vs. 15. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.026, 191.13 vs. 7. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.825, 200.80 vs. 10. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.874, 198.00; 3. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.804, 196.27 vs. 14. John Hall, Buell, 6.949, 195.22 vs. 6. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.821, 197.94 vs. 11. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.877, 196.79; 4. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.806, 199.26 vs. 13. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.923, 191.38 vs. 5. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.806, 199.29 vs. 12. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.901, 195.03. 
Did Not Qualify: 17. Chris Bostick, 7.458, 180.77. 

 

 

FRIDAY QUALIFYING – HART, DEJORIA, C. CUADRA AND HERRERA RACE TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT CIRCLE K NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

Josh Hart put himself in position for his first career No. 1 qualifier, powering to the provisional top spot in Top Fuel on Friday at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car), Cristian Cuadra (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the fifth of 21 races during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

 Hart delivered a run of 3.689-seconds at 328.38 mph in his 11,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, putting together two strong runs as he aims for the first No. 1 in his career and making the only run in the 3.60s on Friday. His second career win in Top Fuel also came at the Charlotte fall race during his rookie season in 2021, and Hart has done well in the four-wide setting, advancing to the final quad the last two years in Charlotte.

 “The team deserves it. (Crew chief) Ron Douglas and the crew always give me a great car,” Hart said. “We’ve been learning a lot about each other and gelling properly, and it’s nice to hit that milestone and show what we’re capable of.

 It was never a car problem, it was a driver problem, I’ll openly admit that. I can make a bunch of excuses, but I just didn’t get the job done. I learned a lot the last race in Vegas. Overall, you watch these guys busting their butts every single weekend and you just have to focus and do your job. Every day is a new start, but we’ve got a great car and a great team. A lot of good morale over there, and it’s just about surrounding yourself with good people.”
 
Austin Prock’s 3.707 at 328.70 during the second session gave him the second spot, while points leader Steve Torrence had two strong runs, including a 3.708 at 330.55 that puts him in the third spot.


DeJoria’s stellar start to the 2023 season in Funny Car continued, as she raced to the No. 1 spot to close out qualifying, going 3.876 at 333.08 in her 11,000-horsepower Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra. If it holds, it would give DeJoria her first No. 1 qualifier this season and seventh in her career. She’s qualified second the past three races, putting together a series of consistent results that currently has the standout third in points. The only thing missing thus far is her first victory of the season, something DeJoria looks to change this weekend.
 
“I have yet to win a four-wide so it’s exciting to be number one right now,” DeJoria said. “Hopefully it stays. God willing we’ll stay No. 1 and make it to the winner’s circle on Sunday, but you can’t think that far ahead.
 
“We’ve been working towards this, our current success, so we’re really excited about how we’re running. This is the best start to our season; it’s been so consistent, and it’s about getting down the track and quickly when a lot of cars haven’t. Having a good consistent racecar is a huge confidence builder for the entire team. It does a lot for us, and I can tell.
 
“I want to win this race. It’s time. It’s past time. We need to win this race.”
 
Cruz Pedregon, who has qualified No. 1 the past two races, is currently second with a 3.879 at 327.11 and Robert Hight’s 3.894 at 330.23 has him third.
 
Cuadra jumped to the top during the final session in Pro Stock, looking to grab his second career No. 1 qualifier thanks to his run of 6.558 at 208.91 in his Corral Boots Chevrolet Camaro. Cuadra earned his first career No. 1 qualifier earlier this season in Phoenix and made a big jump in the second session on Friday in Charlotte. He’s also one of four members of the Cuadra family racing this season, as his brothers, Fernando Jr. and David, are competing, with his father, Fernando Sr., also racing. David Cuadra is making his first Pro Stock start this season, but everyone is chasing Cristian at the moment.
 
“I’m really happy about that run,” Cuadra said. “After the (first) run I was nervous; I was first pair out and nervous to shake (the tires), but the guys from Elite, they gave me a really good engine. I put it all together, and I’m number one for the moment. I’m happy. The four wide puts a little bit more pressure on the driver, but I love it. Sometimes it gets confusing for us, but if you’re able to focus on your lane, you can do really, really good.”
 
Deric Kramer’s 6.566 at 208.46 puts him third, while points leader Dallas Glenn, who has won back-to-back races, is right behind in third after going 6.575 at 209.20.
 
It’s been nearly two months since Pro Stock Motorcycle opened its season in Gainesville, but Herrera kept rolling with a run of 6.758 at 201.10 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki. Herrera qualified No. 1 and won in Gainesville to open the year, earning his first career victory in the category, and continued to impress on Friday in Charlotte. It has the young phenom on track for his second straight No. 1 qualifier as Herrera made a huge run under the lights at zMAX Dragway.
 
“This feels good. We had a little problem in Q1, but sometimes you’ll have that. I have all the confidence in the world in my Vance & Hines/Mission Foods team,” Herrera said. “We’ve got two more rounds tomorrow and anything can happen, but we’ll see if we can keep It going.”
 
“There is a lot more to pay attention to (in four-wide racing). I just wanted to make sure I didn’t get timed out, which seems like the biggest thing. I went up and watched Pro Mod before we ran to see how it all went so hopefully, I got a little rhythm going.”
 

His teammate, Eddie Krawiec, is currently second after going 6.765 at 197.77 and Hector Arana Jr. is third with a 6.825 at 200.80.
 
Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 13th annual Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway, fifth of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Josh Hart, 3.689 seconds, 329.50 mph; 2. Austin Prock, 3.707, 328.70; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.708, 332.92; 4. Clay Millican, 3.725, 330.63; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.727, 332.18; 6. Mike Salinas, 3.728, 327.74; 7. Brittany Force, 3.730, 328.70; 8. Justin Ashley, 3.733, 331.28; 9. Tony Schumacher, 3.741, 326.79; 10. Dan Mercier, 3.752, 315.34; 11. Leah Pruett, 3.770, 323.19; 12. Doug Kalitta, 3.770, 320.97; 13. Pat Dakin, 3.791, 323.66; 14. Jacob McNeal, 3.801, 319.60; 15. Doug Foley, 3.832, 310.98; 16. Antron Brown, 3.897, 313.73. Not Qualified: 17. Keith Murt, 4.088, 309.84. 

Funny Car — 1. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Supra, 3.876, 333.08; 2. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.879, 327.11; 3. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.894, 330.31; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.912, 325.53; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.941, 326.71; 6. J.R. Todd, Supra, 3.971, 327.66; 7. Mike McIntire, Toyota Camry, 4.134, 295.01; 8. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.460, 213.47; 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.660, 173.78; 10. John Force, Camaro, 4.966, 772.00; 11. Ron Capps, Supra, 5.355, 139.07; 12. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 5.594, 127.52; 13. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 5.749, 122.44; 14. John Smith, Charger, 6.695, 104.71; 15. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 7.369, 96.99. 

Pro Stock — 1. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.558, 208.91; 2. Deric Kramer, Chevy Camaro, 6.566, 208.46; 3. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.575, 209.20; 4. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.576, 207.85; 5. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.578, 207.98; 6. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.581, 209.79; 7. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.581, 208.36; 8. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.584, 209.01; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.589, 209.10; 10. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.589, 207.72; 11. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.591, 207.98; 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.596, 208.23; 13. David Cuadra, Mustang, 6.596, 208.10; 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.598, 209.62; 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.609, 208.62; 16. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.622, 208.91. Not Qualified: 17. Fernando Cuadra, 6.633, 207.02; 18. Kenny Delco, 6.661, 208.01; 19. Val Smeland, 6.674, 207.21; 20. Alan Prusiensky, 6.674, 204.54; 21. Shane Tucker, 6.684, 207.88; 22. Larry Morgan, 8.764, 106.90; 23. Brandon Miller, 31.702, 25.73. 

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.758, 201.10; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.765, 197.77; 3. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.825, 200.80; 4. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.836, 199.29; 5. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.854, 197.94; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.860, 195.08; 7. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.900, 195.59; 8. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.901, 191.35; 9. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.902, 193.85; 10. John Hall, Buell, 6.951, 194.41; 11. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.961, 190.11; 12. Marcus Hylton, 7.109, 187.63; 13. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.314, 180.55; 14. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.458, 179.04; 15. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 8.685, 104.01; 16. Angie Smith, EBR, 13.025, 63.27. 

 

 

FRIDAY SPORTSMAN – 

SUPER STOCK (Q1)

1 2113  SS/AH Anthony Rhodes, Charleston SC, ’68 Barrac  8.444  9.45  -1.006
  2 1969  SS/CA Brian Oakes, Taylorsville NC, ’69 Camaro   9.056 10.05  -0.994
  3 2426  GT/HA Johnny Fogle, Norway SC, ’05 Cavalier      9.569 10.50  -0.931
  4 1968  SS/AH Steve Comella, Webster NY, ’68 Dart        8.569  9.45  -0.881
  5 2910  FGT/H Edward Longhany, Wade NC, ’99 Mopar        9.494 10.35  -0.856
  6 4192  FSS/G Brett Candies, Thibodaux LA, ’10 Mustang   9.417 10.25  -0.833
  7   27  GT/GA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, ’06 C  9.570 10.40  -0.830
  8 2701  GT/JA Kenneth Horne, Fayetteville NC, ’97 Achie  9.989 10.80  -0.811
  9  159  FSS/F Victor Cagnazzi, Mooresville NC, ’22 Cama  9.399 10.20  -0.801
 10 1990  FSS/C David Barton, Sinking Spring PA, ’14 Must  8.850  9.65  -0.800

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
 

STOCK (Q1)

 1 C166   FS/C Clifton Hynson, Fredericksburg VA, ’19 Ca  9.418 10.30  -0.882
  2 L177   FS/B Lenny Lottig, Meyersdale PA, ’19 Camaro    9.125 10.00  -0.875
  3 505B   D/SA Michael Brand II, Alpharetta GA, ’73 Fire 10.700 11.55  -0.850
  4  259   G/SA Morgan Taylor, Simpsonville SC, ’69 Nova  11.162 12.00  -0.838
  5 2106   H/SA Roy Caraway, Ravenel SC, ’77 Nova         11.315 12.15  -0.835
  6 2964   G/SA Gene Britt, Pembroke NC, ’70 Nova         11.166 12.00  -0.834
  7  224   D/SA Brad Plourd, Holly Pond AL, ’70 Nova      10.735 11.55  -0.815
  8 2461   G/SA Kenny Anderson, Lake Worth FL, ’69 Nova   11.208 12.00  -0.792
  9 1151   F/SA Ronald Urquhart, Chesterfield VA, ’68 Cam 11.060 11.85  -0.790
 10 2700   L/SA Joseph Strickland, Rowland NC, ’92 Camaro 11.912 12.70  -0.788

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS

 

SCHEDULE

11:00 am Stock                   Q1
         Super Comp              TT1
         Super Stock             Q1
         Super Gas               TT1
         Top Dragster            Q1
         Competition Eliminator  Q1
         Top Sportsman           Q1
         Stock                   Q2
         Super Comp              TT2
         Super Stock             Q2
         Super Gas               TT2
         Top Alcohol Funny Car   Q1
         Top Alcohol Dragster    Q1
         Factory Stock Showdown  Q1
         Pro Mod                 Q1
4:00 pm  Pro Stock Motorcycle    Q1
         Pro Stock               Q1 
4:45 pm  Funny Car               Q1
         Top Fuel                Q1
         Top Dragster            Q2
         Top Alcohol Funny Car   Q2
         Top Alcohol Dragster    Q2
         Factory Stock Showdown  Q2
         Pro Mod                 Q2
7:00 pm  Pro Stock Motorcycle    Q2
         Pro Stock               Q2
7:45 pm  Funny Car               Q2
         Top Fuel                Q2

 
 

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