Austin Prock has done everything else in his not-so-rookie-like season, he might as well add an NHRA U.S. Nationals No. 1 qualifier to the resume. However, he’s got to hold on to that top spot through two sessions on Sunday.
Prock recorded a weekend-best time of 3.855 seconds at 328.38 mph to swipe away the top spot from Friday’s leader Blake Alexander.
Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also secured provisional No. 1 positions. The U.S. Nationals is the 14th event of 20 in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
Prock’s dominating performance included the quickest runs in both qualifying sessions. If his time holds, he would achieve his 10th No. 1 qualifier this season.
“It’s been an outstanding weekend so far,” Prock said. “It’s a great start to the weekend. I’m just so proud of my family and this whole Cornwell Tools team.”
Bob Tasca occupies the second position with a run of 3.871 seconds at 336.23 mph, while Jack Beckman stands third with a time of 3.877 seconds at 329.10 mph.
In the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout, Tasca selected Cruz Pedregon as his opponent. Ron Capps chose Paul Lee, and Matt Hagan selected Alexis DeJoria, while J.R. Todd will face Chad Green.
Force maintained her No. 1 position in Top Fuel with a run of 3.693 seconds at 333.08 mph. After entering the weekend ranked 10th in points, she aims to secure her second top qualifier of the season.
“There is a lot on the line this weekend, so to be able to improve is significant,” Force said. “We’re excited to be here; it’s the biggest race of the season.”
Tony Stewart improved to the second spot with a time of 3.707 seconds at 331.04 mph. T.J. Zizzo moved to third with a run of 3.716 seconds at 332.67 mph.
Anderson continued his strong showing in Pro Stock with a time of 6.588 seconds at 206.20 mph. Anderson secured the top position for a second consecutive day, aiming for his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season.
“The guys did a fantastic job,” Anderson said. ” Everything has to go perfect for you to get a No. 1 spot and win rounds anymore.”
Erica Enders improved to second with a run of 6.592 seconds at 207.11 mph, while Jerry Tucker moved to third with a time of 6.600 seconds at 207.59 mph.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hall topped the qualifying session with a time of 6.830 seconds at 198.76 mph. Hall aims for his first career No. 1 qualifier after making the best run in both sessions on Saturday.
“In this weather, I think a 6.83 is pretty good,” Hall said. “This is the biggest race of the year, and I’d love to have two wins here.”
Matt Smith is second in Pro Stock Motorcycle after posting a time of 6.836 seconds at 199.35 mph, while points leader Gaige Herrera is third with a run of 6.850 seconds at 196.64 mph.
Final qualifying begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday.