Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence saw Brittany Force put a 3.722-second elapsed time on the Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park scoreboard Friday as qualifying kicked off for the Camping World NHRA Drag Racing Series’ first visit here since 2019.

Then he saw his father, Billy Torrence, make a 3.724-second pass at what turned out to be the class’ fastest speed of the meet so far, 325.37 mph.

After a seven-and-a-half-hour rain delay Friday at Norwalk, Ohio, that included 30 minutes between the first and second runs in the class’ lone session, Ron Capps surfaced at the top of the Funny Car leaderboard for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

The NAPA Dodge Charger Hellcat driver covered the 1,000-foot Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park track with a 3.888-second elapsed time at 329.34 mph.

After suffering through an inner ear infection and slight dizziness during the first round of qualifying Friday night at Summit Motorsports Park, Clay Millican has been replaced by Austin Prock in the Stringer Performance Parts Plus dragster at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Norwalk.

“Earlier this week Clay went to the doctor for a normal checkup and they checked his ears and they found out that he had a slight inner ear infection. His hearing hadn’t changed much, so we didn’t think too much of it,” said Doug Stringer, owner of Stringer Performance. “Then on Friday he got in the car and he hit the button and he got dizzy. He got out of the gas and came back and told us and at that point, we said let’s not push the envelope and let’s take the opportunity to go get it checked out. The report I just got back is that Clay is all good. He does have an inner ear infection and he is going to have to let it run its course and we will be good to go.”

Maryland’s own Jim Halsey scored his fourth consecutive Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous low qualifier award at the fourth race on the Professional Drag Racers Association’s (PDRA) eight-race tour, the North vs. South Shootout presented by Line-X on Friday night. Halsey recorded a 3.672-second pass at 206.13 mph on the historic Maryland International Raceway eighth-mile strip. 

During the first round of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, rider Kelly Clontz fell off her motorcycle. She stood up under her own power and was seen by the on-site medical team.

One of the leading drag administrators in Australia, Peter Beaumont, has been appointed CEO of Willowbank Raceway.

Beaumont previously served as General Manager of Sydney Dragway until February 2021.

“This is an enormous and exciting opportunity,” said Beaumont. “Willowbank Raceway is the true home of Drag Racing in Australia. I’m looking forward to working with the team and the Board in developing and implementing plans to grow the venue, attract new events, expand our sponsorship base and alternative business hires.”  

Summit Motorsports Park and NHRA have adjusted their Friday run schedule. Thursday evening, the revision was announced via the track's Facebook page.

With so much of the U.S. in heat advisories recently, Jim Dunn Racing is bringing a little relief through its sponsor Sqwincher® and their electrolyte replenishment products to NHRA drag racing and Menards stores.  Bright orange Sqwincher® graphics will be highlighted on the team’s Nitro Funny Car at the upcoming NHRA national event in Norwalk, Ohio, June 25-27, 2021 to promote product being in all Menards stores throughout the Midwest and available for purchase online.

Ryan Peery has found his sweet spot, and winning his third AHDRA all-American motorcycle drag race in as many events while at his home state is sweet indeed. That’s what the Milford, Ohio, based Top Fuel Harley racer did this past weekend at National Trail Raceway, as the AHDRA brought it’s nitro and gas V-Twin road show to the facility just east of Columbus.

Peery’s day job is building train bridges all across the country, and he’s clearly built a sound, TKR & Associates Top Fuel team that’s carrying home some heavy AHDRA hardware. 

Peery was asked what it takes to assemble and operate such a well-oiled machine. “A lot of hard work and really good oil,” he laughed. “I can’t take all the credit. I have some great help in my corner. Everyone at Jay Turner Racing, Midwest Containers, and P&C Johnson Trucking.