Two drag racers experienced top qualifier status for the first time in
their careers during the NHRA Fram-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Ca.,
and they just happened to be female.
Ashley Force [Funny Car] and Karen Stoffer [Pro Stock Motorcycle]
represented the second time in NHRA drag racing history in which two
female competitors have qualified No. 1 at the same event. The last
time such a feat was pulled off was in 2006 when Melanie Troxel and
Erica Enders teamed for the accolades.
Ms. Force pulled off her top spot on Friday evening when the
atmospheric conditions produced optimal conditions. On Saturday, she
still dominated qualifying with the quickest runs in each session.
“The conditions weren’t quite there (to improve). Friday night, that
was the time to do it. But you never know in drag racing, anything can
happen. I just wanted to finish the round and then celebrate and be
happy about No. 1,” said the reigning Rookie of the Year.