2015 NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS - EVENT RESULTS
 |
SUNDAY - BROWN TAKES POINTS LEAD AFTER WINNING HISTORIC FIRST ALL AFRICAN-AMERICAN FINAL ROUND IN NHRA MELLO YELLO SERIES HISTORY
Pro Stock’s Enders earns third straight victory and passes Shirley Muldowney on NHRA’s all-time wins list
Antron Brown raced to a historic Top Fuel victory Sunday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals by outrunning rival J.R. Todd in the first final round to be contested by African-American drivers in NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series history.
Meanwhile in Pro Stock at zMAX Dragway, NHRA’s strong competitor diversity also was showcased in impressive fashion by Erica Enders, who scored her third consecutive victory, seventh of the season and 19th of her career to pass NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney on NHRA’s all-time wins list.
Brown scored his fifth victory of the season and 36th of his career in Top Fuel and took over the points lead as he works toward a second series title. Brown left the starting line first and sped to a performance of 3.832 seconds at 311.56 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to finish in front of Todd, whose Jimi Hendrix Foundation dragster trailed with a 4.063 at 286.32.
In 2006, Todd became the first African-American to win a race in the Mello Yello Series and in 2012 Brown became the first black driver to win an NHRA world championship title, the first in a major U.S. auto racing series. Today, they met for the first time in a final round race.
“It’s pretty awesome when you look at that,” Brown said. “J.R. has been racing longer in Top Fuel than I have. You never think about things like that. We’ve always talked about (racing each other) it in the final one day. We both threw down on the tree and it was a great race. It just shows you what this NHRA sport is about. When I was a kid I got to come to this sport and was able to see guys like Big Daddy (Don Garlits) and Kenny Bernstein. It gave me that ray of hope because I could see what they’re doing because of all the access this sport offers. To be here racing in this sport so long, it is just a dream.”
Brown raced past Terry McMillen, Steve Torrence and Tony Schumacher to reach the final round. Even though he qualified sixth he put together a string mid-3.80 second runs and had the most consistently quick dragster of the day.
“When you come here, this is one of the racing capitals of the world right here in Charlotte,” Brown said. “This track is a stadium. It reminds me of one of those old, old coliseums, like this is where all the people gather to wait for the battle to go down, like the gladiators.”
He said his semifinal round victory over playoff top seed Schumacher was massive in the grand scheme of the Countdown, and a huge motivational win for his team.
“Once we got to the semifinals here today, we were like, ‘All right, we’ve got to go up against ‘The Sarge,’ our teammate whose a tough competitor,’” Brown said. “We’ve been battling back and forth all year long. The thing about it was if he took us out and he won the race, it would be a 70-point swing, so that was the crucial round for us right there to keep the points close so we could stay in the battle with him.”
In Pro Stock, Enders used a quicker reaction time to defeat the faster car of Vincent Nobile in the final round and took a commanding lead in the Pro Stock points standings as she eyes a second consecutive world championship crown. She also tied female wins leader Angelle Sampey’s record for most wins by a female driver in a single season.
While she has won the last three races relying on her quick reflexes and quicker reaction times at the starting line to get past many rounds, Enders is quick to give most of the credit to her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro crew, led by crew chiefs Rick and Rickie Jones and team owner Richard Freeman.
“This is pretty incredible; it’s pretty surreal,” said Enders, who defeated V. Gaines, Chris McGaha and Allen Johnson in the first three rounds. “I feel like I’m in a dream. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such a great group of guys. We have fun racing together. When I get in that car and close the door, there is not one single doubt that the car is prepared as well as it can be. It’s just up to me to drive it right.”
Del Worsham (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.
In Funny Car, Del Worsham earned his first victory of the season and 27th of his career and vaulted into the points lead by outrunning event top qualifier Tommy Johnson Jr. in the final round. Worsham powered his DHL Toyota Camry to a 4.086 at 307.16 to finish in front of Johnson’s Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger, which posted a 4.119 at 300.93.
“Funny Car is extremely competitive right now,” said Worsham, who also won at zMAX in Top Fuel during his 2011 world championship season. “With what the DSR cars have been doing, especially Jimmy Prock and Jack Beckman, leaving Sonoma I was thinking, ‘What are we going to do?’ We’ve made some changes, weren’t complacent and the team has worked hard and we pulled it off. [Team owner] Connie Kalitta has given us the best parts. These are the races we are going to need to win if we’re going to win the championship.”
Worsham entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, but his team’s consistency in the regular season – even though they didn’t earn a victory – was largely overshadowed by the stellar performances of the DSR cars of Jack Beckman, Johnson Jr. and Matt Hagan. He feels his team is ready to make a run for the championship, which if he were successful he would join Kenny Bernstein and Gary Scelzi in a very exclusive club as owners of series titles in both nitro classes.
“I just want to be at Pomona and be in position to be the Funny Car champion,” Worsham said. “I know there’s only a short list of people who have pulled it off. I don’t want to get that far ahead right now. We’re looking forward to St. Louis.”
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, defending world champ Hines won this event for the third time, clocking a winning run of 6.880 at 195.11 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to Smith’s losing 6.910 at 192.49 on his Victory Racing Gunner. It was Hines’ 40th career victory in the two-wheel category.
"I won here in the spring at the Four Wide and that was my 39th win and it has taken us all this time go get back and get win No. 40," Hines said. "That tells you how tough it is out here."
Hines outran Chaz Kennedy, veteran rider Steve Johnson and top qualifier Jerry Savoie to advance to the final and get a great start on defending his series crown. He moved into the points lead with the win, and is 20 points head of playoff top seed and teammate Eddie Krawiec heading to round two of the playoffs.
"I’m not quite certain why, but zMax Dragway has been kind to me,” Hines said. “The first three or four times here I never got past the first round. My Harley V-Rod was running straight and true and putting up big speeds and it has done it consistently. We’ve had to figure out how to get a win on a tricky track but everything played out in our favor. We took a chance and changed a bunch of parts on our engine at mid-season looking for more power and consistency and it paid off.”
The NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship continues next weekend with round two of the playoffs at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis.
SATURDAY - MILLICAN, JOHNSON JR., ANDERSON AND KRAWIEC ARE NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
Countdown playoff spoiler Clay Millican earned his first No. 1 qualifying position in more than two years Saturday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s noon eliminations as No. 1 qualifiers in the opening round of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six-race playoffs.
Millican, who missed claiming one of the top 10 playoff spots during the 18-race regular season, scored his third career No. 1 qualifying position with his Friday performance of 3.758 seconds at 318.77 mph in his Parts Plus/Great Clips dragster. On Sunday the nine-time finalist will try to win four rounds and grab that very elusive first NHRA career victory.
“Today was a nail-biter, I kept saying, please stay hot, please stay hot,” Millican said. “All the credit goes to the team because they tuned the car and put it together. I am just proud of this group. It’s a brand new race team out here and to go to number one, it’s really impressive.”
Because there are only 15 dragsters entered in the event, Millican will get a bye run in the opening round of eliminations.
“I think we’re ready for tomorrow,” Millican said. “I was in the final round here at the Four-Wides so there’s no reason we can’t do that again. Hopefully I won’t be 0 for 10. I have nine runner-ups and we’re looking for the first W.”
Defending Top Fuel world champion and Countdown top seed Tony Schumacher will start second with a 3.774 at 319.75 in the U.S. Army dragster and face legendary Chris Karamesines in the opening round. Steve Torrence qualified third in his Capco Contractors dragster with a 3.786 at 320.36 and will open against four-time season winner Richie Crampton in the Lucas Oil dragster.
In Funny Car, Johnson Jr. raced to his second No. 1 of the season and 12th of his career with his Friday effort of 3.971 at 312.42 in his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T. He will go for his third win of the season when he meets part-time racer Bob Gilbertson in the opener.
Johnson also had the quickest car in the third session and gained a little ground in the points standings on playoff top seed Jack Beckman, who qualified eighth in his Infinite Hero Foundation Charger.
“In the Countdown you take every point you can,” Johnson said. “We earned seven points in qualifying and at the end of the year that might be big. I believe that the 4.07 today in the third session was even more impressive than the No. 1 run last night based on where the competition was at. We have a lot of confidence going into tomorrow knowing no matter what the conditions are we can really use the data we got today and can have them covered that much tomorrow.”
DHL Toyota driver Del Worsham, who is still looking for his first win of the season, qualified second with a 3.993 at 318.32 and will race Dave Richards in the opener. Ron Capps, a past winner of this event, qualified third with a 3.994 at 317.34 in his NAPA Auto Parts Charger and will meet Tony Pedregon.
In one of the most intriguing first round matchups, Beckman will race Countdown spoiler Courtney Force in what is sure to be an intense side-by-side meeting. John Force, who is racing with a special tribute Chevy Camaro dedicated to NASCAR star Jeff Gordon, qualified sixth with a 4.004 at 313.80 and will face John Hale.
Local favorite Anderson, who is the second seed in the playoffs, captured his third No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 78th of his career in Pro Stock with his category-best 6.524 at 212.26 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. The four-time world champ, who has three wins at zMAX Dragway including one at this event, will open eliminations against Wally Stroupe.
"We gained a few small qualifying points on Erica Enders,” Anderson said. “We were side-by-side on each run and I hope that’s a prelude to tomorrow. I’m a little surprised to get my first No. 1 here but we had a good test session here last weekend so I feel like I’ve got an even better set-up for this track. It’s going to be hot tomorrow but I’m not one bit scared. I plan on riding this baby to the finish line and hopefully I can make four good quality runs.”
Rookie Bo Butner qualified second with a 6.533 at 211.66 in his blue Jim Butner Auto Chevy Camaro and will race John Gaydosh Jr. in the opening round. Playoff top seed Enders qualified third in her red Elite Motorsports Camaro with a 6.536 at 211.83 and will open eliminations against veteran driver V. Gaines.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, defending event winner and playoff top seed Krawiec took the top spot in the final session, powering his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 6.851 at 194.38. It is Krawiec’s third No. 1 of the season and 26th of his career. He will face Angie Smith in round one.
“The key out here is to get better every run,” Krawiec said. “I am definitely excited because I have a great Harley-Davidson going into tomorrow and that’s all I can ask for, is to start from the No. 1 spot and keep moving forward.”
Friday leader Savoie took the second spot on his White Alligator Suzuki with a 6.862 at 195.99 and he will race Shawn Gann. Defending world champ Andrew Hines qualified third with a 6.869 at 195.85 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson and will race Chaz Kennedy in the first round. Countdown contender Scotty Pollacheck failed to qualify for eliminations.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the Eighth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the second of six playoff races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship and the 19th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 3.758 seconds, 318.77 mph vs. Bye; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.774, 319.75 vs. 15. Chris Karamesines, 4.494, 183.94; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.786, 320.36 vs. 14. Richie Crampton, 4.021, 278.92; 4. Leah Pritchett, 3.803, 319.45 vs. 13. Pat Dakin, 3.931, 277.26; 5. Larry Dixon, 3.839, 316.60 vs. 12. Brittany Force, 3.902, 308.21; 6. Antron Brown, 3.852, 311.05 vs. 11. Terry McMillen, 3.886, 314.68; 7. Dave Connolly, 3.859, 307.58 vs. 10. Doug Kalitta, 3.881, 314.17; 8. J.R. Todd, 3.860, 314.61 vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, 3.868, 315.86.
Funny Car -- 1. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.971, 312.42 vs. 16. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.812, 214.42; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 3.993, 318.32 vs. 15. Dave Richards, Toyota Solara, 4.582, 293.15; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.994, 317.34 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.243, 280.72; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.003, 318.32 vs. 13. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.208, 293.54; 5. Robert Hight, Chey Camaro, 4.004, 313.95 vs. 12. Shane Westerfield, Charger, 4.204, 291.63; 6. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.004, 313.80 vs. 11. John Hale, Charger, 4.198, 272.94; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.015, 314.02 vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.079, 302.28; 8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.022, 307.86 vs. 9. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.062, 307.86. Did Not Qualify: 17. Chad Head, 5.623, 276.01.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.524, 212.26 vs. 16. Wally Stroupe, Camaro, 6.956, 200.14; 2. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.533, 211.66 vs. 15. John Gaydosh Jr, Chevrolet Camaro, 6.671, 207.94; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.536, 211.83 vs. 14. V. Gaines, Dodge Dart, 6.670, 210.05; 4. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.545, 211.83 vs. 13. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.613, 208.65; 5. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.548, 211.76 vs. 12. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.604, 209.98; 6. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.551, 211.06 vs. 11. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.581, 210.18; 7. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.556, 211.56 vs. 10. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.564, 210.73; 8. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.559, 211.26 vs. 9. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.563, 211.26.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.851, 194.38 vs. 16. Angie Smith, Victory, 6.984, 188.44; 2. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.862, 195.99 vs. 15. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.980, 191.89; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.869, 195.85 vs. 14. Chaz Kennedy, Buell, 6.963, 191.08; 4. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.886, 195.00 vs. 13. Redell Harris, Buell, 6.959, 191.65; 5. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.889, 192.58 vs. 12. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.943, 193.35; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.902, 193.63 vs. 11. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.935, 193.82; 7. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.912, 193.57 vs. 10. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.928, 192.00; 8. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.920, 193.57 vs. 9. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.924, 194.94. Did Not Qualify: 17. Scotty Pollacheck, 7.059, 190.92; 18. Mike Berry, 7.149, 186.15; 19. Andrew Patterson, 7.455, 165.76; 20. Lance Bonham, 7.848, 183.92.
AL BALOOSHI RACES TO ROUND ONE VICTORY AS NO. 1 QUALIFIER IN PRO MOD
Top qualifier Khalid al Balooshi raced to a round one victory over Mike Knowles Saturday in J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series action at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
The 2011 world champ in NHRA’s Pro Mod series claimed his second No. 1 qualifying position of the season and fourth of his career with his Friday best run of 5.859 at 247.70 in his Al-Anabi Racing ’69 Camaro.
In the first round the native of the United Arab Emirates took the automatic victory when Knowles fouled at the start with a red-light in his ’67 Knowles Transportation Ford Mustang.
Defending event winner Troy Coughlin earned a critical first round victory by taking out series points leader Mike Janis, whose supercharged late model Jan-Cen Chevy Camaro suffered mechanical issues on the run.
Other first round winners were Clint Satterfield, Eric Latino, Bill Glidden, Jim Whiteley, Steven Whiteley and Danny Rowe.
There was lots of action in the bottom half of the bracket during the final round of qualifying, as category kingpins Don Walsh, Mike Castellana, two-time world champ and local favorite Rickie Smith and Norwalk winner Kenny Lang all failed to qualify for eliminations.
Second round pairings include al Balooshi vs. Satterfield, Coughlin vs. Latino, Rowe vs. J. Whiteley and Glidden vs. S. Whiteley.
Pro Mod eliminations will continue at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday.
First round-by-round results from the Eighth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the eighth of 10 events in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 6.161, 242.80 def. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 10.716, 90.90; Eric Latino, Chevy Camaro, 5.936, 246.39 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Chevy Corvette, 6.091, 252.33; Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 10.279, 88.30 def. Steve Matusek, Camaro, foul; Jim Whiteley, Chevy Chevelle, 5.930, 245.54 def. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.942, 246.08; Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS-V, 5.923, 247.79 def. Chip King, Dodge Charger, 9.379, 94.22; Danny Rowe, Corvette, 5.998, 246.26 def. Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.514, 205.22; Troy Coughlin, Corvette, 5.935, 253.99 def. Mike Janis, Camaro, broke; Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 6.034, 245.72 def. Mike Knowles, Mustang, foul.
Final order after three rounds of qualifying in Pro Modified at the Eighth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, the eighth of 10 events in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd
1 327 Khalid alBalooshi, Doha QA, '69 Camaro 5.859 247.70 247.70
2 5 Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills CA, '15 Corvette 5.885 247.66 247.66
3 6 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '68 Camaro 5.886 248.52 248.52
4 4 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '13 Camaro 5.887 244.78 244.78
5 394 Troy Coughlin Jr., Delaware OH, '14 Corvette 5.894 254.62 254.62
6 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '14 CTS-V 5.895 247.93 247.93
7 360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, '15 Corvette 5.916 247.47 247.47
8 701 Clint Satterfield, Albuquerque NM, '68 Firebi 5.918 248.34 248.34
9 8 Pete Farber, Baldwinville MA, '69 Daytona 5.923 246.71 246.71
10 5087 Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '69 Chevelle 5.927 245.85 245.85
11 213 Chip King, Semora NC, '70 Charger 5.932 242.28 242.28
12 1938 Eric Latino, Port Perry ON, '69 Camaro 5.939 244.29 244.29
13 2 Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '15 Corvette 5.945 252.19 252.19
14 324 Bill Glidden, Whiteland IN, '10 Mustang 5.946 240.89 240.89
15 303 Dan Stevenson, Lisle IL, '13 Camaro 5.961 245.81 245.81
16 5011 Mike Knowles, Grand Junction CO, '67 Mustang 5.971 243.24 243.24
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 262 Robert Patrick Jr., Fredricksburg VA, '12 Must 6.003 245.45 245.45
18 3382 Don Walsh, Wixom MI, '14 Camaro 6.006 246.08 246.12
19 210 Jay Payne, Ontario CA,*'13 Camaro 6.023 241.54 241.54
20 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE,*'63 Corvette 6.031 237.17 237.17
21 2105 Doug Winters, Pleasant Garden NC,*'69 Chevelle 6.041 233.03 237.92
22 1 Rickie Smith, King NC, '15 Camaro 6.057 244.74 244.74
23 5012 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, '69 Camaro 6.058 236.46 236.46
24 6718 Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, '70 Camaro 6.066 221.92 245.85
25 9 Mike Castellana, Muttontown NY, '15 Corvette 6.125 237.71 237.71
26 1262 Chuck Little, Atkinson NH, '63 Corvette 8.874 117.72 117.72
FRIDAY - JOHNSON JR., MILLICAN, ANDERSON AND SAVOIE RACE TO QUALIFYING LEADS AT NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
Tommy Johnson Jr., who has quietly had one of the most consistent Funny Cars of the season, raced to the qualifying lead Friday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the opening round of the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six-race playoffs.
Johnson Jr., who enters the playoffs as the third seed, had a great regular season largely in the shadow of teammate Jack Beckman’s stellar performances. However, he made a statement on the first day of the playoffs by claiming the qualifying lead with a track record time of 3.971 seconds at 312.42 mph in his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T.
“There’s not a lot of humidity in the air and the (new) track (surface) is getting better and better,” Johnson Jr. said. “The car’s been running better lately. I wasn’t sure it was going to stay No. 1 with the way Jack has been running lately and you know that Ron was No. 1 after the first session and they have stepped their performance up after the last few races. It was a nice surprise.”
Johnson Jr., who raced to two victories in five final rounds in the regular season and moved from seventh to third in points in the final 11 races before the playoffs, advanced to four final rounds in the last six races, winning two of those. Some have been calling him Beckman’s Kryptonite, as Johnson Jr. defeated Beckman head-to-head in three of the final six races in the regular season.
“I was kidding my crew chief [John Collins} coming here [for the interview], so much for flying under the radar,” Johnson Jr. said. “We weren’t getting all the headlines and flying under the radar. We’ve been very consistent and been making good runs and sneaking up on it and closing that gap at every race. It’s nice to see the results of a lot of hard work for the whole team.”
DHL Toyota Camry driver Del Worsham, who is still looking for his first win of the season, was second with a 3.993 at 318.32 and was followed by Capps, a past winner of this event, who posted a 3.994 at 317.34 in his NAPA Auto Parts Charger. John Force, who is racing with a special tribute Chevy Camaro dedicated to NASCAR star Jeff Gordon this weekend, is sixth with a 4.004 at 313.80.
Playoff top seed Beckman, who won six races in the regular season and is riding a four-race No. 1 qualifying streak where he reset the national record two times, sits eighth after two sessions in his Infinite Hero Foundation Charger with a 4.022 at 304.60.
Countdown spoiler Millican, who just missed making the top 10 for the playoffs, led Top Fuel with a run of 3.758 at 318.77 in his Parts Plus/Great Clips dragster.
“From my perspective it was a really bad driving job,” Millican said. “It looked like a Slinky going down through there. That run might’ve been a .74. Either way, I am extremely happy to be No. 1 and sitting here talking with you guys. I really thought a couple of those guys or Leah would go by us. Grubby [crew chief Dave Grubnic] had it set up to go a .77, so he gave us a little extra. That’s some of that pow-pow action kicking in right there.”
Defending world champion and the top seed in Top Fuel, Tony Schumacher, is second with a 3.774 at 319.75 in the U.S. Army dragster. Steve Torrence is third in his Capco Contractors dragster with a 3.786 at 320.36. Leah Pritchett, who led after the first qualifying session and is also a Countdown spoiler like Millican, sits fourth overall in her Gumout/Dote Racing dragster with a 3.803 at 319.45.
Shawn Langdon, the 2013 world champ who is competing in the Countdown in the Red Fuel dragster owned by Don Schumacher Racing, is fifth after two sessions, posting a best of 3.868 at 315.86.
Local favorite Anderson, a four-time NHRA world champion who lives in nearby Mooresville, set the pace in Pro Stock with a 6.524 at 212.26 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro.
“It all comes down to making that perfect run, and today we were close to that,” Anderson said. “I’m very happy with the two runs we made day. I’m excited to be at the top of the heap after day one. It was a little warm, but the racetrack held up great. The humidity was not out of control, and we have a great surface. You could throw what you have at it. Now we can look at what we have, make a few tweaks, and hopefully do even better tomorrow."
Rookie Bo Butner was second with a 6.533 at 211.66 in his blue Jim Butner Auto Chevy Camaro and was followed by category top seed Erica Enders, who qualified third in her red Elite Motorsports Camaro with a 6.536 at 211.83. Larry Morgan, who won the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals here in March and is a Countdown contender, sits fifth in his FireAde Camaro with a 6.548 at 211.76.
Louisiana alligator farmer Savoie was quickest in Pro Stock Motorcycle powering his White Alligator Suzuki to a leading effort of 6.862 at 195.59. Savoie brings momentum into this event as he closed the 18-race regular season by winning the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis.
“This is a great deal,” Savoie said. “Last year, we missed the Countdown by one point, and a lot of other riders said thank you because we peaked at the right time. This year, we peaked a little earlier. We just love the smudgy weather, and this weekend it is smudgy. Before we went up for that [second] round, I thought we might run a 6.87. Then we saw Andrew [Hines] run a 6.87, and I thought, ‘Oh, boy’. The temperature came down a little, and we made a good run. I get more excited to be No. 1 than I did when we won the race at Indy. I want to grab all those [bonus] points while I can.”
Defending event winner Andrew Hines is second on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a 6.876 at 194.10. Two-time season winner Karen Stoffer is third overall on her Big St. Charles Motorsports Suzuki with a 6.886 at 195.00. Former Carolina Nationals winner Steve Johnson is fourth on his Build Your Future Suzuki, posting a Friday best of 6.902 at 193.63. Playoff top seed Eddie Krawiec sits seventh after two rounds with a 6.927 at 192.82 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the Eighth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, 19th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 3.758 seconds, 318.77 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.774, 319.75; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.786, 320.36; 4. Leah Pritchett, 3.803, 319.45; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.868, 315.86; 6. Larry Dixon, 3.870, 316.30; 7. Pat Dakin, 3.931, 277.26; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.954, 303.37; 9. Richie Crampton, 4.021, 278.92; 10. J.R. Todd, 4.098, 230.92; 11. Antron Brown, 4.207, 201.28; 12. Brittany Force, 4.918, 159.29. Not Qualified: 13. Dave Connolly, 6.053, 109.32; 14. Terry McMillen, 6.588, 103.47.
Funny Car -- 1. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.971, 312.42; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 3.993, 318.32; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.994, 317.34; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.003, 318.32; 5. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 4.004, 313.95; 6. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.004, 313.80; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.015, 314.02; 8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.022, 307.86; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.079, 301.33; 10. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.080, 303.30; 11. John Hale, Charger, 4.198, 272.94; 12. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.243, 280.72. Not Qualified: 13. Dave Richards, 4.257, 293.15; 14. Alexis DeJoria, 4.714, 86.37; 15. Chad Head, 10.440, 69.10.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.524, 212.26; 2. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.533, 211.66; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.536, 211.83; 4. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.545, 211.83; 5. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.548, 211.76; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.556, 211.56; 7. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.558, 210.60; 8. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.559, 211.26; 9. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.564, 210.73; 10. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.567, 211.26; 11. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.604, 209.82; 12. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.619, 210.18. Not Qualified: 13. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.647, 207.94; 14. V. Gaines, 6.670, 208.49; 15. Wally Stroupe, 6.895, 199.70; 16. Kenny Delco, 18.098, 26.97.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.862, 195.59; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.876, 194.10; 3. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.886, 195.00; 4. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.902, 193.63; 5. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.912, 193.57; 6. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.924, 193.96; 7. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.927, 192.82; 8. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.935, 193.82; 9. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.941, 191.67; 10. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.943, 193.02; 11. Redell Harris, Buell, 6.959, 191.65; 12. Chaz Kennedy, Buell, 6.963, 191.08. Not Qualified: 13. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.974, 190.92; 14. LE Tonglet, 6.987, 193.24; 15. Matt Smith, 7.001, 190.97; 16. Angie Smith, 7.002, 187.36; 17. Shawn Gann, 7.048, 189.52; 18. Mike Berry, 7.198, 186.15; 19. Lance Bonham, 7.369, 183.92; 20. Andrew Patterson, 9.618, 90.70.
AL BALOOSHI RACES TO PRO MOD QUALIFYING LEAD FRIDAY
Former NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series world champion Khalid al Balooshi raced to the qualifying lead Friday in the Pro Mod portion of the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. The race is the eighth of 10 events in the 2015 NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
The 2011 world champ in NHRA’s Pro Mod class powered to a leading performance of 5.859 seconds at 247.70 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing ’69 Camaro.
Danny Rowe qualified second with a 5.885 at 247.66 in his Agave Underground Tequila ’68 Camaro and Steve Matusek is third in his Aeromotive/Agave Underground Tequila ’68 Camaro.
Series points leader Mike Janis is qualified 13th with one session remaining, as he posted a 6.007 at 242.54 in his supercharged late model Jan-Cen Racing Engines Chevy Camaro.
Two-time defending world champ and local favorite Rickie Smith sits 16th in the qualifying order with a 6.057 at 244.74 in his 2015 IDG Camaro.
The final qualifying session on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. will set the field for eliminations, which opens with the first round on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the Eighth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the eighth of 10 events in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Saturday's first round of eliminations.
Pro Modified -- 1. Khalid alBalooshi, Chevy Camaro, 5.859, 247.70; 2. Danny Rowe, Chevy Corvette, 5.885, 247.66; 3. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.886, 248.52; 4. Troy Coughlin Jr., Corvette, 5.906, 254.23; 5. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.916, 247.47; 6. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 5.918, 248.34; 7. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 5.946, 240.89; 8. Jim Whiteley, Chevy Chevelle, 5.947, 240.98; 9. Chip King, Dodge Charger, 5.952, 241.07; 10. Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.960, 244.25; 11. Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.000, 244.96; 12. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 6.002, 244.78; 13. Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.007, 242.54; 14. Jay Payne, Camaro, 6.023, 241.54; 15. Don Walsh, Camaro, 6.044, 246.12; 16. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 6.057, 244.74. Not Qualified: 17. Shane Molinari, 6.066, 242.76; 18. Doug Winters, 6.080, 237.92; 19. Mike Castellana, 6.144, 236.59; 20. Robert Patrick Jr., 6.575, 206.07; 21. Troy Coughlin, 6.582, 177.37; 22. Kenny Lang, 6.760, 155.97; 23. Steven Whiteley, 6.961, 167.14; 24. Mike Knowles, 8.332, 131.65; 25. Chuck Little, 9.576, 114.95; 26. Gerry Capano, 10.745, 111.38.
