NHRA - KANSAS NATIONALS RESULTS
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SUNDAY - COURTNEY FORCE EARNS LANDMARK 100TH FEMALE VICTORY AT NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS
Courtney Force raced to the landmark 100th victory by a female in NHRA history Sunday at the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) also were winners of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.
In her second attempt to earn the much sought after milestone victory in as many weeks, Force outran veteran Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon in the final round to take the historic win, her first of the season and fourth of her career.
Force, the event’s No. 1 qualifier, finished in 4.148 seconds at 306.46 mph in her Traxxas Ford Mustang, while Pedregon’s Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry slowed near the finish with a 4.225 at 250.60.
“There’s just a lot of emotion right now,” said Force, 25, the youngest daughter of 16-time world champ John Force. “It’s been a long weekend. I’m so proud of my Traxxas Ford Mustang team and I am happy to win it for all of the girls who have won races in NHRA over the years. They all know how to win.”
Force is one of 14 women who have earned victories in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, starting with the legendary Shirley Muldowney in Top Fuel in 1976. Force nearly accomplished the feat last weekend in Atlanta, but she lost a close final round race to her teammate Robert Hight.
“It’s huge,” said Force, who outran Dale Creasy Jr., Jeff Arend and Tommy Johnson Jr. in earlier rounds. “You can see the emotions on my face after the loss in the final round last weekend. It’s a big deal. It’s a milestone for women, and every girl out here wanted to get it. Every girl put their heart out into it. I was crushed last weekend, because I thought that opportunity would never come around again. I’m still trying to soak it all in right now.”
She is one of three women who have won races in the series this season, joining fellow Funny Car racer Alexis DeJoria and Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens, both two-time season winners. Yesterday, she and her sister Brittany, a Top Fuel driver, were both No. 1 qualifiers of the event. Eight female racers representing each of the four Mello Yello Series classes have competed this season.
“This is for all the girls out there in any type of sport, any motorsport,” said Force, who was presented a special Wally with a commemorative pink 100th female win faceplate and design on the trophy’s bottom. “It’s an exciting day for us. It’s an honor to be number 100 on a list of the legends like Shirley Muldowney, Angelle Sampey, Melanie Troxel, Erica Enders-Stevens, Shelly Payne, Ashley (Force Hood, sister), Alexis DeJoria, there are so many great names. My sister Brittany is so close. It’s an honor to be a part of it. We’ve hit 100, but there’s 100 more to go.”
Funny Car points leader Hight was upset in the opening round, ending streaks of six consecutive final rounds and three straight victories for the driver of the Auto Club Ford Mustang. Hight leads John Force by 204 and Courtney moves up to fifth in points with the victory.
Massey earned his second Top Fuel victory in a row and second win at Topeka, defeating defending world champion Shawn Langdon in the final round. Massey sped to a performance of 3.871 at 314.02 in his Schumacher Electric dragster to claim his 16th career win, while Langdon’s Al-Anabi Racing dragster slowed to a 4.278 at 233.68.
"It was a struggle that started with running (teammate) Tony Schumacher and every round after that," said Massey. "We kept trying to get the car to perform. Like everybody else we were trying to run a .70, but the car just wouldn't do it. We'd give it more clutch, then more clutch again, then more motor. It kept running a .86 and then an .87, but it was enough.”
After outrunning Schumacher in the first round, Massey also defeated Terry McMillen and Brittany Force en route to the victory.
"I went to (crew chief Phil Shuler) before the final round and reminded him the sun was out just like the run before,” Massey said. “We didn't want to beat ourselves. We wanted to go down the track and make them beat us. When you can beat Alan Johnson’s race car, especially with a good leaver like Shawn Langdon in the seat, that’s saying something. You’re racing a championship-caliber team every time you race an Al-Anabi car.”
Massey moved to third place in the standings, and now trails series leader Doug Kalitta by 138. Antron Brown is second, 30 back of the leader.
“Whenever you get your momentum going, everything seems to fall into place,” Massey said. “I like these races that are back-to-back-to-back. When the summer months come along and it gets hot, that weather works good with our tune-up.”
In Pro Stock, Johnson scored his third victory of the season and third at Topeka by outrunning teammate Jeg Coughlin in the final round. Johnson powered his Team Mopar Dodge Dart to a 6.663 at 207.81 to hold off the hard-charging Coughlin’s JEGS.com/Mopar Dart, which trailed with a 6.664 at 207.05. It was Johnson’s 23rd career victory.
"When we get to these altitude tracks, with a little bit of humidity – like here, Las Vegas and Denver, it seems like we excel,” Johnson said. “I was wondering where that was at all weekend until that second round, where we laid down a really good run. This team just keeps battling. Every single run, we're just attacking the car. To have half the wins (from the class) in our camp this year is a pretty good feeling."
With the win, Johnson cut Enders-Stevens’ series lead to 85. He beat her in the semifinals, ending her hopes for the milestone 100th female win.
"She's (young), heck she can get the 200th," Johnson said with a grin. "I really wanted her to get that, to be honest. Jeg kept her from getting it last week and I kept her from getting it this week, so it's sort of bittersweet. She's a young lady with a big future ahead of her."
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues May 29-June 1 with the Toyota NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, N.J.
SATURDAY - FORCE SISTERS AND NOBILE EARN NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITIONS AT NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS
Brittany and Courtney Force raced to No. 1 qualifying positions Saturday at the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, the first time sisters have shared the top qualifying stage at an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.
Brittany posted a career-best performance of 3.746 seconds with a track record speed of 329.75 mph in her 10,000-horsepower Castrol Edge dragster to claim her first career No. 1 in Top Fuel.
Courtney set both ends of the Funny Car track record with a 4.009 at 322.96 in her Traxxas Ford Mustang to earn her second No. 1 of the season and fifth of her career.
Brittany will face veteran driver Luigi Novelli to open Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations and Courtney will race Dale Creasy Jr. Both drivers are pursuing the landmark 100th female pro victory in NHRA history during a season that has seen female drivers in each pro class have success.
“I’m so excited,” said Brittany, who with a win would also become the 100th different driver to earn an NHRA Top Fuel victory. “It shows that all our hard work is finally paying off after struggling last year. To be able to come out here and go number one, I didn’t expect that. I am so proud of my entire team. I hope our first win comes this weekend. That would be awesome.”
Courtney is continuing the momentum from a runner-up finish last weekend in Atlanta, where she was emotional after losing a close race to teammate and series points leader Robert Hight.
“It was a tough weekend for me,” Courtney said. “I was going for my first win of the season, a spot in the Traxxas Shootout and the 100th win for women on top of it all. I am glad we have found some consistency and that was a career-best run. There’s a lot of pressure for us girls out here right now. And it’s cool to see me and Brittany going to the top and Alexis (DeJoria, Funny Car) and Erica (Enders-Stevens, Pro Stock) are also running great. It’s our time to shine as women out here and this is the perfect place to do it. Hopefully we can keep the ball rolling.”
Brittany said it is really amazing to earn her first No. 1 qualifying position alongside her sister.
“We both came out here as kids, watched our dad race, and dreamed about driving a fuel car,” Brittany said. “It’s so cool to think that we’re both running in the pros and we’re both on top of the field ahead of all these guys who are champions out here. It’s a little surreal.”
Their father John was second in his Castrol GTX High Mileage Mustang with a 4.021 at 318.84 and Hight, who has won the last three events and is riding a six-race final round streak, qualified third in his Auto Club Ford Mustang with a 4.040 at 314.75. John will race Bob Tasca III and Hight will face Cruz Pedregon in the opening round.
Also in Top Fuel, J.R. Todd qualified second in his Optima Batteries dragster with his Friday-leading 3.747 at 324.75 and will face Clay Millican in the opening round. Defending world champ Shawn Langdon qualified third with a 3.756 at 323.43 in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster and will meet veteran Pat Dakin in the first round. Series leader Doug Kalitta, a past winner at Topeka, qualified sixth in the Mac Tools dragster with a 3.778 at 327.03 and will race Leah Pritchett in the opener.
In Pro Stock, Vincent Nobile’s effort on Friday of 6.601 seconds at 208.71 mph in his Mountain View Tire Chevy Camaro gave him his second No. 1 position of the season and fourth of his career. It is his first top qualifying effort at Topeka and he will meet Mark Hogan in the first round.
“When you run good it is definitely a confidence booster,” Nobile said. “We had three consistent runs so far and hopefully we can put in four tomorrow and take home the trophy. We’ve done pretty good this year and had a bunch of semifinal finishes. We’re out here to win just like everybody else. It kinda feels like a little bit of a struggle, and hopefully this weekend we can turn it around.”
Pro Stock points leader Enders-Stevens posted the quickest run in each qualifying round today and qualified second overall with a 6.606 at 208.81 in her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro. She will face Deric Kramer in the first round.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 26th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, the eighth 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. Brittany Force, 3.746 seconds, 329.75 mph vs. 16. Luigi Novelli, 4.551, 222.84; 2. J.R. Todd, 3.747, 324.75 vs. 15. Clay Millican, 4.391, 183.19; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.756, 323.43 vs. 14. Pat Dakin, 4.160, 240.47; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.767, 327.98 vs. 13. Terry McMillen, 3.865, 320.74; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.771, 323.19 vs. 12. Spencer Massey, 3.838, 320.89; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.778, 327.03 vs. 11. Leah Pritchett, 3.827, 316.08; 7. Bob Vandergriff, 3.782, 318.69 vs. 10. Richie Crampton, 3.804, 322.88; 8. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.785, 320.97 vs. 9. Antron Brown, 3.798, 311.56.
Funny Car -- 1. Courtney Force, Ford Mustang, 4.009, 322.96 vs. 16. Dale Creasy Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.339, 283.25; 2. John Force, Mustang, 4.021, 318.84 vs. 15. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.157, 303.50; 3. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.040, 314.75 vs. 14. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.133, 303.64; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.064, 314.39 vs. 13. Chad Head, Camry, 4.124, 301.87; 5. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.065, 314.46 vs. 12. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.116, 308.07; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.066, 314.75 vs. 11. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.101, 310.41; 7. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.069, 314.75 vs. 10. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.095, 314.75; 8. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.072, 307.93 vs. 9. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.081, 310.70. Did Not Qualify: 17. Todd Simpson, 6.923, 95.96.
Pro Stock -- 1. Vincent Nobile, Chevy Camaro, 6.601, 208.71 vs. 16. Mark Hogan, Pontiac GTO, 6.754, 204.79; 2. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.606, 208.81 vs. 15. Deric Kramer, Dodge Avenger, 6.684, 207.69; 3. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.615, 208.68 vs. 14. Steve Kent, Camaro, 6.650, 208.04; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Dart, 6.618, 208.65 vs. 13. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.646, 207.27; 5. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.618, 208.68 vs. 12. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.642, 207.08; 6. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.620, 208.49 vs. 11. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.642, 208.07; 7. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.621, 208.71 vs. 10. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.630, 208.42; 8. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.622, 208.81 vs. 9. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.630, 208.75.
SATURDAY PRO
(FINAL SESSION)
TOP FUEL
1 745 Brittany Force, Yorba Linda CA, McKinney-JFR 3.746 329.75& 329.75
2 373 J.R. Todd, Indianapolis IN, Attac-TFX 3.747 322.65 324.75
3 1 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.756 323.43 323.43
4 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.767 326.48 327.98
5 7 Tony Schumacher, Chicago IL, DSR-TFX 3.771 323.19 323.19
6 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.778 327.03 327.03
7 9 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, Hadman-TFX 3.782 318.69 318.69
8 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.785 320.97 320.97
9 2 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.798 311.56 311.56
10 358 Richie Crampton, Indianapolis IN, MLR-TFX 3.804 322.88 322.88
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 7 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.009@ 322.96& 322.96
2 1 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.021 318.84 318.84
3 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.040 314.75 314.75
4 2 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '14 Charger 4.064 312.21 314.39
5 771 Alexis DeJoria, Austin TX, '14 Camry 4.065 314.46 314.46
6 10 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '14 Mustang 4.066 314.75 314.75
7 750 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '13 Camry 4.069 314.75 314.75
8 170 Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '14 Charger 4.072 307.93 307.93
9 3 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 4.081 310.70 310.70
10 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '14 Charger 4.095 314.75 314.75
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK
1 154 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '14 Camaro 6.601 208.71 208.71
2 6 Erica Enders-Stevens, New Orleans LA, '14 Cama 6.606 208.68 208.81
3 11 Shane Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.615 208.68 208.68
4 1 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '14 Dart 6.618 208.65 208.65
5 51 Dave Connolly, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.618 208.59 208.68
6 2 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '14 Dart 6.620 207.88 208.49
7 7 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '14 Dart 6.621 208.20 208.71
8 3 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.622 208.81 208.81
9 13 Jonathan Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.630 208.75 208.75
10 8 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.630 207.69 208.42
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
(SESSION 2)
TOP FUEL
1 373 J.R. Todd, Indianapolis IN, Attac-TFX 3.747 322.65 324.75
2 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.777 327.98 327.98
3 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.778 327.03 327.03
4 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.785 320.97 320.97
5 1 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.787 322.81 322.81
6 7 Tony Schumacher, Chicago IL, DSR-TFX 3.791 322.96 322.96
7 2 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.798 311.56 311.56
8 745 Brittany Force, Yorba Linda CA, McKinney-JFR 3.811 284.62 321.88
9 777 Leah Pritchett, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 3.827 316.08 316.08
10 5 Spencer Massey, Fort Worth TX, DSR-TFX 3.853 320.89 320.89
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 1 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.021@ 318.84& 318.84
2 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.040 314.75 314.75
3 771 Alexis DeJoria, Austin TX, '14 Camry 4.065 314.46 314.46
4 10 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '14 Mustang 4.066 314.75 314.75
5 7 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.076 318.62 318.62
6 3 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 4.081 310.70 310.70
7 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '14 Charger 4.095 314.75 314.75
8 2 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '14 Charger 4.098 314.39 314.39
9 72 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.101 310.41 310.41
10 33 Tommy Johnson Jr., Indianapolis IN, '14 Charger 4.116 308.07 308.07
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK
1 154 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '14 Camaro 6.601 208.71 208.71
2 6 Erica Enders-Stevens, New Orleans LA, '14 Cama 6.606 208.68 208.81
3 11 Shane Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.615 208.68 208.68
4 1 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '14 Dart 6.618 208.65 208.65
5 7 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '14 Dart 6.621 208.20 208.20
6 3 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.622 208.81 208.81
7 2 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '14 Dart 6.629 208.20 208.49
8 13 Jonathan Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.630 208.75 208.75
9 8 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.630 207.69 208.42
10 51 Dave Connolly, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.632 207.98 208.68
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SATURDAY SPORTSMAN
(FINAL SESSION)
TAD
1 4843 A/FD Monroe Guest, Bixby OK, Monden-BAE 5.234 264.29 264.29
2 4238 A/FD Shayne Lawson, Broken Arrow OK, Meyer-B 5.264 273.61 273.61
3 477 A/FD Forrest Fair, Haughton LA, Monden-BAE 5.311 264.60 264.60
4 416 A/FD James Thompson, Vernon TX, Monden-CRE 5.332 268.97 268.97
5 613 B/AD Joey Severance, Woodburn OR, Hadman-BAE 5.358 267.37 267.37
6 681 B/AD Shawn Cowie, Delta BC, Hadman-BAE 5.374 267.69 267.69
7 2 B/AD Chris Demke, Tujunga CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.398 268.06 268.06
8 34 A/FD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, McKinney-BAE 5.416 265.90 265.90
9 3 B/AD Brandon Booher, Urbana IL, Spitzer-BAE 5.419 0.00 0.00
10 489 A/FD Chase Copeland, Gainesville TX, Monden- 5.426 260.86 260.86
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TAFC
1 4 Annie Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '10 Mustang 5.555 259.41 259.41
2 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.610 259.61 259.61
3 64 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '10 Mustang 5.612 255.34 255.34
4 500 Dale Brand, Sully IA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.656 257.19 257.19
5 7 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '13 Mustang 5.662 255.05 255.05
6 729 Nick Januik, Las Vegas NV, '06 Monte Carlo 5.674 254.62 254.62
7 8 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '06 Monte C 5.681 258.32 258.32
8 32 Chris Foster, Davenport IA, '11 Mustang 5.697 250.92 250.92
9 562 Kris Hool, Casper WY, '06 Monte Carlo 5.703 256.11 256.21
10 68 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.720 249.86 252.57
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 5835 Raymond Vettel, Phillips NE, '70 Camaro 6.311 221.13 221.13
2 42 Allen Firestone, Velma OK, '01 S-10 6.612 213.81 213.87
3 5532 Norman Brungardt, Liberal KS, '13 Camaro 6.656 208.68 208.68
4 5830 Joshua Vettel, Phillips NE, '04 Stratus 6.673 205.01 205.01
5 4147 Greg Lair, Canyon TX, '13 Camaro 6.685 209.14 209.14
6 5074 Jim White, Haysville KS, '09 Cobalt 6.751 208.91 208.91
7 49 Royce Freeman, Lindsay OK, '10 GXP 6.818 207.43 207.43
8 514X Tom Donovan, Wellsville KS, '67 Chevy II 6.980 195.62 195.68
9 518 Monte Green, Haxtun CO, '08 Mustang 7.033 193.74 193.74
10 5576 Larry Larson, Oak Grove MO, '00 Firebird 7.070 194.74 194.74
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
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FRIDAY - FORCE, TODD AND NOBILE LEAD QUALIFYING FRIDAY AT NHRA KANSAS NATIONALS
John Force raced to a track record performance to move into the Funny Car qualifying lead Friday in a rain-shortened day of racing at the NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.
J.R. Todd (Top Fuel) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event. Teams were only able to get one of two scheduled qualifying sessions in before evening rain showers moved into the area.
Force, the 16-time and defending Funny Car world champion, powered his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang to a 4.021 second run at 318.84 mph, setting both ends of the track record. If the time holds through Saturday’s two sessions (1:30 and 4 p.m.), it will be his third No. 1 of the season and 149th of his career.
“We’ve struggled this year since Phoenix,” said Force, who has nine wins and 11 No. 1 qualifying positions at Topeka. “(Crew chief) Jimmy Prock and the team have been working really hard. We had a good race track and good conditions, and we got down there. I have a good hot rod right now. We’ll see if we can do it again."
Force set the previous track record here last year at 4.043 seconds. His run today was significantly quicker than second place Courtney Force, who posted a 4.078 at 316.23 in her Traxxas Mustang. Force said Prock is just like Babe Ruth.
“He has always swung for the fence,” Force said. “That’s what he does. Jimmy Prock makes a lot of power like all of our cars do. We’re either fast or we’re almost not in. He said he actually backed it up, and it ran faster. We have to learn that strategy with this power curve. They’re like a woman – and we love ‘em – if they don’t want to dance, ain’t nothin’ you can do about it. Today, it danced.”
Red-hot Robert Hight, the series points leader who is riding a six-race final round streak into this event, qualified fourth in his Auto Club Mustang with a 4.091 at 312.86.
Todd set the pace in Top Fuel, posting a 3.747 at 322.65 in his Optima Batteries dragster.
“Driving for (team owner) Conrad (Kalitta), you can expect a quick and fast car, for sure,” Todd said. “He definitely wasn’t shy. He swings for the fence every time he can. That’s rolling for a Top Fuel car. I’m honored to be driving his bad hot rod right now.”
Todd has earned three No. 1 qualifying positions in his career, his last coming in 2009. In 2007 he was runner-up at this event, his only final round appearance here.
“It’s nice to come to Topeka and pick up where we left off,” Todd said. “That car is quick and fast every time, and it definitely plants you back in the seat when it’s going that quick, that early. It was a bit of a handful at the other end of the track, so there’s definitely more in it. This team has always had success here, so they have a lot of notes to fall back on. Hopefully, we can add to the success they’ve had in the past.”
Steve Torrence was second with a 3.778 at 325.06 in his Capco Contractors dragster and Tony Schumacher was third in his U.S. Army dragster with a 3.791 at 322.96.
Nobile was quickest in Pro Stock, as the New York native covered the distance in 6.601 seconds at 208.71 mph in his Mountain View Tire Chevy Camaro.
"It was definitely a good start to the weekend,” Nobile said. “It was a late start, but a good start. We made a pretty good run. I couldn't have drawn it up any better."
Taking the top spot was a bonus for Nobile, who was just happy to make a run today after his team had issues getting their race car to the event. The team’s rig broke down just outside Atlanta Dragway and was stuck in Georgia for several days. Ultimately, they used a rental truck to carry the race car to Kansas and it arrived just after noon today.
"On days like today, when you're scheduled to run at 4:30, you still get here at 8:30 in the morning because that's when you wake up and you're antsy to get to the track,” Nobile said. “Then, when you make a decision early in the morning, you (end up) second guessing yourself most of the time. That always seems to bite you in the butt. Today, we didn't get that opportunity to overthink ourselves."
Pro Stock series leader Erica Enders-Stevens, who is one of five women trying to claim the 100th pro win by a female this weekend, was second overall in her Elite Motorsports Camaro with a 6.611 at 208.81. Atlanta winner Jeg Coughlin was third with a 6.618 at 208.65 in his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Dart.
Friday's results after one round of qualifying for the 26th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, eighth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. J.R. Todd, 3.747 seconds, 322.65 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.778, 325.06; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.791, 322.96; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.802, 317.27; 5. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.821, 319.98; 6. Brittany Force, 3.824, 321.88; 7. Spencer Massey, 3.853, 320.89; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.855, 313.44; 9. Terry McMillen, 3.865, 317.27; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 3.874, 314.46; 11. Richie Crampton, 3.912, 253.23; 12. Leah Pritchett, 3.960, 301.94. Not Qualified: 13. Luigi Novelli, 4.332, 222.84; 14. Antron Brown, 5.499, 124.41; 15. Pat Dakin, 8.213, 77.93.
Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.021, 318.84; 2. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.078, 316.23; 3. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.082, 311.05; 4. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.091, 312.86; 5. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.095, 309.77; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.098, 314.39; 7. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.101, 310.41; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.118, 308.57; 9. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.121, 310.41; 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.133, 297.68; 11. Chad Head, Camry, 4.135, 297.02; 12. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.143, 301.47. Not Qualified: 13. Jeff Arend, 4.327, 221.52; 14. Bob Tasca III, 7.717, 82.42; 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., 8.099, 76.27; 16. Todd Simpson, 8.577, 73.53; 17. Dale Creasy Jr., broke.
Pro Stock -- 1. Vincent Nobile, Chevy Camaro, 6.601, 208.71; 2. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.611, 208.81; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Dart, 6.618, 208.65; 4. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.622, 208.81; 5. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.630, 208.75; 6. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.633, 208.68; 7. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.635, 208.49; 8. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.635, 208.36; 9. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.642, 208.07; 10. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.642, 207.08; 11. Steve Kent, Camaro, 6.650, 208.04; 12. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.651, 208.42. Not Qualified: 13. Deric Kramer, 6.657, 207.69; 14. Rodger Brogdon, 6.674, 207.21; 15. V. Gaines, 6.679, 207.88; 16. Mark Hogan, 6.742, 204.79.
FRIDAY PRO
(SESSION 1)
TOP FUEL
1 373 J.R. Todd, Indianapolis IN, Attac-TFX 3.747 322.65 322.65
2 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.778 325.06 325.06
3 7 Tony Schumacher, Chicago IL, DSR-TFX 3.791 322.96 322.96
4 1 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.802 317.27 317.27
5 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.821 319.98 319.98
6 745 Brittany Force, Yorba Linda CA, McKinney-JFR 3.824 321.88 321.88
7 5 Spencer Massey, Fort Worth TX, DSR-TFX 3.853 320.89 320.89
8 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.855 313.44 313.44
9 21 Terry McMillen, Elkhart IN, MLR-TFX 3.865 317.27 317.27
10 9 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, Hadman-TFX 3.874 314.46 314.46
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 1 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.021 318.84 318.84
2 7 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.078 316.23 316.23
3 771 Alexis DeJoria, Austin TX, '14 Camry 4.082 311.05 311.05
4 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '14 Mustang 4.091 312.86 312.86
5 3 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 4.095 309.77 309.77
6 2 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '14 Charger 4.098 314.39 314.39
7 72 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.101 310.41 310.41
8 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '14 Charger 4.118 308.57 308.57
9 10 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '14 Mustang 4.121 310.41 310.41
10 4 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '14 Camry 4.133 297.68 297.68
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK
1 154 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '14 Camaro 6.601 208.71 208.71
2 6 Erica Enders-Stevens, New Orleans LA, '14 Cama 6.611 208.81 208.81
3 1 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '14 Dart 6.618 208.65 208.65
4 3 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.622 208.81 208.81
5 13 Jonathan Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.630 208.75 208.75
6 51 Dave Connolly, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.633 208.68 208.68
7 2 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '14 Dart 6.635 208.49 208.49
8 11 Shane Gray, Mooresville NC, '14 Camaro 6.635 208.36 208.36
9 12 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '13 Mustang 6.642 208.07 208.07
10 4264 Chris McGaha, Odessa TX, '14 Camaro 6.642 207.08 207.08
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FRIDAY SPORTSMAN
(FINAL SESSION)
SUPER STOCK
1 332 GT/GA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '90 S 9.927 10.90 -0.973
2 52 GT/BA Jason DeForrest, Andover MN, '05 Cavalier 9.306 10.25 -0.944
3 5035 SS/JA Keith Lynch, West Jordan UT, '10 Challeng 10.082 11.00 -0.918
4 5600 SS/AS Michael Mans, Rogers MN, '00 Firebird 8.699 9.60 -0.901
5 4156 SS/JA Ed Wright, Tulsa OK, '96 Trans Am 10.103 11.00 -0.897
6 3903 SS/BBA Ray Skillman, Greenwood IN, '12 Mustang 8.305 9.20 -0.895
7 3499 SS/N Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '85 Mustang 11.057 11.95 -0.893
8 44 SS/BM Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro AR, '05 Stratus 8.322 9.20 -0.878
9 3358 SS/HA Matt Lund, Bettendorf IA, '98 Firebird 9.726 10.60 -0.874
10 5149 SS/CM Phil Unruh, McPherson KS, '10 Cobalt 8.639 9.50 -0.861
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1 3499 U/SA Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '78 Mustang II 13.608 14.85 -1.242
2 5250 BB/SA Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '14 Camaro 9.142 10.30 -1.158
3 5168 CC/SA Randy Beyer, Gretna NE, '13 Camaro 9.505 10.60 -1.095
4 5243 F/SA Dale Findell, Cambridge MN, '73 Duster 10.891 11.85 -0.959
5 4192 AA/SA Brett Candies, Thibodaux LA, '10 Mustang 9.055 10.00 -0.945
6 5715 C/SA Randy Eakins, Sikeston MO, '10 Challenger 10.487 11.40 -0.913
7 5335 I/SA Dic Geary, Broomfield CO, '72 Camaro 11.398 12.30 -0.902
8 572 BB/SA Robbie Massey, Des Moines IA, '14 Camaro 9.427 10.30 -0.873
9 4166 D/SA Larry Stewart, Clinton MS, '09 Challenger 10.678 11.55 -0.872
10 403 H/SA Ed Ridenhour, Kennedale TX, '78 Volare 11.294 12.15 -0.856
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
(SESSION 2)
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1 5450 AA/PM Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '12 Mustang 6.078 6.80 -0.722
2 469 BB/A Clark Smiley, Denver City TX, '09 GXP 7.290 7.93 -0.640
3 4025 A/D Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs LA, BOS- 6.391 7.02 -0.629
4 368 E/AA Fred Allen, Winamac IN, '14 Camaro 7.703 8.30 -0.597
5 4440 F/EA Kevin Self, Caddo OK, '32 Bantam 7.832 8.42 -0.588
6 5248 C/TA Shaun Vincent, Omaha NE, '02 S-10 8.435 9.00 -0.565
7 5250 A/SMA Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '10 Cobalt 7.934 8.49 -0.556
8 5210 C/A Duane Robison, Gardner KS, '10 GXP 7.360 7.89 -0.530
9 5 A/EA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '32 Bantam 7.318 7.84 -0.522
10 7 C/ED Donald Thomas, Amarillo TX, Spitzer-Chevy 7.317 7.83 -0.513
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1 3499 U/SA Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '78 Mustang II 13.608 14.85 -1.242
2 5250 BB/SA Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '14 Camaro 9.142 10.30 -1.158
3 5168 CC/SA Randy Beyer, Gretna NE, '13 Camaro 9.505 10.60 -1.095
4 5243 F/SA Dale Findell, Cambridge MN, '73 Duster 10.891 11.85 -0.959
5 4192 AA/SA Brett Candies, Thibodaux LA, '10 Mustang 9.055 10.00 -0.945
6 5335 I/SA Dic Geary, Broomfield CO, '72 Camaro 11.398 12.30 -0.902
7 5715 C/SA Randy Eakins, Sikeston MO, '10 Challenger 10.502 11.40 -0.898
8 572 BB/SA Robbie Massey, Des Moines IA, '14 Camaro 9.427 10.30 -0.873
9 5033 K/SA Rachelle Thibert, Louisburg KS, '81 Malibu11.796 12.65 -0.854
10 5074 I/SA Tim Lisson, Solon Springs WI, '89 Firebird11.455 12.30 -0.845
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 5835 Raymond Vettel, Phillips NE, '70 Camaro 6.311 221.13 221.13
2 42 Allen Firestone, Velma OK, '01 S-10 6.612 213.81 213.87
3 5532 Norman Brungardt, Liberal KS, '13 Camaro 6.656 208.68 208.68
4 5830 Joshua Vettel, Phillips NE, '04 Stratus 6.673 205.01 205.01
5 4147 Greg Lair, Canyon TX, '13 Camaro 6.685 209.14 209.14
6 5074 Jim White, Haysville KS, '09 Cobalt 6.751 208.91 208.91
7 49 Royce Freeman, Lindsay OK, '10 GXP 6.818 207.43 207.43
8 514X Tom Donovan, Wellsville KS, '67 Chevy II 6.980 195.62 195.68
9 518 Monte Green, Haxtun CO, '08 Mustang 7.033 193.74 193.74
10 5576 Larry Larson, Oak Grove MO, '00 Firebird 7.070 194.74 194.74
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
(SESSION 1)
TAD
1 4843 A/FD Monroe Guest, Bixby OK, Monden-BAE 5.234 264.29 264.29
2 4238 A/FD Shayne Lawson, Broken Arrow OK, Meyer-B 5.264 273.61 273.61
3 477 A/FD Forrest Fair, Haughton LA, Monden-BAE 5.311 264.60 264.60
4 416 A/FD James Thompson, Vernon TX, Monden-CRE 5.332 268.97 268.97
5 613 B/AD Joey Severance, Woodburn OR, Hadman-BAE 5.358 267.37 267.37
6 681 B/AD Shawn Cowie, Delta BC, Hadman-BAE 5.374 267.69 267.69
7 2 B/AD Chris Demke, Tujunga CA, Uyehara-BAE 5.398 268.06 268.06
8 34 A/FD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, McKinney-BAE 5.416 265.90 265.90
9 3 B/AD Brandon Booher, Urbana IL, Spitzer-BAE 5.419 0.00 0.00
10 489 A/FD Chase Copeland, Gainesville TX, Monden- 5.426 260.86 260.86
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TAFC
1 500 Dale Brand, Sully IA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.656 257.19 257.19
2 729 Nick Januik, Las Vegas NV, '06 Monte Carlo 5.674 254.62 254.62
3 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '06 Monte Carlo 5.676 259.16 259.16
4 8 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '06 Monte C 5.681 258.32 258.32
5 562 Kris Hool, Casper WY, '06 Monte Carlo 5.703 256.11 256.11
6 501 Scott McVey, Winnipeg MB, '06 Monte Carlo 5.723 252.95 252.95
7 68 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '06 Monte Ca 5.725 252.57 252.57
8 7 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '13 Mustang 5.797 250.18 250.18
9 2 John Lombardo Jr., Brea CA, '14 Mustang 5.801 256.84 256.84
10 433 Bryan Brown, Gainesville TX, '06 Monte Carlo 5.806 223.32 223.32
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1 5450 AA/PM Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '12 Mustang 6.078 6.80 -0.722
2 469 BB/A Clark Smiley, Denver City TX, '09 GXP 7.290 7.93 -0.640
3 4025 A/D Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs LA, BOS- 6.391 7.02 -0.629
4 368 E/AA Fred Allen, Winamac IN, '14 Camaro 7.703 8.30 -0.597
5 4440 F/EA Kevin Self, Caddo OK, '32 Bantam 7.832 8.42 -0.588
6 5248 C/TA Shaun Vincent, Omaha NE, '02 S-10 8.435 9.00 -0.565
7 5250 A/SMA Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '10 Cobalt 7.934 8.49 -0.556
8 5210 C/A Duane Robison, Gardner KS, '10 GXP 7.360 7.89 -0.530
9 5 A/EA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '32 Bantam 7.323 7.84 -0.517
10 7 C/ED Donald Thomas, Amarillo TX, Spitzer-Chevy 7.317 7.83 -0.513
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER STOCK
1 332 GT/GA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '90 S 9.927 10.90 -0.973
2 52 GT/BA Jason DeForrest, Andover MN, '05 Cavalier 9.306 10.25 -0.944
3 5035 SS/JA Keith Lynch, West Jordan UT, '10 Challeng 10.082 11.00 -0.918
4 5600 SS/AS Michael Mans, Rogers MN, '00 Firebird 8.699 9.60 -0.901
5 3499 SS/N Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '85 Mustang 11.057 11.95 -0.893
6 44 SS/BM Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro AR, '05 Stratus 8.322 9.20 -0.878
7 3358 SS/HA Matt Lund, Bettendorf IA, '98 Firebird 9.726 10.60 -0.874
8 5149 SS/CM Phil Unruh, McPherson KS, '10 Cobalt 8.639 9.50 -0.861
9 5440 GT/I Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk NE, '66 Chevy II 10.095 10.95 -0.855
10 3306 SS/KA Larry Hodge, La Place IL, '86 Monte Carlo 10.398 11.25 -0.852
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1 5168 CC/SA Randy Beyer, Gretna NE, '13 Camaro 9.524 10.60 -1.076
2 5250 BB/SA Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '14 Camaro 9.267 10.30 -1.033
3 5715 C/SA Randy Eakins, Sikeston MO, '10 Challenger 10.502 11.40 -0.898
4 572 BB/SA Robbie Massey, Des Moines IA, '14 Camaro 9.427 10.30 -0.873
5 4192 AA/SA Brett Candies, Thibodaux LA, '10 Mustang 9.135 10.00 -0.865
6 5033 K/SA Rachelle Thibert, Louisburg KS, '81 Malibu11.796 12.65 -0.854
7 5074 I/SA Tim Lisson, Solon Springs WI, '89 Firebird11.455 12.30 -0.845
8 5243 F/SA Dale Findell, Cambridge MN, '73 Duster 11.012 11.85 -0.838
9 57 V/SA Mike Jeffery, Lexington NE, '80 Dodge 14.682 15.50 -0.818
10 41 C/SA Jacob Pitt, Mansfield TX, '69 Barracuda 10.606 11.40 -0.794
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 42 Allen Firestone, Velma OK, '01 S-10 6.612 213.81 213.81
2 5532 Norman Brungardt, Liberal KS, '13 Camaro 6.658 208.62 208.62
3 5830 Joshua Vettel, Phillips NE, '04 Stratus 6.673 205.01 205.01
4 4147 Greg Lair, Canyon TX, '13 Camaro 6.686 208.49 208.49
5 5074 Jim White, Haysville KS, '09 Cobalt 6.770 208.26 208.26
6 49 Royce Freeman, Lindsay OK, '10 GXP 6.854 206.73 206.73
7 514X Tom Donovan, Wellsville KS, '67 Chevy II 6.994 195.68 195.68
8 518 Monte Green, Haxtun CO, '08 Mustang 7.047 193.52 193.52
9 5576 Larry Larson, Oak Grove MO, '00 Firebird 7.077 194.30 194.30
10 5464 J.J. Heber, Centennial CO, '06 Mustang 7.107 199.20 199.20
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
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