Greg Stanfield would have no problem with two-session qualifications if they all turned out like the NHRA O’Reilly Midwest Nationals in St. Louis did.

The former sportsman champion turned Pro Stock hitter captured his fourth career No. 1 qualifying effort Saturday afternoon at Gateway International Raceway when qualifying was abbreviated to just one day.

“Usually when we lose two runs, it’s trouble for our team,” Stanfield said. “We ran well in Atlanta and conditions here were similar. That helped us and only having two runs probably helped us because there are some stronger teams out there.”

Greg Stanfield would have no problem with two-session qualifications if they all turned out like the NHRA O’Reilly Midwest Nationals in St. Louis did.

The former sportsman champion turned Pro Stock hitter captured his fourth career No. 1 qualifying effort Saturday afternoon at Gateway International Raceway when qualifying was abbreviated to just one day.

“Usually when we lose two runs, it’s trouble for our team,” Stanfield said. “We ran well in Atlanta and conditions here were similar. That helped us and only having two runs probably helped us because there are some stronger teams out there.”

Stanfield rolled down the Gateway quarter-mile, laying down his mark before the larger financed teams could get a handle of what could be an unequal track for Sunday’s final eliminations.

“In most cases drag racers can get greedy and try for more,” Stanfield said. “It’s hit or miss sometimes out there.”

Stanfield wasn’t greedy. He just wanted to ensure lane choice fell his way on Sunday.

“It looks like the left lane is better,” Stanfield said. “We’ll need to get lane choice to stay over there. I think lane choice is going to be a big deal tomorrow. I think it’s a little rough in the middle. It could change run to run.” 

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