 |
     |
 |
|
|
NHRA SuperNationals, Englishtown, NJ
|
 |
|
The
latest results from the eleventh stop on the 2004 NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series
|
By Bobby Bennett Photos by Roger Richards, Greg Guarinello |
|
 |
| Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 4.657 seconds, 318.92 mph def. Cory McClenathan, 4.703 seconds, 304.39 mph. |
(6-20-2004) - Two-time defending NHRA Top Fuel
champion Larry Dixon broke a losing streak that lasted 18 races
by winning Sunday at the 35th annual K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals
at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Gary Densham (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines
(Pro Stock Bike) also earned victories in their respective categories
at the $2.1 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.
Dixon used a 4.657-second pass at 318.92 mph to earn his first win
of the season in the Miller Lite dragster. He beat Cory McClenathan's
4.703 at 304.39 in the Berryman/Carrier Boyz dragster.
It was Dixon's first win since the August 2003 event in Sonoma,
Calif. and the 34th victory of his career.
"It's a great feeling because a lot of people have been questioning
our abilities," Dixon said. "At least for the moment,
we have an answer for them."
 |
| Funny Car -- Gary Densham, Ford Mustang, 5.004, 311.70 def. John Force, Mustang, 5.902, 175.57. |
Dixon moved up two places to the No. 6 spot in the POWERade Top
Fuel point standings. It was even more special with son, Donovan
(3 years old) and daughter, year-old Alanna, by his side in winner's
circle.
Dixon won the NHRA event on Father's Day in 2003 too.
"If I had known that I was gonna win every Father's Day I would
have started having kids when I was a teenager," Dixon said.
"I don't know why it happened this way, but I love it.
"The TV guys asked if Larry was back. I don't know about that
but we did win this race so we're gonna enjoy this day."
Dixon won 23 of his 34 career victories between 2001-'03. But he
started racing in 1995 and has been through dry spells before. Dixon
failed to win a race in 1997 - the only full season he's been without
a victory.
"I was pretty excited at the top end," Dixon said. "That's
a lot of pent up energy I had to let out. I hadn't won in almost
a year. When you're on a streak like we were for the last few years
you think it'll never end. Then it does and before long, it seems
like forever since you've won.
"The car got better and better every round and so did my driving.
It might sound cheesy but it was team deal today."
Densham beat his teammate John Force to earn his first win this season and seventh career victory. Densham used a 5.004 pass at 311.70 to beat Force's 5.902 at 175.57 in a battle between Ford Mustangs. Densham got the win in the Auto Club Mustang, but the ending wasn't pretty. The parachute cord wrapped around the wheelie bar, causing the chutes to stay intact and preventing the car from slowing down. The sandtrap and the rope fence at the far end of the race track stopped Densham's car.
"I beat the boss and ruined his car at the same time,"
Densham said. "How dumb am I? I don't know what happened. Maybe
I drove it too far to make sure I'd turned on the win light, I don't
know. I've been racing for 40 years and that's the first time I've
ever played in the sand."
 |
| Pro Stock -- Jason Line, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.761, 203.58 def. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.771, 204.29. |
Densham said the most consoling words came from the losing lane
- Force. Force has earned two victories and two runner-up finishes
in the Castrol GTX Start Up Mustang this season.
"I'm embarrassed, to be honest, but John was right there to
tell me, 'You're fired'," Densham said. "Seriously, he
is a great boss and he told me not to worry about it. He just came
over to congratulate me and make sure I was OK.
"We went up there to race. Maybe down the stretch, if John
needed 20 points to win it all, the outcome would have been different.
But right now, we're going all out. I'm still trying to talk him
into letting me win it all this year."
Line didn't get consoling words from his boss. He earned his second
career win with a 6.761 at 203.58 in his KB Framers Pontiac Grand
Am to beat Kurt Johnson's 6.771 at 204. 29 in his ACDelco Chevy
Cavalier. Johnson is second in the Pro Stock point standings - just
behind Line's boss, Greg Anderson. Anderson lost in the first round
for the first time this season, but still maintains a stout 322-point
lead over Johnson.
"The biggest surprise of the day is Greg losing in the first
round, not so much me winning," Line said. "Although I
am stunned the second one came this quickly. My first win (against
Anderson at Chicago 1) was a little bittersweet because I beat Greg
in the final and it ended his quest to win six in a row. That would
have been quite an accomplishment. This time I didn't need to worry
about it.
"Greg was right there rooting me on and he helped prepare the
car all day."
During Line's first win, his parents were there to witness the big
event. This time, however, Father's Day had to be celebrated via
cell phone.
 |
| Pro Stock Bike -- Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.016, 192.28 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.138, 186.59. |
"My folks were at home this time," Line said. "I
did get to tell dad 'Happy Father's Day' on TV, so that was very
cool. He'll definitely be the first phone call I make."
Hines had two wins in one weekend. Not only did he turn in a 7.016
at 192.28 on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson
to set the elapsed time national record, but he got the win too.
Hines earned his third victory of the season and of his career.
He also lowered the year-old E.T. record twice this weekend. He
beat Craig Treble's 7.138 at 186.59 on his Matco Tools Suzuki in
the final round.
"To run a bunch of 7.0s all day, let alone a national record,
in the final, no less, is just awesome," Hines said. "If
we stayed until it got dark and made one more run, I guarantee you
we'd be in the sixes (six-second range) but under the conditions
we had, the 7.01 was the best we could do."
The first rider to make a pass in the 6-second range will earn a
$10,000 cash bonus from the Mickey Thompson 6-Second Club.
"Sixes or not, we're still happy as ever," Hines said.
"We got the win and collected the most points you can get at
one event (138), so we're really happy with the weekend. The Harley
is so quick that it's hard to have a slow pass. I just pop the clutch
and hit the shift points and the bike does the rest of the work."
The next NHRA POWERade series event is the eighth annual Sears Craftsman
NHRA Nationals at Gateway International Raceway in St. Louis, June
25-27.
Sportsman Finals
 |
| Top Alcohol Dragster -- Randy Meyer, 5.343, 262.03 def. Jason Cannon, 9.008, 91.43. |
 |
| Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Paul Lee, Pontiac Firebird, 5.637, 254.57 def. Paul Gill, Dodge Avenger, 5.672, 255.92. |
 |
| Competition Eliminator -- Glen Treadwell, Roadster, 8.411, 150.72 def. Tony Stephenson, Chevy Cavalier, 7.796, 172.01. |
 |
| Super Stock -- Lincoln Morehead, Chevy Camaro, 9.966, 135.82 def. George Taylor Jr., Camaro, 9.897, 129.24. |
 |
| Stock Eliminator -- Lee Zane, Buick Apollo, 11.731, 110.25 def. Keith Ohanesian, Chevy Camaro, foul. |
 |
| Super Comp -- Dan Northrop, Dragster, 8.945, 158.24 def. Dick Dorr, Dragster, 8.980, 172.06. |
 |
Super Street -- John Smith, Chevelle, 10.882, 134.43 def. Tom De Pascale, Chevy Vega, 10.878, 138.80. |
E-town Blazer
Up-and-coming action photographer Chris Simmons captured Phil Burkart's first round flame-up against Cruz Pedregon.
Final round-by-round results from the 35th annual K&N Filters SuperNationals presented by Strauss Auto at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the 11th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Larry Dixon, 4.695, 316.52 def. Doug Herbert, 6.198, 145.25; Cory McClenathan, 4.687, 312.42 def. Scott Weis, 6.954, 139.76; Scott Kalitta, 5.017, 271.46 def. David Grubnic, 5.372, 256.41; Darrell Russell, 4.747, 302.28 def. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.968, 299.86; Bobby Lagana Jr., 5.303, 270.97 def. Brandon Bernstein, 6.226, 154.32; Bob Vandergriff, 4.666, 315.19 def. John Smith, 4.781, 308.14; Doug Kalitta, 4.741, 308.78 def. Mitch King, 7.171, 104.52; Rit Pustari, 4.845, 297.88 def. Tony Schumacher, 4.944, 272.28;
QUARTERFINALS -- D. Kalitta, 4.729, 306.26 def. S. Kalitta, 9.769, 84.34; Dixon, 4.676, 319.07 def. Lagana Jr., 5.649, 177.51; Russell, 5.034, 288.77 def. Vandergriff, 6.241, 164.23; McClenathan, 4.781, 301.33 def. Pustari, 4.906, 308.21;
SEMIFINALS -- McClenathan, 4.679, 317.27 def. D. Kalitta, 4.731, 312.93; Dixon, 4.667, 316.45 def. Russell, 4.644, 319.98;
FINAL -- Dixon, 4.657, 318.92 def. McClenathan, 4.703, 304.39.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Del Worsham, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.028, 288.39 def. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 5.207, 269.94; Gary Densham, Ford Mustang, 4.991, 299.26 def. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Camaro, 6.967, 141.02; Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 5.224, 272.12 def. Phil Burkart, Monte Carlo, 5.292, 265.27; Tommy Johnson Jr., Monte Carlo, 4.966, 308.85 def. Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.927, 308.35; Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 9.647, 82.66 def. Terry Haddock, Camaro, broke; Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 5.054, 296.63 def. Ron Capps, Monte Carlo, 5.098, 294.31; Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 4.898, 315.78 def. Jerry Toliver, Toyota Celica, 8.708, 93.71; John Force, Mustang, 4.922, 316.60 def. Jeff Arend, Chevy Corvette, 6.967, 124.86;
QUARTERFINALS -- Densham, 4.991, 308.64 def. Wilkerson, 5.079, 294.37; Worsham, 4.998, 306.19 def. Johnson Jr., 5.045, 301.13; Scelzi, 5.407, 276.41 def. C. Pedregon, 5.512, 264.08; Force, 4.931, 315.12 def. T. Pedregon, 5.111, 257.38;
SEMIFINALS -- Densham, 5.166, 239.36 def. Worsham, 5.585, 188.67; Force, 4.952, 312.42 def. Scelzi, 4.993, 307.51;
FINAL -- Densham, 5.004, 311.70 def. Force, 5.902, 175.57.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Bruce Allen, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.769, 204.23 def. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, foul; Rickie Smith, Chevy Cavalier, 6.788, 203.65 def. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 7.338, 147.76; Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.801, 204.23 def. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, foul; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.755, 205.01 def. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, foul; Jason Line, Grand Am, 6.860, 200.14 def. Kenny Koretsky, Stratus, 19.672, 40.46; Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.777, 203.37 def. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.743, 206.67; Darrell Alderman, Stratus, 6.777, 203.77 def. Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.930, 177.39; Steve Johns, Cavalier, 6.726, 206.23 def. Mark Whisnant, Cavalier, 6.786, 203.83;
QUARTERFINALS -- Line, 6.773, 204.05 def. Morgan, 6.834, 203.22; Alderman, 6.815, 202.94 def. Allen, 6.811, 203.46; K. Johnson, 6.757, 204.94 def. Yates, 6.797, 202.97; Johns, 6.739, 205.32 def. Smith, 6.782, 203.92;
SEMIFINALS -- K. Johnson, 6.783, 204.39 def. Alderman, 6.816, 203.00; Line, 6.787, 202.58 def. Johns, 6.789, 205.01;
FINAL -- Line, 6.761, 203.58 def. K. Johnson, 6.771, 204.29.
PRO STOCK BIKE:
ROUND ONE -- Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.132, 187.18 def. Josh Helvie, Kawasaki, 7.208, 184.70; Fred Collis, 7.179, 183.94 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, foul; GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.113, 189.31 def. Kurt Matte, Suzuki, 7.445, 148.62; Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.138, 187.26 def. Fred Camarena, Suzuki, 7.249, 184.52; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.020, 192.08 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.219, 184.67; Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.174, 186.00 def. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.208, 185.84; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.149, 186.41 def. Matthew Smith, Suzuki, 7.185, 185.00; Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.172, 184.85 def. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.201, 187.21;
QUARTERFINALS -- Treble, 7.208, 184.09 def. Scali, 7.214, 183.79; Johnson, 7.181, 186.51 def. Savoie, 7.205, 184.09; Gann, 7.193, 186.05 def. Tonglet, foul; Hines, 7.070, 191.76 def. Collis, 7.120, 184.72;
SEMIFINALS -- Treble, 7.154, 186.85 def. Gann, foul; Hines, 7.028, 191.92 def. Johnson, 7.179, 184.27;
FINAL -- Hines, 7.016, 192.28 def. Treble, 7.138, 186.59.
 |
An interesting first round, stats and more stats and the Kalitta Father's Day Gift
 |
| Phil Burkart was uninjured in this first round fire during Funny Car eliminations. |
Consolation - If there's any consolation to the Budweiser Top Fuel team, it was the misfortune of Tony Schumacher. Schumacher will retain the points lead, but the loss prevented a larger points span.
Observation of the day - NHRA announcer Louis Bloom, "I like to consider Shawn Gann to be the bling-bling of Pro Stock Bike."
Advice of the day - After beating Jay Payne in the semi-finals of Top Alcohol Funny Car, announcer Alan Reinhart advised Paul Lee's crew, "If you guys don't go and buy a lottery ticket now...you're fools."
Like Father, Like Daughter – After the first round of Funny Car qualifying, a Force led the Funny Car ranks. Another Force led the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks. Together John and Ashley Force had a good day in qualifying on Friday. This marks the first time that I father and daughter have led qualifying at an NHRA event simultaneously.
Dear old Dad - Spotted on the back of John Force's t-shirt, "My daughter won in Rusk, Texas and all I got was the lousy t-shirt."
Morgan’s a Shoe – One of the expected announcements on Friday came to pass with Mopar-sponsored Pro Stock driver being bought out by Don Schumacher. Also with the announcement came word that Bob Glidden would return to the team after leaving and gaining an offer from Jeg’s. Schumacher reportedly plans to put a second car on the track in 2004.
#1 Curse – For the first time since Topeka in 1997, the top qualifiers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock all fell in the first round loss.
Been a long time – The last time that Greg Anderson lost in the first round of Pro Stock was Bristol in 2003. That streak spanned for 29 national events.
And then there was one #1 – Andrew Hines didn’t suffer the same misfortune as Bernstein, Medlen or Anderson. In fact, he was far away from misfortune as one could be. Hines took out Karen Stoffer with the quickest Pro Stock Bike run in history, a 7.02. He backed up the run for a new national record with a 7.078 in qualifying.
Be careful of what you ask for – When he saw that his first round opponent was Del Worsham, points leader Whit Bazemore made a comment that basically pointed out that he wanted to run Worsham. Bazemore was quicker off of the line, but a loss of traction was enough of a window of opportunity for Worsham to drive around him.
Rough Seas – After failing to qualify at the Columbus event, the Carrier Brothers, Mark and Andy, decided to shelve their Brad Hadman car in favor of their older Murf McKinney dragster. The move worked as driver Cory McClenathan not only made the show this time, but also snagged a first round victory.
Thanks Dad – “I like to give Dad a present…even if it is at his expense.” – Scott Kalitta on winning the first round of eliminations opposite of teammate Dave Grubnic.
Twilight Zone – The largest shot of the first round came at the hands of Bobby Lagana, Jr., as he knocked off low qualifier Brandon Bernstein in the first round to win his second career competition round in NHRA POWERade competition.
As Bob Sees It – As announcer Bob Frey admitted, “What a great sport it is when you can see Bobby Lagana, Jr. and Rit Pustari in the second round.”
After Lagana upset Bernstein, Pustari followed suit in taking out Tony Schumacher.
Happy Birthday Shirley – Top Fuel drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney celebrated her birthday over the course of the weekend. Recently, Muldowney was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Happy Birthday Ron – Ron Capps was also celebrating his 39th birthday on Sunday.
The Snake Charm – For the third time this season, Don Prudhomme will have two of his cars in the second round. Larry Dixon and Tommy Johnson, Jr., will be representing the team.
 |
SATURDAY - BERNSTEIN, MEDLEN, ANDERSON AND HINES HAVE THE TOP SPOTS AT K&N FILTERS NHRA SUPERNATIONALS
 |
| Brandon Bernstein returned to Englishtown one year after his devastating crash and claimed the top qualifying position. |
(6-19-2004)- Brandon Bernstein is one step closer
to slamming the book shut on the 2003 season as he qualified No.
1 in Top Fuel Saturday during the 35th annual K&N Filters NHRA
SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
Eric Medlen (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines
(Pro Stock Bike) also earned the No. 1 qualifying position in their
respective categories at the $2.1 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing
Series event.
Bernstein suffered major back injuries at this track last year during
a first round crash. The accident kept him on the sidelines for
the rest of the 2003 season. He spent four months in a brace that
ran from his chin to his waist before doing another five months
of rehabilitation.
The 2004 season has been rehabilitation for his confidence as Bernstein
has earned three wins and three top qualifying efforts en route
to the No. 2 spot in the standings after the first 10 races of the
season.
Bernstein drove his Budweiser dragster to a 4.565-second run at
325.85 mph for his fifth career No. 1 position and is looking to
right the wrong from 2003.
"It's great to have another No. 1 qualifying effort,"
Bernstein said. "To have such a great start to the season once
again after what happened here last year is really special.
 |
| Eric Medlen turned in a 4.830 at 317.72 in his Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang for his first career No. 1 spot in Funny Car. |
"I've gotten into a mindset where this is just another strip
and that's pretty much how I will approach it when we pull up to
the line on Sunday."
Bernstein's biggest concern for Sunday has everything to do with
the track conditions. The track temperature has hovered in the 110-120
degree range but is expected to drop slightly on Sunday.
"It's tough out there," Bernstein said. "The track
is really slippery and you can't put too much power to the track
because it's not responding the way we like it to. (Crew chief)
Tim Richards has a handle on the car, I feel, and we'll try to do
our best."
Medlen turned in a 4.830 at 317.72 in his Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang
for his first career No. 1 spot in Funny Car. Medlen's crew chief,
John Medlen, is also his father.
"It's really cool to do this for the first time with my dad
on Father's Day weekend," Medlen said. "To have him working
side-by-side with me and to drive the car he tunes is just tremendous.
It's great to give him a Father's Day present like this. I can't
even imagine what a win would feel like."
 |
| Greg Anderson earned the 25th No. 1 qualifying position of his career with a 6.766 pass at 203.89. |
Medlen has been close to knowing that winning feeling. He was the
runner-up to Whit Bazemore in Topeka just three weeks ago. He does,
however, know what it is like to be on the winning team. He worked
as a crew member for the Force Racing program for eight seasons
before taking over driving duties this year.
"As part of this team for all those years when I worked on
the cars, I bet I've been part of 100 or so wins," Medlen said.
"You get to a point where you come to expect them. Then you
come to drive and you learn real fast that it's so tough to even
win one round.
"I think this shows we're capable of running against the very
best drivers in the world, which is exactly what we have in this
class. I've still got a lot to learn, for sure, but we're getting
better."
Anderson earned the 25th No. 1 qualifying position of his career
with a 6.766 pass at 203.89 in his Vegas General Construction Pontiac
Grand Am. He has eight top qualifying awards in 2004 alone.
Anderson has eight wins this season too.
 |
| Andrew Hines earned the fifth top qualifying position of his career and of the season when he rode his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 7.078 run at 189.60. |
"I'd say the heat is here for good," Anderson said. "We
got our first real dose a week ago in Columbus and we saw some teams
fall off. Now we're in the thick of it and even more guys are struggling.
It's a challenge, but last year as it got hotter, our team did better
and better. So I am not overly concerned.
"I would say that our guys proved last summer that they are
very good at adapting to slippery tracks. I just hope we can continue
that trend again this year."
Hines earned the fifth top qualifying position of his career and
of the season when he rode his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines
Harley-Davidson to a 7.078 run at 189.60.
"These Harleys love the heat just like they love altitude,"
Hines said. "We have almost twice the torque of the Suzukis
and Kawasakis so heat like this isn't such a big factor for us.
"It's nice to be No. 1 again. I'm getting used to these $1,000
checks every weekend (for top qualifiers)."
Final eliminations are set for 11 a.m. Sunday.
First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 35th annual K&N Filters SuperNationals presented by Strauss Auto at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the 11th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 4.565 seconds, 325.85
mph vs. 16. Bobby Lagana Jr, 5.918, 167.20; 2. Tony Schumacher,
4.582, 323.89 vs. 15. Rit Pustari, 5.121, 257.53; 3. Doug Kalitta,
4.593, 325.61 vs. 14. Mitch King, 4.917, 283.07; 4. Bob Vandergriff,
4.613, 309.70 vs. 13. John Smith, 4.862, 305.29; 5. Darrell Russell,
4.620, 321.65 vs. 12. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.838, 303.37; 6. Scott
Kalitta, 4.637, 322.65 vs. 11. David Grubnic, 4.803, 287.53; 7.
Scott Weis, 4.676, 320.51 vs. 10. Cory McClenathan, 4.736, 310.70;
8. Doug Herbert, 4.689, 305.91 vs. 9. Larry Dixon, 4.710, 310.34.
Funny Car -- 1. Eric Medlen, Ford Mustang, 4.830, 317.72 vs. 16. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.107, 296.11; 2. Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.856, 305.01 vs. 15. Terry Haddock, Chevy Camaro, 5.098, 283.13; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.885, 293.09 vs. 14. Phil Burkart, Monte Carlo, 5.050, 287.78; 4. Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.890, 317.49 vs. 13. Bob Gilbertson, Camaro, 5.043, 291.89; 5. Ron Capps, Monte Carlo, 4.905, 312.64 vs. 12. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 5.039, 299.46; 6. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.926, 311.85 vs. 11. Jerry Toliver, Toyota Celica, 5.032, 299.73; 7. John Force, Mustang, 4.937, 311.56 vs. 10. Jeff Arend, Chevy Corvette, 4.974, 301.33; 8. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.961, 311.56 vs. 9. Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.967, 303.16.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.766, 203.89 vs. 16. Darrell Alderman, Dodge Stratus, 6.838, 201.82; 2. Steve Johns, Chevy Cavalier, 6.785, 204.76 vs. 15. Mark Whisnant, Cavalier, 6.838, 202.21; 3. Jason Line, Grand Am, 6.797, 203.52 vs. 14. Kenny Koretsky, Stratus, 6.836, 202.45; 4. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.798, 204.70 vs. 13. Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.834, 201.46; 5. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.804, 202.91 vs. 12. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.832, 202.42; 6. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.806, 202.45 vs. 11. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.829, 202.24; 7. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.810, 202.52 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Cavalier, 6.827, 202.61; 8. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.812, 202.64 vs. 9. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.826, 202.52.
Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.078, 189.60 vs. 16. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.295, 182.40; 2. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.161, 188.15 vs. 15. Kurt Matte, Suzuki, 7.292, 183.29; 3. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.176, 185.33 vs. 14. Fred Camarena, Suzuki, 7.286, 182.43; 4. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.177, 185.23 vs. 13. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.265, 183.05; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.193, 185.26 vs. 12. Matthew Smith, Suzuki, 7.260, 183.10; 6. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.208, 184.90 vs. 11. Josh Helvie, Kawasaki, 7.256, 182.95; 7. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.218, 185.28 vs. 10. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.242, 184.95; 8. Fred Collis, 7.238, 181.52 vs. 9. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.241, 183.99.
FRIDAY - BERNSTEIN, MEDLEN, ANDERSON AND HINES PACE QUALIFYING AT K&N FILTERS SUPERNATIONALS
 |
| Eric Medlen drove his Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang to a 4.830-second run at 317.72 mph to lead the category after two sessions. |
(6-18-2004) - Rookie Eric Medlen raced to the
top of the Funny Car order Friday after the first day of qualifying
at the 35th annual K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge
Township Raceway Park.
Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Andrew
Hines (Pro Stock Bike) also lead qualifying in their respective
categories at the $2.1 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
event.
Medlen drove his Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang to a 4.830-second run
at 317.72 mph to lead the category after two sessions. Qualifying
continues at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. Final eliminations are
set for 11 a.m. on Sunday.
"About 150 feet out there it started shaking real bad,"
Medlen said. "But with this car I always give it a chance to
dry up. This time though it just kept doing it and I said, 'the
heck with it, I'm not lifting' because I knew it was Friday night
and you might as well go for it."
Medlen has not yet earned a No. 1 qualifier in his short career.
 |
| Brandon Bernstein went 4.565 at 325.85 in his Budweiser dragster to lead Top Fuel. |
"I don't know if it will hold, but I hope it does," Medlen
said. "We were almost No. 1 in Pomona (Calif.) but John (Force,
car owner and teammate) took it from us on the last day. I told
him that I thought he should have been nice to the new guy and he
reminded me that he was being nice by letting me drive in the first
place. It's hard to argue with that."
Bernstein went 4.565 at 325.85 in his Budweiser dragster to lead
Top Fuel. This is the site of his 2003 crash that kept him out of
racing for the remaining 15 events of the season.
"I've gotten into a mindset where this is just another strip
and that's pretty much how I approached it today," Bernstein
said. "But, of course, we do have some history here so it certainly
feels great to be No. 1 after all that happened last year. It's
a great feeling.
"I tried not to look at the walls, which I never do anyway.
I stuck to the usual routine I have. Once the car starts you pretty
much do the same procedure each time. You just go out there and
do your job."
 |
| Greg Anderson drove his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am to the top of Pro Stock with a 6.783 pass at 202.97. |
Anderson drove his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am
to the top of Pro Stock with a 6.783 pass at 202.97. The No. 2 qualifier,
Steve Johns, was close behind at 6.796 at 204.05.
"Our dominance seems to be diminishing," Anderson said.
"The two Grumpy (Jenkins) powered cars continue to get better
and better each week. We still have about the same gap on the rest
of the guys but those two (Johns and teammate Dave Connolly) are
here to stay."
 |
| Andrew Hines rode his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to a 7.112 run at 189.60 to pace Pro Stock Bike. |
Hines rode his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson
to a 7.112 run at 189.60 to pace Pro Stock Bike. Hines has been
the No. 1 qualifier at all but one race (four times) this season.
"I think everyone thought it was going to be faster than it
actually was in the second round," Hines said. "For us,
it was a simple matter of our lucky tire finally dying. We've had
the same one on since [two races ago in] Chicago and that time it
just spun all the way down the track. It's time for a new one."
Results Friday after qualifying for the 35th annual K&N
Filters SuperNationals presented by Strauss Auto at Old Bridge Township
Raceway Park, 11th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade
Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's
final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 4.565 seconds, 325.85 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 4.582, 323.19; 3. Doug Kalitta, 4.593, 325.61; 4. Bob Vandergriff, 4.613, 309.70; 5. Scott Kalitta, 4.637, 322.65; 6. Darrell Russell, 4.669, 316.97; 7. Scott Weis, 4.676, 320.51; 8. Doug Herbert, 4.689, 305.91; 9. Larry Dixon, 4.710, 310.34; 10. David Grubnic, 4.803, 287.53; 11. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.838, 303.37; 12. John Smith, 4.862, 305.29; 13. Mitch King, 4.917, 283.07; 14. Rit Pustari, 5.695, 179.30; 15. Bobby Lagana Jr, 5.918, 167.20; 16. Cory McClenathan, 6.309, 145.20.
Funny Car -- 1. Eric Medlen, Ford Mustang, 4.830,
317.72; 2. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.856, 305.01; 3. Cruz
Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.885, 293.09; 4. Gary Densham, Mustang,
4.890, 317.49; 5. Ron Capps, Monte Carlo, 4.905, 312.64; 6. John
Force, Mustang, 4.937, 311.56; 7. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.944,
311.85; 8. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.964, 311.56; 9. Whit Bazemore,
Stratus, 5.016, 302.89; 10. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Camaro, 5.043,
291.89; 11. Phil Burkart, Monte Carlo, 5.050, 275.11; 12. Tim Wilkerson,
Monte Carlo, 5.099, 286.98; 13. Jerry Toliver, Toyota Celica, 5.116,
283.85; 14. Tony Bartone, Camaro, 5.274, 269.46; 15. Tommy Johnson
Jr., Monte Carlo, 5.685, 175.07; 16. Jeff Arend, Chevy Corvette,
5.739, 174.89.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am,
6.783, 202.97; 2. Steve Johns, Chevy Cavalier, 6.796, 204.05; 3.
Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.798, 203.92; 4. Jason Line, Grand Am,
6.799, 202.94; 5. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.804, 202.36; 6. Larry
Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.806, 202.36; 7. Bruce Allen, Grand Am,
6.824, 202.55; 8. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.833, 201.82; 9. Jim
Yates, Grand Am, 6.834, 201.25; 10. Kenny Koretsky, Stratus, 6.836,
202.45; 11. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.838, 201.64; 12. Rickie Smith,
Cavalier, 6.843, 201.73; 13. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.849, 200.35;
14. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.850, 201.19; 15. Darrell Alderman,
Stratus, 6.857, 201.52; 16. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.861, 201.40.
Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson,
7.112, 189.60; 2. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.178, 184.57; 3. GT Tonglet,
Harley-Davidson, 7.181, 185.72; 4. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.203,
185.33; 5. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.218, 184.22; 6. Geno Scali, Suzuki,
7.237, 182.70; 7. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.254, 184.30; 8. Shawn
Gann, Suzuki, 7.258, 184.57; 9. Josh Helvie, Kawasaki, 7.265, 182.80;
10. Fred Collis, 7.270, 181.11; 11. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.273,
183.64; 12. Kurt Matte, Suzuki, 7.292, 183.29; 13. Blaine Hale,
Suzuki, 7.300, 182.80; 14. Matthew Smith, Suzuki, 7.306, 181.30;
15. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.328, 181.74; 16. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki,
7.330, 180.89.
 |
