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MONDAY - Bazemore takes POWERade Series Points lead with Memphis victory; Schumacher, Anderson and Showers among O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals winners

Tony Schumacher wrapped up a weekend full of highs and lows with a Top Fuel win.

(9-23-2003) - Whit Bazemore moved into the POWERade Series points lead for the first time in his career Monday by winning the rain-delayed O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Tony Schumacher, Greg Anderson and Reggie Showers also were winners at the $1.6 million race, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Bazemore raced to his third victory of the season and 15th of his career, defeating Dean Skuza in the final. Bazemore drove his Matco Tools Dodge Stratus to a winning run of 4.894 seconds at 309.42 mph to hold off Skuza's Cornwell Tools Pontiac Firebird, which ran 5.225 at 227.50. With the victory, Bazemore moved seven points ahead of season-long leader Tony Pedregon, who lost in the second round.

"I don't want to add any more pressure because we have five more races to go and a lot of work to do (to win the championship), but this is quite a feeling," said Bazemore, who joins Cruz Pedregon (1992) as the only driver other than John Force to lead the Funny Car points chase this late in the season during the last 11 years. "Tony Pedregon and those guys have a great car and they are not going to back off, but I certainly feel like we have the performance to compete with them each week."

Whit Bazemore took over the Funny Car points lead by stopping Dean Skuza in the final round.

Bazemore defeated Bob Gilbertson, Cory Lee and Ron Capps to advance to the final. Skuza reached his 14th career final the hard way. An engine explosion and major fire in his semifinal victory over Force led to a major thrash to repair his car within the 75-minutes allowed between rounds. Many teams assisted the cause and Skuza made it to the starting line on time, but he couldn't reel in Bazemore once the lights turned green.

"You have to hand it to those guys, they gave it all they had," Bazemore said of Skuza's team. "You certainly want to win these races, you don't want them handed to you. I am glad they were able to get the car ready and make the call. It was exciting."

Tony Schumacher rebounded from a spectacular Friday night crash to claim his third Top Fuel victory of the season and 10th of his career. He powered his U.S. Army dragster to a 4.581 at 317.79 to defeat rival and series points leader Larry Dixon, who clocked a 4.651 at 316.52 in the Miller Lite dragster.

Greg Anderson added another Pro Stock win to his resume .

"No question, this win is special," Schumacher said. "Any time you wreck a fast race car you know you've lost a great one. But today we found out that our back-up car was pretty good too. To run like we did today and then take out Larry Dixon in the final says it all. Alan Johnson (crew chief) and this team are the best in the business. When next season starts we'll be in the championship chase from the word go."

Schumacher had the quickest car in the first two rounds of eliminations and posted victories over David Grubnic and Clay Millican. In the semis he defeated Doug Kalitta.

Runner-up Dixon increased his points lead to 286 over Kalitta. Schumacher moved to within one point of third place in the standings.

Anderson claimed his ninth Pro Stock victory of the season, including his third in a row, by outrunning Jeg Coughlin in the final round. Anderson took his 13th career victory with a winning time of 6.814 at 202.67 in his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am, while Coughlin was a tick slower in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier, posting a 6.825 at 200.95.

Reggie Showers was untouchable again as he claimed Pro Stock Motorcycle.

"This was a tough race to win," Anderson said. "When you have to beat Kurt Johnson and Jeg Coughlin in the same day you have your work cut out for you. This track used to give me problems, but now it is one of my favorites."

Anderson, who also eliminated Steve Schmidt and Mike Edwards in earlier rounds, increased his POWERade Series lead to 240 over Johnson.

"We've still got a lot of work to do," Anderson said. "This gives me some breathing room, but this championship isn't mine yet."

Showers, a double-amputee, earned his second career victory and second in as many starts, when final round opponent Fred Collis fouled at the start in a final round battle between Suzukis.

"I feel like I am living a dream right now," said Showers, who beat Michael Phillips, points leader Geno Scali and Shawn Gann to advance to his third career final. "I set some goals for myself this season and with hard work, those goals are becoming reality.

With the early round loss, Scali's point lead over Gann was cut to 133. Showers moved to a career-best third in the order, 163 behind the leader.

Monday's final results from the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park. The $1.8 million race is the 18th of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.581 seconds, 317.79 mph def. Larry Dixon, 4.651 seconds, 316.52 mph.

Funny Car -- Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 4.894, 309.42 def. Dean Skuza, Pontiac Firebird, 5.225, 227.50.

Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.814, 202.67 def. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, 6.825, 200.95.

Pro Stock Bike -- Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.237, 182.11 def. Fred Collis, Suzuki, foul.

Competition Eliminator -- Michael Park, Chevy Cavalier, 8.731, 145.41 def. Charlie Westcott Jr, Pontiac Grand Am, 9.344, 140.55.

Super Stock -- Mark Faul, Pontiac Grand Am, 10.414, 117.53 def. J Allen Sherman, Grand Am, 9.384, 139.33.

Stock Eliminator -- Donald Hough, Chevy Camaro, 11.342, 108.76 def. Chris Jackson, Camaro, 11.594, 109.89.

Super Comp -- Todd Ewing, Dragster, 8.923, 169.38 def. Scott Costello, Corvette, 8.911, 169.04.

Super Gas -- Tommy Phillips, Chevy Corvette, 9.892, 146.07 def. Caffey Broadus, dodge Dart, 9.885, 145.67.

Final round-by-round results from the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Darrell Russell, 4.613, 320.81 def. Scott Kalitta, 10.518, 75.52; Kenny Bernstein, 4.590, 321.19 def. Doug Herbert, 4.687, 286.74; Clay Millican, 4.683, 311.70 def. Paul Romine, 4.763, 310.63; Larry Dixon, 4.589, 319.90 def. Scott Weis, 7.723, 108.19; Cory McClenathan, 4.594, 321.81 def. Scott Palmer, 4.753, 302.21; Tony Schumacher, 4.560, 326.40 def. David Grubnic, 8.003, 86.03; Doug Kalitta, 4.677, 306.12 def. John Smith, 4.744, 297.35; David Baca, 4.774, 302.35 def. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 6.063, 146.19;

QUARTERFINALS -- Russell, 4.671, 305.22 def. Baca, 4.695, 289.63; D. Kalitta, 5.283, 207.46 def. Bernstein, 11.478, 81.10; Dixon, 4.624, 320.13 def. McClenathan, 4.638, 314.31; Schumacher, 4.571, 324.36 def. Millican, 4.636, 315.56;

SEMIFINALS -- Dixon, 4.592, 318.69 def. Russell, 12.690, 83.06; Schumacher, 4.614, 321.58 def. D. Kalitta, 5.656, 159.51;

FINAL -- Schumacher, 4.581, 317.79 def. Dixon, 4.651, 316.52.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Cory Lee, Pontiac Firebird, 4.974, 311.85 def. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.946, 312.78; Phil Burkart, Firebird, 4.890, 315.05 def. Del Worsham, Firebird, 10.992, 80.75; Tony Pedregon, Ford Mustang, 4.825, 315.78 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Camaro, 4.965, 316.15; Ron Capps, Camaro, 4.862, 311.63 def. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 4.964, 313.73; Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.829, 320.51 def. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 4.919, 295.08; Dean Skuza, Firebird, 4.877, 312.06 def. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.864, 318.09; Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.875, 318.99 def. Bob Gilbertson, Firebird, 7.458, 115.98; John Force, Mustang, 4.875, 316.08 def. Jack Wyatt, Camaro, 5.003, 265.64;

QUARTERFINALS -- Force, 4.962, 300.00 def. Burkart, 4.984, 307.86; Bazemore, 4.967, 295.66 def. Lee, 4.971, 291.82; Capps, 5.020, 285.11 def. Densham, 8.173, 102.56; Skuza, 4.929, 306.19 def. T. Pedregon, 4.947, 298.87;

SEMIFINALS -- Bazemore, 4.991, 291.82 def. Capps, 5.014, 299.66; Skuza, 4.921, 299.60 def. Force, 4.993, 307.79;

FINAL -- Bazemore, 4.894, 309.42 def. Skuza, 5.225, 227.50.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cavalier, 6.827, 201.34 def. Gene Wilson, Dodge Stratus, 6.871, 200.98; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.820, 202.09 def. Darrell Alderman, Stratus, foul; Mike Edwards, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.862, 200.38 def. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, foul; Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.825, 201.82 def. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.870, 201.22; Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.857, 199.73 def. Allen Johnson, Stratus, foul; Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.795, 202.24 def. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.848, 201.10; Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.805, 202.18 def. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.894, 200.14; Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.795, 201.58 def. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, foul;

QUARTERFINALS -- Yates, 6.874, 199.97 def. Allen, foul; Anderson, 6.813, 203.03 def. K. Johnson, foul; Edwards, 6.866, 199.97 def. W. Johnson, 6.899, 201.28; J. Coughlin, 6.800, 201.01 def. Connolly, 6.844, 201.40;

SEMIFINALS -- Anderson, 6.816, 203.06 def. Edwards, 6.861, 200.23; J. Coughlin, 6.799, 201.58 def. Yates, 6.864, 200.44;

FINAL -- Anderson, 6.814, 202.67 def. J. Coughlin, 6.825, 200.95.

PRO STOCK BIKE:

ROUND ONE -- Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.215, 180.60 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.241, 180.02; Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.225, 180.98 def. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.258, 177.14; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.199, 183.22 def. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, foul; Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, No Time def. Tommy Grimes Jr, Suzuki, broke; Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.187, 183.97 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.209, 180.19; Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.229, 182.62 def. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.266, 176.40; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.168, 177.60 def. Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.245, 181.67; Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.173, 185.43 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.283, 182.16;

QUARTERFINALS -- Savoie, 7.293, 178.73 def. Treble, 7.310, 180.36; Showers, 7.273, 179.33 def. Scali, foul; Gann, 7.219, 180.69 def. Berry, 7.260, 182.43; Collis, 7.230, 182.26 def. Hines, foul;

SEMIFINALS -- Collis, 7.246, 176.35 def. Savoie, foul; Showers, 7.251, 182.16 def. Gann, 7.243, 182.03;

FINAL -- Showers, 7.237, 182.11 def. Collis, foul.

Sunday - Eliminations on hold for rain

The diehard race fans were in Memphis come hell or high water.

Rain…rain…go away – With consecutive rainouts in Indianapolis and Reading, the NHRA plans to wait out the Memphis to completion. They have no other choice with consecutive weekends in Chicago, the Reading make-up and Dallas but to take this route. Another reason is the fatigue factor. The NHRA has been on the road for consecutive weekends since Labor Day weekend and to reschedule after Dallas would put them on the road for seven weekends in a row.

Safety concerns - Sources indicate that the NHRA is concerned with safety issues related to Tony Schumacher's Friday evening crash. Reportedly, the chassis that buckled at the top end only had 24 runs on it. Those sources indicate that the NHRA is looking into requiring thicker tubing for the Top Fuel chassis in the future. As for Schumacher, Alan Johnson's influence has led the team to order a new Brad Hadman chassis.

Millican vs Romine – One of the match-ups in the first round featured two drivers with at least five IHRA Top Fuel World Championships among them. Clay Millican won the battle over Paul Romine in front of his hometown crown. Millican lives in nearby Drummonds, Tenn, and often bracket races at Memphis Motorsports Park during off-weekends. Before Millican started driving Peter Lehman’s Top Fueler, he was an IHRA Modified eliminator racer with an occasional NHRA Competition eliminator showing.

Lehman stockpiling drivers? - One look at Peter Lehman's crew will reveal three licensed Top Fuel drivers on the payroll. In addition to Millican, Brady Kalivoda and Bobby Lagana Jr., could help fill out a three-car Top Fuel team. Lehman has declined comment.

WJ at Memphis – WJ’s numbers at Memphis have a strong emphasis on the number three. The GM Performance Parts-sponsored driver qualified third with a 6.774, 204.46. Ironically, that run came during the third session. The odds could work in WJ’s favor since he has won from the third spot ten times in his career.

Custom fit for Burkart – Phil Burkart appears to be in good for a driving gig on the Worsham team for 2004. Prior to today’s eliminations, the team has totally changed the combination to better fit Burkart. Changes include a new seat and steering column. In the first round, Burkart is scheduled to race Del Worsham and both teams are getting psyched. The intensity is reportedly so strong that neither of the Worsham teams will look at one another prior to their meeting.

SATURDAY - Bazemore, Baca top qualifying at O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals

David Baca retained the top qualifying spot in Top Fuel on Saturday.

(9-20-2003) - Whit Bazemore earned the 23rd No. 1 qualifying position of his career in Funny Car Saturday at the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.

David Baca, Jeg Coughlin and Angelle Savoie also will lead their respective categories into Sunday's 11 a.m. eliminations at the $1.6 million race, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Bazemore edged rival John Force for the top spot by virtue of a faster speed. Bazemore drove his Matco Tools Dodge Stratus to a leading run of 4.826 seconds at 316.67 mph to claim his second No. 1 of the season, while Force was second in his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang with an identical 4.826 at 313.37.

"Anytime you are low qualifier it is a good feeling," Bazemore said. "We ran well last night when the conditions were at their best and we came back today and ran the best when the conditions were at their worst. The 4.87 today was probably more important than the 4.82. The entire team is making a great effort to give me a great race car."

Whit Bazemore led both days of qualifying in Funny Car.

Bazemore, who trails POWERade Series leader Tony Pedregon by 53 points, hopes to turn his top qualifying effort into a race victory tomorrow.

"We're fighting for this POWERade championship," Bazemore said. "We're looking at every single point now because when we get to the end of the year it could be one or two points that make the difference between winning and losing the championship. Tomorrow is crunch day for us. We need to have a good consistent race car and get by the first round and keep going on from there."

Gary Scelzi is third with a 4.837 at a track record speed of 322.42 mph in his Oakley Stratus and '01 Memphis winner Gary Densham is fourth overall with a 4.856 at 311.99 in his Auto Club Mustang.

Top Fuel rookie Baca claimed his second No. 1 position of the season in his American Racing Wheels dragster, covering the quarter-mile distance in 4.533 at 319.75.

"We've had some success of late and we're trying to keep that momentum going," Baca said. "We went to our first final at Sonoma (Calif.) and were No. 1 at Indy, and we want to continue to improve our performance at this event. It's going to be tough because there's not an easy draw out there. We're just trying to stick to the same game plan and hope that things will keep coming around."

Jeg Coughlin claimed his first top qualifying effort of the season.

Doug Kalitta was second in the Mac Tools dragster with a 4.542 at a track record speed of 327.90, while Tony Schumacher, who returned to competition today with a 4.61 second run in his back-up car following yesterday's crash, is third with a 4.551 at 321.65.

Coughlin claimed his first top qualifying effort of the season and seventh of his career with a track record time of 6.748 at 202.94 in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier. Greg Anderson drove his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am to the second spot with a 6.759 at a track record speed of 204.23.

Savoie took her third No. 1 of the season and 34th of her career, including her third at this track, clocking a track record time of 7.096 at 186.82 on her U.S. Army Suzuki. Points leader Geno Scali was second on his Trim-Tex Suzuki with a 7.119 at 187.13, while Shawn Gann was third with a 7.125 at 187.81 on his Gann Speed/Mac Tools Suzuki. U.S. Nationals winner Reggie Showers was seventh overall with a 7.186, but posted the track record speed of 188.46 on his PDI Suzuki.

First-round pairings for Sunday's professional eliminations at the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. David Baca, 4.533 seconds, 319.75 mph vs. 16. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.823, 285.05; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.542, 327.90 vs. 15. John Smith, 4.770, 290.19; 3. Tony Schumacher, 4.551, 321.65 vs. 14. David Grubnic, 4.763, 306.12; 4. Cory McClenathan, 4.570, 316.60 vs. 13. Scott Palmer, 4.745, 304.74; 5. Larry Dixon, 4.586, 322.27 vs. 12. Scott Weis, 4.728, 315.78; 6. Clay Millican, 4.587, 320.05 vs. 11. Paul Romine, 4.681, 296.89; 7. Kenny Bernstein, 4.592, 323.43 vs. 10. Doug Herbert, 4.679, 310.98; 8. Darrell Russell, 4.604, 321.04 vs. 9. Scott Kalitta, 4.664, 318.24.

Funny Car -- 1. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 4.826, 316.67 vs. 16. Bob Gilbertson, Pontiac Firebird, 5.117, 293.15; 2. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.826, 313.37 vs. 15. Jack Wyatt, Chevy Camaro, 5.090, 291.45; 3. Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 4.837, 322.42 vs. 14. Dean Skuza, Firebird, 5.074, 279.79; 4. Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.856, 315.05 vs. 13. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 4.987, 296.37; 5. Ron Capps, Camaro, 4.857, 313.15 vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 4.984, 286.25; 6. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.892, 312.57 vs. 11. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 4.938, 249.67; 7. Del Worsham, Firebird, 4.909, 314.17 vs. 10. Phil Burkart, Firebird, 4.918, 311.05; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.912, 311.70 vs. 9. Cory Lee, Firebird, 4.915, 315.71.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, 6.748, 202.94 vs. 16. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.817, 203.12; 2. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.759, 204.23 vs. 15. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.813, 202.27; 3. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.774, 203.46 vs. 14. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.811, 202.33; 4. Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.780, 202.00 vs. 13. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.807, 202.33; 5. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.782, 203.61 vs. 12. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.806, 202.94; 6. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.784, 202.58 vs. 11. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.800, 202.52; 7. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.785, 203.71 vs. 10. Darrell Alderman, Stratus, 6.797, 202.48; 8. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.793, 203.31 vs. 9. Gene Wilson, Stratus, 6.797, 202.97.

Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.096, 186.82 vs. 16. Tommy Grimes Jr, Suzuki, 7.270, 180.52; 2. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.119, 187.39 vs. 15. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.258, 183.62; 3. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.125, 187.81 vs. 14. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.245, 184.50; 4. Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.147, 185.97 vs. 13. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.231, 184.95; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.157, 180.50 vs. 12. Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.223, 185.26; 6. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.164, 186.72 vs. 11. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.216, 179.42; 7. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.186, 188.46 vs. 10. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.212, 186.12; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.197, 183.79 vs. 9. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.211, 185.61.

FRIDAY - Baca leads O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals Qualifying in Top Fuel; Schumacher crash ends record-setting day of qualifying at Memphis Motorsports Park

David Baca posted a track record time of 4.533 seconds at 319.75 mph in his American Racing Wheels dragster to lead the Top Fuel lineup.

(9-19-2003) - Top Fuel rookie David Baca led qualifying Friday at the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals with a track record performance, but it was Tony Schumacher who grabbed everyone's attention when his final run of the day ended in a spectacular crash.

Schumacher appeared to be on a record-setting run as he powered his U.S. Army dragster down the Memphis Motorsports Park quarter-mile but just before the dragster crossed the finish line it lost traction and went out of control. In the opposite lane moments before Schumacher's wild ride, Larry Dixon's Miller Lite dragster went into a wheelstand and sparks flew when the front end of the dragster slammed back to the track. Neither driver was injured. Schumacher was checked and released on-site by NHRA emergency services personnel.

Whit Bazemore led Funny Car qualifying in his Matco Tools Dodge Stratus with a performance of 4.826 at 316.67.

"I feel bad because this was the car that we ran the 4.465 (quickest run in NHRA history last weekend) at Reading (Pa.) with and I hate that the team and Alan (Johnson, crew chief) are going to have to do a lot of work to get the back-up car ready," Schumacher said. "It's a great team and we will do what it takes to get the car ready for tomorrow. I am fine except for a sprained right knee. I am ready to get back in the car and put this day behind us."

The side-by-side incident was ironic because both drivers have a crash history at the western Tennessee track that dates back to the 2000 season. Schumacher's quest for a second series title ended on a qualifying run when he suffered multiple injuries in one of the most horrifying crashes in NHRA history. One day later, Dixon was en route to the race victory when his dragster snapped in half just past mid-track and crossed the centerline in mid-air.

Whit Bazemore, Jeg Coughlin and Geno Scali also were leaders in their categories at the $1.8 million race, the 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Jeg Coughlin was quickest in Pro Stock, covering the distance in a track record time of 6.748 at 202.94 in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier.

Baca posted a track record time of 4.533 seconds at 319.75 mph in his American Racing Wheels dragster to lead the Top Fuel lineup.

"First of all thank God Tony is OK," said Baca, who is seeking his second No. 1 qualifying position. "I am trying to catch my breath. We knew the car would run a number. I had my hands full on that run because it was trying to go to the centerline. It was trucking on down there. We need a win and it would be great to get it here this weekend."

Doug Kalitta was second at 4.542 seconds with a track record speed of 327.90 mph his Mac Tools dragster, which eclipsed a five-year old track mark for speed set in 1998 by Kenny Bernstein (321.42 mph).

Bazemore led Funny Car qualifying in his Matco Tools Dodge Stratus with a performance of 4.826 at 316.67.

Geno Scali topped the Pro Stock Bike order with a track record time of 7.119 at 187.13 on his Trim-Tex Suzuki.

"We had prime conditions to set records so we were going for it," Bazemore said. "We feel like we have nothing to lose. Being No. 1 is very important to us because it means we will earn at least one more point than Tony (Pedregon, current points leader), and we're counting them all right now."

Jeg Coughlin was quickest in Pro Stock, covering the distance in a track record time of 6.748 at 202.94 in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier.

Geno Scali topped the Pro Stock Bike order with a track record time of 7.119 at 187.13 on his Trim-Tex Suzuki.

Results Friday after qualifying for the 16th annual O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park, 19th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. David Baca, 4.533 seconds, 319.75 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.542, 327.90; 3. Tony Schumacher, 4.551, 321.65; 4. Cory McClenathan, 4.570, 316.60; 5. Clay Millican, 4.587, 315.34; 6. Kenny Bernstein, 4.592, 323.43; 7. Larry Dixon, 4.592, 322.27; 8. Darrell Russell, 4.604, 321.04; 9. Doug Herbert, 4.679, 310.98; 10. Paul Romine, 4.681, 296.89; 11. Scott Weis, 4.728, 315.78; 12. Scott Palmer, 4.745, 304.74; 13. David Grubnic, 4.763, 306.12; 14. John Smith, 4.770, 290.19; 15. Chris Karamesines, 4.888, 267.06; 16. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 5.435, 175.91.

Funny Car -- 1. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 4.826, 316.67; 2. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.826, 313.37; 3. Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 4.837, 322.42; 4. Gary Densham, Mustang, 4.856, 311.99; 5. Ron Capps, Chevy Camaro, 4.857, 313.15; 6. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.892, 312.57; 7. Del Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 4.909, 314.17; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.912, 311.70; 9. Cory Lee, Firebird, 4.915, 315.71; 10. Phil Burkart, Firebird, 4.918, 311.05; 11. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 4.938, 249.67; 12. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 4.984, 286.25; 13. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 4.987, 296.37; 14. Jack Wyatt, Camaro, 5.090, 291.45; 15. Dean Skuza, Firebird, 5.097, 262.44; 16. Bob Gilbertson, Firebird, 5.117, 293.15.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, 6.748, 202.94; 2. Jim Yates, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.780, 201.97; 3. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus, 6.782, 203.61; 4. Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.783, 203.46; 5. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.784, 202.58; 6. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.787, 203.71; 7. Darrell Alderman, Stratus, 6.797, 202.48; 8. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.800, 202.03; 9. Gene Wilson, Stratus, 6.801, 202.85; 10. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.804, 202.67; 11. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.807, 202.33; 12. Bruce Allen, Grand Am, 6.810, 202.94; 13. Steve Schmidt, Cavalier, 6.813, 202.27; 14. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.814, 203.25; 15. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.816, 201.67; 16. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.817, 203.12.

Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.119, 187.13; 2. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.120, 186.82; 3. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.133, 187.81; 4. Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.163, 185.05; 5. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.164, 185.95; 6. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.186, 188.46; 7. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.197, 183.79; 8. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.211, 185.61; 9. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.212, 182.97; 10. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.217, 180.50; 11. Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.223, 185.26; 12. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.231, 184.95; 13. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.245, 183.29; 14. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.258, 179.49; 15. Tommy Grimes Jr, Suzuki, 7.270, 180.52; 16. Fred Camarena, Suzuki, 7.276, 181.54.