If first impressions are everything, the drivers of the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge are very impressed. The skies were sunny and clear and the stands were full for the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, marking the first time the Challenge has raced at Heartland Park Topeka. A baker's dozen of cars took to the quarter-mile and Matco Tools driver Joe Baker took the provisional bragging rights for the class.
 
"This is an awesome facility," Baker said as he reveled in his number one spot. The 2008 Rookie of the Year blasted to a 5.995/241.76 in the first round and backed it up with a 5.974/241.63 in round two, with his crew chief Chuck Ford breathing a sigh of relief.

If first impressions are everything, the drivers of the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge are very impressed. The skies were sunny and clear and the stands were full for the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, marking the first time the Challenge has raced at Heartland Park Topeka. A baker's dozen of cars took to the quarter-mile and Matco Tools driver Joe Baker took the provisional bragging rights for the class.
 
"This is an awesome facility," Baker said as he reveled in his number one spot. The 2008 Rookie of the Year blasted to a 5.995/241.76 in the first round and backed it up with a 5.974/241.63 in round two, with his crew chief Chuck Ford breathing a sigh of relief.
 
"We've struggled a lot in the recent races, and we changed everything on this car except the body. Clutch, tires, engine, blower - everything. We weren't really sure what we were going to get, but it's definitely working.
 
"I knew I was on a great run that first lap - so I just held on and punched it, and we ran some really good numbers. I can tell you this - I feel a lot better we backed it up. We'll see what happens tomorrow," Baker said.
 
R2B2 Racing's Roger Burgess took the provisional No. 2 with a 6.036/240.38, while Tim Tindle grabbed No. 3 with a 6.048/234.90.
 
Tindle said, "We really like the hot conditions, and with the track temp around 110, we really made a good pass. I know we have to make a move this weekend in the points, and I'm here to win - period."
 
Jay Payne made a solid run for the No. 4 spot, Gainesville winner Mike Castellana landed fifth, and Raymond Commisso sits sixth.
 
Current points leader Burton Auxier struggled during the first round, limping to a 6.414/220.69 with a flash at the end of the track. With his engine needing repair, Auxier sat out the second session and landed at No. 12, with Brad Personett riding lucky 13.
 
Qualifying is scheduled to conclude at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Eliminations are slated to begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon and conclude Sunday.
 
AGATE:
 
1 Joe Baker 5.974 241.63
2 Roger Burgess 6.036 240.38
3 Tim Tindle 6.048 234.9
4 Jay Payne 6.08 236.09
5 Mike Castellana 6.12 233.56
6 Raymond Commisso 6.155 239.61
7 Danny Rowe 6.169 237.92
8 Chip King 6.21 230.72
9 Mike Knowles 6.255 235.15
10 Taylor Lastor 6.266 193.29
11 Kirk Wilmes 6.351 229.63
12 Burton Auxier 6.414 220.69
13 Brad Personett 8.664 123.59

 

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