With each passing run the pacing got quicker, the tension stronger and the times quicker and quicker and quicker. The final round of Pro Stock qualifying for the NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park was turning into a real nail-biter and Mike Edwards had the last set of fingernails in the session.

With each passing run the pacing got quicker, the tension stronger and the times quicker and quicker and quicker. The final session of Pro Stock qualifying for the NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park was turning into a real nail-biter and Mike Edwards had the last set of fingernails in the session.

“What a scary qualifying session for Pro Stock when you pull up there and guys are making their career runs,” said Edwards, after proving for the 14th time this season that he has the car to beat. “It's the last session and it gets nerve wracking. We were low going into the round with a 58 and I bet that's not even the top half now.”

In fact, Edwards was right. A 58 would not have gotten you into the top half of the 16-car field as driver after driver set a career best elapsed time. Edwards run, the last of the session with Jason Line in the opposite lane, was a mind numbing 6.531 seconds, 211.26 miles per hour, best of the weekend in both categories. Line ran a disappointing 6.556, 211.10 mph.

Kurt Johnson climbed from the bottom of the ladder to the second rung with a 6.546, 210.64 to start the session.

Allen Johnson, surprisingly, did not make the 16-car field along with Steve Speiss, Bob Benza and John Gaydosh.

Come Sunday, Edwards will be looking to not only go rounds, but to also use the 6.531 as the back up to a national record. Edwards can claim the national record with a run of 6.527 or quicker. It could happen.

“Tomorrow the conditions could possibly be a little better,” explained Edwards. “If it dries up, these cars are aspirated and they really get spunky when the air gets good. They make a lot more power. Conditions tomorrow will be the key.”

Edwards collected all 12 bonus qualifying points, having led every session. Edwards now leads Greg Anderson by 86 points and Jason Line by 89, with the potential to gather a full 150 points for the entire weekend.

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