Jul 09 2012

NHRA QUICK HITS RACE DAY REPORT - NORWALK

Written by Bobby Bennett; Photos by Roger Richards.

TOP FUEL

FIRST ROUND

MURT PULLS OFF UPSET FOR FIRST - Keith Murt and Doug Kalitta provided a glimpse of what could be coming on a much cooler day at Summit Motorsports Park, as they dueled in a fantastic side-by-side run. But it was Murt who clipped the finish line first, running a 3.875 at 316.90 mph to slip by Kalitta and his 3.888 at 315.05 mph in what could be termed at least a mild upset.

The opening round win was huge for Murt, as he picked up his first round win of his Top Fuel career.

“If we get to a couple more rounds, that would be great, but this day is already awesome after that,” Murt said.

ANOTHER FIRST-ROUND WIN FOR ZIZZO - T.J. Zizzo could get used to this, picking up a first-round win for the second straight week.

This time, he outlasted Cory McClenathan with a 3.901 at 301.27 mph, edging out McClenathan’s 3.947 at 298.87. Both had trouble late in the run – McClenathan spilled oil at the far end of the track – but Zizzo powered through the popping and banging to advance.

Zizzo had a solid .079 reaction time and never trailed en route to the victory.

“This is a great habit to have. Losing in the first round is never where I want to be. Cory beat me here in 2007, and that was a little bit of payback. He’s an awesome competitor and that was just two great competitors going at it,” Zizzo said.

GRUBNIC GRABS VICTORY - Through three passes, David Grubnic put together the strongest run thus far at Summit Motorsports Park with a 3.862 at 317.05 mph to easily outdistance Khalid alBalooshi and his 4.08 at 255.29 mph.

AlBalooshi ran into trouble and slowed quickly late in the car, and then the supercharger on his Top Fuel dragster blew up right before the finish line, putting a disappointing finish on what had seemed like a promising weekend.

AlBalooshi qualified No. 3, but is still without a round win in 2012. Grubnic, meanwhile, is hoping to recapture the magic that led to a win at Topeka in May.

“The car did exactly what it was supposed do and I couldn’t be happier,” Grubnic said. “Hopefully we’ll just keep going rounds.”

NO UPSET HERE - It was business as usual for No. 1 qualifier Steve Torrence, who turned in an impressive workmanlike performance against Brandon Bernstein with a victorious 3.837 at 318.17 mph.

Bernstein smoked the tires and limped to a 4.57 at 169.25 mph, throwing away an early advantage at the line and continuing a frustrating stretch. It was a solid showing for Torrence, who also joked about some panels that were blown loose during his pass.

“We had to find a way to keep it cool somehow,” Torrence said with a laugh.

BROWN BATTLES BACK, ROLLS TO WIN - Antron Brown trailed at the 330-foot mark against Morgan Lucas, but he made that up quickly en route to a winning 3.831 at 320.58 mph.

It was good enough for quickest run of the round, but it was Lucas who was ahead as late as the 330-foot mark. But he smoked hard at about the same point as his teammate Bernstein, finishing with a 4.167 at 244.25 mph, and Brown quickly cruised past.

“That was a good round and tough round against Morgan. I just kept my head down and my foot down. There’s no gimmies in this deal,” Brown said.

SCHUMACHER TRACKS DOWN VANDERGRIFF - It was a battle of attrition, but Tony Schumacher had just enough to sneak past Bob Vandergriff with a 3.95 at 301.40 mph to avoid a second straight first-round loss.

Vandergriff led at the 1/8-mile, but smoked and then slowed tremendously, ending with a disappointing 4.066 at 229.08 mph that left him obviously distraught after getting out of the dragster.

Schumacher chased down Vandergriff just before the finish line and then smoked late himself. But he had enough to move on and was thankful it was just enough.

“I saw Bob out there a long, long time,” Schumacher said. “We were hurt, but that’s the way it goes and we battled back.”

WILL WINS AGAIN - Hillary Will could get used to this. A week after advancing to the semifinals in Chicago, Will stayed hot and had just enough to nip Clay Millican with a 3.87 at 310.13 mph in a terrific race.

Millican had a .066 reaction time and a substantial lead early, but he finished with a losing 3.917 at 308.99, losing by a mere .008. No matter how close it was, Will will take it and also gain lane choice against Schumacher in the quarterfinals.

“I’m having so much fine. I was ready for everything and my team just did a great job,” Will said.

MASSEY WINS BATTLE OF HEAVYWEIGHTS - It turned into the marquee matchup of the first round and it delivered, as Spencer Massey and his 3.841 at 322.73 edged out Shawn Langdon and his stout 3.853 at 316.75 mph.

It was a hard-luck loss for Langdon, who had his best pass of the weekend and one of the top runs of the first round. They were side-by-side throughout, but it was Massey who delivered the better performance, putting together the fastest run of the weekend as well.

In the fantastic duel, Massey also stayed unbeaten in his career against Langdon.

“I try to get up there, have fun and get to the finish line first,” Massey said. “Getting a round light is always awesome.”

QUARTER-FINALS

SCHUMACHER SLIPS BY AGAIN – For the second straight round, Tony Schumacher got a fortunate break. Slowing down from a first-round he wasn’t particularly pleased with, Schumacher still advanced to the semifinals, running 3.96 at 286.98 mph to beat Hillary Will in their first match-up of 2012.

Will was looking for her second straight semifinal berth, but she smoked the tires immediately on the starting line.

Schumacher is in the semifinals for the seventh time in 2012, though he’s hoping for something better against Steve Torrence. It wasn't an awful run for Schumacher considering the warmer conditions from the first round, but Schumacher knows improvement is needed against Torrence.

“We’re getting some breaks, and when the track is as hot as it is you need some breaks, but we’re going to have to step it up no matter who we have next,” Schumacher said. “Top Fuel as tough as it’s ever been, but we’re going rounds.”

GRUBNIC GRINDS ONE OUT – In another first-time meeting in 2012, David Grubnic got the best of T.J. Zizzo, going 3.989 at exactly 300 mph.

Zizzo had the early advantage thanks to an .053 reaction time and was right with Grubnic at half-track, but he ran into major problems en route to a 4.575 at 176 mph. Zizzo’s supercharger broke during the run as he smoked the tires at half-track, allowing Grubnic to easily advance to the semifinals.

Grubnic will face off with Spencer Massey in the semifinals.

“If we’re in it, we can win it. These conditions are getting trickier and trickier, but (team owner) Connie (Kalitta) and the guys are doing a fantastic job,” Grubnic said.

TORRENCE TURNS IT LOOSE – With the rear panels fixed on his dragster, Torrence turned in a brilliant second-round performance against Keith Murt going 3.88 at 315.42 mph, the quickest run of the quarterfinals.

Murt went 4.214 at 226.39, which gave him no chance against Torrence, who left well and continues to turn in one strong performance after another at Summit Motorsports Park. Next up is Tony Schumacher in the semifinals as Torrence, the No. 1 qualifier this weekend, moves into the final four for the sixth time in 2012.

“That 3.88 was pretty good. (Crew chief) Richard (Hogan) has a real good handle on it right now. We need to capitalize on every opportunity we get,” said Torrence, who has two 2012 wins.

A WIN-WIN FOR DSR SENDS MASSEY TO SEMIS – In the sixth matchup between Don Schumacher Racing drivers Spencer Massey and Antron Brown in 2012, Massey improved to 4-2 against the talented Brown with a terrific 3.923 at 306.40 mph.

It continues the strong Sunday for Massey, who moved to 24-8 in 2012 with his sixth semifinal berth.

Brown finished with a disappointing 4.038 at 273 mph as his dragster started spitting fuel out of the headers, quickly ending his semifinal chances. Massey, meanwhile, was solid and straight throughout his run, turning in a strong run as temperatures quickly heightened from the first round of eliminations.

SEMI-FINALS

OVER AS SOON AS IT STARTS – Spencer Massey turned in another solid performance, this one coming in the Top Fuel semifinals against David Grubnic. Meeting for the fourth time in 2012, Massey picked up his third win against Grubnic, going 3.951 at 300 mph to advance to the finals for the fifth time this year and 18th time in his career. Grubnic, meanwhile, smoked the tires immediately off the starting line in the left lane and never had a chance.

Massey will meet Steve Torrence in the finals after his third straight solid run on a day where Massey also picked up his 100th round win. He’s now up to 102 for his career, setting up his fourth matchup with Torrence this season. Massey is 1-2 against Torrence in 2012.

“Steve, he’s a great competitor, and we’re both from Texas and both former alcohol competitors, so this is going to be great. I’m hoping for one more win and a Wally,” Massey said.

TORRENCE CONTINUES TORRID PACE – Steve Torrence improved to 3-1 this season against Tony Schumacher and walked away with Schumacher’s helmet in the process after advancing to the Top Fuel final with an impressive 3.900 at 312.50 mph.

Just like Grubnic minutes earlier, Schumacher smoked the tires almost immediately off the starting line from the left lane. It handed the victory to Torrence, who is trying to go from No. 1 qualifier to event winner and also win for the third time in 2012.

FRIENDLY WAGER - Torrence also won a side bet with Schumacher that was made before the run, walking away with Schumacher’s helmet.

“I told Tony a couple years ago I have a room that has a lot of memorabilia in it. We had a little side bet in this deal and I get to go home with a helmet,” Torrence said.

When asked by NHRA announcer Bob Frey if he had ever bet a helmet, world champion Larry Dixon, serving as the NHRA color commentator, quipped: “No, but if I did, I would take it before the race.”

FINALS

MASSEY MAKES IT HAPPEN – The left lane wasn’t friendly the last couple rounds but thanks to a great holeshot, that didn’t matter for Spencer Massey, who went 3.916 at 312.50 mph to beat Steve Torrence and his 3.894 at 315.71 mph by just .002 in one of the best drag races of the entire weekend.

In picking up his fourth win of the 2012 season and 10th of his career, Massey needed every bit of his .054 reaction time to squeak past Torrence, who cut an .078 light. Torrence nearly chased him down, but Massey had just enough to hold on, sending the fans at Summit Motorsports Park home with a bang in an incredible side-by-side race.

FUNNY CAR

FIRST ROUND

DOWN GOES NO. 1 – The No. 1 curse is alive and well, and Robert Hight, who fell victim to it many times, was grateful today to be only other side of it. As Johnny Gray did his burnout, one of his parachutes fell out on the starting line, effectively ending his day.

Adding insult to injury Hight went out and smoked the tires at mid-track and slowed to a winning 5.431 elapsed time.

“We must be living right or something,” Hight admitted. “Those aren’t the ones you want to win like that. You want to go out there and win by inches at the finish line. We dodged a bullet. We got in at No. 16 and No. 16 hasn’t win in a while.”

DSR FC’S TAKE A HIT FIRST RD – Having a four-car team didn’t help Don Schumacher Racing today. Three of the four team cars fell by the wayside in the first round. The one winning team car was the result of a DSR vs. DSR match.

Ron Capps beat Jack Beckman to advance with a 4.102.

Aside from Gray’s unfortunate loss to Hight, defending series champion Matt Hagan continued his frustrating championship defense by losing to Cruz Pedregon.

Hagan only has four round wins in eleven races this season and isn’t in the top ten.

TEAM FORCE IS A FORCE – With the exception of Papa Force, Team Force got all of the breaks. Hight was the benefactor of the Gray snafu while Mike Neff limped his way to a 4.289 victory after hitting the burst panel against a tire-smoking Bob Bode.

Team rookie Courtney Force admits she got a break big time in beating Todd Lesenko. Her reaction time was a .222 when she became distracted on the starting line.

“That was definitely pure luck. I screwed up big time as a driver. I went in and I pre-staged and I flickered the bottom bulb and it threw me off. I went in and staged super shallow and then I went in a little more because I wanted to get the win. By the time I pulled in, the light went down. I had a horrible light. I almost screwed up.”

The 15-time champion John Force was put in the left lane where he smoked the tires and lost to Tim Wilkerson spoiling the team’s bid to advance all four cars. The last time they pulled off the feat was in Englishtown.

TOOK AN ETERNITY – Bob Tasca III was a bundle of nerves by the time his time to run in the fifth pair. He was nervous he might become a casualty in the odd occurrences happening ahead of him.

“For whatever the reason, that first round seemed like an eternity,” Tasca said. “You hear crazy things going on. There’s no easy rounds out here. We’re just happy we’re moving on.”

Tasca did just fine with a 4.153, 305.49 to beat Blake Alexander.

I’LL TAKE THE LEFT LANE – The left lane provided a complex challenge for most teams in the first round. Jeff Arend wasn’t one of them.

Arend ran an impressive 4.154, 300.60 to defeat Daniel Wilkerson.

“Jon O., Nicky and the whole DHL team is getting better with each run,” said Arend. “A 4.15 is a great run in that lane. We are just taking this one round at a time.”

Arend has lane choice over Neff in the second round.

QUARTER-FINALS

GOT WILK, CINDERELLA? – Cinderella changed teams not auto manufacturers. Robert Hight, who was on the receiving end of a miraculous victory against Johnny Gray, saw his carriage turn into a pumpkin as he smoked the tires handing Tim Wilkerson an invitation to the semi-finals.

Wilkerson did his best to give the race away in becoming the second driver during eliminations to win with a reaction time which started with a .2.

Wilkerson quickly bridged a tenth of a second deficit against Hight and won with a 4.191 elapsed time.

DSR GONE – DSR lost their one ace in the hole when it appeared a sure win was in the cards. Ron Capps inexplicably wiped out a large lead against Bob Tasca when he crossed the centerline drawing a disqualification.

Tasca, driving a special edition scheme for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation designed by Libby Ledford, won with a 4.350, 279.04.

“I looked over and he was coming at me and then he disappeared,” explained Tasca. “That was a wild ride and I didn’t see him for a long time. Then I saw him and we came around him.”

After reaching six consecutive final rounds, Capps has only one round win to his credit in the last two events.

FINALLY, A NORMAL RACE – Both cars left on time. No one caught on fire. There was no centerline infraction.

At the stripe, Cruz Pedregon beat Courtney Force in what could be deemed as a normal race. Pedregon ran a 4.220 to edge Force’s 4.229.

SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE LEFT – Jeff Arend made his mark in a complex left lane during the first round by running quick, winning and earning lane choice for the second round. With lane choice, he chose the right lane. Mike Neff made him pay for the decision as he ran a 4.229, 286.50. Arend smoked the tires early in the run.

SEMI-FINALS

WILK ADVANCES – In a battle of former teammates, Tim Wilkerson got the best of Bob Tasca. The cagey Wilkerson was quicker off of the line and the starting line advantage made the difference as scored a 4.242 to 4.237 margin.

BACK ON TRACK – This weekend has been a get-healthy experience for Mike Neff. A victory over Cruz Pedregon moved him one step closer to full recovery.

“We found a few things that weren’t right for the last few races,” said Neff, who credited testing last week for the discovery. “We have it back in line. It feels good just going up and down the track.”

Neff’s 4.281 wasn’t enough to secure lane choice.

FINAL

ANOTHER TWO-TIMER – Mike Neff and Tim Wilkerson represented the Funny Car winners for the last two seasons. When the smoke cleared from an all-Ford final, Neff was branded as a two-timer.

Neff was first off of the starting line and first at the stripe with a winning 4.217, 298.21 to edge Wilkerson’s 4.244, 296.96.

This marks the second win thus far in 2012.

PRO STOCK

FIRST ROUND

I’LL TAKE THE RIGHT ONE … LANE, THAT IS … - For a while, Pro Stock appeared to be a one-lane blacktop kind of scenario. A total of four winners came from the right lane before Jason Line [Rodger Brogdon] broke the streak with a left lane win and early low elapsed time with a 6.628. The right lane was dominant by a 5-3 margin.

Ironically, the left lane was the quicker of the two as Allen Johnson [Ronnie Humphrey] scored both performance marks with a low elapsed time 6.616 and top speed 208.59.

THE GAINES TRAIN STEAMS AHEAD – V. Gaines, who won his first round of eliminations eight races into the season, scored a first round victory over Greg Stanfield. He has two round wins over Stanfield this season. In consecutive races headed into Norwalk, Gaines has a quarter and semi-final finish.

ANOTHER ONE FOR KJ – The round wins aren’t as frequent as they used to be but for Kurt Johnson, a round win is a marvelous thing. Johnson beat J.R. Carr in their first meeting this season. Unfortunately his father Warren Johnson remains winless this season.

GET HEALTHY RUN - Still smarting from the K&N Filters Showdown loss, Allen Johnson ran his record to 5-0 versus Ronnie Humphrey to advance to the second round.

SUMMIT TWO FOR THREE – The team Summit Pro Stock cars went two for three in the first round, but not with the kind of results hoped for. Greg Anderson lost on a holeshot to Shane Gray following Humphreys loss to Allen Johnson.

ADVANCING ON – Mike Edwards extended his winning streak over Ron Krisher to two with a first round victory. The victory matches Edwards with Gray in the second round.

QUARTER-FINALS

THE ONE TO BEAT – Allen Johnson flexed his muscles in the warmest conditions of Sunday final eliminations. With an air temperature of 85 degrees and a track measuring 124, Johnson drove to a 6.628, 208.07 to grab low elapsed time of the second round and beat Kurt Johnson.

The victory set up a rematch with teammate Vincent Nobile in the semis. Nobile beat Johnson in the first round of the K&N Filters Showdown en route to winning the $50K prize.

“If I do my job, it’s our race to give away,” said Johnson.

The same could be said for Saturday’s race-within-a-race.

THE KID ROLLS – Nobile upped his consecutive round win mark to five as he beat V. Gaines. He needed only a 6.650, 207.42 when Gaines shook the tires and lifted.

THE REMAINING FLAGSHIP – Jason Line was kicking himself for about 1,000 feet and then he realized Jeg Coughlin Jr. had fouled. Line won with a 6.650 at 207.53. Coughlin was .013 red and wasted a 6.659.

“I was saying a lot of things to myself because I was not happy with my run,” Line said. “We thought our Summit Camaro would have run quicker than that. Then I looked over and realized it really wasn’t good to have a yellow rubber crank that far out in front of me. Then I looked over and saw my win-light.”

CONTINUING TO IMPRESS – Shane Gray’s phenomenal day opened by taking out the defending series champion Greg Anderson. He continued his dominance of past champions by taking out Mike Edwards.

“This is building our confidence so sure,” said Gray. “It’s not the fastest car but it’s going rounds.”

SEMI-FINALS

STRANGE DAY – Weird just wasn’t the word for the Pro Stock semis.

Pro Stockers rarely stage pedalfests and when Jason Line beat Shane Gray in an on and off of the throttle match, it was highly unlikely his winning 8.211 elapsed time shouldn’t have even been close in the battle for final round lane choice.

But it was.

As both Vincent Nobile and Allen Johnson dumped the clutch, both encountered extensive tire shake. Nobile recovered first and eased his way to a 7.792, 192.06 for the win.

Said Line, “I’ve been in a few pedalfests and to be honest, I am not too good at them. My win light came on and I guess that’s all that matters.”

FINAL

THE KID IS JUST HOT – On Saturday afternoon, Vincent Nobile might have been the underdog. Sunday was a different story.

Nobile ran down a quicker reacting Jason Line to score the victory with a 6.661, 208.01. Line lost with a 6.705, 207.88.

The victory brought Nobile’s total winning purse to $75,000.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

FIRST ROUND

JOHNSON WINS, STARTS ROUND OF QUICK RUNS - Steve Johnson quickly made it apparent that the first round of Pro Stock Motorcycle would be filled with some quick runs, as he went 6.991 at 189.07 mph to beat Chip Ellis.

It was a strong side-by-side race until Ellis ran into trouble late in the run, ensuring that Johnson would advance.

POTENT START FOR POLLACHECK - Scotty Pollacheck was the only winning rider in the first round to not run in the 6.90s, but he’s not complaining after running a 7.037 at 188.07 mph against LE Tonglet.

It was a horribly frustrating round for Tonglet, who was way late with a .108 reaction time and waved the white flag almost immediately. Tonglet was on his third motor in two weeks and the struggles were apparent as Pollacheck easily advanced to the quarterfinals.

KRAWIEC MAKES MAJOR MOVE - Eddie Krawiec’s best run before Sunday was a 7.005. But that became a distant memory when he ran a 6.961 at 192.22 to easily chase down Michael Ray.

Seeking his fourth win, Krawiec, now 15-2 in eliminations in 2012, got off to a good start, though Ray had a .038 reaction time. But his 7.063 at 192.22 mph was no match for the Harley-Davidson ridden by Krawiec.

NEVER THREATENDED, ARANA JR. ROLLS - Hector Arana Jr. had a major advantage off the starting line against Shawn Gann and rolled to a big victory with an impressive 6.957 at 191.19 mph.

Included in the strong run was a solid .049 reaction time, which gave him the lead from the outset against Gann, who had a .113 bulb and finished with a 7.044 at 189.79 mph.

STOFFER STOUT FROM START TO FINISH - Karen Stoffer started with an .016 reaction time and ended with a spot in the quarterfinals against Eddie Krawiec.

She pulled away first in a first-round matchup with Matt Smith and never looked back, going 6.982 at 191.32 mph in her best run of the weekend.

Smith went 7.06 at 187.81 in the losing effort.

HINES HELPS HIMSELF - Andrew Hines slowed slightly from his No. 1 qualifying time of 6.961, but he still had plenty in his Harley-Davidson to roll to a first round win against Mike Berry.

While Berry crossed the centerline, Hines put together a solid pass, going 6.974 at 191.43 mph.

ARANA SENDING A MESSAGE - Well, it appears Hector Arana’s electrical troubles are behind him.

Running a solo pass after Angie Smith did not run after crashing during the final qualifying session on Saturday, Arana opened some eyes and dropped some jaws after a remarkable 6.629 at 192.06, making it easily the quickest pass of the weekend.

Arana, seeking his first win in 2012, was brilliant throughout the run and hopes it’s a sign of things to come, and also a sign that the electrical problems that plagued him last week in Chicago and earlier this weekend in Norwalk are behind him.

HALL HOPS ON IT - John Hall closed out a quick first round with his best pass of the weekend, cracking into the 6-second zone with a 6.987 at 188.07 mph. Jerry Savoie had a great .030 reaction time, but trailed by the 660-foot mark as he actually slowed to a 7.076 at 188.36 mph.

QUARTER-FINALS

HOT WEATHER STILL NO PROBLEM FOR HINES – The temperature heated up for the quarterfinals, but it still didn’t bother No. 1 qualifier Andrew Hines, who qualified No. 1 in the heat of the day on Saturday. This time he was even better, topping Steve Johnson with a 6.954 at 193.02 mph.

Johnson had a nice .035 reaction time, but slowed to a 7.02 at 189 mph as Hines turned in a terrific performance.

It sets up an all Harley-Davidson semifinal, as Hines will race teammate Eddie Krawiec. The talented duo were interviewed together after their wins.

“I don’t like him,” Hines said with a sly smile.

KRAWIEC KEEPS PACE – Just moments after he watched teammate Andrew Hines go 6.954, Krawiec nearly matched him in his quarterfinal race with Karen Stoffer, running a 6.955 at 191.76 mph to beat a red-lighting Stoffer.

Coming off a 6.98, Stoffer went red by .031, handing the win to Krawiec.

Like Hines, Krawiec was equally good-natured about the upcoming matchup with his teammate, but he surely wants to put on a good performance as well. Krawiec holds the head-to-head win in their only matchup this season.

“It’s going to be a bit of a battle that's for sure,” Krawiec said.

ARANA JR. DOES HIS PART – Hector Arana Jr. thought he had lost to John Hall. Instead, he will be in the semifinals against his father.

Hall had a huge lead against Arana Jr., but only because of a huge .133 red light, which immediately handed the win to the younger Arana. He did his part as well, pairing an .029 reaction time with a strong 6.955 at 193.27 mph, which was the fastest run of the round.

“I crossed the finish line and saw my bulb light up, so I was really excited,” Arana Jr. said. “We have to get this Lucas Oil Buell to the winner’s circle and we’re going to try to do that.”

SO DOES THE ELDER ARANA – Hector Arana followed up his incredible 6.929 from the opening round with another blistering performance, putting together a 6.942 at 189.87 mph for the quickest run of the round to send Scotty Pollacheck home.

For the second straight round, nobody could top Arana as he continued to look impressive, even in the warmer conditions. Up next is a matchup with his son, Hector Jr., in the semifinals. They’ve met once in 2012, with Hector taking that victory. Arana will be looking for his second finals appearance as well.

Johnson had a nice .035 reaction time, but slowed to a 7.02 at 189 mph as Hines turned in a terrific performance.

It sets up an all Harley-Davidson semifinal, as Hines will race teammate Eddie Krawiec. The talented duo were interviewed together after their wins.

“I don’t like him,” Hines said with a sly smile.

Coming off a 6.98, Stoffer went red by .031, handing the win to Krawiec.

“It’s going to be a bit of a battle that's for sure,” Krawiec said.

ARANA JR. DOES HIS PART – Hector Arana Jr. thought he had lost to John Hall. Instead, he will be in the semifinals against his father.

SEMI-FINALS

HINES HOLDS TOP HARLEY IN NORWALK – In the semifinal matchup between Harley-Davidson teammates Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec, it was Hines who stayed scorching hot, going 6.978 at 192.33 to clip his teammate by a mere .008 in a great side-by-side race.

Hines, who had an .025 reaction time, is now in his fourth final in 2012 and will be seeking out his third win after displaying another straight, consistent and fast run against Krawiec.

SON SENDS DAD HOME – Hector Arana turned in the best run of the round for the third straight round, but he won’t be around to see if he can do it in the finals.

His son, Hector Arana Jr., had a brilliant .027 reaction time in his semifinal matchup, which was good enough for his 6.96 at 192.55 mph to beat Hector and his 6.947 at 193.21 mph.

But Hector had an .077 reaction time, allowing Hector Jr. to advance to his second final in 2012.

FINALS

HOLESHOT HINES KEEP HARLEYS PERFECT - Not many might have expected Hector Arana Jr. to have the lower E.T. in his final-round Pro Stock Motorcycle matchup with Andrew Hines and his Harley-Davidson.

But it didn’t matter as Hines was quicker off the tree and then used his 6.929 at 193.43 mph to win for the third time at Summit Motorsports Park, and keep the Harley-Davidson team of Hines and Eddie Krawiec perfect in 2012.

Hines had a solid reaction time of .043, giving him a needed head start against Arana Jr., who went 6.928 at 191.84 in what was the quickest run of the weekend.

But an .073 reaction time was his undoing in an otherwise incredible run, and Hines claimed his third win in 2012, matching the win total of Krawiec this year. Hines’ win at Summit Motorsports Park also makes him the first 3-time winner in any pro class at the track.

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