2015 NHRA SOUTHERN NATIONALS - ATLANTA RESULTS

 

 

       

 

SUNDAY -  WILKERSON, BROWN, LINE AND ARANA RACE TO VICTORY AT SOUTHERN NATIONALS

 


Tim Wilkerson raced to his first Funny Car victory since 2011 Sunday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
 
Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners at the seventh of 24 events in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.
 
Wilkerson, who had not won since 2011 in Seattle, ran a 4.318-second pass at 260.31 mph in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang to better Ron Capps, who trailed with a 5.781 at 125.90 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. This is Wilkerson’s 18th career win and first ever at Atlanta.
 
“That 4.03 in the first round was pretty impressive,” said Wilkerson. “I was happy with that. As the track got hotter, I did a good job until the finals. I’m really unhappy about what it did in the final. I was trying to go about a .14, and the thing broke the tires loose.”
 
En route to the winner’s circle, Wilkerson raced past Del Worsham, Jack Beckman and John Force in the earlier rounds. Wilkerson, who qualified sixth, is now No. 8 in points standing.
 
Capps, the Gainesville and Houston winner, beat Alexis DeJoria, No. 1 qualifier Cruz Pedregon and defending world champ Matt Hagan on his way to the final round. Capps retained the points lead in Funny Car.
 
In Top Fuel, Brown pushed his Matco Tools dragster to a final-round performance of 3.887 at 310.48 mph to defeat Leah Pritchett’s 4.202 at 260.41 in her Dote Racing/Gumout dragster. Brown has 49 career wins and four at Atlanta Dragway, tying Larry Dixon for most in the category. His last win at this event was in 2013. Brown, the Four-Wide Nationals at Charlotte winner, is the only Top Fuel driver to have won multiple races this season.
 
“It wasn’t just a good day, but a good weekend,” Brown said. “We’ve been aiming to start off with a good qualifying run. The first run out of the box on Sunday set the tone for the whole weekend. We started getting data in hot, cool, and middle track temperatures when we tested in Indy. You have to make some swings with the combination we run now. (Crew chiefs) Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald, and all the Matco boys have been putting the work in together. It definitely showed this weekend.”
 
Brown, the Top Fuel points leader, qualified first and defeated Shawn Langdon, Doug Kalitta and Terry McMillen before meeting Pritchett in the final.
 
Pritchett sprinted to her first career final round appearance by racing past Chris Karamesines, J.R. Todd and Larry Dixon. The third-year Top Fuel driver qualified third and currently sits 12th in the points standing.
 
In Pro Stock, Line raced his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to a 6.606 at 211.33 performance to defeat teammate Greg Anderson’s 8.628 at 114.39 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro. It was Line’s 37th career victory and second at Atlanta.
 
"Today was a great day for Summit and KB Racing for sure," said Line. "This is the way that you normally dream about it, but it usually doesn't work out that way. Today, it did. I really thought the final was going to go the other way. I got a bit of luck. I wasn't fast today. I was maybe mediocre. Greg had the car to beat. He was driving better than everyone else, and he should have won it. He wants to win more than anyone I've ever met, and that's what makes him the best."
 
Line earned his third consecutive No. 1 qualification this weekend and beat Alan Prusiensky, Larry Morgan and Rodger Brogdon in the early rounds. Line leads the Pro Stock category points standing.
 
Line and Anderson met in a final round earlier this year at Gainesville, where Anderson was the victor. This was the 24th time the two Summit teammates have gone head-to-head in the final round and Anderson holds a 14-10 advantage.
 
Arana earned his first win in Pro Stock Motorcycle since 2009 and seventh overall with a 7.236 at 196.30 on his Lucas Oil Buell to beat 2014 event winner Eddie Krawiec, whose Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson slowed near mid-track.
 
"I knew I could keep winning, but I had to believe in myself," Arana said. "In the final, the bike jumped like a bronco," Arana said. "It pulled to the right, but I was not giving up unless he was way in front of me. As long as I had control of the bike, I was staying with it."
 
Arana defeated defending world champ Andrew Hines, Jim Underdahl and son Hector Arana Jr. to make it to the final round. Arana was the seventh qualifier and holds the No. 3 spot in the points standing.
 
The 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series continues with the NHRA Kansas Nationals on May 22-24 in Topeka, Kan.


 

LANG TAKES PRO MOD VICTORY AT SOUTHERN NATIONALS
 


Kenny Lang raced to victory Sunday in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing at Atlanta Dragway was presented by Pro Line Racing and the Real Pro Mod Association.
 
In the final round, Lang powered his Summit Racing 1969 Camaro to a 6.061-second pass at 244.07 mph, defeating Troy Coughlin’s 7.392 at 142.94 in his JEGS Mail Order Corvette. It was Lang’s second career Pro Mod win and he now sits eighth in the points standings.  Lang was the No. 12 qualifier and defeated defending world champ Rickie Smith, Eric Latino and Houston winner Don Walsh on his way to the final.
 
Coughlin entered eliminations as the No. 10 qualifier. He defeated Gerry Capano, Mike Castellana and Danny Rowe on the way to the finals.
 
The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series heads to Englishtown, N.J., for the Toyota NHRA Summernationals, June 4-7. The event is the fourth of 10 races in the 2015 NHRA Pro Mod season.
 
Final round-by-round results from the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
 
PRO MODIFIED:
 
ROUND ONE -- Don Walsh, Chevy Camaro, 6.267, 237.34 def. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 13.708, 46.79; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.950, 251.44 def. Gerry Capano, Corvette, 6.635, 170.49; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.983, 243.50 def. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS, broke; Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.035, 237.55 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 9.786, 88.05; Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.981, 232.99 def. Mike Knowles, Ford Mustang, 11.213, 74.31; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 6.916, 126.38 def. Bill Glidden, Mustang, foul; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.070, 240.42 def. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 10.629, 87.45; Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.984, 241.58 def. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.999, 241.84; 
QUARTERFINALS -- Walsh, 6.323, 213.67 def. Janis, 7.292, 141.50; Coughlin, 5.916, 251.30 def. Castellana, 12.589, 61.68; Rowe, 5.924, 246.75 def. Matusek, 6.028, 245.90; Lang, 5.913, 246.44 def. Latino, 7.899, 125.19; 
SEMIFINALS -- Lang, 5.919, 245.54 def. Walsh, 5.988, 250.04; Coughlin, 10.946, 98.15 def. Rowe, broke; 
FINAL -- Lang, 6.061, 244.07 def. Coughlin, 7.392, 142.94.
 
Point standings (top 10) following the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
 
Pro Modified
 
1.  Don Walsh, 248; 2.  Troy Coughlin, 218; 3.  Bill Glidden, 175; 4.  Bob Rahaim, 174; 5.  Pete Farber, 165; 6.  Mike Janis, 162; 7.  Troy Coughlin Jr., 158; 8.  Kenny Lang, 153; 9.  Danny Rowe, 147; 10.  Mike Castellana, 141.


SATURDAY -  CRUZ, BROWN, LINE AND STOFFER RACE TO NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITIONS AT SOUTHERN NATS



Cruz Pedregon secured the No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car on Saturday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
 
Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the seventh of 24 events during the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
 
Pedregon’s 4.010-second pass at 313.95 mph in his Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry on Friday went unmatched through Saturday’s final two sessions, earning him the top starting spot.
 
“It’s amazing how much we had to touch on the car to make it down the track today versus yesterday and it worked,” said Pedregon, who now has two No. 1 qualifiers at Atlanta. “We have no excuses. If we can go out there, race and not have anything goofy happen, we should be a factor.”
 
This is Pedregon’s second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 59th of his career. He is seeking his second win at Atlanta Dragway and first since 1998. Pedregon, a two-time world champ, will face Gainesville finalist John Hale in the first round of Sunday’s eliminations.
 
John Force, a 16-time Funny Car world champion, qualified second by racing to a 4.031 at 317.64 in his PEAK Antifreeze Chevy Camaro SS. Force, who holds the Funny Car record for most victories at Atlanta Dragway with seven, will face Jeff Diehl in Sunday’s opening round.
 
Jack Beckman qualified third with a 4.033 at 301.13 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T and will open eliminations against 2014 winner Robert Hight. The defending world champ, Matt Hagan, will start race day fourth with a 4.040, 319.37 in his Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger R/T. Hagan will battle Dave Richards on Sunday morning.
 
In Top Fuel, Brown drove his Matco Tools dragster to his first No. 1 qualifier of the season with a 3.758 pass at 319.82. The run gave Brown a 38th career No. 1 qualifier. Brown, the 2012 Top Fuel world champ, will look for his fourth Top Fuel win at Atlanta on Sunday.
 
“We just try to go out there and run what we think the track can hold,” Brown said. “We can’t be happier with the way our car is working right now. It’s doing everything we want it to do. We just hope we can keep it that way tomorrow for race day. ”
 
Brown’s Don Schumacher Racing teammate and defending world champion, Tony Schumacher, qualified second with a 3.767 at 324.12 in his U.S. Army dragster. The eight-time world champion is still searching for his first victory at Atlanta and will face Larry Dixon, who has a category-leading four wins at Atlanta, in the first round.
 
Leah Pritchett drove her Gumout/Dote Racing dragster to a 3.792 at 321.81 to qualify third. Steve Torrence enters race day as the No. 4 qualifier and is followed by Dave Connolly in fifth. Spencer Massey, the defending event winner in Top Fuel, qualified ninth.
 
Line raced his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to the No. 1 starting spot with his 6.546 at 211.23 from Friday’s first session. He’s earned three No.1 qualifiers this season in consecutive fashion. This is the 40th top qualifier of his career.
 
“We tested a couple things, and considering we tested some things, I still thought we ran reasonably well,” said Line, who will face Alan Prusiensky in Sunday’s first round. “We learned a few things, I can’t say they were positive, but we did learn some things so all-in-all it was a pretty good day. There’s a lot of really good cars out there and the difference between being No. 1 and No. 3 really comes down to thousandths and doing everything perfect.”
 
Defending world champ Erica Enders ran a 6.546 at 211.06 in her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro to a No. 2 qualification. The No. 1 qualifier of the 2014 event will race John Gaydosh Jr. in the first round of race day. Enders’ teammate, Drew Skillman, qualified third with a 6.551 at 211.30 in his Ray Skillman Chevrolet Chevy Camaro. Allen Johnson will start fourth while Rodger Brogdon sits fifth. 
 
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Stoffer raced to her third career No. 1 qualifier with a 6.889 at 195.00 on her Suzuki Extended Protection Suzuki. This is the first time she has qualified in the top spot since the 2010 season. She will face Angie Smith in the first round.
 
“I don't know if I'm back to where I was a couple of years ago, but I do feel very comfortable,” Stoffer said. “Maybe I came back an even better rider. No matter what, I do feel like we are competitive right now, and that's the important thing. We're having fun. I have to pinch myself a lot right now."
 
Jim Underdahl qualified second with a 6.880 at 192.22 on his Suzuki Extended Protection Suzuki and will race Chip Ellis. Hector Arana Jr. qualified third while Angelle Sampey sits in the fourth spot.
 
Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Final round action is scheduled for 3:50 p.m.
 
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
 
Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.758 seconds, 320.28 mph  vs. 16. Shawn Langdon, 4.025, 303.37; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.767, 324.12  vs. 15. Larry Dixon, 3.977, 306.33; 3. Leah Pritchett, 3.792, 321.81  vs. 14. Chris Karamesines, 3.962, 306.53; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.796, 321.35  vs. 13. Clay Millican, 3.926, 313.88; 5. Dave Connolly, 3.805, 321.58  vs. 12. Terry McMillen, 3.916, 315.93; 6. J.R. Todd, 3.807, 321.35  vs. 11. Morgan Lucas, 3.915, 289.82; 7. Richie Crampton, 3.852, 316.90 vs. 10. Brittany Force, 3.912, 312.71; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.863, 319.60  vs. 9. Spencer Massey, 3.891, 318.84.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Cory McClenathan, 4.026, 293.09; 18. Pat Dakin, 4.109, 300.53.
 
Funny Car -- 1. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.010, 313.95  vs. 16. John Hale, Dodge Charger, 6.903, 130.87; 2. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.031, 317.64  vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Solara, 6.383, 112.13; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.033, 310.63  vs. 14. Robert Hight, Chevrolet Camaro, 4.563, 188.78; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.040, 319.37  vs. 13. Dave Richards, Solara, 4.390, 245.90; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.040, 312.86  vs. 12. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.147, 288.58; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.048, 313.00  vs. 11. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.139, 307.30; 7. Chad Head, Camry, 4.060, 310.77  vs. 10. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.079, 319.14; 8. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.064, 303.30  vs. 9. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.068, 315.93.
 
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.546, 211.59  vs. 16. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Avenger, 6.713, 207.27; 2. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.546, 211.06  vs. 15. John Gaydosh Jr, Pontiac GXP, 6.699, 207.66; 3. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.551, 211.30  vs. 14. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.634, 208.62; 4. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.556, 210.90  vs. 13. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.609, 210.14; 5. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.560, 211.83  vs. 12. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.607, 210.57; 6. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.561, 211.69  vs. 11. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.587, 210.97; 7. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.562, 210.90  vs. 10. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.580, 211.00; 8. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.565, 211.89  vs. 9. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.580, 211.30.
 
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.875, 195.59  vs. 16. Angie Smith, Victory, 7.047, 188.89; 2. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.880, 195.85  vs. 15. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.013, 193.54; 3. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.893, 196.73  vs. 14. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.987, 190.78; 4. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.893, 194.55  vs. 13. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 6.978, 195.56; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.901, 195.36  vs. 12. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.952, 192.22; 6. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.906, 193.88  vs. 11. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.948, 192.41; 7. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.909, 195.62  vs. 10. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.941, 193.10; 8. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.912, 193.90 vs. 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.934, 193.40.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Chaz Kennedy, 7.051, 189.79; 18. Joe DeSantis, 7.098, 190.73; 19. Mike Berry, 7.120, 188.99; 20. Redell Harris, 7.149, 187.99; 21. Eddie Reed, 7.167, 189.76; 22. Roy Olsen, 7.398, 177.98.


JANIS QUALIFIES NO. 1, WINS FIRST ROUND DURING PRO MOD ACTION SATURDAY AT ATLANTA
 
Mike Janis claimed the No. 1 qualifying position and a first round victory Saturday at Atlanta Dragway during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, co-presented by Pro Line Racing and the Real Pro Mod Association, is the third of 10 events in the season.
 
Janis powered his Jan-Cen Racing Engines Chevy Camaro to a run of 8.875 seconds at 245.45 mph on Friday, carrying him to the No. 1 position through Saturday. The 2010 event runner-up now has three career No. 1 qualifiers. 
 
Janis followed his qualifying success with a first round win against Bob Rahaim, winner of the season-opener at Gainesville. Janis will race Houston winner, Don Walsh, in the quarterfinals on Sunday. Walsh raced past 2011 world champ Khalid alBalooshi in the opening round of eliminations.
 
Pete Farber qualified second in his ‘69 CRC Brakeleen Dodge Dakota with a 5.907 at 246.08, but was defeated by Mike Castellana in the first round. Castellana will go up against Troy Coughlin in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
 
Reigning category champion Rickie Smith qualified fifth but did not make it through the first round, falling to Kenny Lang. Lang and Eric Latino will go head-to-head in Sunday’s quarterfinals.
 
Pro Mod Series eliminations will continue at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Sunday.

First round-by-round results from the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
 
PRO MODIFIED:
 
ROUND ONE
-- Don Walsh, Chevy Camaro, 6.267, 237.34 def. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 13.708, 46.79; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.950, 251.44 def. Gerry Capano, Corvette, 6.635, 170.49; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.983, 243.50 def. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS, broke; Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.035, 237.55 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 9.786, 88.05; Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.981, 232.99 def. Mike Knowles, Ford Mustang, 11.213, 74.31; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 6.916, 126.38 def. Bill Glidden, Mustang, foul; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.070, 240.42 def. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 10.629, 87.45; Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.984, 241.58 def. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.999, 241.84;
 
Final order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Modified at the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, the third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
 
Psn---Num-Driver, Home Town, Car Type---------------Qual-ET--Qual-Spd-Top Spd
 
  1    4 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '13 Camaro           5.875  245.45  245.45
  2    8 Pete Farber, Baldwinville MA, '69 Daytona      5.907  246.08  246.26
  3    5 Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills CA, '68 Camaro        5.911  247.79  248.48
  4 1938 Eric Latino, Port Perry ON, '69 Camaro         5.916  245.72  246.03
  5    1 Rickie Smith, King NC, '69 Camaro              5.927  244.38  244.87
  6    6 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '68 Camaro           5.928  248.02  248.02
  7 5087 Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '69 Chevelle  5.930  236.84  236.84
  8  327 Khalid alBalooshi, Doha QA, '68 Camaro         5.938  244.25  244.25
  9 3382 Don Walsh, Wixom MI, '14 Camaro                5.944  247.25  247.25
10    2 Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '15 Corvette       5.946  246.93  251.25
11 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '14 CTS    5.957  244.25  245.45
12 5012 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, '69 Camaro       5.966  242.67  243.55
13 5011 Mike Knowles, Grand Junction CO, '67 Mustang   5.977  244.16  244.74
14  324 Bill Glidden, Whiteland IN, '10 Mustang        5.985  235.93  240.81
15    9 Mike Castellana, Muttontown NY, '69 Camaro     5.997  239.48  239.48
16  360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, '15 Corvette     6.006  240.12  240.12
 
       ------------ Not Qualified ------------
 
17 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE, '63 Corvette      6.019  239.91  240.64
18 6967 Jim Bell, Edmonton AB, '69 Camaro              6.027  203.40  203.40
19  213 Chip King, Semora NC, '70 Charger              6.045  240.38  240.38
20 6718 Shane Molinari, Battle Ground WA, '70 Camaro   6.083  242.71  242.71
21    7 Kevin Fiscus, Jacksonville FL, '12 Mustang     6.116  245.45  245.45
22  701 Clint Satterfield, Albuquerque NM, '68 Firebi  6.174  239.40  239.40
23 2105 Doug Winters, Pleasant Garden NC, '69 Chevelle 6.261  235.68  235.68
24 2071 Willard Kinzer, Allen KY, '69 Camaro           6.370  242.50  242.50
25  303 Dan Stevenson, Bolingbrook IL, '13 Camaro      7.078  173.61  173.61
26  210 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '13 Camaro           10.729   81.19  117.63
27  394 Troy Coughlin Jr., Delaware OH, '12 Corvette  12.828   61.58   81.24

FRIDAY - BROWN, PEDREGON, LINE AND STOFFER LEAD QUALIFYING AT ATLANTA
 

Antron Brown raced to the qualifying lead in Top Fuel Friday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
 
Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders in their categories at Atlanta Dragway. The race is the seventh of 24 events during the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
 
Brown, the 2012 Top Fuel world champ, ran a 3.758-second pass at 319.82 mph in his Matco Tools dragster to earn the qualifying lead.
 
“It was a great day,” said Brown. “For us to come out of the box with a really good, solid lap, we’ve been shooting for that for a long time. We all know that we have our bumps and bruises with our new combination and we just have to work the kinks out of it. We’ve raced well at a lot of the races this year, that’s why we’ve been doing so well in the points, but we haven’t been where we want to be in qualifying.”
 
Brown has one victory this season, which he earned in Charlotte, and has three career victories at Atlanta Dragway, the last coming in 2013. He is seeking his 38th No. 1 qualifier and second at Atlanta with two sessions remaining.
 
Defending and eight-time world champion, Tony Schumacher, qualified second with a 3.767 at 324.12 in his U.S. Army dragster. Despite Schumacher’s success, he still seeks his first win at Atlanta. Leah Pritchett, who raced her Dote Racing/Gumout dragster to a 3/792 at 321.81 is third after Friday’s sessions. Steve Torrence and Dave Connolly sit fourth and fifth, respectively.
 
In Funny Car, Pedregon recorded a performance of 4.010 at 313.95 in his Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry, earning him the top position in Funny Car qualifying.  Pedregon was the No. 1 qualifier at Gainesville in March, but is still looking for his first victory of the 2015 season.
 
“We had a good two weeks of preparation,” said Pedregon, a two-time Funny Car world champ. “Our season has been better than it shows. We didn’t know exactly what was in store, but we figured we’d have a good weekend. With how it’s going, so far, so good.
 
16-time world champ John Force qualified second by posting a 4.031 at 317.64 in his PEAK Antifreeze Chevy Camaro SS. Force has seven career wins at Atlanta Dragway, leading the Funny Car category. His last win at the facility was in 2005.
 
Jack Beckman qualified third with a 4.033 at 301.13 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T while Don Schumacher Racing teammate and defending world champ, Matt Hagan, sits fourth with a 4.040, 319.37 in his Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger R/T.
 
Line led Pro Stock qualifying with a 6.546 at 211.23 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro achieved during the opening session. Line won this event in 2011 and is looking for his second win of the season, having won the season-opener at Pomona. He has two No. 1 qualifying positions this season and 40 in his career.
 
"It's always a big deal to be No. 1, whether it's your sponsor's race or not," said Line, a two-time world champ. "They don't pay anything for being No.2. My car was really good today. There is more left and I think we can hang on to the spot for Sunday's eliminations. The big thing is that we're No. 1 going into Saturday and now the job is to just figure out a way to stay there through tomorrow." "
 
Reigning Pro Stock world champion, Erica Enders, sits second. Enders, who was the No. 1 qualifier at this event one year ago, powered her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro to a performance of 6.546 at 211.06. Enders’ teammate, Drew Skillman, qualified third with a 6.551 at 211.30 in his Ray Skillman Chevrolet Chevy Camaro. Allen Johnson sprinted to the fourth place spot and was followed by Rodger Brogdon in fifth. 
 
Stoffer raced to the qualifying lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle with a 6.889 at 195.00 on her Suzuki Extended Protection Suzuki. She has two career No. 1 qualifying positions and won the Pro Stock Motorcycle season-opener at Gainesville in March.
 
"Who would have thought we'd run like this," Stoffer said. "We were not even prepared to come out this season. We were going to wait until the middle of the year but we found a little bit of money. I'm really enjoying the season. Every weekend is a mystery. We never know where we're going to show up but it's a lot easier to enjoy it when you're doing well."
 
Jim Underdahl qualified second with a 6.889 at 194.38 on his Suzuki Extended Protection Suzuki. LE Tonglet posted a 6.915 at 193.16 to provisionally qualify third. Eddie Krawiec, the 2014 event winner and Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader, sits in the fourth position while defending world champion and 2014 No. 1 qualifier, Andrew Hines, qualified eighth.
 
Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m.
 
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, seventh of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations. 

Top Fuel -- 1. Antron Brown, 3.758 seconds, 320.28 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.767, 324.12; 3. Leah Pritchett, 3.792, 321.81; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.796, 321.35; 5. Dave Connolly, 3.805, 321.58; 6. J.R. Todd, 3.807, 321.35; 7. Richie Crampton, 3.852, 316.90; 8. Brittany Force, 3.912, 303.64; 9. Terry McMillen, 3.916, 315.93; 10. Chris Karamesines, 3.962, 306.53; 11. Morgan Lucas, 3.998, 234.90; 12. Cory McClenathan, 4.242, 206.35.  Not Qualified: 13. Spencer Massey, 4.891, 146.97; 14. Doug Kalitta, 4.914, 148.31; 15. Larry Dixon, 5.001, 140.72; 16. Shawn Langdon, 6.520, 102.96; 17. Clay Millican, 7.060, 83.25; 18. Pat Dakin, 11.646, 69.69. 

Funny Car -- 1. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.010, 313.95; 2. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.031, 317.64; 3. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.033, 301.13; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.040, 319.37; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.040, 312.86; 6. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.048, 313.00; 7. Chad Head, Camry, 4.060, 310.77; 8. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.064, 284.81; 9. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.068, 315.93; 10. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.079, 319.14; 11. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.147, 288.58; 12. Robert Hight, Chevrolet Camaro, 4.563, 188.78.  Not Qualified: 13. John Hale, 5.524, 130.87; 14. Del Worsham, 5.931, 114.73; 15. Jeff Diehl, 7.201, 92.95; 16. Dave Richards, 10.142, 78.49. 

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.546, 211.23; 2. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.546, 211.06; 3. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.551, 211.30; 4. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.556, 210.87; 5. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.560, 211.06; 6. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.561, 211.69; 7. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.562, 210.64; 8. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.580, 210.90; 9. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.580, 210.34; 10. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.583, 211.49; 11. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.609, 210.14; 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.634, 208.04.  Not Qualified: 13. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.689, 207.40; 14. Alan Prusiensky, 6.707, 207.27; 15. Bo Butner, 6.980, 166.15; 16. Chris McGaha, 17.218, 48.19. 

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.889, 195.00; 2. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.889, 194.38; 3. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.915, 193.16; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.926, 192.44; 5. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.936, 192.41; 6. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.947, 194.60; 7. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.972, 191.81; 8. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.981, 190.89; 9. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.987, 189.84; 10. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 6.989, 194.63; 11. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.990, 191.54; 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.998, 193.40.  Not Qualified: 13. Scotty Pollacheck, 6.998, 191.38; 14. Angelle Sampey, 7.006, 190.94; 15. Chaz Kennedy, 7.054, 188.31; 16. Chip Ellis, 7.056, 192.60; 17. Mike Berry, 7.061, 188.28; 18. Angie Smith, 7.118, 185.74; 19. Redell Harris, 7.142, 185.13; 20. Eddie Reed, 7.198, 187.34; 21. Joe DeSantis, 7.224, 185.03; 22. Roy Olsen, 7.779, 175.07.

JANIS LEADS FRIDAY PRO MOD QUALIFYING

Mike Janis raced to the qualifying lead Friday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, co-presented by Pro Line Racing and the Real Pro Mod Association, is the third of 10 events on the season.
 
Janis powered his Jan-Cen Racing Engines Chevy Camaro to a run of 8.875 seconds at 245.45 mph on Friday to carry him to the leading position at Atlanta Dragway. He has three career wins and two career No. 1 qualifying positions. Janis was the runner-up at this event in 2010.
 
Pete Farber qualified second with a 5.907 at 246.08 in his ‘69 CRC Brakeleen Dodge Dakota and Danny Rowe sits third with a 5.911 at 247.79 in his Agave Underground Tequila ‘68 Camaro. Eric Latino is fourth and reigning world champ Rickie Smith sits fifth with a 5.886 at 246.30 in his IDG Camaro.
 
Houston winner Don Walsh is in the eighth spot while Bob Rahaim, the season-opener at Gainesville winner, qualified 16th after the first two sessions.
 
The NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series continues on Saturday with one final round of qualifying at noon. The first round of eliminations are scheduled for 2:45 p.m.
 
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, third of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying will continue Saturday for Saturday's first round of eliminations.
 
Pro Modified -- 1. Mike Janis, Chevy Camaro, 5.875, 245.45; 2. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.907, 246.08; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.911, 247.79; 4. Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.916, 245.72; 5. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.927, 244.87; 6. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.937, 247.34; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.938, 244.25; 8. Don Walsh, Camaro, 5.944, 247.25; 9. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.946, 249.03; 10. Steven Whiteley, Cadillac CTS, 5.957, 244.25; 11. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 5.966, 242.67; 12. Jim Whiteley, Chevy Chevelle, 5.969, 227.19; 13. Mike Knowles, Ford Mustang, 5.977, 244.16; 14. Bill Glidden, Mustang, 5.985, 235.93; 15. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.997, 239.48; 16. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 6.006, 240.12. Not Qualified: 17. Gerry Capano, 6.019, 239.91; 18. Jim Bell, 6.027, 203.40; 19. Chip King, 6.045, 240.38; 20. Shane Molinari, 6.083, 242.71; 21. Kevin Fiscus, 6.167, 242.50; 22. Clint Satterfield, 6.174, 239.40; 23. Doug Winters, 6.493, 233.56; 24. Dan Stevenson, 7.078, 173.61; 25. Willard Kinzer, 7.184, 163.63;  6. Jay Payne, 10.729, 81.19; 27. Troy Coughlin Jr., 12.828, 61.58.

FUNNY CAR

  1   71 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '15 Camry         4.046  308.43  308.43
  2    1 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '15 Charger      4.063  315.12  315.12
  3    3 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '15 Charger         4.066  311.85  311.85
  4    4 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '15 Camaro      4.112  314.53  314.53
  5  711 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '15 Charger             4.187  293.66  293.66
  6    2 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '15 Camaro          4.321  298.54  298.54
  7  771 Alexis DeJoria, Austin TX, '15 Camry            4.399  219.08  219.08
  8    9 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '15 Mustang      4.520  309.49  309.49
  9    5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '15 Camaro        4.563  188.78  188.78
 10  496 John Hale, Addison TX, '14 Charger              5.524  130.87  130.87

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

PRO STOCK

  1    2 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '15 Camaro          6.546  211.23  211.23
  2  233 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '15 Camaro       6.561  211.69  211.69
  3  390 Drew Skillman, Bargersville IN, '15 Camaro      6.567  211.30  211.30
  4   41 Rodger Brogdon, Tomball TX, '15 Camaro          6.567  211.06  211.06
  5    1 Erica Enders-Stevens, New Orleans LA, '15 Cama  6.571  211.06  211.06
  6    6 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '15 Dart         6.578  210.60  210.60
  7    7 Jonathan Gray, Artesia NM, '15 Camaro           6.585  210.90  210.90
  8  154 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '15 Camaro        6.597  210.34  210.34
  9    9 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '15 Dart                6.609  210.14  210.14
 10  128 John Gaydosh Jr, Baltimore MD, '09 GXP          6.689  207.40  207.40

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

  1  777 Karen Stoffer, Gardnerville NV, Suzuki TL1000R  6.924  194.21  194.21
  2    3 Hector Arana Jr, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R        6.936  192.41  192.41
  3    2 Eddie Krawiec, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod      6.938  192.44  192.44
  4  473 LE Tonglet, Metairie LA, Suzuki GSXR            6.946  191.38  191.38
  5    7 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R           6.947  194.60  194.60
  6  533 Jim Underdahl, Forest Lake MN, Suzuki GSXR      6.950  193.96  193.96
  7  401 Jerry Savoie, Cut Off LA, Suzuki TL1000         6.972  191.81  191.81
  8    4 Matt Smith, King NC, Victory Gunner             6.987  189.84  189.84
  9    5 Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki TL1000     6.998  193.40  193.40
 10  205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Buell XB9R           7.004  191.54  191.54
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

PRO MODIFIED

 1    6 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, *'68 Camaro           5.937  247.34  247.34
  2  327 Khalid alBalooshi, Doha QA, *'68 Camaro         5.938  244.25  244.25
  3    4 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, *'13 Camaro           5.965  233.36  233.36
  4 3382 Don Walsh, Wixom MI, t'14 Camaro                5.970  245.27  245.27
  5 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '14 CTS     5.970  243.63  243.63
  6    1 Rickie Smith, King NC, n'69 Camaro              5.972  244.87  244.87
  7 5012 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, *'69 Camaro       5.978  242.63  242.63
  8  360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, n'15 Corvette     6.006  240.12  240.12
  9    2 Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, t'15 Corvette       6.057  249.03  249.03
 10 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE, *'63 Corvette      6.057  238.13  238.13

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

SPORTSMAN

SUPER STOCK

  1 2093  GT/MA Bobby Dennis, Shorter AL, '90 Calais      10.694 11.75  -1.056
  2 2804  GT/FA David Jackson, Columbus NC, '92 Firebird   9.784 10.80  -1.016
  3   28  GT/FA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '90 S  9.797 10.80  -1.003
  4  445  GT/EA Aaron Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '87 Cam  9.670 10.65  -0.980
  5  373  FSS/D Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '12 Mustang   8.922  9.90  -0.978
  6  243  FSS/B Roy Hill, Sophia NC, '12 Mustang           8.237  9.20  -0.963
  7  439  FSS/B Stephen Bell, Shreveport LA, '15 Camaro    8.239  9.20  -0.961
  8    7  SS/BS Slate Cummings, Hammond LA, '05 Cavalier   8.730  9.65  -0.920
  9 2207  GT/BA Jeff Taylor, Sellersburg IN, '05 Sunfire   9.338 10.25  -0.912
 10 3499   SS/N Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '85 Mustang    11.056 11.95  -0.894

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

STOCK

  1  373   FS/A Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '14 Mustang   8.634  9.70  -1.066
  2  428   FS/C Kevin Helms, Schriever LA, '10 Challenger  9.242 10.30  -1.058
  3 3499   T/SA Gary Summers, Franklin KY, '78 Mustang    13.393 14.40  -1.007
  4 339L   C/SA Randi Lyn Shipp, Floyds Knobs IN, '67 Fir 10.427 11.40  -0.973
  5  456   FS/H Gary Robillard, Walker LA, '09 Challenger 10.538 11.50  -0.962
  6 2217    D/S Brian Rogers, Franklin TN, '69 Camaro     10.578 11.50  -0.922
  7    3   E/SA Jimmy Hildalgo Jr., Donaldsonville LA, '0 10.789 11.70  -0.911
  8 1141   FS/A Gardner Stone, Addison VT, '14 Mustang     8.810  9.70  -0.890
  9 2213   I/SA Kenneth Stott, Landrum NC, '90 Camaro     11.417 12.30  -0.883
 10   10   FS/F Jeff Strickland, Red Bay AL, '14 Camaro   10.343 11.20  -0.857

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

TOP SPORTSMAN

  1  405 Keith Raftery, Lake Charles LA, '68 Camaro      6.632  210.44  210.44
  2   21 Jeffrey Barker, Kathleen GA, '06 Cobalt         6.647  208.07  209.88
  3  204 Ronnie Davis, Suwanee GA, '63 Corvette          6.691  207.37  207.37
  4   22 Sandy Wilkins, Mount Ulla NC, '69 Camaro        6.726  204.73  204.73
  5   25 Chadrick Morrison, Statesville NC, '57 BelAir   6.780  202.12  203.49
  6 2062 Todd Ewing, Vinemont AL, '00 Camaro             6.791  204.70  204.70
  7 1929 Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg VA, '51 Henry J     6.802  202.73  202.73
  8 343A Larry Conolty, Washington IN, '07 Escort        6.907  198.20  198.20
  9 2540 Casey Spradlin, Ranburne AL, '37 Chevy          7.118  196.36  196.36
 10 2708 Donny Urban, Selma NC, '06 Cobalt               7.160  192.49  192.49

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

TOP DRAGSTER

  1  408 Richard Prince, Metairie LA, Undercover-Chevy   6.184  227.34  227.92
  2   42 Jenifer White, Conroe TX, Spitzer-Chevy         6.226  221.38  221.38
  3  330 Lynn Ellison, Central City KY, M&M-Chevy        6.367  215.07  215.07
  4 4072 Chase Murray, Orange TX, Miller-Chevy           6.391  215.13  215.13
  5 4360 Ross Laris, Raceland LA, American-Chevy         6.410  217.04  217.04
  6 2912 Scott Duggins, Inman SC, Maddox-Chevy           6.571  197.83  197.83
  7 2151 Lindsey Barker, Kathleen GA, Miller-Chevy       6.572  205.44  205.44
  8   26 Larry Roberts, Laurens SC, Racetech-Chevy       6.589  203.92  203.92
  9 4941 Samuel Patrick, Plaquemine LA, Undercover-Chevy 6.590  206.10  206.64
 10   24 Steve Furr, Harrisburg NC, American-Chevy       6.616  197.94  197.94
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESULTS
 

 

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