2015 NHRA SPRINGNATIONALS - HOUSTON RESULTS
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SUNDAY - CAPPS, KALITTA AND ENDERS-STEVENS RACE TO VICTORIES AT HOUSTON
Ron Capps raced to his second Funny Car victory of the season Sunday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) also were winners at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Royal Purple Raceway near Houston.
Capps powered past teammate Jack Beckman in the final round to earn his 44th career Funny Car victory and move into second behind John Force on NHRA’s all-time wins list in that category. Capps finished in 4.244 seconds at 258.32 mph in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger, while event top qualifier Beckman trailed with a 4.480 at 205.16 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Charger.
“It's crazy to think that I am number two on that list,” Capps said. “I am not that good, so it just shows you from my time with (team owner) Don Prudhomme on down to my team at Don Schumacher Racing, all of the great people I have worked with over the years, it's a credit to them.”
Capps defeated John Hale, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight in earlier rounds, posting a string of low 4.0-second runs on a hot and humid day in the Lone Star state.
“This is one of those races that when you can win it, you feel like you really earned it,” said an exhausted Capps of his third Houston win. “With the conditions that we had to drive in and tune in this weekend it feels great to get a win here.”
Capps moved into the series points lead with the victory, while Beckman moved up to sixth in the standings.
In Top Fuel, Kalitta outran longtime rival Tony Schumacher in the final round to earn his 36th career victory and his first win since last August in Seattle. Kalitta, who passed “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time Top Fuel wins list with the effort, drove his Mac Tools dragster to a winning time of 3.820 at 324.98 while Schumacher’s U.S. Army machine slowed near the finish line with a 4.014 at 225.60.
“I’ve had a couple dry spells,” said Kalitta, who beat Troy Buff, Larry Dixon and top qualifier Spencer Massey in the opening rounds. “It’s one of those deals where you never know when you’re going to win one of these, so you have to appreciate the opportunity and appreciate these wins when you get them. It’s a good feeling.”
It is the first time Kalitta has defeated eight-time world champ Schumacher in a final round since Brainerd in 2003, a stretch of 10 consecutive final rounds.
"We got by him, so it wasn’t until the end that we got him," Kalitta said. "Tony’s a tough competitor, and here lately, we’ve had a tough time getting around him. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.”
With the win Katlitta moved to fifth in the series standings and Schumacher moved into the series points lead with the runner-up finish.
Defending Pro Stock world champ Enders-Stevens earned her second-straight victory at this event and the 14th of her career by outrunning fellow Texan Chris McGaha in the final round. She powered her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro to a winning performance of 6.571 at 211.73, while McGaha’s Harlow Sammons of Odessa Camaro trailed with a 6.598 at 211.66. With the win, her second of the season, Enders-Stevens moved into the series points lead for the first time this season.
Enders-Stevens said her Elite Motorsports team went above and beyond in order to get this victory. Just before the semifinal round her team had to change an engine in 11 minutes to make the semifinal. She beat Allen Johnson, Vincent Nobile and Jonathan Gray en route to the final.
“It’s so hard to win,” Enders-Stevens said. “People have no idea how challenging it is to pull together and to be on top two weeks in a row is an incredible accomplishment. This was one of the more emotional wins for me given the adversity we faced and what we all overcame today.”
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues May 15-17 with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga.
WALSH RACES TO PRO MOD VICTORY
Don Walsh raced to victory Sunday in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing at Royal Purple Raceway was presented by the Real Pro Mod Association.
Walsh powered his Precision Turbo/Walsh Motorsports Camaro to a 5.872-second pass at 249.12 mph, defeating Bill Glidden’s 8.945 at 123.41 in his Mickey Thompson Ford Mustang in the finals. It was Walsh’s second career Pro Mod win and he now leads the points standings. Walsh was the No. 1 qualifier and defeated Gainesville winner Bob Rahaim, Mike Janis and Jim Whiteley on his way to the final.
Glidden entered eliminations as the No. 10 qualifier. He defeated Jeff Naiser, reigning world champ Rickie Smith and Troy Coughlin Jr. on the way to the finals.
The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series heads to Atlanta for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, May 15-17. The event is the third of 10 races in the 2015 Pro Mod season.
Final finish order (1-16) at the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the second of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
1. Don Walsh; 2. Bill Glidden; 3. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 4. Jim Whiteley; 5. Rickie Smith; 6. Mike Castellana; 7. Troy Coughlin; 8. Mike Janis; 9. Danny Rowe; 10. Khalid alBalooshi; 11. Eric Latino; 12. Mike Knowles; 13. Steve Matusek; 14. Bob Rahaim; 15. Pete Farber; 16. Jeff Naiser.
Sunday's final results from the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway. The race is the second of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Pro Modified -- Don Walsh, Chevy Camaro, 5.872, 249.12 def. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 8.945, 123.41.
Final round-by-round results from the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the second of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
PRO MODIFIED:
ROUND ONE -- Mike Janis, Chevy Camaro, 5.849, 243.81 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, foul; Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 9.788, 91.87 def. Jeff Naiser, Camaro, foul; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.976, 250.92 def. Mike Knowles, Mustang, 5.898, 245.67; Jim Whiteley, Chevy Chevelle, 34.527, 22.75 def. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, foul; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.898, 246.57 def. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.902, 247.66; Troy Coughlin Jr., Corvette, 5.915, 249.16 def. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.866, 248.39; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.880, 243.11 def. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.888, 244.60; Don Walsh, Camaro, 5.870, 243.46 def. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.908, 243.68;
QUARTERFINALS -- Coughlin Jr., 5.899, 249.72 def. Coughlin, 5.999, 243.19; J. Whiteley, 5.892, 242.98 def. Smith, 5.881, 247.57; Walsh, 5.882, 238.13 def. Janis, 6.461, 146.45; Glidden, 5.891, 243.72 def. Castellana, 5.898, 243.15;
SEMIFINALS -- Glidden, 5.884, 244.12 def. Coughlin Jr., 5.923, 251.06; Walsh, 5.825, 247.70 def. J. Whiteley, 5.947, 242.41;
FINAL -- Walsh, 5.872, 249.12 def. Glidden, 8.945, 123.41.
Point standings (top 10) following the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the second of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
Pro Modified
1. Don Walsh, 176; 2. Troy Coughlin Jr., 148; 3. Bill Glidden, 144; 4. Bob Rahaim, 143; 5. Pete Farber, 128; 6. Troy Coughlin, 126; 7. Mike Janis, 104; 8. Mike Castellana, 90; 9. Rickie Smith, 88; 10. Eric Latino, 83.
SATURDAY - MASSEY, BECKMAN AND LINE EARN NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITIONS AT SPRINGNATIONALS
Texas native Spencer Massey raced to his first No. 1 qualifying position in nearly two years and his first ever in the Lone Star state Saturday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries.
Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also will lead their respective categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations as No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Houston.
No one improved on Massey’s track-record performance of 3.734 seconds at 330.07 mph in his Red Fuel dragster from Friday and he will race fellow Texan Kebin Kinsley’s Gas Monkey Garage dragster in the first-round. It is Massey’s eighth No. 1 of his career and first at Royal Purple Raceway.
“It’s definitely awesome to come to the home state track and run well,” said Massey, who earned his last No. 1 at Bristol in 2013. “It’s awesome to go out and do a great job and have the car run extremely well. It ran well last night at 330 mph and we made it down the track both runs today without smoking the tires and that’s key. That’s what we need it to do Sunday, and go four rounds.”
Massey, who has 18 career victories but none in his home state, would like to change that stat tomorrow.
“To get among the list of drivers who’ve won here in Baytown would be spectacular,” Massey said. “This is my second track to ever go to as a little kid, and my first ever to get my nitro license was here at this track. It would be huge just to win at a Texas racetrack, to get a win in front of my friends and family, and to get a second win out of the season because nobody in Top Fuel has won two times this season yet. It would be spectacular for us to win and walk away with the Wally (trophy) tomorrow, but it’s just huge to be able to go rounds and have fun doing it. I’m just happy to be No. 1.”
Tony Schumacher qualified second in his U.S. Army dragster with a 3.754 at 326.24 and will familiar foe Jenna Haddock in the first round. The eight-time world champ and rookie driver Haddock have met in the first round in each of her previous three starts, with Schumacher holding a 2-1 edge. Richie Crampton, winner of the most recent event in Las Vegas, qualified third and will meet Clay Millican in the opener.
In Funny Car, Beckman claimed his 11th career No. 1 with his track-record run from Friday, a performance of 3.988 at 318.17 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T. The 2012 world champ will face journeyman racer Terry Haddock in the opening round.
“I feel really confident,” Beckman said. “I’ve always felt I could win the next race I go to because DSR always gives us the best ability to do that. I always feared pulling up next to (crew chief) Jimmy Prock’s car on race day even if I had driven a car that had performed better. Now I’m taking a lot of comfort in the fact that we might be doing that to the people in the other lane.”
Del Worsham qualified second in his DHL Toyota Camry with a 4.023 at 314.97 and he will open against old rival and recent Las Vegas winner John Force, a seven-time winner of this event. Ron Capps qualified third and will face Texan John Hale in the opening round. Defending world champ and current series points leader Matt Hagan qualified sixth and will race two-time champ Tony Pedregon.
In Pro Stock, Line powered to a track record time of 6.519 at 212.29 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro on the final run of the day to earn his second No. 1 of the season and 40th of his career. It is Line’s third No. 1 at this track and he will open eliminations against Deric Kramer.
The two-time world champion, who has two victories at this event, was nearly giddy about the performance of his race car.
“People always say I whine about not making a good run, but I made a good run that time,” Line said. “It was bad to the bone. It might need a little ice after that one. This is about as excited as I get. We actually put on some new parts today and we’re definitely better. Going forward we’re going to be tough.”
Friday leader Shane Gray qualified second with a 6.536 at 211.56 in his Gray Motorsports Camaro and will race new Mopar Dodge Dart driver Richie Stevens in the first round. Line teammate Greg Anderson qualified third in his Summit Camaro and will face teammate Jimmy Alund. Local favorite Erica Enders-Stevens qualified fourth and will begin defense of her title at this event by facing longtime rival Allen Johnson in the opener.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the sixth 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. Spencer Massey, 3.734 seconds, 330.07 mph vs. 16. Kebin Kinsley, 4.019, 302.41; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.754, 326.24 vs. 15. Jenna Haddock, 3.943, 296.05; 3. Richie Crampton, 3.758, 323.66 vs. 14. Clay Millican, 3.916, 309.34; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.760, 324.12 vs. 13. Troy Buff, 3.869, 311.27; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.760, 320.81 vs. 12. Larry Dixon, 3.786, 328.46; 6. J.R. Todd, 3.770, 321.50 vs. 11. Steve Torrence, 3.783, 325.37; 7. Dave Connolly, 3.771, 323.97 vs. 10. Antron Brown, 3.782, 314.02; 8. Leah Pritchett, 3.775, 318.84 vs. 9. Brittany Force, 3.779, 324.44. Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry McMillen, 4.438, 187.91.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.988, 318.17 vs. 16. Terry Haddock, Toyota Solara, 5.395, 140.77; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.023, 314.97 vs. 15. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.272, 308.78; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.038, 319.67 vs. 14. John Hale, Charger, 4.169, 306.12; 4. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.041, 310.77 vs. 13. Bob Bode, Camry, 4.163, 279.38; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.041, 312.57 vs. 12. Courtney Force, Camaro, 4.137, 304.67; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.051, 314.61 vs. 11. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.125, 301.60; 7. Robert Hight, Chevrolet Camaro, 4.058, 317.05 vs. 10. Chad Head, Camry, 4.106, 305.29; 8. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.064, 310.05 vs. 9. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.083, 311.13. Did Not Qualify: 17. Todd Simpson, 14.252, 137.92.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.519, 212.33 vs. 16. Deric Kramer, Dodge Avenger, 10.362, 209.39; 2. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.536, 211.56 vs. 15. Richie Stevens, Dodge Dart, 6.597, 210.14; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.540, 212.13 vs. 14. Jimmy Alund, Pontiac GXP, 6.589, 210.41; 4. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.540, 211.99 vs. 13. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.574, 211.46; 5. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.540, 211.43 vs. 12. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.568, 211.30; 6. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.551, 211.96 vs. 11. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.567, 212.26; 7. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.554, 211.63 vs. 10. Richard Freeman, Camaro, 6.562, 210.50; 8. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.557, 211.79 vs. 9. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.561, 211.33.
PRO MOD - WALSH TOP QUALIFIER SATURDAY AT HOUSTON
Don Walsh secured the No. 1 qualifying position Saturday during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing, presented by the Real Pro Mod Association, is the second of 10 events in the season.
Walsh powered his Precision Turbo/Walsh Motorsports Camaro to a run of 5.860 seconds at 247.25 mph on Friday to carry him to the No. 1 spot heading into Sunday eliminations at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.
Walsh, who was also the top qualifier at the season-opening Gatornationals, now has eight career No. 1 qualifying positions. He will race Gatornationals winner and points leader Bob Rahaim in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.
Mike Castellana qualified second with a 5.880 at 244.69 in his 1969 Al-Anabi Racing Camaro and Danny Rowe will start third with a 5.885 at 249.30 in his Agave Underground Tequila 1968 Camaro. Reigning world champ Rickie Smith qualified fourth with a 5.886 at 246.30 in his IDG Camaro.
Khalid alBalooshi, the 2011 world champ who returned to the category after racing the last three seasons in Top Fuel, qualified 15th. He did not qualify at the season opener.
Pro Mod Series eliminations will begin on Sunday.
Saturday's final results after three rounds of qualifying for the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the second of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. Final eliminations scheduled for Sunday morning.
Pro Modified -- 1. Don Walsh, Chevy Camaro, 5.860, 247.25 vs. 16. Bob Rahaim, Chevy Corvette, 5.965, 241.67; 2. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.880, 244.69 vs. 15. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.965, 244.07; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.885, 249.30 vs. 14. Troy Coughlin Jr., Corvette, 5.954, 248.20; 4. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.886, 246.89 vs. 13. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.924, 248.16; 5. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.895, 246.71 vs. 12. Jim Whiteley, Chevy Chevelle, 5.921, 244.16; 6. Mike Knowles, Ford Mustang, 5.903, 246.89 vs. 11. Troy Coughlin, Corvette, 5.915, 250.92; 7. Jeff Naiser, Camaro, 5.904, 243.06 vs. 10. Bill Glidden, Mustang, 5.914, 243.55; 8. Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.906, 242.84 vs. 9. Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.913, 247.79.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Kevin Fiscus, 5.982, 246.62; 18. Chip King, 6.012, 240.94; 19. Jeffrey Cummins Jr., 6.029, 233.88; 20. Shane Molinari, 6.031, 246.44; 21. Jay Payne, 6.034, 241.67; 22. Kenny Lang, 6.047, 239.23; 23. Doug Winters, 6.139, 236.71; 24. Jim Bell, 6.140, 235.10; 25. Willard Kinzer, 6.232, 245.40; 26. Clint Satterfield, 6.851, 213.98; 27. Steven Whiteley, 8.507, 117.31.
FRIDAY - BECKMAN, MASSEY AND S. GRAY RACE TO QUALIFYING LEADS AT HOUSTON
Jack Beckman raced to Royal Purple Raceway’s first three-second Funny Car run to close a record-setting qualifying session and take the qualifying lead Friday at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries.
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel) and Shane Gray (Pro Stock) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Houston.
Beckman stopped the timers with a track record time of 3.988 seconds at 318.17 mph in his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T. He has 10 No. 1 qualifiers in his career, but hasn’t been at the top of a qualifying order since August 2013, a span of 36 races.
“I remember at Indy last year after we hauled butt Saturday night and the forecast was hot and nasty for Sunday and there wasn't any chance of anyone getting around us and then Sunday was overcast and cool and (Matt) Hagan took the spot,” Beckman said. “I am not counting anything until this deal is over. The thing I like better is the three (qualifying bonus) points because we are 10th in points and that's going to help us out.”
Beckman, who ended a lengthy victory drought earlier in the season at Charlotte, says his Charger really hooked up with crew chief Jimmy Prock’s tune-up in the cooler evening conditions.
“It felt like the car started moving right and you don't want to yank the steering wheel and upset the balance and smoke the tires and I am trying to nurse the thing back,” Beckman said. “In three or four tenths of a second it's stunning what goes through your mind. You are like please hold on, please hold on. The thing put me back in the trunk and I thought we were going to move way up; but I didn't think it was a three-second run.”
Del Worsham drove his DHL Toyota Camry to the second spot with a 4.023 at 314.97 and Ron Capps was third with a 4.038 at 319.67 in the NAPA Auto Parts Charger.
In Top Fuel, Massey set both ends of the track record, taking the top spot with a performance of 3.734 at 330.07 in his Red Fuel dragster.
“It was an amazing run,” Massey said. “It gets tricky out here when it gets hot and sticky. I stood on it and it was straight as an arrow. It was dark but when you can see header flames that means it's going to be a good run. It proves there's good numbers at night. It's our first night session of the season and Todd (Okuhara, crew chief) knows how to turn the knobs on it and it did exactly what it was supposed to do.”
Fort Worth native Massey says doing well at any race in the Lone Star state is at the top of his wish list.
“I've never been No. 1 in my home state and I've never won here or in Dallas either and that's huge on my bucket list,” said Massey, who has seven No. 1 qualifying positions in his career, but none since June 2013. “I am one step closer to being No. 1 qualifier (at a Texas event).”
Defending world champ Tony Schumacher qualified second in his U.S. Army dragster, posting a 3.754 at 326.24. Recent Las Vegas winner Richie Crampton is third with a 3.758 at 323.66 in his Lucas Oil dragster.
Gray, the 2013 runner-up at this event, led Pro Stock with a track record time of 6.536 seconds at 211.43 mph in his Gray Motorsports Chevy Camaro.
Gray moved from 11th to first in the qualifying order between the two sessions, but he said his team didn’t make too many adjustments on his race car.
"We changed motors and put some gear to it, that's about all we did," he said. "We had kind of an experimental motor in the car for the first run. It still needs some work. The race engine we put in it for the second session surprised all of us. These Pro Stock cars are very finicky, so we'll see if we can get [two more] good runs up and down the race track tomorrow with the combination we have and then go into race day and take it one round at a time."
Gray returned to the seat of the team’s ‘black car’, one that he has previously had success driving.
"I just jumped in this black car and it took off, for whatever reason, we haven't figured that one out yet," Gray said. "Me and that car, we go a long ways back. I'm glad to be back in it."
Jason Line qualified second with a 6.549 at 211.59 in his Summit Racing Camaro and Greg Anderson was third in his Summit Camaro, posting a 6.559 at 211.23. Local favorite Erica Enders-Stevens, a Houston native and the defending winner of the event, sits fourth overall with a 6.563 at 211.33 in her Lupe Tortilla/Elite Motorsports Camaro.
Qualifying continues Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. for Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 28th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, sixth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Spencer Massey, 3.734 seconds, 330.07 mph; 2. Tony Schumacher, 3.754, 326.24; 3. Richie Crampton, 3.758, 323.66; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.760, 324.12; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.760, 320.81; 6. Brittany Force, 3.779, 324.44; 7. J.R. Todd, 3.780, 321.27; 8. Antron Brown, 3.782, 314.02; 9. Steve Torrence, 3.783, 325.37; 10. Larry Dixon, 3.786, 328.46; 11. Leah Pritchett, 3.811, 318.84; 12. Dave Connolly, 3.815, 319.22. Not Qualified: 13. Kebin Kinsley, 3.853, 301.87; 14. Clay Millican, 3.871, 309.34; 15. Jenna Haddock, 4.134, 246.57; 16. Troy Buff, 4.801, 156.35; 17. Terry McMillen, 6.652, 105.18.
Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.988, 318.17; 2. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.023, 314.97; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.038, 319.67; 4. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.041, 310.77; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.041, 308.78; 6. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.051, 314.61; 7. Robert Hight, Chevrolet Camaro, 4.058, 317.05; 8. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.064, 310.05; 9. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.125, 299.53; 10. Bob Bode, Camry, 4.163, 279.38; 11. John Hale, Charger, 4.169, 306.12; 12. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.334, 308.78. Not Qualified: 13. Todd Simpson, 5.353, 137.92; 14. Courtney Force, 5.913, 183.10; 15. Terry Haddock, 6.788, 86.48; 16. Chad Head, 7.887, 72.92; 17. Cruz Pedregon, 8.285, 85.54.
Pro Stock -- 1. Shane Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.536, 211.43; 2. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.549, 211.59; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.559, 211.23; 4. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.563, 211.33; 5. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.568, 210.90; 6. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.573, 211.13; 7. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.574, 210.34; 8. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.576, 210.60; 9. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.594, 210.90; 10. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.594, 209.95; 11. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.598, 210.47; 12. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.614, 209.49. Not Qualified: 13. Richard Freeman, 6.628, 208.94; 14. Richie Stevens, 6.629, 209.39; 15. Deric Kramer, 6.647, 209.39; 16. Jimmy Alund, 6.649, 209.79.
WALSH LEADS PRO MOD QUALIFYING
Don Walsh raced to the qualifying lead Friday in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod competition, presented by the Real Pro Mod Association, is the second of 10 events in the season.
Walsh drove his Walsh Motorsports Camaro to a performance of 5.860 seconds at 247.25 mph to lead the category at Royal Purple Raceway, just outside of Houston.
“First run, we tried to put together the most conservative run because with the weather we were concerned with how many runs we were going to get,” Walsh said. “Second round, we put together a really nice run.”
Mike Castellana sits second with a 5.880 at 244.69 in his 1969 Al-Anabi Racing Camaro and Danny Rowe is third with a 5.885 at 249.30 in his Agave Underground Tequila 1968 Camaro.
Reigning world champ Rickie Smith is fourth with a 5.886 at 246.30 in his IDG Camaro. Khalid alBalooshi, the 2011 champ, sits 11th with a 5.965 at 244.07 in his 1968 Camaro. Current points leader Bob Rahaim, who won the season-opening Gatornationals, is 12th with a 5.965 at 241.67 in his Corvette.
The final Pro Mod qualifying session is Saturday at 2 p.m., and will be followed by the first round of eliminations at 5:30 p.m. Pro Mod eliminations will continue on Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the 28th annual O'Reilly NHRA SpringNationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Royal Purple Raceway, the second 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. Don Walsh, Chevy Camaro, 5.860, 247.25; 2. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.880, 244.69; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.885, 249.30; 4. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.886, 246.89; 5. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.895, 246.53; 6. Jeff Naiser, Camaro, 5.904, 243.06; 7. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 5.914, 243.55; 8. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.915, 250.92; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., Corvette, 5.954, 248.20; 10. Eric Latino, Camaro, 5.956, 245.54; 11. Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.965, 244.07; 12. Bob Rahaim, Corvette, 5.965, 241.67; 13. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.970, 237.80; 14. Mike Knowles, Mustang, 5.977, 242.54; 15. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 5.982, 246.62; 16. Jeffrey Cummins Jr., Mustang, 6.029, 233.88. Not Qualified: 17. Jay Payne, 6.034, 241.67; 18. Kenny Lang, 6.049, 238.34; 19. Mike Janis, 6.054, 240.29; 20. Shane Molinari, 6.099, 242.63; 21. Chris Juliano, 6.129, 236.09; 22. Willard Kinzer, 6.235, 243.68; 23. Doug Winters, 6.251, 227.19; 24. Chip King, 6.270, 236.09; 25. Jim Bell, 6.563, 189.44; 26. Clint atterfield, 6.851, 213.98; 27. Jim Whiteley, 7.969, 122.76; 28. Steven Whiteley, 8.507, 117.31.
FRIDAY SPORTSMAN RESULTS -
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER (SESSION TWO)
1 311 A/FD Kyle Michalek, Lousiville OH, McKinney- 5.299 267.96 267.96
2 416 A/FD James Thompson, Vernon TX, Monden-CRE 5.315 261.42 269.62
3 5555 B/AD Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, Nielso 5.377 266.85 266.85
4 596 A/FD Randy Meyer, Spring Hill KS, Meyer-BAE 5.378 271.08 271.08
5 412 A/FD David Brounkowski, Cypress TX, Bowen-Ch 5.387 259.91 259.91
6 464 A/FD Buddy Domingue, Port Neches TX, Hadman- 5.395 272.78 272.78
7 748 A/FD Cameron Ferre, Huntington Beach CA, Att 5.439 258.27 258.27
8 415 B/AD Lee Callaway, Channelview TX, Dragster- 5.456 268.01 268.01
9 194D A/FD Mia Tedesco, Murrysville PA, McKinney-T 5.466 272.23 272.23
10 471 B/AD Aaron Tatum, Oklahoma City OK, Monden-M 5.735 245.49 245.49
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TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (SESSION TWO)
1 802 Jonnie Lindberg, Upplands Vausby SW, '10 Monte 5.562 263.56 263.56
2 1 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '13 Monte Carlo 5.580 259.21 261.42
3 800 Ulf Leanders, Viksjofors SW, '10 Monte Carlo 5.581 262.03 262.03
4 10 Kris Hool, Casper WY, '10 Monte Carlo 5.593 258.27 259.86
5 55 Annie Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '10 Mustang 5.595 264.03 264.29
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COMP ELIMINATOR (SESSION TWO)
1 4025 A/D Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs LA, Chas 6.419 6.98 -0.561
2 4337 A/ND Craig Bourgeois, Metarie LA, Hasse-Dodge 6.892 7.43 -0.538
3 4006 C/SM Mike Trumble, Pasadena TX, '06 Cobalt 8.248 8.75 -0.502
4 1 A/EA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '32 Bantam 7.326 7.82 -0.494
5 43 E/SM Keith Hall, Ravenna TX, '05 Cavalier 8.513 9.00 -0.487
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SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 5333 FSS/C Randy Hopkins, Mission TX, '13 Mustang 8.659 9.65 -0.991
2 452 SS/B Steve Kent, Lottie LA, '66 Corvette 8.927 9.90 -0.973
3 243 FSS/B Roy Hill, Sophia NC, '12 Mustang 8.275 9.20 -0.925
4 439 FSS/B Stephen Bell, Shreveport LA, '15 Camaro 8.285 9.20 -0.915
5 445 GT/EA Aaron Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '87 Cam 9.736 10.65 -0.914
6 442E SS/F Jarod Granier, Labadieville LA, '66 Nova 9.442 10.35 -0.908
7 4499 SS/IA Kevin Stubbs, Benton AR, '69 Camaro 9.794 10.70 -0.906
8 4476 GT/BA Harvey Emmons III, Friendswood TX, '05 Ca 9.350 10.25 -0.900
9 4026 GT/FA Mike Bryant, New Orleans LA, '08 G5 9.904 10.80 -0.896
10 373 FSS/D Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '12 Mustang 9.026 9.90 -0.874
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STOCK (FINAL)
1 5250 FS/C Todd Patterson, Augusta KS, '14 Camaro 9.118 10.30 -1.182
2 439 FS/A Stephen Bell, Shreveport LA, '15 Camaro 8.638 9.70 -1.062
3 4782 K/S Steven Hall, Sweeney TX, '88 Mustang 11.492 12.55 -1.058
4 4731 C/SA Austin Ford, Houston TX, '67 Mustang 10.365 11.40 -1.035
5 4476 FS/A Harvey Emmons III, Friendswood TX, '14 Mu 8.676 9.70 -1.024
6 4121 B/SA Kyle Ratcliff, Denton TX, '98 Firebird 10.256 11.25 -0.994
7 4403 FS/A Gary Emmons, Friendswood TX, '14 Mustang 8.706 9.70 -0.994
8 489 B/SA Sam Pourciau, Walker LA, '99 Camaro 10.265 11.25 -0.985
9 4648 I/SA Kent LaPorte, Lafayette LA, '91 Camaro 11.339 12.30 -0.961
10 4992 FS/C Brian Massingill, Houston TX, '15 Camaro 9.340 10.30 -0.960
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TOP SPORTSMAN (SESSION TWO)
1 45 Bob Gulitti, Tomball TX, '11 Camaro 6.519 217.74 217.74
2 405 Keith Raftery, Lake Charles LA, '68 Camaro 6.646 211.16 211.16
3 4760 Chris Gulitti, Spring TX, '68 Camaro 6.684 208.30 208.30
4 4191 Steve Benoit, Scott LA, '02 Camaro 6.800 204.39 204.39
5 430Y Trent Wilson, Castroville TX, '68 Camaro 6.934 198.50 198.50
6 42 Daniel Leibham, Tomball TX, '01 Camaro 6.996 196.47 196.47
7 438B Arlie Boggs, Deer Park TX, '95 Cutlass 7.022 192.49 192.49
8 4638 Russell Marr, Forney TX, '03 Cavalier 7.061 195.76 195.99
9 4729 Charles Swindoll, LaPorte TX, '08 GXP 7.111 193.57 194.63
10 429 Jimmie Dickey, Lubbock TX, '69 Camaro 7.126 186.07 189.15
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TOP DRAGSTER (SESSION ONE)
1 4030 William Kruse, Alvin TX, Uyehara-BAE 6.142 231.08 231.08
2 408 Richard Prince, Metairie LA, Undercover-Chevy 6.217 226.89 226.89
3 4455 William Swann, Carrolton TX, Monden-Chevy 6.254 220.33 220.33
4 4028 David Sheetz, Lake Jackson TX, Spitzer-Chevy 6.293 219.76 219.76
5 42 Jenifer White, Conroe TX, Spitzer-Chevy 6.319 215.93 215.93
6 4608 Michael Kile, Westlake LA, Spitzer-R-M 6.336 228.69 228.69
7 57 Jeff Koron, Hays KS, Undercover-Chevy 6.364 214.96 214.96
8 4299 Jimmy Thibodeaux, Lake Charles LA, Miller-Chevy 6.389 208.39 208.39
9 4072 Chase Murray, Orange TX, Miller-Chevy 6.433 214.76 214.76
10 4399 Gary Mock, Prairieville LA, Spitzer-Chevy 6.454 213.81 213.81
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