2017 NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS - EVENT RESULTS
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SUNDAY - KALITTA, HIGHT, GRAY & KRAWIEC NOTCH VICTORIES AT NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
Doug Kalitta powered to his first career victory at zMAX Dragway Sunday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.
Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the first of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship.
Points leader Kalitta took down teammate Richie Crampton in the final round with a 3.775-second pass at 318.39 mph in his Mac Tools dragster to earn his first victory of the season. Kalitta now has 43 career victories and only two tracks on the NHRA circuit at which he hasn’t won throughout his career.
“Getting this win gives us great momentum with only five races to go, but with the team I have with me I’m full of confidence,” Kalitta said. “It’s huge for me to get my first win at this great facility, because we have been coming here for a lot of years and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
Kalitta earned the top slot in qualifying and defeated Chris Karamesines, Tony Schumacher and Clay Millican before reaching his third final round of the season. Crampton qualified seventh and reached the final round in only his second event of the season, taking down Scott Palmer, Steve Torrence and Brittany Force on the day.
Hight earned his third victory of the season and first since Seattle with a 3.943 pass at 328.86 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro to defeat teammate Courtney Force in her Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro in the finals. Hight now has 40 career victories and has taken the lead in the Funny Car points standings.
“We’ve had a great race car over the past 15 races in either hot or cold weather, getting low E.T. in several events throughout the year,” Hight said. “It’s almost impossible to have six great races in a row during the Countdown, but we had everything figured out today which we needed with the tough competition we faced today.”
Hight qualified sixth and took down Matt Hagan, Tommy Johnson J.R. and J.R. Todd on his way to his sixth final round of 2017. Force was the top qualifier and defeated Bob Gilbertson, John Force and Alexis Dejoria on the way to her fourth final round of the season.
In Pro Stock, Gray continued his impressive rookie campaign with a 6.614 at 208.07 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro during the final round to earn his fifth victory of his season. He took down four-time world champion Greg Anderson to emerge victorious at his local track and take command of the Pro Stock points lead.
“If you would have told me I would be the points leader when I left the first race of the Countdown I would have said you were crazy,” Gray said. “I have a great team who has helped me throughout the season and we are really happy with where we are at.”
Gray qualified first and got past Val Smeland, Erica Enders and Jason Line before making it to his sixth final round of the year. Anderson has now reached eight final rounds this season, defeating Alan Prusiensky, Drew Skillman and Bo Butner after qualifying second.
Krawiec took home the Pro Stock Motorcycle victory with a 6.850 at 196.87 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to take down his teammate Andrew Hines in the final round. Krawiec took over the points lead as he locked down his 40th career victory and fourth of this season, including his second in a row.
“This is a huge race for me because I love this drag strip and this facility, and to come out of the first Countdown race with a win is huge for me and my team,” Krawiec said. “Getting a win here is awesome, because it increases your chances to win a championship quite a bit so I’m really excited about this.”
Krawiec qualified second and beat Charlie Sullivan, Chip Ellis and Hector Arana Jr. en route to the finals. Hines earned the No. 1 qualifier and knocked off Charlie Sullivan, Chip Ellis and Hector Arana Jr. as he earned his third runner-up finish on the year in three final round appearances.
The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway Sept. 21-24.
SATURDAY - C. FORCE, KALITTA, GRAY & HINES SECURE NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT CAROLINA NATIONALS
Courtney Force powered to the Funny Car No. 1 qualifier Saturday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Force claimed the top spot after a run of 3.891 seconds at 330.07 mph in her Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro during her second pass Friday. She clinched her category-best seventh No. 1 qualifier on the year as she continues to chase her first victory this season. Force will face off with Bob Gilbertson in round one of eliminations on Sunday.
“I’m really proud of my team for giving me a great race car, it’s been a lot of fun to drive this car and get these No. 1 qualifiers,” Force said. “We know we have to bring that same success into Sunday, and I am just looking forward to tomorrow as we try to end up in the winner’s circle.”
J.R. Todd qualified second with a 3.898 at 329.18 in his DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, and is set to face-off with Jeff Diehl in the first round. Tommy Johnson Jr. rounds out the top three after a 3.901 at 325.06 as he prepares for Dave Richards on Sunday.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also top qualifiers in their respective categories at the first of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship.
Kalitta started out his Countdown to the Championship run with a 3.723 pass at 329.50 in his Mac Tools dragster on Friday. He now has two No. 1 qualifiers on the season as he chases his first victory of the 2017 season. Kalitta also earned the No. 1 qualifying position at last year’s NHRA Carolina Nationals before finishing as the event’s runner-up. Kalitta faces Chris Karamesines in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.
“This is one track I have yet to win at, so I would definitely love to get a win here at one of the nicest facilities we get to compete at,” Kalitta said. “I think we have a good set-up for tomorrow with the conditions we are going to get, but I’m very fortunate to have the team I’ve got and I’m looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.”
Points leader Steve Torrence qualified second after a 3.724 at 327.51 in his Capco Contractors dragster, and he will take on Terry Haddock in the first elimination round. Leah Pritchett sits at third in qualifying with a 3.725 at 327.98 as she gets ready to take on Wayne Newby in round one of eliminations.
In Pro Stock, Gray held onto the top spot after driving to a 6.559 at 210.50 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevy Camaro during his first pass on Friday. He now has four No. 1 qualifiers in his rookie season as he looks to improve upon his category-best four victories on the year.
“Today was all about setting up for tomorrow’s run since we will have similar track conditions, but we feel pretty good about where we’re at,” Gray said. “A lot of my opponents have experienced the Countdown before, so I’m definitely a little nervous but I’m also confident in my car and driving so I feel like there’s no reason we won’t win tomorrow.”
Four-time world champion Greg Anderson is in second with a 6.567 at 210.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro, as he prepares for Alan Prusiensky on Sunday. Points leaders Bo Butner secured the third qualifying slot after a 6.573 at 210.77 before he faces off with Shane Tucker in eliminations.
Hines finished atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying order with a 6.825 at 196.50 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson in his first pass on Friday. He locked down his 39th career No. 1 qualifier and first of this season.
“With conditions being ideal this weekend, we have been looking at today as our own tune-up for tomorrow,” Hines said. “I feel strong about the tune-up our team has put together, and now we have to make sure we do it again tomorrow when it really counts.”
Teammate Eddie Krawiec sealed up the second position with a 6.836 at 195.00 in his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, as he will take on Mark Paquette first on Sunday. Reigning world champion Jerry Savoie rounds out the top three after his 6.838 at 196.10, as Savoie will go up against Melissa Surber when eliminations get underway.
Eliminations begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. Catch the action live on FS1 beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the 19th 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. Doug Kalitta, 3.723 seconds, 329.50 mph vs. 16. Chris Karamesines, 4.734, 162.33; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.724, 327.51 vs. 15. Terry Haddock, 4.709, 166.39; 3. Leah Pritchett, 3.725, 327.98 vs. 14. Wayne Newby, 3.826, 320.43; 4. Antron Brown, 3.728, 331.85 vs. 13. Terry McMillen, 3.825, 309.98; 5. Clay Millican, 3.747, 322.96 vs. 12. Dom Lagana, 3.809, 317.87; 6. Brittany Force, 3.749, 329.18 vs. 11. Pat Dakin, 3.798, 299.73; 7. Richie Crampton, 3.749, 284.33 vs. 10. Scott Palmer, 3.795, 323.89; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.778, 320.97 vs. 9. Tony Schumacher, 3.788, 325.30.
Funny Car -- 1. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.891, 330.07 vs. 16. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.448, 215.58; 2. J.R. Todd, Toyota Camry, 3.898, 329.18 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Solara, 4.247, 299.46; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.901, 325.06 vs. 14. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 4.067, 298.67; 4. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.906, 330.47 vs. 13. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.066, 309.42; 5. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 3.910, 324.51 vs. 12. Jonnie Lindberg, Camry, 3.981, 320.05; 6. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.911, 327.27 vs. 11. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.981, 324.12; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.962, 324.44 vs. 10. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.980, 323.04; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 3.962, 318.02 vs. 9. John Force, Camaro, 3.967, 326.95.
Pro Stock -- 1. Tanner Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.559, 210.50 vs. 16. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.828, 202.15; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.567, 210.73 vs. 15. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.708, 206.76; 3. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.573, 210.77 vs. 14. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.668, 207.37; 4. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.578, 210.60 vs. 13. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.662, 208.14; 5. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.582, 209.43 vs. 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.636, 209.46; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.586, 209.98 vs. 11. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.629, 209.17; 7. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.586, 209.69 vs. 10. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.603, 209.33; 8. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.600, 209.36 vs. 9. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.602, 209.75.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.825, 196.76 vs. 16. Charles Sullivan, Buell, 7.112, 186.28; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.836, 195.00 vs. 15. Mark Paquette, Victory, 7.004, 189.31; 3. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.838, 196.10 vs. 14. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.972, 191.29; 4. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.840, 196.47 vs. 13. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.957, 194.83; 5. Scotty Pollacheck, Suzuki, 6.850, 195.00 vs. 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.946, 193.49; 6. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.865, 195.73 vs. 11. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.917, 193.68; 7. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.872, 195.03 vs. 10. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.907, 193.52; 8. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.878, 194.21 vs. 9. Chip Ellis, Victory, 6.878, 194.07.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Ron 'Rat' Tornow, 7.130, 186.33; 18. Lance Bonham, 7.183, 186.20.
FRIDAY - KALITTA, C. FORCE, GRAY & HINES PRELIMINARY QUALIFYING LEADERS AT CHARLOTTE
Doug Kalitta powered to the Top Fuel provisional qualifying lead Friday evening at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Courtney Force (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also provisional qualifying leaders in their respective categories at the first of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship.
Kalitta, currently No. 4 in the standings, started out his Countdown to the Championship run with a 3.723-second pass at 329.50 mph in his Mac Tools dragster. He is aiming for his second No. 1 qualifier of the season as he chases his first victory of the 2017 season. Kalitta earned the No. 1 qualifying position at last year’s NHRA Carolina Nationals before securing a runner-up finish at the event.
“It’s definitely a good day to have a run like this, especially on the first day of the Countdown,” Kalitta said. “The track conditions were excellent, we are really happy with what we pulled off here today and we hope that leads to a strong finish to the season.”
Points leader Steve Torrence sits at second after a 3.724 pass at 327.51 in his Capco Contractors dragster, while Leah Pritchett is in the third slot after a 3.725 at 327.98 putting the top three qualifiers within .002 seconds of each other at the end of day one.
Force leads the Funny Car category after a run of 3.891 at 330.07 in her Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro SS during her second pass of the day. She currently leads the category with seven No. 1 qualifying positions as she pursues her first Wally of the year.
“I wasn’t too worried that our first pass wasn’t clean, but I have an amazing team behind me and we definitely went for it on our second run,” Force said. “I’m really excited for tomorrow and happy to be in the top spot, it’s very important for us to be at the top because every point counts in the Countdown.”
Indianapolis winner J.R. Todd is currently in second after a 3.898 at 329.18 in his DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, while Tommy Johnson Jr. rounds out the top three after his 3.901 at 325.06.
Gray currently holds the top spot after driving to a 6.559 at 210.50 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevy Camaro during his first Pro Stock pass of the day. He is seeking his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season as he looks to improve upon his category-best four victories on the season.
“You have to come into the Countdown with a different mindset, because every single point matters,” Gray said. “I’m really happy that we had low E.T. for both sessions and now we are inching closer to that first-place spot in the standings.”
Four-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson earned the second spot in preliminary qualifying with a 6.567 run at 210.73 in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevrolet Camaro, while points leader Bo Butner is third after his 6.573 at 210.77.
Hines finished atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying order with a 6.825 at 196.50 in his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson during his first pass on Saturday. He is aiming for his first No. 1 qualifier of this season and the 39th in his career.
“This is actually what we needed for the Harley team, at least in terms of the Friday results we wanted,” Hines said. “We’ve been working on these bikes night and day for the past few months so to get such strong runs out of them is a huge relief.”
Jerry Savoie currently is in second after his 6.838 run at 196.10 on his White Alligator Racing Suzuki. Hector Arana Jr. rounds out the top three slots after his 6.840 at 196.07 as he chases his first victory of 2017.
Qualifying at the NHRA Carolina Nationals continues at 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on Saturday at zMAX Dragway.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, 19th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.723 seconds, 329.50 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.724, 327.51; 3. Leah Pritchett, 3.725, 327.98; 4. Antron Brown, 3.728, 331.85; 5. Brittany Force, 3.749, 329.18; 6. Richie Crampton, 3.749, 284.33; 7. Clay Millican, 3.761, 322.96; 8. Scott Palmer, 3.795, 323.89; 9. Pat Dakin, 3.798, 299.73; 10. Dom Lagana, 3.809, 317.87; 11. Wayne Newby, 3.826, 311.13; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.860, 305.22; 13. Shawn Langdon, 3.861, 314.75; 14. Tony Schumacher, 4.481, 175.30; 15. Chris Karamesines, 6.517, 94.65.
Funny Car -- 1. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.891, 330.07; 2. J.R. Todd, Toyota Camry, 3.898, 329.18; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.901, 325.06; 4. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.906, 330.47; 5. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 3.910, 324.51; 6. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.911, 302.75; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 3.962, 314.02; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.976, 317.79; 9. John Force, Camaro, 3.976, 314.31; 10. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.981, 324.12; 11. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.012, 257.87; 12. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.066, 309.42; 13. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.067, 298.67; 14.
Jonnie Lindberg, Camry, 4.763, 166.56; 15. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.240, 151.41.
Pro Stock -- 1. Tanner Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.559, 210.50; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.567, 210.73; 3. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.573, 210.77; 4. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.578, 210.18; 5. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.582, 209.43; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.586, 209.98; 7. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.586, 209.69; 8. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.602, 209.75; 9. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.603, 209.33; 10. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.609, 209.36; 11. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.636, 209.46; 12. Larry Morgan, Camaro, 6.662, 208.14; 13. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.676, 206.57; 14. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.828, 202.15; 15. Alan Prusiensky, Dart, 6.980, 203.58; 16. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 15.198, 56.49.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.825, 196.50; 2. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.838, 196.10; 3. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.840, 196.07; 4. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.854, 194.44; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.866, 195.45; 6. Matt Smith, Victory, 6.873, 195.03; 7. Chip Ellis, Victory, 6.878, 193.74; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, Suzuki, 6.895, 193.35; 9. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.907, 193.52; 10. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.917, 193.18; 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.946, 193.49; 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.957, 194.83; 13. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.963, 191.97; 14. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.983, 190.86; 15. Mark Paquette, Victory, 7.065, 188.62; 16. Ron 'Rat' Tornow, Buell, 7.130, 186.33.
Not Qualified: 17. Lance Bonham, 7.183, 184.09; 18. Charles Sullivan, 7.372, 178.73.
FRIDAY SPORTSMAN
STOCK (SESSION ONE)
1 1204 FS/D Donald Carson, Ridgewood NJ, '13 Mustang 9.559 10.60 -1.041
2 3613 O/SA Randall Campbell, Gray KY, '86 C-10 12.115 13.15 -1.035
3 9 FS/F Jeff Hairrington, Kathleen GA, '14 Mustang10.168 11.20 -1.032
4 1967 G/SA Jim Marshall, Indian Land SC, '78 Nova 10.977 12.00 -1.023
5 2007 FS/F Daren Poole-Adams, Shelby NC, '15 Camaro 10.178 11.20 -1.022
6 373 FS/A Bill Skillman, Greenwood IN, '14 Mustang 8.690 9.70 -1.010
7 1557 B/SA Fred Thibeault, Middleton NS, '69 Camaro 10.241 11.25 -1.009
8 2059 CF/S Bill Howell, Aiken SC, '90 Caravan 14.180 15.15 -0.970
9 2543 H/SA Mike McMahan, Port Charlotte FL, '71 Corv 11.219 12.15 -0.931
10 2066 F/SA Adam Davis, Eva AL, '73 Firebird 10.920 11.85 -0.930
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