2013 NHRA - SONOMA RESULTS
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SUNDAY - CAPPS, LANGDON, NOBILE AND ARANA JR. EARN VICTORIES AT THE NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS
In an exciting Funny Car final, Ron Capps raced to his second win of the season Sunday and continued his recent domination at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, the 15th of 24 in the 2013 season.
Capps powered his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger to his fourth win at the scenic Bay Area track with a holeshot performance of 4.085 seconds at 307.79 mph to hold off the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang of 15-time world champion John Force in the final round. It marked the 40th career win for the California native.
"You're not just racing any car in the final - you're racing John Force,” said Capps, who has won at Sonoma Raceway three of the last four seasons. “It can be intimidating to a lot of people."
"This place has a lot of great memories,” he added. "We have a big NAPA presence here and were the only Don Schumacher Racing car in the final. No pressure, right? I try to stay humble. I have a lot of great people behind me to keep me focused. I think we can accomplish that goal of getting to the top.”
Capps outran Del Worsham, Jeff Arend, and Courtney Force to reach the final round. He leaves the event No. 2 in the Mello Yello points standings, his highest ranking since he left the Gainesville event tied for first in mid-March. Event top qualifier Matt Hagan, who was upset in the opening round by Alexis DeJoria, continues to lead the series standings by 27 points over Capps. 
In Top Fuel, points leader Langdon claimed his fourth win of the season and fifth of his career by defeating former high school classmate Morgan Lucas in the final round. Langdon powered his Al-Anabi Racing dragster to a performance of 3.920 at 240.47 to hold off Lucas’ GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster, which slowed near mid-track.
“This is a dream season,” Langdon said. “To get four wins at this point in the season feels like we have a strong car. Racing Morgan was pretty cool because we grew up together and went to high school together. A lot of memories racing with friends.”
With the win, his first at Sonoma, Langdon extends his series points lead to 102 over second place Spencer Massey. Langdon outran Houston winner Bob Vandergriff, veteran Doug Kalitta and defending world champion Antron Brown to advance to the final round.
In Pro Stock, Nobile and his Mountain View Tire Dodge Avenger team picked up their second win of the season. In the final round, Nobile drove to victory with a performance of 6.572 seconds at 208.58 mph against four-time world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. whose JEGS.com/Mopar Avenger shook the tires and shut off.
"This was an interesting day for sure but we were long overdue for a win,” Nobile said. "In the final, our engine was hurt in the water box and I thought I was a sitting duck. That's a helpless feeling. Jeg is someone I've always looked up to when I was little. He is still one of the best, if not the best driver out here."
The victory is Nobile’s second of the season and seventh of his career, moving him to fifth in points. Nobile defeated Jason Line, points leader and event top qualifier Mike Edwards and Greg Anderson to reach the final round.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Arana Jr. claimed his fourth win of the season, riding his Lucas Oil Buell to a performance of 6.878 at 195.45 to beat event top qualifier and Viper Motorcycle Company Buell rider Matt Smith in the final round. It is Arana Jr.’s seventh career victory and first at Sonoma.
"It was nice to have a little momentum to get back to the top,” Arana Jr. said. “It had been a while for us. After I won those three races, I started to think about winning the race before winning the first round. Not anymore.”
Arana Jr. beat Scotty Pollacheck, Jerry Savoie and Katie Sullivan to reach the final round. With the victory, Arana Jr. remains the series points leader. With the runner-up finish Smith clinched a berth into the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six-race postseason playoffs that begin Sept. 13-15 at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte, N.C.
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues Aug. 2-4 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways near Seattle.
SATURDAY - HAGAN, GRUBNIC, EDWARDS AND SMITH LEAD QUALIFYING AT NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS
Funny Car driver Matt Hagan has returned to championship form in 2013 and on Saturday he raced to his third No. 1 qualifying position of the season at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
David Grubnic (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations as the No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event.
No one bettered Hagan’s track record performance of 3.986 seconds at 320.51 mph in his Magneti Marelli/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger from Friday and the Virginia driver earned his 13th No. 1 of his career. He will face Alexis DeJoria in the first round of eliminations as the 2011 world champ tries for his fourth win of the season and first ever at Sonoma Raceway.
“We were pressing pretty hard in the first session today, and it felt good to lay down a 4.07 for the second-quickest run of the last session,” Hagan said. “Those bonus points all add up, so we’ll take every one of them that we can get. It’s great to be up here in Sonoma and get a No. 1 qualifier under our belt.
“Dickie [Venables, crew chief] and the Magneti Marelli/Rocky Boots guys put a great horse underneath me that I had the opportunity to ride without messing it up. This team has a lot of confidence after starting the year being thrown together at the last-minute. I knew Dickie was good, but I had no idea that he was this good.”
Cruz Pedregon, second in points and most recent Funny Car winner, qualified 10th and will face seventh place qualifier Courtney Force.
In Top Fuel, Grubnic in his Optima Batteries dragster, raced to his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season with his pass of 3.765 at 324.28. This is his first top qualifying position of the season and the 10th of his career. It is his first No. 1 qualifying position at Sonoma Raceway where he has two runner-up finishes. He will face Terry McMillen in the first round of eliminations.
“Being the No. 1 qualifier here is great,” Grubnic said. “This sport has its ups and downs, and you have to take the good with the bad. So far, we’ve been very fortunate to have one of our better weekends. We felt pretty good about making the best run on a 120-degree track in the first session today. Hopefully, we can carry that momentum tomorrow.”
Steve Torrence will start from the second qualifying position with his run of 3.766 at 323.27 and will face Tommy Johnson Jr. Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster will race Bob Vandergriff in the first round of eliminations.
Spencer Massey added his name to the Countdown to the Championship roster in Top Fuel by qualifying for the event.
In Pro Stock Edwards earned his 11th No. 1 qualifying position of the season and the 52nd in his career in his K&N Filters/I Am Second Chevy Camaro. This is his second No. 1 qualifying position at Sonoma Raceway, a track where he has yet to win. Edwards has three wins this season after qualifying No. 1.
“It’s about time to do something; I’ve been a bridesmaid here a couple of times,” Edwards said. “Tomorrow is another day but the K&N Camaro ran very well today. It was close this weekend so you have to make the right decisions and the driver will be the most important thing. My biggest concern is Mike Edwards. If I can pull up there and do my job, I’ll have a chance to win the race. Hopefully we’ll have a good long day tomorrow.”
Edwards’ nearest competitor in Pro Stock points, 2012 world champion Allen Johnson, qualified third and will race Chris McGaha. Shane Gray qualified second and will look for his first win of the season when he lines up against Deric Kramer.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Smith powered his Viper Motorcycle Company Buell to the No. 1 qualifying position with his performance of 6.838 at 195.73. This is his third No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 21st of his career. The 2007 Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion will face Denver winner Shawn Gann in the opening round.
“Our Viper Motorsports team has really jelled together,” Smith said. “The last four races we have had three final rounds, two wins, couple of No. 1 qualifiers and we are running good. That was some new pieces on the bike and I didn’t want to throw it on but I did because we had a headwind when we had Q 3 and sitting number two. That is what our new stuff is going to look like for the Countdown [to the Championship], and I have to get a few laps on it and get it all tuned up but we should be really fast come countdown time.”
Points lead Hector Arana Jr. qualified second and will face Scott Pollacheck in the first round of eliminations.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 26th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, the 15th 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. David Grubnic, 3.765 seconds, 324.28 mph vs. 16. Terry McMillen, 3.903, 317.79; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.766, 323.27 vs. 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., 3.875, 303.71; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.780, 324.83 vs. 14. Brittany Force, 3.863, 316.67; 4. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.789, 322.96 vs. 13. Brandon Bernstein, 3.841, 319.14; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.793, 321.35 vs. 12. Tony Schumacher, 3.838, 323.89; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.797, 321.96 vs. 11. Bob Vandergriff, 3.836, 319.14; 7. Antron Brown, 3.803, 320.66 vs. 10. Clay Millican, 3.830, 318.84; 8. Morgan Lucas, 3.811, 323.66 vs. 9. T.J. Zizzo, 3.821, 319.37.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Troy Buff, 3.906, 303.91; 18. Steven Chrisman, 4.242, 264.18.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.986, 320.51 vs. 16. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.188, 303.71; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.994, 319.67 vs. 15. Todd Lesenko, Charger, 4.165, 304.87; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.012, 312.50 vs. 14. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.157, 306.26; 4. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.025, 316.60 vs. 13. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.145, 298.27; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.026, 314.09 vs. 12. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.112, 306.46; 6. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.055, 304.32 vs. 11. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.107, 307.23; 7. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.057, 314.46 vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.102, 302.89; 8. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.058, 311.41 vs. 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.078, 309.13.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Jon Capps, 4.251, 283.49; 18. Jeff Diehl, 4.448, 274.61; 19. Josh Crawford, 4.457, 264.55.
Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Chevy Camaro, 6.526, 212.56 vs. Bye; 2. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.532, 211.93 vs. 15. Deric Kramer, Dodge Avenger, 6.648, 208.17; 3. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.536, 211.66 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Avenger, 6.604, 209.62; 4. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.545, 210.57 vs. 13. JR Carr, Ford Mustang, 6.596, 209.49; 5. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.551, 211.69 vs. 12. Steve Kent, Camaro, 6.592, 209.88; 6. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.554, 211.63 vs. 11. Larry Morgan, Mustang, 6.583, 209.95; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.557, 211.30 vs. 10. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.568, 211.06; 8. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.558, 211.03 vs. 9. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.568, 211.30.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.838, 195.73 vs. 16. Shawn Gann, Buell, 6.952, 193.43; 2. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.840, 195.73 vs. 15. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.942, 190.65; 3. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.841, 195.34 vs. 14. Katie Sullivan, Suzuki, 6.942, 191.21; 4. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.865, 195.87 vs. 13. John Hall, Buell, 6.925, 191.87; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.879, 194.10 vs. 12. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.916, 193.32; 6. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.893, 192.17 vs. 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.908, 192.93; 7. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.898, 194.13 vs. 10. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.902, 194.63; 8. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.898, 192.47 vs. 9. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.899, 193.99.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Jim Underdahl, 6.975, 193.18; 18. Freddie Camarena, 7.067, 189.07; 19. James Surber, 7.102, 187.96; 20. Daryl Meadows, 7.184, 182.65.
SATURDAY PRO
(FINAL SESSION)
TOP FUEL
1 44 David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Attac-TFX 3.765@ 324.28 324.28
2 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.766 323.27 323.27
3 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.780 324.83 324.83
4 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.789 320.97 322.96
5 3 Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth TX, DSR-TFX 3.793 314.17 321.35
6 4 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.797 321.96 321.96
7 1 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.803 320.66 320.66
8 34 Morgan Lucas, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.811 323.66 323.66
9 317 T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire IL, McKinney-TFX 3.821 319.37 319.37
10 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 3.830 312.86 318.84
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 2814 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '13 Charger 3.986@ 320.51& 320.51
2 1 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 3.994 319.67 319.67
3 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '10 Charger 4.012 312.50 312.50
4 9 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.025 316.60 316.60
5 8 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '13 Mustang 4.026 314.09 314.09
6 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '10 Charger 4.055 304.32 304.32
7 5 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.057 314.46 314.46
8 7 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.058 311.41 311.41
9 77 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '13 Mustang 4.078 298.67 309.13
10 4 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.102 302.89 302.89
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK
1 6 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '13 Camaro 6.526 212.23 212.56
2 11 Shane Gray, Denver NC, '13 Camaro 6.532 211.20 211.93
3 1 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '13 Avenger 6.536 210.21 211.66
4 5 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.545 210.57 210.57
5 7 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '13 Avenger 6.551 210.87 211.69
6 317 Rickie Jones, Galesburg IL, '13 Camaro 6.554 210.80 211.63
7 25 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '13 Avenger 6.557 211.30 211.30
8 3 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '13 Avenger 6.558 210.21 211.03
9 2 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.568 211.10 211.30
10 41 Rodger Brogdon, Tomball TX, '13 Camaro 6.568 210.90 211.06
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
1 6 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell XB9R 6.838 195.73 195.73
2 3 Hector Arana Jr, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.840 195.73 195.73
3 8 Michael Ray, New Braunfels TX, Buell XB9R 6.841 195.34 195.34
4 4 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.865 195.05 195.87
5 9 LE Tonglet, Metairie LA, Suzuki GSXR 6.879 192.58 194.10
6 77 Angie Smith, King NC, Buell XB9R 6.893 191.54 192.17
7 401 Jerry Savoie, Cut Off LA, Suzuki TL1000 6.898 194.13 194.13
8 1 Eddie Krawiec, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.898 191.62 192.47
9 2 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.899 193.99 193.99
10 301 Adam Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.902 192.19 194.63
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
(SESSION 3)
TOP FUEL
1 44 David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Attac-TFX 3.765@ 324.28 324.28
2 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.766 323.27 323.27
3 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.780 324.83 324.83
4 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.789 320.97 322.96
5 3 Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth TX, DSR-TFX 3.793 314.17 321.35
6 4 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.797 321.96 321.96
7 1 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.803 320.66 320.66
8 317 T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire IL, McKinney-TFX 3.821 319.37 319.37
9 34 Morgan Lucas, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.827 319.37 319.37
10 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 3.830 312.86 318.84
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 2814 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '13 Charger 3.986@ 320.51& 320.51
2 1 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 3.994 319.67 319.67
3 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '10 Charger 4.012 312.50 312.50
4 9 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.025 316.60 316.60
5 8 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '13 Mustang 4.026 314.09 314.09
6 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '10 Charger 4.055 304.32 304.32
7 5 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.057 314.46 314.46
8 7 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.058 311.41 311.41
9 77 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '13 Mustang 4.080 307.23 309.13
10 4 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.102 302.89 302.89
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK
1 6 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '13 Camaro 6.526 212.23 212.56
2 11 Shane Gray, Denver NC, '13 Camaro 6.532 211.20 211.53
3 1 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '13 Avenger 6.536 210.21 211.66
4 5 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.545 210.57 210.57
5 7 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '13 Avenger 6.551 210.87 211.63
6 317 Rickie Jones, Galesburg IL, '13 Camaro 6.554 210.80 211.63
7 25 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '13 Avenger 6.557 211.30 211.30
8 3 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '13 Avenger 6.558 210.21 211.03
9 41 Rodger Brogdon, Tomball TX, '13 Camaro 6.568 210.90 210.90
10 2 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.571 210.64 211.30
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
1 8 Michael Ray, New Braunfels TX, Buell XB9R 6.843 194.07 194.07
2 6 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell XB9R 6.875 193.18 193.18
3 3 Hector Arana Jr, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.875 192.08 192.08
4 4 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.879 195.87 195.87
5 9 LE Tonglet, Metairie LA, Suzuki GSXR 6.879 192.58 192.58
6 1 Eddie Krawiec, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.898 191.62 191.62
7 77 Angie Smith, King NC, Buell XB9R 6.901 192.17 192.17
8 301 Adam Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.902 192.19 194.63
9 2 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 6.907 190.06 190.06
10 751 Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki TL1000 6.908 192.93 192.93
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
(SESSION 2)
TOP FUEL
1 44 David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Attac-TFX 3.765@ 324.28 324.28
2 475 Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Hadman-TFX 3.766 323.27 323.27
3 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.780 324.83 324.83
4 99 Khalid alBalooshi, Los Angeles CA, Hadman-TFX 3.789 320.97 320.97
5 3 Spencer Massey, Ft. Worth TX, DSR-TFX 3.793 314.17 314.17
6 4 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.797 321.96 321.96
7 1 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.803 320.66 320.66
8 317 T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire IL, McKinney-TFX 3.821 319.37 319.37
9 34 Morgan Lucas, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.827 319.37 319.37
10 8 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, Hadman-TFX 3.839 316.75 316.75
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 2814 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '13 Charger 3.986 320.51 320.51
2 1 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 3.994 319.67 319.67
3 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '10 Charger 4.012 312.50 312.50
4 9 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.025 316.60 316.60
5 8 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '13 Mustang 4.026 314.09 314.09
6 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '10 Charger 4.055 304.32 304.32
7 5 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.057 314.46 314.46
8 7 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.058 311.41 311.41
9 77 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '13 Mustang 4.080 307.23 307.23
10 4 Cruz Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.102 302.89 302.89
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
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FRIDAY - HAGAN, GRUBNIC, EDWARDS AND ARANA SR. LEAD QUALIFYING AT NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS
Funny Car points leader Matt Hagan raced to the qualifying lead in dominating fashion Friday at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
David Grubnic (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Sr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders in their respective categories during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at the scenic facility just north of San Francisco.
Hagan’s track record performance of 3.986 seconds at 320.51 mph in his Magneti Marelli/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger tied the second-quickest and sixth-fastest runs for a Funny Car in NHRA history and it capped an exciting and fast first day of qualifying where several track records were reset. Qualifying continues on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m.
Sonoma Raceway became the fifth NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series track to showcase four-second Funny Car runs. Jack Beckman drove his Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger to a performance of 3.994 at 319.67 to join Hagan in the three-second zone.
“The only word to describe it is awesome,” Hagan said. “Dickie [Venables, crew chief] went back and put a new [fuel] pump on it and said, ‘Hey, kid. Hold on.’ Dickie was swinging for the fence, and it stuck. I wish everyone could feel how it feels to go that fast. It’s one of the coolest things on earth. As soon as the clutch went 1:1, it put me back in the seat and just kept climbing.”
In Top Fuel, Grubnic powered his Optima Batteries dragster to the front of the order in Top Fuel with a track record time of 3.765 at 324.28. Native Australian Grubnic has yet to record a No. 1 position this season and has nine in his career.
“We’ve been No. 1 in the past, and it’s great to be No. 1 again,” Grubnic said. “It’s a great job by [owner/tuner] Connie Kalitta. I can’t thank him and the crew enough. For me to come here and represent Optima Batteries and longtime sponsor Red Line Oil at their home race is fantastic. I used that whole lane. We were getting every little bit of it that we could out there. I think it can hold up, but we’re not going to count our chickens before they hatch. It only takes a thousandth of a second to drop it.”
In Pro Stock, Edwards continued his qualifying mastery by powering his K&N Filters/I Am Second Chevy Camaro to the qualifying lead with a run of 6.526 at 212.23. Edwards, who has never won at Sonoma, has 10 No. 1 qualifying positions this season and 51 in his career.
“We made a lot better run the second time around,” Edwards said. “We had transmission problems there going into fourth gear and we need to look at that and see what’s going on. If not for that, I think I could have run a low 6.51. It does feel good to come here and run well. We’ve run good here before. We didn’t do so well in Denver, but that’s over and done with. Hopefully we can move on.”
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Arana Sr. was quickest on his Lucas Oil Products Buell with a run of 6.894 seconds at 190.86 mph. His two sons, Adam and Hector Jr., were second and third in the qualifying order.
“It’s cool,” Arana Sr. said. “This is something I wanted to see happen. Now we just need to stay calm and collected tomorrow and keep the same pace. We want to stay No. 1, 2, and 3 that’s my dream. Before we ran, I walked over to Adam and told him to stay calm and don’t let anything bother you. Then I kept seeing the numbers dropping and thought that I needed to listen to myself. When Adam ran that 6.90 I was tickled to death. I didn’t think I ran better because I had been struggling. I was happy to see a 6.89.”
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 26th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, 15th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. David Grubnic, 3.765 seconds, 324.28 mph; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.766, 323.27; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.780, 324.83; 4. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.789, 320.97; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.793, 314.17; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.797, 321.96; 7. Antron Brown, 3.803, 320.66; 8. T.J. Zizzo, 3.821, 319.37; 9. Morgan Lucas, 3.827, 319.37; 10. Bob Vandergriff, 3.839, 316.75; 11. Clay Millican, 3.843, 318.84; 12. Tommy Johnson Jr., 3.875, 303.71. Not Qualified: 13. Brandon Bernstein, 3.887, 308.00; 14. Tony Schumacher, 3.892, 310.20; 15. Terry McMillen, 3.905, 317.79; 16. Troy Buff, 3.957, 298.34; 17. Brittany Force, 5.147, 129.49; 18. Steven Chrisman, 8.985, 88.66.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.986, 320.51; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.994, 319.67; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.012, 312.50; 4. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.025, 316.60; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.026, 314.09; 6. Gary Densham, Charger, 4.055, 304.32; 7. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.057, 314.46; 8. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.058, 311.41; 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.080, 307.23; 10. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.102, 302.89; 11. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.145, 298.27; 12. Todd Lesenko, Charger, 4.165, 304.87. Not Qualified: 13. Jon Capps, 4.301, 269.51; 14. Jeff Arend, 4.662, 178.07; 15. Del Worsham, 4.702, 176.17; 16. Johnny Gray, 5.078, 146.89; 17. Josh Crawford, 5.276, 152.50; 18. Alexis DeJoria, 8.762, 77.01.
Pro Stock -- 1. Mike Edwards, Chevy Camaro, 6.526, 212.23; 2. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.532, 211.20; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.536, 210.21; 4. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.545, 210.57; 5. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.551, 210.87; 6. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.554, 210.90; 7. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.558, 210.34; 8. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.568, 210.90; 9. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.571, 210.64; 10. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.583, 209.95; 11. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.591, 210.64; 12. Chris McGaha, Avenger, 6.604, 209.39. Not Qualified: 13. Steve Kent, 6.612, 208.42; 14. Deric Kramer, 6.621, 208.17; 15. JR Carr, 6.695, 206.92.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.894, 192.28; 2. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.902, 192.19; 3. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.906, 191.62; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.927, 190.70; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.929, 191.35; 6. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.941, 190.62; 7. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.942, 189.52; 8. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.945, 191.62; 9. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.960, 189.84; 10. Katie Sullivan, Suzuki, 6.975, 189.26; 11. John Hall, Buell, 6.985, 186.77; 12. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.003, 188.44. Not Qualified: 13. Angie Smith, 7.005, 188.52; 14. Shawn Gann, 7.009, 190.14; 15. Scotty Pollacheck, 7.021, 186.38; 16. Karen Stoffer, 7.055, 186.30; 17. Jim Underdahl, 7.092, 186.72; 18. Freddie Camarena, 7.198, 184.72; 19. James Surber, 7.261, 179.02; 20. Daryl Meadows, 7.298, 178.14.
FRIDAY PRO
(SESSION 1)
TOP FUEL
1 4 Shawn Langdon, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.797 321.96 321.96
2 34 Morgan Lucas, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 3.827 319.37 319.37
3 255 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 3.843 318.84 318.84
4 44 David Grubnic, Ennis MT, Attac-TFX 3.850 317.64 317.64
5 1 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, DSR-TFX 3.873 315.27 315.27
6 33 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, McKinney-KB 3.875 303.71 303.71
7 2 Tony Schumacher, Chicago IL, DSR-TFX 3.892 310.20 310.20
8 317 T.J. Zizzo, Lincolnshire IL, McKinney-TFX 3.903 305.84 305.84
9 21 Terry McMillen, Elkhart IN, McKinney-TFX 3.905 317.79 317.79
10 22 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Hadman-AJPE 3.938 247.97 247.97
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FUNNY CAR
1 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '10 Charger 4.053 308.85 308.85
2 77 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '13 Mustang 4.080 307.23 307.23
3 7 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.082 308.07 308.07
4 1 Jack Beckman, Norco CA, '13 Charger 4.092 307.72 307.72
5 9 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.104 305.22 305.22
6 5 Courtney Force, Yorba Linda CA, '13 Mustang 4.117 304.25 304.25
7 2814 Matt Hagan, Christiansburg VA, '13 Charger 4.120 305.84 305.84
8 8 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '13 Mustang 4.157 304.87 304.87
9 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '10 Charger 4.158 297.61 297.61
10 72 Tony Pedregon, Brownsburg IN, '13 Camry 4.203 262.33 262.33
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PRO STOCK
1 11 Shane Gray, Denver NC, '13 Camaro 6.558 210.87 210.87
2 6 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '13 Camaro 6.568 211.36 211.36
3 3 Vincent Nobile, Dix Hills NY, '13 Avenger 6.585 210.34 210.34
4 1 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '13 Avenger 6.588 209.98 209.98
5 25 Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '13 Avenger 6.591 210.64 210.64
6 317 Rickie Jones, Galesburg IL, '13 Camaro 6.600 210.90 210.90
7 5 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.612 210.14 210.14
8 10 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '12 Mustang 6.612 208.78 208.78
9 2 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '13 Camaro 6.635 209.72 209.72
10 452 Steve Kent, Lottie LA, '13 Camaro 6.656 208.42 208.42
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PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
1 3 Hector Arana Jr, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.943 191.38 191.38
2 4 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.944 192.28 192.28
3 301 Adam Arana, Milltown IN, Buell XB9R 6.948 191.13 191.13
4 9 LE Tonglet, Metairie LA, Suzuki GSXR 6.956 190.35 190.35
5 401 Jerry Savoie, Cut Off LA, Suzuki TL1000 6.984 189.52 189.52
6 1528 John Hall, Hamden CT, Buell XB9R 6.985 186.77 186.77
7 745 Katie Sullivan, Corning CA, Suzuki TL1000 6.989 189.26 189.26
8 8 Michael Ray, New Braunfels TX, Buell XB9R 7.001 189.84 189.84
9 2 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.003 188.44 188.44
10 77 Angie Smith, King NC, Buell XB9R 7.005 188.52 188.52
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
FRIDAY SPORTSMAN
(FINAL SESSION)
SUPER STOCK
1 5 GT/HA Ken Etter, Jurupa Valley CA, '93 Shadow 10.197 11.05 -0.853
2 7474 SS/CM Justin Lamb, Henderson NV, '10 Cobalt 8.647 9.50 -0.853
3 7117 GT/JA Jim Rau, Sacramento CA, '95 Mustang 10.458 11.30 -0.842
4 7401 SS/FA Darren Smith, Palmdale CA, '68 Dart 9.615 10.45 -0.835
5 76 GT/DA Staci Smith, Lancaster CA, '93 Daytona 9.672 10.50 -0.828
6 69 GT/DA Tom Gaynor, Battle Ground WA, '05 Cavalier 9.684 10.50 -0.816
7 1 SS/BS Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth CA, '10 Cobalt 8.846 9.65 -0.804
8 7304 SS/GA Tom Armanino, San Mateo CA, '68 Camaro 9.749 10.55 -0.801
9 751 SS/JA Joe Schweigert, Ontario CA, '85 Camaro 10.201 11.00 -0.799
10 718 SS/FA Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth CA, '69 Roadrun 9.681 10.45 -0.769
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1 7644 BB/SA Eric Reyes, Petaluma CA, '12 Camaro 9.233 10.30 -1.067
2 7593 C/SA Richard Pauley, Saugus CA, '68 Mustang 10.423 11.40 -0.977
3 776 A/SA Doug Lambeck, Northridge CA, '69 Camaro 10.064 11.00 -0.936
4 750 H/SA Ron Bradley, Sanger CA, '84 Camaro 11.215 12.15 -0.935
5 7407 I/SA Joe Chaney, Pittsburg CA, '64 Belvedere 11.366 12.30 -0.934
6 7575 F/SA Mark Kirby, Bakersfield CA, '73 Duster 10.921 11.85 -0.929
7 778 B/SA Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth CA, '69 Camaro 10.321 11.25 -0.929
8 7446 CC/SA Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley CA, '64 Belv 9.688 10.60 -0.912
9 701 A/SA John Calvert, Lancaster CA, '64 Fairlane 10.091 11.00 -0.909
10 7474 D/SA Justin Lamb, Henderson NV, '70 Camaro 10.659 11.55 -0.891
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TOP DRAGSTER
1 7848 Jon Bradford, Tucson AZ, Spitzer-BAE 6.038 231.64 232.19
2 7208 Denny Hills, Gilbert AZ, Yancer-Chevy 6.080 221.52 222.03
3 7353 Lyle Burnham, Henderson NV, RaceTech-Chevy 6.359 212.90 213.43
4 7160 Andy Spiegel, Acton CA, TNT-Chevy 6.531 206.89 206.89
5 4979 Wade Pennington, Ada OK, Monden-Chevy 6.557 207.56 207.56
6 6319 Eddie Wells, Cottage Grove OR, Spitzer-Chevy 6.570 211.83 211.83
7 7029 Bobby Ray McMahan, Lodi CA, TNT-Chevy 6.608 203.92 203.92
8 7733 Melissa Westerman, Sonoma CA, Uyhera-Chev 6.628 201.58 201.58
9 7237 Steve Will, Fortuna CA, Reaid-Dodge 6.641 205.54 205.85
10 780V Val Torres Jr., Glendora CA, Spitzer-Chevy 6.643 201.34 202.45
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP SPORTSMAN
1 721P Raul Perez, La Mirada CA, '05 Grand Am 6.797 203.46 203.46
2 7282 Doug Watts, Syracuse UT, '08 GTO 6.902 197.68 197.68
3 7840 Gary Forkner, Temecula CA, '12 Camaro 6.958 196.90 196.90
4 71 Jeff Gillette, Benicia CA, '06 GTO 6.959 199.35 199.35
5 780 David Cook, Novato CA, '03 Mustang 6.968 196.10 196.10
6 73 Brad Wagner, Las Vegas NV, '97 Cutlass 7.016 198.76 199.11
7 708 Brian Brewer, Fairlane CA, '12 Cobalt 7.157 186.43 191.65
8 7070 Sam Baylock, San Francisco CA, '91 Cutlass 7.177 193.38 195.00
9 6636 Ray Martin, Anchorage AK, '55 Chevrolet 7.179 189.58 193.68
10 D712 Phil Dion, Paradise Valley AZ, '12 Avenger 7.192 190.22 190.57
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
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