2014 NHRA CHARLOTTE - EVENT RESULTS
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SCHUMACHER, HAGAN, J. GRAY AND KRAWIEC WIN DELAYED PEP BOYS NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
Don Schumacher Racing swept the nitro categories as Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) took home titles in the delayed Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals Saturday at Texas Motorplex.
Jonathan Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners in their respective categories at the opening event in the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Schumacher recorded his 75th career victory in Top Fuel when he powered his U.S. Army dragster to victory over Khalid alBalooshi’s Al-Anabi Racing dragster. Schumacher had a winning time of 3.866 seconds at 318.77 mph to take his second Carolina Nationals win and move into the playoff points lead.
“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Schumacher said. “It is the first race in the Countdown even though we had to move it, it doesn’t really matter. In reality, fantastic timing, we took over the points lead, I don’t know where we are but we are in the lead. If we can maintain and stay ahead of these guys for five more races, and I know we have the car capable of doing it, we’ll be there to force the issue.”
Schumacher entered the Countdown to the Championship as the fourth seed in Top Fuel, but first round losses by Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon propelled him into the points lead.
“Textbook: one, two and three go out and you are sitting there in fourth, the best case scenario would be ‘wow those guys are out, we have to go close the deal,’” Schumacher continued. “We have to make up those points as we can. So often you see the guys up front go out and you make a mistake; but if you want to win a championship, as good as the cars are, you better leave nothing on the table and absolutely dominate.”
In Funny Car, Hagan defeated rival John Force for his second victory of the season and 12th of his career. Force fouled at the start in his Ford Mustang, giving the automatic victory to Hagan, who posted a 4.200 at 297.17 in his Rocky Boots/Mopar Dodge Charger.
“My guys busted their butts today, I’m so proud of them,” Hagan said. “To see my guys sweating and working so hard, it makes me so proud of them. They are a great group. I wouldn’t trade Dickie Venables for any crew chief out here. The guy is smart, he is methodical, and this is only our second year together and we still have a lot of growing to do.”
With the win, Hagan moves from fifth to third in points, only 11 behind Robert Hight who is second in the standings.
“Dickie was able to put a car under me that went down the track every lap,” Hagan said. “We wanted those bonus point, you’d love to see yourself go out there and scoop up all the points that you can but you have to be smart and what Dickie did today was smart. He went out there and raced.”
In Pro Stock, rookie driver Gray recorded his first career win in his third career final. Gray defeated series points leader Jason Line with a performance of 6.589 at 209.10 in his Gray Manufacturing Chevy Camaro.
“It’s huge, it is big for all the guys back at the shop and all the guys at Gray Motorsports,” Gray said. “They are doing a phenomenal job, all the guys in the engine shop. I’ve got a really good group of guys. I’ve got to thank my wife and kids for their support and my mom and dad for being so supportive. I can’t say enough and such a good deal.”
Krawiec rode his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to his third consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle victory and moved into the series lead. He earned his 26th career win by posting a performance of 6.888 at 193.49, to hold off Johnson’s Suzuki, which finished in 6.917 at 193.29.
“You want to do well at every race you go to and you want to be prepared,” Krawiec said. “The key for us I think was rolling off the truck with great momentum, and making good runs down the track. That is what I have done with my Harley the last couple of laps and making good clean straight runs . Work on your setup and tweak away at it. I think I’ve got an awesome motorcycle and it has been great to do. I’m excited.”
DEJORIA, ENDERS-STEVENS, TODD AND KRAWIEC RACE TO NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSITIONS
Alexis DeJoria and Erica Enders-Stevens raced to No. 1 qualifying positions in their categories Saturday at the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, extending the most successful season for females in NHRA history into the playoffs.
J.R. Todd (Top Fuel) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also claimed No. 1 qualifying positions at the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.
It is the fourth time this season and the seventh time overall that two female drivers have earned No. 1 qualifying positions at the same race. DeJoria and Enders-Stevens, who are both among the favorites to win world championship titles in their classes, also shared the No. 1 qualifying stage earlier this year at Atlanta Dragway.
DeJoria claimed her second No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car and continued her recent momentum following her Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals victory Sept. 1 in Indianapolis. She posted a qualifying best of 4.090 at 300.53 in her Patron XO Café Toyota Camry to take the top spot. She will seek her fourth win of the season and second in a row when she meets Dave Richards in Sunday’s noon eliminations.
“It’s only our second No. 1 so it’s really exciting for our team,” DeJoria said. “(Crew chief) Tommy (DeLago) and the guys have got a real good handle on the race car and they’ve managed to get us down the track more often than not. The consistency has helped us get round wins and get better. I am really excited about our chances at this race.”
Enders-Stevens raced to her third No. 1 qualifying position of the season by improving on her Friday effort with a Saturday-best of 6.568 at 210.37 in her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro. She will go for her fifth victory of the season when she lines up against John Gaydosh tomorrow.
“We picked up 10 points on Jason (Line, points leader) which is so crucial with only 24 rounds of racing left,” Enders-Stevens said. “Hat’s off to my team for giving me such a consistent race car. The track was pretty tricky this afternoon being as hot as it was and they nailed the tune-up. I’m really excited going into Sunday.”
DeJoria was followed by Robert Hight in the final Funny Car qualifying order with a 4.108 at 308.14 in the Auto Club Ford Mustang, while Friday top qualifier Matt Hagan dropped to third overall with his 4.114 at 304.25 in his Rocky Boots/Mopar Dodge Charger. Funny Car playoff top seed John Force, who is riding a six-race final round streak, qualified ninth with a 4.141 at 287.66 in his Castrol GTX High Mileage Mustang and will face daughter Courtney Force in the opening round.
In other Pro Stock qualifying, Vincent Nobile rallied to qualify second in his Mountain View Tire Camaro with a 6.579 at 209.88 and Dave Connolly qualified third with a 6.582 at 209.39 in his Charter Communications Camaro. Countdown top seed Line qualified sixth in his Summit Racing equipment Camaro and he will race Chris McGaha in the first round.
In Top Fuel, Todd powered his Optima Batteries/Advance Auto Parts dragster to a performance of 3.804 seconds at 317.64 mph in the final session to score his first No. 1 of the season and fourth of his career. Todd will open eliminations against Clay Millican.
“It’s been a fun weekend driving this Optima Batteries car,” said Todd, whose lone victory this season came at Denver in July. “We can go nowhere but up from 10th (in the Countdown playoffs), so now it’s up to me to do my job tomorrow and I think we’ve got a horse for ‘em.”
Indy runner-up Torrence qualified second in his Capco Contractors dragster with a 3.810 at 317.57 and Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta qualified third in his Mac Tools dragster with a 3.831 at 318.62.
Krawiec took his seventh top qualifying position of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle and the 21st of career with a 6.849 at 194.30 on his Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. It is Krawiec’s second No. 1 at this event and he will face first-time qualifier Brian Pretzel in the opening round.
“We came out and made a good run on Friday and that set the tone for the weekend,” said Krawiec, who also has some momentum on his side following a win at Indy two weeks ago. “We just need to build on what we’ve done in qualifying. We’ve had a great bike all year but we don’t have as many wins as I feel we should. We’ve learned that even if you’ve got the fastest bike, you won’t always win. As a rider, I need to do my job and keep the bike performing well.”
Friday qualifying leader Hector Arana Jr. dropped to second in the final order with a 6.876 at 195.48 on his Lucas Oil Buell. Past zMAX winner Steve Johnson qualified third on his Suzuki with a 6.893 at 193.77. Andrew Hines, the two-time defending winner at this event and the playoff top seed, qualified fifth on his Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson and will face Indy runner-up Jerry Savoie in the opening round.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the Seventh annual Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the 19th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and first of six playoff rounds in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. J.R. Todd, 3.804 seconds, 317.64 mph vs. 16. Clay Millican, 3.902, 286.44; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.810, 320.58 vs. 15. Richie Crampton, 3.891, 311.05; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.831, 318.62 vs. 14. Morgan Lucas, 3.887, 278.46; 4. Billy Torrence, 3.832, 319.75 vs. 13. Pat Dakin, 3.887, 311.77; 5. Tony Schumacher, 3.833, 320.43 vs. 12. Bob Vandergriff, 3.868, 316.08; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.840, 317.05 vs. 11. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.867, 315.27; 7. Brittany Force, 3.841, 312.42 vs. 10. Leah Pritchett, 3.857, 307.65; 8. Spencer Massey, 3.851, 319.37 vs. 9. Antron Brown, 3.853, 311.99.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry McMillen, 3.909, 315.64; 18. Chris Karamesines, 3.951, 307.09; 19. Ike Maier, 3.965, 301.94.
Funny Car -- 1. Alexis DeJoria, Toyota Camry, 4.090, 300.53 vs. 16. Dave Richards, Toyota Solara, 5.167, 157.26; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.108, 308.14 vs. 15. Chad Head, Camry, 4.598, 189.39; 3. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.114, 304.25 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.338, 261.17; 4. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.123, 300.60 vs. 13. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.204, 297.29; 5. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.123, 302.55 vs. 12. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.185, 292.77; 6. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.124, 305.22 vs. 11. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.162, 305.84; 7. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.126, 306.46 vs. 10. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.161, 303.03; 8. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.126, 300.33 vs. 9. John Force, Mustang, 4.141, 287.66.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Bob Gilbertson, 6.117, 113.34.
Pro Stock -- 1. Erica Enders-Stevens, Chevy Camaro, 6.568, 210.37 vs. 16. John Gaydosh Jr, Pontiac GXP, 6.697, 207.24; 2. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.579, 209.88 vs. 15. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.671, 207.72; 3. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.582, 209.39 vs. 14. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.644, 209.26; 4. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.592, 209.72 vs. 13. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.637, 208.49; 5. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.595, 209.79 vs. 12. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.632, 209.20; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.596, 210.24 vs. 11. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.622, 208.01; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.602, 209.33 vs. 10. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.618, 209.85; 8. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.605, 209.52 vs. 9. Richie Stevens, Camaro, 6.606, 209.23.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.849, 194.30 vs. 16. Brian Pretzel, Suzuki, 7.254, 185.43; 2. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.876, 195.48 vs. 15. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.066, 190.11; 3. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.893, 193.77 vs. 14. Michael Ray, Suzuki, 7.013, 192.17; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.925, 192.17 vs. 13. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.996, 192.60; 5. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.937, 192.38 vs. 12. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.982, 192.36; 6. John Hall, Buell, 6.940, 192.44 vs. 11. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.968, 191.08; 7. Chaz Kennedy, Buell, 6.945, 192.85 vs. 10. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.956, 192.44; 8. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.952, 192.69 vs. 9. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.956, 192.11.
LAURITA UPSETS NO. 1 QUALIFIER WHITELEY IN NHRA PRO MOD SERIES ACTION SATURDAY AT ZMAX DRAGWAY
Steven Whiteley earned his first career No. 1 qualifying position with a performance of 5.875 seconds at 246.26 mph.Jim Laurita used a holeshot start to upset No. 1 qualifier Steven Whiteley in Saturday’s first round of eliminations for the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
Laurita used a reaction time advantage and powered his vintage nitrous-injected Switzer Dynamics Camaro to a winning performance of 5.927 seconds at 240.17 mph to defeat Whiteley’s quicker Y-Not Racing ’68 Camaro, which finished in 5.907 at 245.85.
In another first round upset, Von Smith defeated series points leader Rickie Smith. Von also used a reaction time advantage to take the win over the local fan-favorite. Von’s supercharged ’68 Al-Anabi Racing Camaro left first and finished in 5.963 at 239.65, while the defending world champion from nearby King, N.C. posted a quicker, but losing 5.929 at 244.38 in his nitrous-injected ’68 IDG Camaro.
Other first round winners included Mike Janis, Bill Glidden, Danny Rowe, Steve Matusek, Don Walsh and Troy Coughlin.
Second round pairings include Laurita vs. Janis; Glidden vs. Matusek; Rowe vs. V. Smith and Walsh vs. Coughlin.
Pro Mod Series eliminations are scheduled to continue Sunday at approximately 2 p.m.
First round results from the seventh annual Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, the eighth of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.
ROUND ONE -- Mike Janis, Chevy Camaro, 5.921, 244.12 def. Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 5.955, 242.06; Von Smith, Camaro, 5.963, 239.65 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.929, 244.38; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.973, 245.58 def. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 9.652, 93.18; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.935, 246.84 def. Kevin Fiscus, Ford Mustang, 5.980, 245.54; Bill Glidden, Mustang, 5.952, 238.30 def. Mike Knowles, Camaro, 5.981, 240.17; Don Walsh, Camaro, 5.935, 246.80 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.022, 242.10; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.907, 245.76 def. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 14.245, 61.31; Jim Laurita, Camaro, 5.927, 240.17 def. Steven Whiteley, Camaro, 5.907, 245.85.
Final order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Modified at the Seventh annual Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, the eighth 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 5200 Steven Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '68 Camaro 5.875 246.26 246.26
2 6 Danny Rowe, Laguna Hills CA, '68 Camaro 5.894 246.08 246.08
3 3382 Don Walsh, Wixom MI, '14 Camaro 5.913 245.23 249.35
4 324 Bill Glidden, Whiteland IN, '10 Mustang 5.939 239.61 239.61
5 5450 Steve Matusek, Olathe KS, '68 Camaro 5.941 245.05 246.17
6 220F Kevin Fiscus, Jacksonville FL, '12 Mustang 5.943 247.16 247.16
7 1 Rickie Smith, King NC, '69 Camaro 5.947 244.56 245.00
8 303 Dan Stevenson, Bolingbrook IL, '13 Camaro 5.947 242.36 242.36
9 1456 Mike Janis, Lancaster NY, '13 Camaro 5.979 242.89 242.89
10 2377 Von Smith, Oak Ridge TN, '69 Camaro 5.983 238.68 239.10
11 2 Troy Coughlin, Delaware OH, '12 Corvette 5.986 246.89 246.89
12 8 Pete Farber, Baldwinville MA, '69 Daytona 5.996 240.94 240.94
13 5011 Mike Knowles, Grand Junction CO, '68 Camaro 6.000 238.64 238.64
14 1938 Eric Latino, Whitby ON, '69 Camaro 6.003 241.76 241.76
15 7 Kenny Lang, Grande Pointe MB, '13 Camaro 6.027 238.30 238.30
16 1087 Jim Laurita, Morgantown WV, '68 Camaro 6.031 230.76 230.76
------------ Not Qualified ------------
17 367J Jason Hamstra, Demotte IN, '10 Mustang 6.045 238.89 238.89
18 210 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '12 Camaro 6.049 236.46 236.46
19 1109 Gerry Capano, Greenville DE, '63 Corvette 6.050 236.22 236.22
20 360 Bob Rahaim, Grosse Pointe MI, '69 Camaro 6.061 238.26 238.26
21 318 Michael Biehle, North Vernon IN, '13 Mustang 6.065 244.07 244.07
22 5087 Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '53 Corvette 6.072 235.27 235.27
23 6967 Jim Bell, Edmonton AB, '69 Camaro 6.087 218.37 218.37
24 3 Mike Castellana, Muttontown NY, '69 Camaro 6.097 234.66 234.66
25 9 Chip King, Semora NC, '69 Daytona 6.106 243.72 244.43
26 377 Harold Martin, New Hudson MI, '14 Corvette 6.111 212.29 212.29
27 567 Chris Juliano, Iberia MO, '67 Mustang 6.165 229.31 229.51
28 2105 Doug Winters, Pleasant Garden NC, '57 Bel Air 6.264 214.76 214.76
HAGAN, TODD, ENDERS-STEVENS AND ARANA JR. RACE TO QUALIFYING LEADS AT COUNTDOWN OPENER IN CAROLINA 
Former Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan opened NHRA’s playoffs by racing to the qualifying lead Friday at the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the first of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.
Hagan powered his 10,000-horsepower Rocky Boots/Mopar Dodge Charger to the top of the qualifying order with a performance of 4.114 seconds at 304.25 mph. The 2011 world champ, who finished second in points last season but failed to win a race in the regular season and sits seventh in points, is looking to change that trend in the post-season.
“I don’t think this No. 1 qualifier will hold tomorrow,” Hagan said. “We may get some cloud cover tomorrow so everybody is going to try to step up and they all have good data to work from. We are thankful to get two great solid runs down the racetrack. Hopefully we can go some rounds on Sunday. It’s the Countdown right now and every point counts. I’ve seen championships won or lost by one or two points. So every one of them counts.”
Hagan, a cattle rancher from nearby Southwestern Virginia, is a two-time winner at ZMAX Dragway and became the first to break the four-second barrier in Funny Car at the track in 2011. His milestone time of 3.995 seconds is commemorated with a sign on the retaining wall near the starting line.
“I have a lot of history here at zMAX both good and bad,” Hagan said. “It’s cool to come here and see your name on the side of the wall. We’ve had some big boomers here and ran some killer speeds here. All my friends and family are only two hours down the road and they all come out here to cheer me on. That makes it that much more special.”
Ron Capps, a winner at this race in 2012, qualified second with a 4.123 at 297.35 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. Non-Countdown contender Jack Beckman qualified third in his Valvoline Dodge with a 4.124 at 305.22. Funny Car top seed John Force sits sixth in his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang with a 4.141 at 287.66.
In Top Fuel, No. 10 playoff seed Todd led the field with a 3.828 at 310.34 in his Optima Batteries dragster.
“I definitely expected to see some low 80s out there, but I’m happy to get three bonus points,” Todd said. “We started No. 10 in the Countdown so we need every point that we can get. There’s nowhere to go but up.”
Todd, who earned a regular season victory at Denver, was pleased to move to the front of the order after coming in last after the first qualifying session when the blower belt flew off his car early in the run.
“When you break like that it sets the tone for the weekend and we were fortunate to rebound,” Todd said. “You never know what to expect from [owner and tuner] Connie Kalitta. He’s smart and he’ll push only as hard as he needs to. If it’s warm tomorrow, that (run) may hold up, but I think we’ll see some low 3.80s or maybe even a high .70 from the Al-Anabi or Schumacher teams. Heck, we can run 3.7s if we hit it just right.”
Defending world champ Shawn Langdon qualified second in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster with a 3.840 at 317.05. The third spot went to non-Countdown campaigner Billy Torrence, who led after the first session with a 3.846 at 319.75 in his Capco Contractors dragster. Countdown top seed Doug Kalitta sits ninth after the first two sessions, posting a first-day best of 3.872 at 317.94 in his Mac Tools dragster.
Four-time regular season Pro Stock winner Enders-Stevens, who enters the playoffs in the No. 2 spot, raced to the front of the order in the factory hot rod class with a 6.591 at 210.11 at the controls of her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro.
“It's just a really good start,” Enders-Stevens said. “I'm proud of my team. We struggled the last couple of weeks in Brainerd and Indy, and in our test session in St. Louis. It's very refreshing to see that Ol' Red is back to herself.”
After dominating much of the regular season, Enders-Stevens and her Elite Motorsports team decided to skip two Western Swing stops – Sonoma and Seattle – to focus on R&D work at the shop to prepare for the Countdown. Meanwhile, Jason Line went on a tear and moved around her to take the top seed entering the playoffs. She says her team is ready to put that brief slump behind them and move forward.
“We just have to do our job day in and day out, and make every little point count,” Enders-Stevens said. “We had a team meeting this morning, where we discussed our goals for the Countdown... It's the small steps on the way to the big goal. We're just going to keep our heads down and stay focused. This is not a bad way to start though.”
Defending world champ Jeg Coughlin was second in his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Dart with a 6.602 at 209.33 and Dave Connolly qualified third in his Charter Communications Chevy Camaro with a 6.603 at 209.23. Red-hot Line, who closed the regular season by winning three of the final four races, qualified fourth in his Summit Racing Equipment Camaro with a 6.607 at 209.59.
Arana Jr., who enters the Countdown as the third seed, rode his Lucas Oil Buell to a 6.876 at 195.48 to lead Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
“This means a lot as far as my confidence goes,” Arana Jr. said. “It’s all about confidence. I know I have the equipment to take me to the winner’s circle, but confidence is the key.”
Steve Johnson, the 10th seed and a former winner of this event, qualified second on his Suzuki with a 6.893 at 193.77 and recent Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals winner Eddie Krawiec was third on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson with a 6.901 at 191.67. Countdown top seed Andrew Hines, the two-time defending winner here, was sixth on his Harley-Davidson with a 6.951 at 191.38.
Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations are scheduled for noon.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the seventh annual Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, 19th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and first of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. J.R. Todd, 3.828 seconds, 310.34 mph; 2. Shawn Langdon, 3.840, 317.05; 3. Billy Torrence, 3.846, 319.75; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.847, 316.30; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.851, 319.37; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.852, 320.58; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.867, 315.27; 8. Antron Brown, 3.869, 311.27; 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.872, 317.94; 10. Morgan Lucas, 3.887, 278.46; 11. Leah Pritchett, 3.889, 305.91; 12. Richie Crampton, 3.891, 311.05.
Not Qualified: 13. Bob Vandergriff, 3.895, 314.09; 14. Terry McMillen, 3.904, 314.53; 15. Brittany Force, 3.908, 306.67; 16. Pat Dakin, 3.912, 302.14; 17. Ike Maier, 5.596, 189.66; 18. Chris Karamesines, 5.890, 107.63; 19. Clay Millican, 6.479, 85.83.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.114, 304.25; 2. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.123, 297.35; 3. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.124, 305.22; 4. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 4.126, 306.46; 5. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.140, 305.91; 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.141, 287.66; 7. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.155, 288.21; 8. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.162, 305.84; 9. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.185, 292.77; 10. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.194, 276.24; 11. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.208, 303.03; 12. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.363, 231.75.
Not Qualified: 13. Bob Tasca III, 4.820, 169.68; 14. Chad Head, 4.868, 166.01; 15. Cruz Pedregon, 6.267, 107.25; 16. Dave Richards, 10.478, 79.08; 17. Bob Gilbertson, broke.
Pro Stock -- 1. Erica Enders-Stevens, Chevy Camaro, 6.591, 210.11; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Dart, 6.602, 209.33; 3. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.603, 209.23; 4. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.607, 209.59; 5. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.609, 208.94; 6. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.609, 208.49; 7. Richie Stevens, Camaro, 6.610, 209.23; 8. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.615, 209.52; 9. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.618, 209.85; 10. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.637, 207.66; 11. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.641, 209.20; 12. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.649, 209.20.
Not Qualified: 13. Rodger Brogdon, 6.664, 207.78; 14. Larry Morgan, 6.701, 206.67; 15. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.703, 207.24; 16. Shane Tucker, 7.038, 159.25.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.876, 195.48; 2. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.893, 193.77; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.901, 191.70; 4. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.925, 192.17; 5. John Hall, Buell, 6.940, 192.44; 6. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.951, 191.38; 7. Adam Arana, Buell, 6.957, 192.44; 8. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.968, 191.08; 9. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.977, 192.69; 10. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.983, 192.36; 11. Chaz Kennedy, Buell, 6.987, 189.23; 12. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.991, 188.86.
Not Qualified: 13. Shawn Gann, 7.038, 190.11; 14. Brian Pretzel, 7.276, 183.15; 15. Michael Ray, 7.785, 124.72; 16. Hector Arana, 13.327, 58.94.
WHITELEY RACES TO NHRA PRO MOD SERIES QUALIFYING LEAD AT CAROLINA NATIONALS
Steven Whiteley raced to the qualifying lead Friday in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. The Pro Mod Series racing at this event is sponsored by Powerocks and it is the eighth of 10 events in the 2014 season.
Whiteley powered his supercharged Y-Not ‘68 Chevy Camaro to a leading performance of 5.875 seconds at 246.26 mph. Danny Rowe qualified second in his supercharged Agave Underground Tequila ’68 Camaro with a 5.894 at 246.08. Indy No. 1 qualifier Don Walsh was third with a 5.919 at 249.35 in his turbocharged late model Camaro.
Series points leader Rickie Smith, a native of nearby King, N.C. and winner of the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis two weeks ago, qualified fifth in his new nitrous-injected IDG ’68 Camaro, posting a run of 5.968 at 245.00.
The final Pro Mod qualifying session is Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and will be followed by the first round of eliminations at 2:30 p.m. Pro Mod eliminations will continue on Sunday at approximately 2 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of three rounds of qualifying for the Seventh annual Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway, eighth 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. Steven Whiteley, Chevy Camaro, 5.875, 246.26; 2. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.894, 246.08; 3. Don Walsh, Camaro, 5.919, 249.35; 4. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.941, 245.18; 5. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 5.968, 245.00; 6. Mike Janis, Camaro, 5.979, 242.89; 7. Bill Glidden, Ford Mustang, 5.979, 236.55; 8. Von Smith, Camaro, 5.983, 238.68; 9. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.996, 240.94; 10. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 6.017, 246.17; 11. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.019, 241.02; 12. Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.026, 237.34; 13. Jim Laurita, Camaro, 6.031, 230.76; 14. Kevin Fiscus, Mustang, 6.045, 243.50; 15. Jason Hamstra, Mustang, 6.045, 238.89; 16. Bob Rahaim, Camaro, 6.068, 237.25.
Not Qualified: 17. Jim Whiteley, 6.072, 235.27; 18. Jim Bell, 6.087, 218.37; 19. Gerry Capano, 6.092, 236.13; 20. Mike Castellana, 6.097, 234.66; 21. Chip King, 6.106, 243.72; 22. Kenny Lang, 6.116, 237.21; 23. Michael Biehle, 6.127, 243.55; 24. Jay Payne, 6.180, 236.05; 25. Chris Juliano, 6.190, 229.51; 26. Doug Winters, 6.264, 214.76; 27. Mike Knowles, 6.344, 230.76; 28. Harold Martin, 8.222, 119.87.
SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING
SUPER STOCK
1 243 SS/BBA Roy Hill, Sophia NC, '12 Mustang 8.278 9.20 -0.922
2 1 SS/IA Byron Worner, Duncannon PA, '96 Camaro 9.791 10.70 -0.909
3 1127 SS/JA Russ Linke, Old Bridge NJ, '73 Corvette 10.177 11.00 -0.823
4 39 SS/BA Drew Skillman, Greenwood IN, '12 Mustang 9.103 9.90 -0.797
5 2901 SS/JA Clay Bullard, Camden SC, '87 Camaro 10.213 11.00 -0.787
6 2428 GT/AA Andy Fogle, Aiken SC, '05 Cavalier 9.320 10.10 -0.780
7 2990 SS/BM Rick Mann, Trinity NC, '10 Cobalt 8.427 9.20 -0.773
8 210 SS/CM Steven Johnson, Dobson NC, '95 Grand Am 8.734 9.50 -0.766
9 1108 GT/AA Gary Richard, Bay Shore NY, '10 Mustang 9.342 10.10 -0.758
10 2966 SS/DS Stephen McCreary, Cana VA, '05 Sunfire 10.033 10.75 -0.717
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
STOCK
1 2 AA/SA Drew Skillman, Bargersville IN, '12 Musta 8.986 10.00 -1.014
2 131 C/SA Sterling Simmons, Chesterfield VA, '98 Ca 10.485 11.40 -0.915
3 1129 E/SA Victor Guilmino, Martinsburg WV, '71 Must 10.807 11.70 -0.893
4 1117 B/S J Wayne Totaro, Essex MD, '00 Firebird 10.309 11.20 -0.891
5 1608 C/SA Gary Richard, Bay Shore NY, '69 Camaro 10.530 11.40 -0.870
6 2924 D/SA Bud Rowe, Bridgeton NC, '97 Trans Am 10.684 11.55 -0.866
7 P270 D/SA Ricky Pennington, Mt. Olive AL, '12 Musta 10.691 11.55 -0.859
8 1128 C/SA Wallace Dent, Charlotte Hall MD, '98 Cama 10.561 11.40 -0.839
9 1470 A/SA Adam Keir, Dunkirk MD, '70 Nova 10.162 11.00 -0.838
10 10 A/SA Robbie Shaw, Bowdon GA, '01 Firebird 10.162 11.00 -0.838
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
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