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Welcome to day five of the marathon NHRA U.S. Nationals! Today’s schedule will be a busy one, with the Traxxas Nitro Shootout’s for both the Top Fuel and Funny Car racers on tap, as well as final qualifying for all of the Mello Yello Series professional eliminators and Pro Modified. We’ll be kicking off the third session at 11 a.m. local time this morning under slightly cooler conditions that we’ve seen thus far, which should translate to some moving and shaking on the qualifying sheets.
As always, a special thanks to the presenting sponsor of our same day event coverage, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels!
The third session of Pro Stock was sure to be a barnburner given the change of weather conditions, and as expected, we saw a lot of jockeying in the order as competitors stepped up a few hundredths from their prior bests. When the dust settled, however, it was Mike Edwards at the top on the back of his 6.621.
Cruz Pedregon has been a thorn in John Force's side for more than two decades and has stolen the champ's thunder a time or two here at Indy. Well, in the first pairing of the Traxxas Nitro Shootout, Pedregon and his Snap-On machine put it on Force and his Castrol Mustang, winning the race on a holeshot, 4.06 to 4.05.
The crowd erupted when Tim Wikerson shut down the No. 1 seed in the Traxxas Shootout, Matt Hagan, with a stellar 4.08 to Hagan’s 4.10. Wilkerson will race the Cruzer in the next round, while Courtney Force, the lone JFR racer remaining, will take on Jack Beckman.
We're back on the side of Gary Densham's Funny Car this weekend, with McLeod Racing's Paul Lee at the controls. We're not biased or anything, but...
Billy Torrence made the quickest run of his very short Top Fuel career in today’s third qualifying session in the much improved weather conditions, moving all the way up to No. 4 on the sheet with one of the quickest runs of the round, a 3.823. Tony Schumacher currently holds down the bump spot with his 3.904 with just one session remaining for he and nine drivers outside the show to make something happen.
Steve Torrence sent Spencer Massey packing in the semifinals of the Top Fuel Traxxas Shootout with low elapsed time of the weekend, a 3.81.
(Left) You're not seeing double, ladies and gentleman. The two Rapisarda Autosport International dragsters matched up in qualifying today, with Tommy Johnson Jr. punching his way into the top half of the show with a 3.84, while teammate Damien Harris remains outside the field with a 4.51 best. (Right) Leah Pruett and the Dote Racing Team are also down to their final shot to crack this stout field in Top Fuel as they currently sit dead last with only a 5.00 best to their credit.
For sportsman racers, the U.S. Nationals is an annual pilgrimage to see old friends and do a little drag racing. It’s a kicked-back atmosphere among diehard racers, but when the field is whittled from 128 racers down to eight and then to four, as they were today, the fun times turn to serious business, as a U.S. Nationals title begins to loom large.
Motorcycle builder turned television star Jesse James is in Indy this weekend supporting wife, Alexis DeJoria. The Tequila Patron tea oput together a 4.08 in the final session to solidly put themselves in the Funny Car field at No. 12.
Indy has always been known as as a race where you can expect the unexpected, and although that doesn’t ring as true as it once did, everyone comes loaded for bear at the “Big Go” and the big names find themselves with added pressure to perform. Brandon Bernstein surprisingly failed to qualify here at team owner Forrest Lucas’ home event at the track that bears his name, while low budget, part-time racer Pat Dakin blasted to an impressive 3.84 to go to No. 12. Lucas’ son, Morgan, anchored the tight field with his 3.878.
Shawn Langdon and Jack Beckman raced to thrilling $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout victories in their respective categories Sunday at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals and both drivers will carry that momentum into Monday’s 11 a.m. eliminations as they are each chasing their first victories in the world’s most prestigious drag race.
Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will lead their categories as No. 1 qualifiers at the world’s most prestigious drag race, the 18th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
Top Fuel Points leader Langdon won the rain-delayed Traxxas Nitro Shootout in Top Fuel, knocking off Steve Torrence in the final round. Langdon beat Brown to reach the championship round, furthering the momentum for his Al-Anabi Racing team, which has claimed four victories this season.
“This was eight of the best cars battling it out for $100,000 and to win it here at Indy, it’s just a great feeling,” Langdon said. “The only way you could top this is to win (Monday) and then win a world championship. The team is working hard, having a good team and the car is running excellent, so it’s all good vibes right now.”
Jack Beckman claimed the $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout prize in spectacular fashion, defeating Cruz Pedregon on a holeshot and then exploding the Dodge Charger body in the lights. Beckman went for a wild, bucking ride in the shutdown area, but brought the car to a halt and jumped out to celebrate.
Defending world champion Beckman won the $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout prize in Funny Car with an explosive final round victory against Cruz Pedregon. Beckman used a holeshot start in his Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger and powered to a performance of 4.086 at 310.77 before a spectacular engine explosion launched the body off Beckman’s car at the finish line. Beckman, who defeated Ron Capps and Courtney Force to reach the final round of the eight-car field, was uninjured and he talked about the magnitude of the Traxxas Nitro Shootout victory.
“We’re the only car with the chance of doubling up at Indy and you have to like that,” Beckman said. “It’s a fairly surreal experience and the fact that we haven’t won anything this year makes it that much bigger. This just feels fantastic and truly is amazing. It’s one of those events that years from now you will always remember.”
The final qualifying fields were set for the Big Go, and defending NHRA Top Fuel world champion Brown went from the last qualifying spot to the No. 1 position with a thrilling run on his final attempt.
Brown, who was the No. 16 qualifier just moments before his final qualifying run, powered his Matco Tools dragster to a leading performance of 3.811 seconds at 320.58 mph. Brown, the 2011 winner here, earned his second No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 34th of his career. He will match up against Morgan Lucas in the first round of eliminations.
“It was a struggle for everybody on our team and we really had nothing to lose going into that run,” Brown said. “We weren’t scared, we got after it and we stepped up to the plate. This class has some big-name players and you can’t be afraid to go after things. We had been tip-toeing it and you can’t do that. Racing Morgan in the first round is like a final round matchup and we have to be ready and prepared to get the job done.”
Nine-time Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals winner Tony Schumacher, who wasn’t qualified before his final run, jumped all the way to No. 1 with a 3.814 at 319.82 in his U.S. Army dragster on his final pass before his teammate unseated him. Schumacher will start from the No. 2 position and Torrence will start third in his Capco Contractors dragster after posting a 3.815 at 325.61.
Hagan stayed atop the field in Funny Car in his Magneti Marelli/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger with his track-record run of 4.007 at 319.22 mph from Friday. That gives Hagan, the Funny Car points leader, his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season and 14th of his career. Hagan also clinched the No. 1 position for the Countdown to the Championship.
“We missed out on winning that Traxxas Shootout so I guess you can’t have it all, but it’s up to us to go out and try to win (Monday),” said Hagan, who is also seeking his first Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals win. “We’ve got a consistent car that’s doing down the track and that’s where you want to be this time of year. We want to make sure we do that again (Monday).”
Johnny Gray claimed the No. 2 qualifying position with a run of 4.012 at 312.13 in his Pitch Energy Dodge Charger. Del Worsham, who is currently 11th in the points standings and 27 points behind 10th place Robert Hight, qualified third with a 4.045 at 313.15 in his DHL Toyota Camry.
Pro Stock points leader Edwards jumped to the No. 1 qualifying position on Saturday by taking his Interstate Batteries/I Am Second Chevy Camaro to the top of the order with a run of 6.621 at 208.20. It is Edwards’ 13th No. 1 qualifier this season, putting him closer to the class record of 16 he shares with Greg Anderson, and 54th of his career. Edwards will face off with Chris McGaha in the opening round of eliminations.
“We made a really good run at the right time, and the conditions were the best we had all weekend,” Edwards said. “The car was just phenomenal today and we were low both sessions. It was just a really good day and hopefully it carries over to (Monday). I don’t care what class it is, winning here is the ultimate goal for everybody.”
V. Gaines also made a big jump in his Kendall Oil Dodge Avenger, moving to second after a pass of 6.637 at 208.59. Jeg Coughlin qualified third after powering his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Avenger to a time of 6.637 at 206.99.
Arana maintained the top spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle, going 6.938 at 193.88 on his Lucas Oil Products Buell. It gives Arana his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 23rd of his career, and also his first No. 1 qualifier at Indy. He will meet his son, rookie Adam Arana, in the first round of eliminations, but remains focused on his second career Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals victory.
“It’s definitely a little bittersweet racing your own son in the first round, but by the same I token I want to win just like he wants to win,” Arana said. “We’ll see what happens. I’m going out there to win and that’s how I’ll always play. I just need to stay consistent like I have been during qualifying. My only focus is doing my job and doing everything I can to win.”
Ten other riders joined Arana in the six-second zone, as defending world champion Eddie Krawiec qualified second on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson after going 6.948 at 190.89. L.E. Tonglet took his Nitro Fish Suzuki to the third spot with a pass of 6.966 at 191.38. Tonglet currently trails Steve Johnson by 30 points for the 10th and final spot in the Countdown to the Championship.
BROWNSBURG, Ind. — Monday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 59th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway Park at Indianapolis, the 18th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Sunday.
DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel — 1. Antron Brown, 3.811 seconds, 320.58 mph vs. 16. Morgan Lucas, 3.878, 313.80; 2.Tony Schumacher, 3.814, 319.82 vs. 15. Clay Millican, 3.852, 319.07; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.815, 325.61 vs. 14. Tommy Johnson Jr., 3.845, 319.22; 4. Brittany Force, 3.820, 313.44 vs. 13. Terry McMillen, 3.843, 320.28; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.821, 322.34 vs. 12. Pat Dakin, 3.842, 313.37; 6. Billy Torrence, 3.823, 324.36 vs. 11. Spencer Massey, 3.837, 316.38; 7. David Grubnic, 3.824,321.04 vs. 10. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.832, 319.60; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.829, 324.28 vs. 9. Bob Vandergriff, 3.831, 320.74.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Sidnei Frigo, 3.897, 307.51; 18. T.J. Zizzo, 3.908, 306.33; 19. Brandon Bernstein, 3.909, 315.27; 20. J.R. Todd, 3.922, 308.57; 21. Chris Karamesines, 3.976, 305.91; 22. Cory McClenathan, 4.027, 288.83; 23. Leah Pruett, 4.042, 303.64; 24. Damien Harris, 4.043, 292.08; 25. Bruce Litton, 4.165, 239.53.
Funny Car — 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.007, 319.22 vs. 16. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.138, 306.12; 2. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.012, 312.13 vs. 15. Tony Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.091, 306.26; 3. Del Worsham, Camry, 4.045, 313.15 vs. 14. Courtney Force, Ford Mustang, 4.088, 316.30; 4. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.046, 313.88 vs. 13. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.086, 312.50; 5. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.049, 315.27 vs. 12. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.081, 309.77; 6. John Force, Mustang, 4.052, 313.58 vs. 11. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.072, 297.61; 7. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.056, 313.29 vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.068, 309.06; 8. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.062, 310.55 vs. 9. Chad Head, Camry, 4.064, 308.35.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Blake Alexander, 4.191, 296.50; 18. Bob Bode, 4.357, 282.24.
Pro Stock — 1. Mike Edwards, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 208.20 vs. 16. Chris McGaha, Dodge Avenger, 6.706, 206.45; 2. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.637, 208.59 vs. 15. Warren Johnson, Pontiac GXP, 6.696, 206.70; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.637, 206.99 vs. 14. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.689, 206.61; 4. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.640, 208.10 vs. 13. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.689, 206.39; 5. Rickie Jones, Camaro, 6.644, 207.85 vs. 12. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.676, 206.76; 6. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.644, 207.85 vs. 11. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.674, 206.95; 7. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.645, 208.33 vs. 10. Curt Steinbach, Camaro, 6.661, 206.07; 8. Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.646, 207.88 vs. 9. Mark Martino, GXP, 6.661, 207.72.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Steve Kent, 6.710, 206.35; 18. Kurt Johnson, 6.716, 207.24; 19. Matt Hartford, 6.721, 205.91; 20. Lewis Worden, 6.724, 205.26; 21. Paul Pittman, 6.781, 203.92; 22. Dave River, 6.881, 201.43; 23. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.895, 199.58.
Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.938, 193.88 vs. 16. Adam Arana, Buell, 7.025, 191.40; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.948, 190.89 vs. 15. John Hall, Buell, 7.022, 189.84; 3. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.966, 191.38 vs. 14. Dawn Minturn, Buell, 7.012, 190.08; 4. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.970, 191.43 vs. 13. Mike Berry, Buell, 7.008, 190.78; 5. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.980, 191.70 vs. 12. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.007, 190.51; 6. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.981, 192.69 vs. 11. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 6.999, 191.76; 7. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.983, 192.36 vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.991, 192.06; 8. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.984, 190.62 vs. 9. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.989, 193.49.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Angie Smith, 7.033, 191.16; 18. Karen Stoffer, 7.042, 190.27; 19. Jim Underdahl, 7.055, 190.59; 20. Freddie Camarena, 7.145, 187.05; 21. Joe DeSantis, 7.216, 184.83; 22. Wesley Wells, 7.224, 185.87; 23. Redell Harris, 7.292, 183.44.
BROWNSBURG, Ind. — Sunday’s final results from the Second annual NHRA Traxxas Nitro Shootout for Top Fuel at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.
Top Fuel — Shawn Langdon, 3.821 seconds, 320.05 mph def. Steve Torrence, 3.828 seconds, 323.04 mph.
Funny Car — Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 4.086, 310.77 def. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.066, 308.35.
