THE BIG GO: 65th Annual Chevrolet Performance NHRA U.S. Nationals

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Chad Green Update

Pro Modified competitor Chad Green was injured in a frightening high-speed crash last night during the final session of qualifying for the U.S. Nationals. In the first pair out and running opposite of Jose Gonzalez and in a do-or-die run to get into the record-breaking field, Green lost control of his Pat Musi-powered, nitrous-assisted Camaro and somersaulted, crashing back to earth on all four wheels.

Green was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of a back injury he sustained in the impact. The Midland, Texas native is set to undergo surgery for his injuries today.

“First off, the support we’re getting from the racing community has been overwhelming,” said crew. chief Pat Musi. “To everyone who’s offered to drive the rig, came by the pits and helped us load up, offered their well wishes – thank you. We truly appreciate it.”

Musi continued, “Right now, we’re focused on getting Chad on the mend. He’s with his family – his mother and father have flown in – and his kids were by his side all night. He’s alert, talking, knows what’s going on and what happened. The doctors have gotten his pain under control, and he’ll be going into surgery this afternoon.”

“It’s our hope to know more and have more details later today and, of course, over the course of the next few days, weeks and months,” said Andrew Petersen, Director of Marketing for Chad Green Motorsports. “Chad and his family are so very grateful for the outpouring of support – phone calls, texts, emails. We’ll do our best to keep our racing family and fans updated throughout this process.”

Best Seat In the House

You know that cliche, “best seat in the house?” Well, it turns out the Lucas Oil Raceway really has one. In the upper corner of the Top Eliminator Club grandstands, where a television broadcast platform was erected and once used in the Diamond P Sports era, rest a pair of Uber-comfortable recliners. And there is an actual set of tickets sold for those seats. Brothers David and Willie Rice are the fortunate men who hold those tickets — the Richmond, Indiana natives have been coming to Indy since 1971, so one could argue they’ve rightfully earned these plush seats in time.

“Those Pro Stock cars just went down that track at 209 mph….I remember when Don Garlits went 167 mph and they said it would never be beaten,” David says with a laugh. A long-time John Force fan, David says he “has been buying John’s t-shirts since back before he ever won anything.”

Force Wins 151st, Kalitta And Laughlin First At Indy To Highlight U.S. Nationals

John Force, who secured his milestone 150th career NHRA victory just two races ago in Seattle, added another win to his incredible tally with a popular victory Monday at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Force, who has won Indy four times prior, earned his first U.S. Nationals crown in 127 years by defeating No. 1 qualifier Jack Beckman in a close 3.91 to 3.94 contest.

Force was as boisterous in celebration as he was in Seattle, but master it clear, “I didn’t cuss!”

The 16-time Funny Car champion had a strong car all weekend, qualifying third and clocking low elapsed the of the event in a 3.85-second defeat of Jonnie Lindberg in round one. He then dispatched teammate Robert Hight and Matt Hagan on his road to the final.

“Racing is what I love to do. Winning Indy is the biggest thing on my bucket list and I never thought I’d get the chance again. This is just incredible that someone my age could do this again. Don’t let anybody tell you you’re too old. Get up and stay alive, keep moving. I’m trying to fight the old man every day. You know I started hearing ‘you’re 70, this thing is over’ and its really true, it’s how bad you want it,” said Force. “This is a big moment for me. I’m having an emotional day because I won Indy. I owe this sport for so much. I love NHRA that has given me so much. It doesn’t matter what you do in life, you do it because you love it and I love it and when you don’t do good you do the best you can. This race really meant a lot to my girls, to my grandkids, a lot of my family was here.”

Doug Kalitta has been ever-the-bridesmaid in his long Top Fuel career, coming up short of multiple championships and, despite three previous final rounds at Indy, never closing the deal at the sport’s biggest race. Until today.

Twenty-five years after Doug’s uncle, Connie Kalitta, scored his only Indy victory at the 40th annual U.S. Nationals, he survived a wild final round with Billy Torrence — that saw both cars suffer mechanical problems before the strip and coast at just over 200 mph — he joined the family fray as an Indy winner.

“I just can’t say enough about everyone that’s been working on my Mac Tools Toyota. They were busting their butts – and (team owner) Connie (Kalitta) was right there with them,” said Kalitta. “Having him in our corner is awesome. What a day. It feels great to win a big race that Connie won. The track conditions were incredible this weekend. The Safety Safari team busted their butts out there. The fans here are awesome. It hasn’t settled in that I won the U.S. Nationals.”

“I’m a real persistent guy, so I never give up. It does make you wonder. When we got by Clay I was thinking this is going to be a good opportunity and I’m just glad we were able to take advantage of it,” Kalitta continued. “These guys out here are all so good. You have to be right on your game every time and I’m not getting any younger, so you have to work a little harder at it. It worked out well just getting by Clay because those guys are always tough.”

In what was an equally unusual race in Pro Stock, Alex Laughlin earned his first Indy crown despite a very tardy .120 reaction time when opponent Erica Enders had issues in her open lane and slowed to a  6.77, to Laughlin’s winning 6.64. Laughlin ousted Steve Graham, Val Smeland, and reigning Indy winner Deric Kramer on his road to the final.

“I just about choked up there, to be honest, but at the end of the day we got it done,” said Laughlin, who has three career Pro Stock wins. “It’s unbelievable. I’ve never even made the Countdown before and we’ve just made huge strides. It’s been a breakout season and I’m at a loss for words.”

Jerry Savoie, who won Pro Stock Motorcycle at Indy in 2015, added another U.S. Nationals Wally to his mantle on what was ultimately a solo victory lap, as points leader Andrew Hines was timed out at the tree and never challenged for the victory. Savoie took out Ryan Oehler, Joey Gladstone, and Eddie Krawiec in the earlier rounds.

“The Suzukis have been struggling, but we’ve been working and it paid off,” Savoie said. “I held my composure and we were able to make some good runs. When Andrew throws up a red light, you better thank God for it because that doesn’t happen very often. I didn’t know if I would ever win another one. It’s not easy. But we’re going to go for it and see what happens. It’s an honor to get this second one (at Indy).”

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Pro Modified Changes ‘A Coming In 2020

The Real Pro Mod Association (RPM), the third-party organization that oversees and produces the popular Pro Modified division, and the NHRA conducted meetings this weekend in Indianapolis to address the future of the program. Recognizing the value of the category, the NHRA will in 2020 assume management of the series for the first time in its 18-year history. While the 12-race schedule is expected to remain in place (with specific events to be determined), the participant quota will be opened up to a larger volume of competitors and is expected to include both the ProCharger-boosted combinations, as well as the 959 cubic-inch nitrous oxide engines with a proposed weight addition to maintain parity. Those additions are yet unconfirmed.

With a significant number of race teams throughout the country and various organizations expressing interested in participating in the series — including eight teams identified at present under the existing rules structure — the change of direction should prove a major boon to the world’s quickest doorslammer category.

“We’re still conceptualizing our Pro Mod program for 2020 and beyond, but are committed to ensuring a bright future for these racers and teams,” said NHRA president Glen Cromwell. “We appreciate all that the Real Pro Mod group has done to grow this brand of drag racing, and we’re excited to build on the foundation that has been laid over the last several years.”

The Marathon Man

Alex Laughlin may be the busiest individual in all of drag racing. In addition to challenging for the Pro Stock championship, he’s also competing in Pro Modified with Elite Motorsports and campaigns a pair of family-owned cars in Radial versus The World and, soon, in the fledgling no-prep scene. Laughlin, who won Donald Long’s Lights Out 10 race in South Georgia back in February in his Frankir Taylor-tuned, screw-blower C5 Corvette, will return for the No Mercy 10 race in October, pulling double-duty in both Valdosta, Georgia and at the NHRA FallNationals in his home state of Texas. Laughlin will fly back and forth between venues to get himself qualified at both and, time permitting, will compete on Sunday at both.

Laughlin garnered considerable attention a month ago when his fresh new no-prep Camaro, completed just in time for the Outlaw Armageddon no-prep event in Oklahoma, was denied entry based on the outward appearance of the car. But he and father Kenny, are not backing down from a challenge — he will race that car in some upcoming no-prep events while a brand new late-model Dodge Challenger that is a near copy of the one he famously competed with on Street Outlaws in partnership with Gas Monkey Garage’s Richard Rawlings is completed. If that wasn’t enough, if time allows at No Mercy, he will shake down the recently completed ProCharger-boosted no-prep Camaro on 315 drag radials for a planned debut at Lights Out next fall.

An Early and Unfortunate End

Pro Modified competitor Chad Green, in the first pair of cars out in the final session of qualifying, was involved in a harrowing crash that brought racing to an end for the evening. Green’s nitrous oxide-assisted Camaro got loose and turned sideways near the 1/8-mile, nosing into the wall. At that point, air got underneath the car and launched it skyward, eventually slamming back to earth on all four wheels. Green was conscious and alert and speaking to members of the Safety Safari. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of what sources say is a potential back injury.

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Record-Breaking Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod Fields Highlight U.S. Nationals Qualifying

Angelle Sampey earned her first No. 1 qualifier since 2016 and the 50th in her career, as she raced to the top spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle on Sunday at the 65th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel) Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Bo Butner (Pro Stock) also earned No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the final regular-season race of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. It is the 18th of 24 events in 2019.

Sampey, a three-time world champion, used her 6.816-second run at 195.53 mph on her Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson FXDR from Saturday to gain the top qualifying position. A two-time Indy winner, Sampey will face off with Joey Gladstone in the first round of eliminations. Defending world champ Matt Smith will start from second after going 6.820 at 197.25, while points leader Andrew Hines finished third in qualifying with a 6.823 at 195.87.

“I just never imagined that I would get a No. 1 qualifier at this race, this year,” said Sampey, whose two Indy wins came from the No. 1 spot. “It’s been a rough year, and I came here just thinking I was going to do whatever I can. Getting a No. 1 qualifier and getting a confidence boost like this is what I really, really needed right now. I’m feeling much more comfortable going into tomorrow than I did coming into qualifying, and I’m just going to try to keep that momentum going.”

Force became the first female to qualify No. 1 in Top Fuel history at the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals thanks to her track-record time of 3.645 at 332.26 from Saturday in her Advance Auto Parts dragster, also accomplishing it in the quickest qualifying field in NHRA history. It is her sixth top qualifier of 2019 and 16th in her career, and Force, trying for her first win at the Big Go, will face T.J. Zizzo in the opening round of eliminations.

“That’s pretty awesome to be able to accomplish that with the Advance Auto Parts team,” Force said. “That’s a big accomplishment, but we want to do more. We want to win tomorrow. To win Indy, it’s joining a list of legends. My dad is on there, and so are so many drivers that I’ve looked up to. Everyone wants to win Indy and our team wants to as well.”

Billy Torrence, who entered the weekend 12th in points, qualified second with his run of 3.655 at a track-record speed of 333.33 as he tries to make a run into the top 10 and secure his first birth in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Defending world champ and points leader Steve Torrence took the third spot with a 3.656 at 331.12.

Funny Car’s Beckman earned his first No. 1 qualifier of 2019, as his 3.861 at 330.07 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat from Saturday held up. It is Beckman’s 25th career No. 1 qualifier in what is the quickest qualifying field in Funny Car history. He will face Justin Schriefer in the first round, as Beckman seeks his first win of 2019 and second at Indy.

“I think we’ve been as close to perfect as a Funny Car has been lately,” Beckman said. “Everyone on our team is revved up and I think it’s so important to set the tone that you know you can be the best. I feel like I’m doing the best I can, and tomorrow is raceday and you’ve got to be flawless. Tomorrow is not about E.T. slips, it’s about win lights. You don’t even have to be good, you just have to be better than the car in the other lane.”

Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan qualified second thanks to his run of 3.874 at 327.66 from Saturday, while John Force is a spot behind with a 3.876 at 332.67. Back-to-back Indy winner J.R. Todd starts from the fifth position, while points leader Robert Hight qualified sixth. In all, 15 of the 16 qualified cars made 3-second runs.

In Pro Stock, points leader Butner picked up his third No. 1 qualifier this year and 11th in his career after his run of 6.559 at 210.28 in his Jim Butner Auto Group Camaro held up. Butner will aim to be the sixth straight first-time Pro Stock winner at Indy and will face Kenny Delco in the opening round of eliminations. His KB Racing teammate, Jason Line, will start from second with his 6.561 at 210.64 and will also try to win at Indy for the first time. Erica Enders begins raceday from the third position after going 6.575 at 208.94.

“We have a very good car that can turn win lights on, and we’re happy with that,” Butner said. “We tried a lot of stuff throughout the year, but now it’s serious time. I really want to win Indy to top off my career and that’s my goal. It’s our home track and it’s still the biggest race ever.”

In the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service, three-time world champ Rickie Smith qualified No. 1 with a run of 5.717 at 251.34 in his nitrous-powered Camaro. He’ll face off with Eric Latino in the first round of eliminations.

Top Fuel

1. Brittany Force, 3.645 seconds, 332.26 mph  vs. 16. T.J. Zizzo, 3.775, 324.67; 2. Billy Torrence, 3.655, 333.33  vs. 15. Wayne Newby, 3.771, 323.19; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.656, 331.12 vs. 14. Terry McMillen, 3.764, 325.14; 4. Mike Salinas, 3.681, 331.20  vs. 13. Scott Palmer, 3.740, 321.27; 5. Richie Crampton, 3.696, 326.32  vs. 12. Austin Prock, 3.726, 326.71; 6. Antron Brown, 3.698, 329.02  vs. 11. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.717, 324.36; 7. Leah Pritchett, 3.701, 322.42  vs. 10. Shawn Reed, 3.714, 326.00; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.706, 332.75  vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.706, 324.36.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Pat Dakin, 3.813, 308.00; 18. Luigi Novelli, 3.986, 295.92; 19. Cameron Ferre, 3.987, 297.29; 20. Chris Karamesines, 4.076, 253.56; 21. Lex Joon, 5.032, 143.25.

Funny Car

1. Jack Beckman, Dodge Charger, 3.861, 330.07  vs. 16. Justin Schriefer, Charger, 4.005, 317.94; 2. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.874, 327.66  vs. 15. Bob Bode, Ford Mustang, 3.982, 320.20; 3. John Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.876, 332.67  vs. 14. Jonnie Lindberg, Mustang, 3.968, 321.81; 4. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.882, 327.66  vs. 13. Ray Martin, Toyota Camry, 3.962, 325.22; 5. J.R. Todd, Camry, 3.883, 331.20  vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.949, 291.13; 6. Robert Hight, Camaro, 3.884, 330.07  vs. 11. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.923, 326.08; 7. Shawn Langdon, Camry, 3.887, 330.63  vs. 10. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 3.909, 319.82; 8. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.894, 325.85  vs. 9. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.900, 325.30.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Jim Campbell, 4.018, 317.05; 18. Phil Burkart, 4.047, 305.08; 19. Terry Haddock, 4.086, 292.08.

Pro Stock

1. Bo Butner, Chevy Camaro, 6.559, 210.28  vs. 16. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.640, 206.83; 2. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.561, 210.64  vs. 15. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.635, 208.07; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.575, 208.94  vs. 14. Richard Freeman, Ford Mustang, 6.631, 207.50; 4. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.575, 207.78  vs. 13. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.627, 208.26; 5. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.576, 207.94  vs. 12. Steve Graham, Camaro, 6.624, 207.30; 6. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.580, 209.01  vs. 11. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.605, 208.20; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.586, 207.59  vs. 10.
Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.596, 208.52; 8. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.587, 209.20  vs. 9. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.592, 208.68.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Alan Prusiensky, 6.656, 207.56; 18. Cristian Cuadra, 6.693, 205.72; 19. Wally Stroupe, 6.694, 206.13; 20. Robert River, 6.803, 202.42; 21. Jeremy Martorella, 6.848, 202.45.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.816, 195.53  vs. 16. Joey Gladstone, EBR, 7.032, 189.34; 2. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.820, 197.25  vs. 15. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.017, 187.31; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.823, 195.87  vs. 14. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.974, 191.40; 4. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.846, 195.70  vs. 13. Cory Reed, EBR, 6.970, 191.29; 5. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.878, 194.72  vs. 12. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.926, 194.97; 6. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.879, 196.50  vs. 11. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.924, 193.96; 7. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.880, 195.11  vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.914, 192.22; 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.885, 193.63  vs. 9. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.891, 195.73.  Did Not Qualify: 17. Jianna Salinas, 7.134, 189.55; 18. Michael Ray, 7.164, 185.26; 19. Andie Rawlings, 7.497, 173.90.

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The “R” Word

Much as it did on Wednesday, things have gotten off to auspicious start today with rain showers wiping out this morning’s scheduled sportsman rounds of eliminations. Professional teams and those in the Pro Modified and Top Alcohol divisions are slated for two qualifying attempts today, but it could be a long next couple of days for those in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Pure Domination

Force and Beckman Extend Qualifying Leads; Butner, Sampey Climb To Top

In a fast and furious third session of Top Fuel qualifying that was pushed into the late afternoon by morning showers and a host of on-track delays, Brittany Force brought the crowd to its feet with a track record 3.645 at 332.26 mph blast to climb back to the top of the provisional order. Force, who has been bumped to second just one pair prior by Billy Torrence and his stellar 3.65, edged out points leader Steve Torrence, whose 3.656 put him third, just .001-seconds behind his father.

“They’ve all felt fast this weekend and consistency is really what we’ve been looking for,” said Force, who has one win in 2019. “That’s the main thing we’ve been struggling with and to put a number like that on the board, that was pretty awesome. I was pumped when they told me what we ran. I knew we were going to push again, but I didn’t know conditions were going to be better. We stepped it up and got around everybody. It’s the biggest race of the season and it’s Indy, and everything is kind of falling together at the right time.”

Most impressively, T.J. Zizzo’s 3.782 bumpy spot makes this the quickest Top Fuel field in NHRA history.

Friday Funny Car qualifying leader Jack Beckman extended his lead, improving to a 3.861, just ahead of teammate Matt Hagan at 3.874 and John Force at 3.876. Phil Burkart’s 4.06 sits on the bump spot.

“I think we’re arguably the best car out here right now,” said Beckman. “We’re making a statement repeatedly here, and because it’s also ‘bonus’ bonus points in each qualifying session, we got four points for being low of Q1, four points for being low of Q2, and another three in Q3. We were low of the lane we were in during Q3, and it’s hard to ask for any more as a driver. And, you drive better with a higher degree of confidence.”

“We can stick a different clutch disc in it tomorrow,” Beckman explained of his team’s race-mode approach on Sunday, the final day of qualifying. “We have the luxury of trying some things that might be a little outside of our comfort zone, and we’re still going to be just fine. I don’t know if the weather will be similar to what we experienced today or yesterday. Maybe we’ll get a couple more hero shots at it, maybe it’s hot and sunny, but I think we’ve proven we’re pretty darn good in all conditions.”

Bo Butner supplanted teammate Jason Line atop the Pro Stock sheet with his 6.559. The top half of the field is impressively tight, as Fernando Cuadra holds the No. 8 spot with his 6.587.

“I’ve had the car for weeks now, I just haven’t driven it well. I think I drove decent that time,” said Butner. “I’m just happy to have the chance to race at the U.S. Nationals,” he said. “The more you sit and think about it, the more goosebumps you get. It’s pretty cool.”

Angelle Sampey, with a fresh focus on her motorcycle from the Vance & Hines gang, jumped atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle qualified field aboard her Harley-Davidson with a 6.816, edging rival Matt Smith and his 6.820. Teammates Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec sits Nos. 2 and 5, respectively.

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The Big Go!

Six days, 16 eliminators, more than 900 racecars from 42 states and five countries: this is the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. The competitors of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series have been competing since Wednesday, beginning with qualifying and time trials and the always-exciting Stock Eliminator class eliminations on Thursday. The 65th edition of the world’s most prestigious drag race got off to auspicious beginning, as wet grounds delayed the racer parking process on Tuesday and Wednesday, pushing back the start of on-track activities by several hours. But competitors have traveled from near and far for a shot at Indy glory, and the such delays haven’t rained on anyone’s parade (pun intended).

Class Eliminations – An Indy Institution 

Mopar Hemi Challenge

A Grand Debut

Last fall, the NHRA made dream a reality for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman competitors all across the nation when it announced they would be invited to the U.S. Nationals for the first time in 2019. The two high-speed bracket racing categories, originally conceived by the competing International Hot Rod Association, became part of the NHRA fold more than a decade ago and were later added to many of the Mello Yello Series national events — with the exception of Indianapolis. Many of the racers, who raced under the IHRA banner or in other categories, have never raced at the U.S. Nationals, making this one extra special.

Competition was fierce simply to gain entry into event, as racers from every geographic division within the NHRA vied for the opportunity to earn the first ever U.S. Nationals Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Wally’s. Just 34 entries were made available apiece, making these truly the creme of the crop.

Following three sessions of home-run derby shots at the racetrack,. Top Dragster concluded with the quickest field in history, as it required an incredible 6.234-second lap to make the show. Top Sportsman was equally impressive, as Jerry Albert snuck in on the final run of the final session with a 6.733.

North Carolina native turned Hoosier Don O’Neal brought perhaps the most unique combination in the Top Sportsman field to Indy — a 427 cubic-inch, Elite Motorsports-built LSX with a Magnuson supercharger on top (essentially a COPO Camaro Factory Stock Showdown engine package).

O’Neal, who had previously competed at Indy in Super Comp, failed to make the quick field with a 6.91-second best, but it was certainly not for a lack of effort as he works tirelessly to iron out the chassis and drivetrain package.

The Professor Gets Schooled

Warren Johnson and Greg Anderson, two of the three winningest Pro Stock drivers in NHRA history, are taking part in a special “Back To School” exhibition, facing off in identically prepared (and sealed) 2019 SS Camaro’s. During this afternoon’s second time trial, WJ, perhaps attempting a new tactic to gain an edge on his one-time protege, power-braked and then boiled the rear tires on his machine out beyond 200-feet before losing control and smacking the guardrail.

Add this one to the list of things you’ve never seen before and certainly never expected.

Oops!

Former U.S. Nationals winner and Top Alcohol Dragster national Champion Chris Demke brought racing to a halt for nearly an hour after emptying every last quart of oil out his supercharged Hemi on the burnout prior to his opening qualifying attempt.

Three-Peat

Second-generation racer Jimmy Daniels accomplished what no driver in the history of the Mopar Hemi Challenge has done by earning his fourth consecutive victory in the lucrative SS/AH showdown. A third-year driver, he has never lost a round here at Indy in his Ray Barton Race Engines-powered Dart. Daniels defeated Doug Fazzalore, Wendell Howes, and Bucky Hess on his path to the final; there, he won it on both ends of the racetrack for an 8.57 to 8.62 victory.

Force, Beckman, Line, Hines Take Early Qualifying Leads

Brittany Force closed Friday’s qualifying show in style as she blasted to to the No. 1 spot in her Advance Auto Parts dragster with a stellar 3.670. Points leader Steve Torrence, who opposed Force in the final pairing, slotted in second at 3.68.

“It definitely felt fast,” Force said. “We went right down the track and put an awesome number on the board. It was a pretty awesome run, but the next two days are going to be the important ones setting us up for Monday. We’re really looking for consistency because that’s where we’ve been struggling, so this is a good start to the weekend and we’re very happy with that. I want to win here. I’ve been coming here since I was a baby and it’s on my bucket list.”

In a tight opening session of Funny Car in which the top five cars are separated by just .021-seconds, Jack Beckman leads the way with a 3.875 at 328.46 mph. Nineteen cars took to the track, with Tommy Johnson, Jr.’s 4.36 currently anchoring the provisional field.

“Shawn Langdon was a few pairs in front of us and we saw him run a 3.88 at 330 and then I saw ‘Guido’ give John Medlen the signal to take the cover off the controller, which means he just saw that car go 3.88 and he knows there’s more on the race track there so he’s speeding the car up,” Beckman explained.

“John Medlen always lets me know the characteristics of the lanes; where to stage, where it’s going to pull the car, and I’m processing all of this. So then I go out there and the car makes a move to the right and I didn’t think it was going to make it down, because when you’re accelerating that hard, the front end is light and they don’t want to steer and the cars get real edgy. And then when I got it back in the middle of the lane and at the transition, it hit a bump. I got on the radio in the shutdown area and said it looped the tires a little bit down there. Going back and looking at the data, it barely made it, but it did, and we got that 3.87 and it feels awesome.”

In Pro Stock, Brainerd winner Jason Line continued his momentum in clocking a 6.570 at 209.62 mph, putting some distance on second-place Erica Enders at 6.590. Wally Stroupe sits in the No. 16 spot with his 6.694, leaving Alan Prusiensky, Richard Freeman, and three others outside the show after what may have been the quickest session teams will see all weekend.

“I think we have something good right now, and hopefully we can keep it that way,” Line said. “This is the best Summit Racing Chevy Camaro I’ve had in a couple years, for sure, and that makes it exciting and fun. You know, I’ve never won Indy. Last week in Brainerd I got to cross one off my list, and I’d like to cross another one off this week.”

Andrew Hines parked his Harley-Davidson atop the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with as 6.864 at 194.63, just ahead of rival Matt Smith and his 6.874.

Rickie Smith, back in his comfort zone behind the wheel of a big cubic-inch nitrous powerplant, denied everyone as the sun dipped low in the sky during the opening session of Pro Mod qualifying. Smith clocked an impressive 5.746 at 251.95, nearly .03-seconds ahead of Mike Castellana, who sits second at 5.774. The bump stands at Steve Jackson’s 6.108, but that number is certainly expected to change as the weekend goes on.