The 50th Annual NHRA Gatornationals From Gainesville Raceway

Top Fuel pilot Richie Crampton secured back-to-back event victories Sunday at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Robert Hight (Funny Car), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the third of 24 events on the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Crampton locked in his first victory since this event last year on a holeshot win against Clay Millican with his pass of 3.769-seconds at 329.89 mph in his DHL / Kalitta Air dragster. He had not won a round this season, prior to securing his ninth career win.

“This is just a big race no matter what year you win it,” Crampton stated. “There were not too many easy rounds this year. That goes to tell you how difficult this Top Fuel category is. I think this win is going to take a while to sink in. I’m so lucky to have a team that puts me in a position to win like this. I’m just focusing to be a dependable driver.”

Millican, who raced to his second career final round at the facility, started from the No. 7 position and defeated Austin Prock, Jordan Vandergriff and veteran Doug Kalitta before the final.

Hight claimed the Funny Car title with his run of 3.867 at 331.61 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS to defeat Tim Wilkerson in the finals. After earning his third No. 1 qualifier of the season on Saturday, Hight secured his second Wally of the season and 47th of his career.

“Qualifying No. 1 at the first three races is really impressive,” Hight said. “It shows that we have a really good handle on this car. We didn’t get the job done on the last day of the season last year and my team worked really hard because they don’t want to be in that spot again.”

Drew Skillman emerged victorious in the quickest Factory Stock Showdown field in history, recording a national record elapsed time of 7.71 along his path to the winner’s circle.

Hight raced against Terry Haddock, Ron Capps and John Force before entering his second final round of the season. Wilkerson took down Dave Richards, Cruz Pedregon and defending event winner Jack Beckman.

In Pro Stock, 2017 world champion Butner powered his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevrolet Camaro to victory with a run of 6.505 at 212.29 over Alex Laughlin. Butner was the runner-up at this facility last year and clinched his second win of the season. His fiance, Randi Lyn Shipp, won in the Stock Eliminator category at this event.

“I had no shot of winning rounds today,” Butner stated. “Second and third round we didn’t get down the track. The KB guys never gave up and I made the best run of the weekend in the finals. We were real ready for the final.”

Butner qualified in the No. 5 position and defeated Fernando Cuadro, Deric Kramer and No. 1 qualifier Rodger Brogdon who red-lit in the semi-finals. Laughlin bested veterans Jason Line, Greg Anderson and Kenny Delco before facing Butner.

Hines raced to his first win in the category since Pomona 2 2017 with a run of 6.752 at 199.17 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance and Hines Harley-Davidson Street Rod. He defeated his teammate and defending event winner Eddie Krawiec for a rematch of the finals from 2018. Krawiec was the No. 1 qualifier for the event and secured his 49th career victory.

“The motorcycle I had this weekend was phenomenal,” Hines said. “It was tracking straight down the track and it responded to all of the changes. That made it so much easier to focus on going out there and racing, cutting good lights and not really worrying about what could happen the very next run.”

Krawiec was the No. 2 qualifier for the event and defeated Scott Pollacheck, Jim Underdahl and Joey Gladstone en route to his fourth consecutive final round at this facility.

It was a final round for the record books today at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals between E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Drag Racing series presented by Hoosier Tire and Jerry Bickel Race Cars racers Todd Tutterow and Steve Jackson.

Tutterow won the Wally trophy when he got the holeshot win with his 5.662-second lap at 251.86 mph over Jackson’s quicker 5.643 pass at 253.95. Jackson set the Pro Mod national speed record but came up short for the win.

“I won a lot of races a lot of places, a lot of championships everywhere but this means a lot to me,” Tutterow stated. “My mom and dad have been wanting me to do the NHRA thing for years and years and I finally got the opportunity.”

His Gatornationals win is his career first win in Pro Mod. En route to his win, Tutterow defeated Mike Janis, Chad Green and Marc Caruso while Jackson took out Eric Latino, Steven Whiteley and Jeremy Ray.

Sunday’s final results from the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The race is the third of 24 in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Richie Crampton, 3.769 seconds, 323.89 mph def. Clay Millican, 3.756 seconds, 324.67 mph.

Funny Car — Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.867, 331.61 def. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 11.165, 92.63.

Pro Stock — Bo Butner, Chevy Camaro, 6.505, 212.29 def. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, Broke.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.752, 199.17 def. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.762, 198.90.

Pro Modified — Todd Tutterow, Chevy Camaro, 5.662, 251.86 def. Steve Jackson, Camaro, 5.643, 253.95.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Megan Meyer, 5.201, 285.35 def. Mike Bucher, 7.301, 122.56.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Sean Bellemeur, Chevy Camaro, 5.352, 273.27 def. Doug Gordon, Camaro, 5.469, 266.21.

Top Fuel Harley — Beau Layne, Weekend, 6.473, 217.42 def. Bob Malloy, Buell, 7.247, 187.96.

Factory Stock Showdown — Drew Skillman, Ford Mustang, 7.736, 176.70 def. Stephen Bell, Chevy Camaro, 7.887, 176.33.

Competition Eliminator — Craig Bourgeois, Dragster, 6.820, 184.77 def. Randy Daniels, Sunfire, 8.297, 161.65.

Super Stock — Kevin Riner, Chevy Camaro, 10.278, 124.96 def. Mark Alvey, Camaro, 10.055, 126.10.

Stock Eliminator — Randi Lyn Shipp, Pontiac Firebird, 10.517, 118.96 def. Eddie Longhany Jr, Chevy Camaro, 10.223, 128.21.

Super Comp — Holden Laris, Dragster, 8.941, 181.18 def. Nichole Stephenson, Dragster, 8.926, 179.49.

Super Gas — Ed Richardson, Chevy Cutlass, 9.898, 166.83 def. Carl Watts, Chevy Cavalier, 9.871, 164.87.

Super Street — Doug Ramsey, Chevy Camaro, 10.905, 145.75 def. Colby Fuller, Camaro, 10.927, 135.56.

Top Dragster presented by RacingRVs.com — Anthony Bertozzi, Dragster, 10.972, 81.76 def. Steve Furr, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Top Sportsman presented by RacingRVs.com — Sandy Wilkins, Chevy Camaro, 6.655, 193.71 def. Bruce Thrift, Pontiac GTO, 6.620, 207.59.

Brittany Force, Robert Hight, Rodger Brogdon, Andrew Hines Lead Raceday Fields Into 50th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

Brittany Force set the Gainesville Raceway track record during the fourth qualifying session of Top Fuel to become the first woman to qualify No. 1 at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals since Shirley Muldowney 40 years ago.

Robert Hight (Funny Car), Rodger Brogdon (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the third of 24 events on the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

B. Force locked-in the top spot with her pass of 3.680-seconds at 326.32 mph in her Advance Auto Parts dragster to set claim the track record. The 2017 world champion is seeking her first win of the season at the facility where she secured her first career win in 2016.

“I’m very proud to put a number on the board like that,” B. Force stated. “We want to go out and win this race tomorrow. On that last run, (David) Grubnic pulled me aside and told me it was going to be a fast one and to hang on. This place is a special place to me, and I love racing here. I can’t wait to come back and win here again.”

B. Force will line up against Chris Karamesines in round one of eliminations on Sunday. Mike Salinas secured the No. 2 spot with his run of 3.694 at 326.32 and will face rookie Jordan Vandergriff. Defending world champion Steve Torrence rounds out the top three.

Hight sits atop of the Funny Car class with his run of 3.868 at 331.12 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro. He has swept the No. 1 qualifying position for the 2019 season and third career No. 1 at the facility.

“It’s pretty amazing and a lot of hard work,” Hight said. “We had a chance to win a championship last year and didn’t get it done. It didn’t sit well with my team and they worked hard at getting this thing prepared and figuring out what our weaknesses were. Qualifying is over and now we’ve got a race to win.”

He will face-off against Terry Haddock Sunday morning in the first round. Tim Wilkerson sits in the No. 2 position with a pass of 3.875 at 327.27 and Tommy Johnson Jr. is third.

Brogdon took the category lead during the fourth round of qualifying with his run of 6.490 at 212.43 in his RBR Machine Chevrolet Camaro. He secured his second No. 1 qualifier of the season, second at the facility and is chasing his first win since 2015.

“I’ve always been able to drive a race car,” Brogdon stated. “The hardest part is having a lot of power and a good car. The Elite (Motorsports) team and (team owner) Richard Freeman are incredible. He puts me in a fast car every weekend. To win this race and with the toughest class, I’d probably cross everything else off my bucket list.”

Brogdon will race Wally Stroupe in the first round of eliminations. Veteran Greg Anderson powered his Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro to the No. 2 spot with his pass 6.494 at 213.40 and Matt Hartford is third overall.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hines raced to the top of the category during the fourth qualifying session securing a national time record of 6.720 at 199.94 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. His last victory at Gainesville was in 2004 and is on the hunt for his first win since Pomona 2 2017.

“The guys on our team are doing a great job making sure that we get motorcycles that are flawless and making sure that we go to the start line with no problems,” Hines said. “I was really hoping to go 200. That was really the point to strive for and it would’ve been nice to get that one out of the way. Tomorrow is a new day and we will try again then.”

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals first round of eliminations begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Gainesville Raceway.

Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, the third 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. Brittany Force, 3.680 seconds, 326.32 mph vs. 16. Chris Karamesines, 4.048, 251.63; 2. Mike Salinas, 3.694, 326.32 vs. 15. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.846, 293.09; 3. Steve Torrence, 3.709, 329.75 vs. 14. Dom Lagana, 3.822, 298.40; 4. Leah Pritchett, 3.724, 325.22 vs. 13. Pat Dakin, 3.803, 326.24; 5. Antron Brown, 3.726, 330.23 vs. 12. Richie Crampton, 3.777, 322.65; 6. Terry McMillen, 3.743, 327.74 vs. 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.760, 321.35; 7. Clay Millican, 3.744, 325.85 vs. 10. Austin Prock, 3.758, 330.15; 8. Scott Palmer, 3.750, 326.56 vs. 9. T.J. Zizzo, 3.753, 328.62.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Cameron Ferre, 4.084, 279.79; 18. Lex Joon, 5.001, 149.78.

Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.868, 331.12 vs. 16. Terry Haddock, Ford Mustang, 4.410, 232.67; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.875, 327.27 vs. 15. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.294, 243.94; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.896, 324.75 vs. 14. John Smith, Charger, 4.116, 275.28; 4. John Force, Camaro, 3.897, 331.94 vs. 13. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.017, 308.92; 5. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.900, 325.85 vs. 12. Jonnie Lindberg, Mustang, 4.016, 319.14; 6. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.900, 323.74 vs. 11. J.R. Todd, Toyota Camry, 4.012, 316.82; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.910, 325.30 vs. 10. Shawn Langdon, Camry, 3.959, 325.06; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.933, 318.77 vs. 9. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.953, 316.67.

Pro Stock — 1. Rodger Brogdon, Chevy Camaro, 6.490, 212.43 vs. 16. Wally Stroupe, Camaro, 6.675, 206.67; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.494, 213.40 vs. 15. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.644, 208.36; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.508, 211.06 vs. 14. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.620, 206.04; 4. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.509, 212.36 vs. 13. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.571, 211.03; 5. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.511, 212.09 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.542, 212.13; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.514, 211.89 vs. 11. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.538, 211.89; 7. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.515, 211.99 vs. 10. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.534, 211.79; 8. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.516, 211.96 vs. 9. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.518, 211.13.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Jeff Isbell, 6.683, 207.37.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.720, 199.67 vs. 16. Cory Reed, EBR, 6.918, 195.03; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.747, 200.59 vs. 15. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.893, 193.35; 3. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.753, 200.95 vs. 14. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.888, 197.28; 4. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.784, 199.02 vs. 13. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.874, 193.07; 5. Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.803, 199.91 vs. 12. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.869, 195.08; 6. Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.814, 195.90 vs. 11. Joey Gladstone, EBR, 6.855, 193.07; 7. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.821, 197.16 vs. 10. Melissa Surber, Buell, 6.850, 193.46; 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.844, 193.85 vs. 9. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.847, 198.20.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Steve Johnson, 6.938, 194.24; 18. John Hall, 6.949, 193.49; 19. Katie Sullivan, 6.959, 193.10; 20. Marc Ingwersen, 6.960, 192.47; 21. Jianna Salinas, 7.092, 191.46; 22. Lance Bonham, 7.101, 187.16; 23. Andie Rawlings, 7.256, 179.54.

Zizzo, Hight, Butner And Matt Smith Lead Friday Qualifying At Gainesville

Part-time Top Fuel racer T.J. Zizzo sits atop of the field after qualifying on Friday at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Robert Hight (Funny Car), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also No. 1 provisional qualifiers in their respective categories at the third of 24 events on the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

Zizzo piloted his Rustoleum dragster to a 3.762-second lap at 323.35 mph to earn the provisional No. 1 spot. The part-time team made its debut of the 2019 season in Gainesville.

“Our guys worked really hard on our race car,” Zizzo said. “I realize that I haven’t raced since the U.S. Nationals. Some part time teams, they park their car for an extended period of time then they kind of get it out of the woodwork and run their car just to run it. We don’t do that. We really race hard. I choose to spend time away from my family so I better make it worthwhile.”

Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta is second in the category with his time of 3.776 at 321.50 in his Mac Tools dragster while 2017 world champion Brittany Force sits in the third position.

In Funny Car, Hight currently sits No. 1 with his time of 3.928 at 305.15 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. Hight qualified No. 1 at the first two events of the season and looks to carry his momentum throughout the weekend.

“Honestly when I made that run, I said it would be top five,” Hight said. “I really thought someone would run in the .80’s and run better. There’s more left in it, Conditions are going to get better tomorrow.”

Bob Tasca qualified second with after his 3.953 at 316.67 lap in his Motorcraft Ford Mustang while Ron Capps sits third with a 3.965 at 308.14 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

Butner is the Pro Stock provisional No. 1 qualifier when he powered his Jim Butner’s Auto Chevy Camaro to a 6.556 at 210.73. The 2017 world champ qualified No. 1 at the event in Phoenix two weeks prior while winning the season opening race in Pomona.

“Well, I can’t complain,” Butner said. “Our Chevy Camaro was pretty awesome. It has been all season. It’s just been very consistent. We made two rounds today within a (thousandth of a second). So that’s pretty impressive. I think we’re going to have a good weekend.”

The two-time world champion Erica Enders is second in her Melling Performance / Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro with her run of 6.560 at 210.41. Greg Anderson is third with a 6.563 at 210.24.

Defending world champion M. Smith took the top spot after driving to 6.753 at 200.95 run on his Elite Performance/DENSO Auto Parts/Stockseth EB during the first qualifying pass of the day. Smith did not qualify for this event in 2018 and seeks to change history at the season opening event for Pro Stock Motorcycle.

“I’m just glad (the success from last season) is carrying over,” said the three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champ. “Sometimes, you do stuff at the end of the year and it doesn’t carry over in to the following year. But, we worked really hard. We made two more identical bikes to what mine is. We’re working the little bugs out of them for Angie (Smith) and Scotty (Pollacheck). Then hopefully we can get two more of these bikes just like mine and where we can have a three bike and a pretty awesome team.”

Eddie Krawiec qualified second in the field with a 6.792 at 199.91 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Street Rod while his teammate Andrew Hines rounds out the top three.

Qualifying for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals returns Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET at Gainesville Raceway.

Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, third of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. T.J. Zizzo, 3.762 seconds, 323.35 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 3.776, 321.50; 3. Brittany Force, 3.800, 323.81; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.800, 320.51; 5. Scott Palmer, 3.812, 319.90; 6. Leah Pritchett, 3.818, 321.88; 7. Richie Crampton, 3.821, 317.12; 8. Dom Lagana, 3.822, 298.40; 9. Terry McMillen, 3.845, 317.72; 10. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.846, 293.09; 11. Austin Prock, 3.859, 322.27; 12. Mike Salinas, 3.930, 241.93; 13. Antron Brown, 4.010, 246.30; 14. Chris Karamesines, 4.048, 251.63; 15. Clay Millican, 4.075, 228.38; 16. Cameron Ferre, 4.084, 279.79. Not Qualified: 17. Lex Joon, 5.001, 149.78; 18. Pat Dakin, 6.085, 103.47.

Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.928, 305.15; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.953, 316.67; 3. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 3.965, 308.14; 4. Shawn Langdon, Toyota Camry, 3.979, 319.37; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 3.985, 322.58; 6. John Force, Camaro, 3.995, 314.68; 7. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.007, 317.05; 8. J.R. Todd, Camry, 4.012, 316.82; 9. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.018, 308.14; 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.019, 285.95; 11. John Smith, Charger, 4.116, 275.28; 12. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.172, 293.54; 13. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.294, 243.94; 14. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.410, 232.67; 15. Jonnie Lindberg, Mustang, 4.836, 167.22; 16. Jack Beckman, Charger, 5.075, 147.46.

Pro Stock — 1. Bo Butner, Chevy Camaro, 6.556, 210.73; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.556, 210.08; 3.
Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.560, 210.97; 4. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.560, 210.41; 5. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.562, 210.14; 6. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.567, 211.16; 7. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.570, 210.64; 8. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.573, 210.01; 9. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.574, 209.79; 10. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.592, 209.26; 11. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.600, 210.18; 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.604, 209.07; 13. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.653, 207.69; 14. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.662, 209.26; 15. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 6.706, 205.57; 16. Wally Stroupe, Camaro, 6.782, 204.57. Not
Qualified: 17. Jeff Isbell, 6.952, 202.79.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.753, 200.95; 2. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.792, 199.91; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.812, 198.58; 4. Angelle Sampey, Harley-Davidson, 6.820, 197.80; 5. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.847, 198.20; 6. Joey Gladstone, EBR, 6.870, 194.52; 7. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 6.871, 196.24; 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.872, 195.85; 9. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.888, 197.28; 10. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.909, 197.02; 11. Cory Reed, EBR, 6.918, 195.03; 12. Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.929, 193.21; 13. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.939, 192.66; 14. Scotty Pollacheck, EBR, 6.957, 193.77; 15. Marc Ingwersen, Buell, 6.960, 192.47; 16. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.961, 194.24.
Not Qualified: 17. Katie Sullivan, 6.976, 193.10; 18. Karen Stoffer, 7.034, 194.32; 19. Jianna Salinas, 7.092, 191.46; 20. Lance Bonham, 7.101, 187.16; 21. John Hall, 7.110, 190.62; 22. Melissa Surber, 7.144, 191.92; 23. Andie Rawlings, 7.256, 179.54.