The NHRA 2005 Winternationals - Thursday

By Robert Briggs

John Force rips off a stellar 4.697 sec 329.26 mph lap to open the 2005 Winternationals. The bar for 2005 has been raised!

Super Stock's Harry Holton leads the pack after two qualifying sessions.

Competition Eliminator's J.D. Zink runs a 6.932 sec putting him in the #3 position.

Pro Stock's Mike Edwards laid down a 6.732 sec 205.13 mph putting him on top after one day of qualifying.

Tony Schumacher didn't have any problems on his first qualifying pass. His 4.487 sec 321.04 placed in on top of the Top Fuel field.

Top Alcohol Dragster's Duane Shields pulls the wheels up ...

and up ...

then the tires let go ...

resulting in a fuel leak and fire ...

but it's extinguished within seconds on a wild run! Duane appears to be okay.

Top Alcohol Funny Car's Jay Payne was the last to run but ended up on top with a 5.664 sec 239.95 mph lap.

Ron Capps muscled his way into the #6 position with a 4.884 sec 316.97 mph run.

Veteran Pro Stock Jim Yates manhandled a tricky 6.734 sec 196.24 mph lap into the 3rd position in the first qualifying session.

Robert Briggs
rbriggs6@charter.net