Friday qualifying...
Force, Bernstein, Anderson and Hines Lead Qualifying at Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals
COMMERCE, Ga. -- John Force celebrated his 57th birthday with a quick qualifying effort Friday at the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway.
Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) joined Force as qualifying leaders at the $1.5 million race, the seventh of 23 races in the $50 million POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Force used a track-record performance of 4.686 seconds at 329.58 mph -- the sixth quickest run in class history -- in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang to become the early favorite at a race he's won seven times.
"I'm amazed we're in Atlanta and we're running these hero numbers," Force said. "That's not supposed to happen here. I guess the Safety Safari is working overtime to get this track into shape. It's great."
Bernstein was pleased with his 4.521 at 328.06 mph in his Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster despite having to wrestle his car to a stop after the left rear tire on his dragster went down just past the finish line.
"It was going great right down there nice and smooth," Bernstein said. "Right at the lights when I lifted I felt this huge vibration and had the 'chute out. We got it stopped and when I looked back, there the tire was gone.
"We got the No. 1 qualifying spot, but we're going to have to switch to a new chassis. We're not sure why we had that vibration during the run and it's something we can't check here so we'll switch to the new car and check this one out when we get back to the shop."
Anderson proved it's no fluke he's won the last two Pro Stock titles at this event by posting both ends of the track record with a 6.704 at 205.22 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO to claim the low qualifier position in the provisional field.
"Everybody refers to Atlanta as Warren Johnson's home track, and it is," Anderson said, "but you don't want to forget that I worked for him for 12 years and even though I wasn't driving the car, I was tuning it. Every time we tested, I was right here with him. It's not like this is a strange place for me. I know this track better than any other."
Four Pro Stock runs were thrown out by race officials due to a malfunctioning infrared starting line beam in the right lane, resulting in inaccurate 60-foot times on several qualifying attempts. The racers affected by the ruling were Erica Enders, Dave Howard, Mark Pawuk, and Greg Stanfield. Those four drivers all recorded 60-foot times quicker than .970-second; Enders in the first session and the other three in the second.
Hines led Pro Stock Motorcycle with a 7.084 at 187.16 on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.
"The first two races were a real big eye-opener for us," Hines said. "We got behind the eight-ball in Gainesville and saw a couple of teams show that they were ahead of us. We were not happy [so] we went back to the shop and got to work."
Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday's eliminations start at 11 a.m.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 4.521 seconds, 328.06 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.529, 324.67; 3. Rod Fuller, 4.535, 327.74; 4. Melanie Troxel, 4.541, 327.03; 5. Hillary Will, 4.552, 319.52; 6. Larry Dixon, 4.559, 329.10; 7. Tony Schumacher, 4.562, 321.81; 8. Morgan Lucas, 4.571, 321.19; 9. Doug Herbert, 4.592, 316.23; 10. Scott Weis, 4.608, 316.67; 11. Cory McClenathan, 4.611, 324.20; 12. Clay Millican, 4.625, 315.19; 13. David Baca, 4.658, 319.45; 14. Michael Gunderson, 4.735, 315.12; 15. Scott Palmer, 4.846, 246.93; 16. Bob Vandergriff, 4.853, 251.39.
Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.686, 329.58; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.698, 325.61; 3. Del Worsham, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.730, 328.70; 4. Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.734, 318.54; 5. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger, 4.744, 328.78; 6. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.746, 320.74; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.747, 318.24; 8. Whit Bazemore, Charger, 4.780, 304.25; 9. Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.797, 318.02; 10. Ron Capps, Dodge Stratus, 4.803, 316.45; 11. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo, 4.824, 319.52; 12. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo, 4.829, 318.47; 13. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 4.842, 313.51; 14. Jim Head, Stratus, 4.853, 317.87; 15. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo, 4.856, 315.42; 16. Phil Burkart, Monte Carlo, 4.876, 308.71.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GTO, 6.704, 205.22; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.714, 205.19; 3. Jason Line, GTO, 6.724, 204.94; 4. Jim Yates, GTO, 6.724, 204.51; 5. Erica Enders, Cobalt, 6.726, 205.04; 6. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.726, 204.32; 7. Mike Edwards, GTO, 6.739, 204.60; 8. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.741, 204.32; 9. Warren Johnson, GTO, 6.745, 204.26; 10. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.745, 203.49; 11. Mike Thomas, Stratus, 6.747, 203.58; 12. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.748, 204.45; 13. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.753, 203.00; 14. Rickie Smith, GTO, 6.754, 204.32; 15. Richie Stevens, Stratus, 6.763, 203.03; 16. Dave Howard, Cobalt, 6.772, 203.46.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.084, 187.16; 2. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.113, 188.28; 3. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.142, 184.88; 4. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.160, 187.08; 5. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.167, 185.84; 6. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.172, 186.10; 7. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.179, 185.15; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.179, 184.77; 9. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.184, 184.77; 10. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.197, 184.70; 11. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.206, 184.62; 12. Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.213, 185.15; 13. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.219, 186.10; 14. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.219, 182.38; 15. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.221, 185.77; 16. Chris Rivas, Buell, 7.225, 182.18.
2006 NHRA Atlanta Coverage
Last edited by draglist on Sun May 07, 2006 2:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bill Pratt
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Final qualifying
Bernstein, Force, Anderson, and Brown Earn No. 1 Qualifying Positions at Atlanta Dragway
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Third-year pro Brandon Bernstein secured his first No. 1 qualifying award of the season Saturday to lead the Top Fuel category at the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The son of legendary drag racer Kenny Bernstein was joined by fellow top qualifiers John Force (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Antron Brown (Pro Stock Motorcycle) at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.
Bernstein earned his ninth career No. 1 qualifying position with his 4.521 at 328.06 mph performance from Friday, and also posted the quickest run Saturday, with a 4.540-second effort.
"It really seems like Tim [Richards, crew chief] has found something," said Bernstein. "He can tune this Budweiser/Lucas Oil car to do what he wants, it seems, no matter if it's sunny or cool. As a driver, it's such a good feeling to know that if you cut a good light and do your job you have a great chance to win the race."
Force's 4.686 at 329.58 performance from Friday's second session stood and the 28-year racing veteran now has four low qualifier awards this year in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and 129 in his career.
"It's good to run in the heat today," Force said of his 4.809 in Saturday's final qualifying session. "But I see [point leader Ron] Capps over there and he's going straight down the alley every time, just like he has all year. Getting low E.T. is great, but it don't mean a thing if you go home early tomorrow. We got a good hot rod but tomorrow's a new day."
Pro Stock's Anderson earned his fifth No. 1 position of the season and 45th of his career with a 6.704 at 205.22 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO.
"Last night's run came at the right time," Anderson said. "There are a lot of guys and girls running strong right now in this class. Even so, the last 13 elimination ladders have been led by a Summit Racing car. If I don't get it done, Jason [Line, teammate] does. It's a real credit to our team because it isn't easy."
Brown raced to a track-record 7.080 at 188.28 on his U.S. Army Suzuki to claim his first No. 1 qualifying effort of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
"Yet again, this U.S. Army team got the job done," Brown said. "I'm really pumped up for tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be my turn in victory lane."
Eliminations start Sunday at 11 a.m.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 4.521 seconds, 328.06 mph vs. 16. Michael Gunderson, 4.735, 316.82; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.529, 328.30 vs. 15. David Baca, 4.635, 319.45; 3. Rod Fuller, 4.535, 327.74 vs. 14. Clay Millican, 4.625, 315.19; 4. Melanie Troxel, 4.541, 327.03 vs. 13. Bob Vandergriff, 4.613, 322.81; 5. Hillary Will, 4.552, 319.52 vs. 12. Scott Weis, 4.608, 316.67; 6. Larry Dixon, 4.559, 329.10 vs. 11. David Grubnic, 4.600, 324.90; 7. Tony Schumacher, 4.562, 321.81 vs. 10. Cory McClenathan, 4.580, 327.66; 8. Doug Herbert, 4.563, 324.75 vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 4.571, 321.19.
Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.686, 329.58 vs. 16. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.875, 321.50; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.698, 325.61 vs. 15. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo, 4.856, 315.42; 3. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.730, 328.70 vs. 14. Jim Head, Dodge Stratus, 4.853, 317.87; 4. Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.734, 318.54 vs. 13. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 4.842, 313.51; 5. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger, 4.744, 328.78 vs. 12. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo, 4.829, 318.47; 6. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.746, 320.74 vs. 11. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo, 4.819, 319.52; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.747, 318.24 vs. 10. Ron Capps, Stratus, 4.803, 319.14; 8. Whit Bazemore, Charger, 4.780, 317.27 vs. 9. Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.797, 318.02.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GTO, 6.704, 205.22 vs. 16. Greg Stanfield, GTO, 6.754, 204.35; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.714, 205.19 vs. 15. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.753, 203.92; 3. Jason Line, GTO, 6.724, 205.19 vs. 14. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.748, 205.04; 4. Jim Yates, GTO, 6.724, 204.51 vs. 13. Mike Thomas, Dodge Stratus, 6.747, 204.35; 5. Erica Enders, Cobalt, 6.726, 205.04 vs. 12. Dave Howard, Cobalt, 6.746, 205.13; 6. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.726, 204.32 vs. 11. Rickie Smith, GTO, 6.746, 205.19; 7. Warren Johnson, GTO, 6.734, 205.79 vs. 10. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.745, 204.63; 8. Mike Edwards, GTO, 6.739, 204.73 vs. 9. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.741, 204.79.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.080, 188.28 vs. 16. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.179, 184.77; 2. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.083, 189.07 vs. 15. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.176, 187.36; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.084, 187.16 vs. 14. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.155, 187.47; 4. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.104, 184.77 vs. 13. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.143, 187.83; 5. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.107, 188.33 vs. 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.140, 188.96; 6. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.110, 186.15 vs. 11. Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.136, 188.20; 7. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.111, 188.07 vs. 10. Marco Andreano, Buell, 7.124, 186.79; 8. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.113, 188.94 vs. 9. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.114, 185.82.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Third-year pro Brandon Bernstein secured his first No. 1 qualifying award of the season Saturday to lead the Top Fuel category at the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The son of legendary drag racer Kenny Bernstein was joined by fellow top qualifiers John Force (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Antron Brown (Pro Stock Motorcycle) at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event.
Bernstein earned his ninth career No. 1 qualifying position with his 4.521 at 328.06 mph performance from Friday, and also posted the quickest run Saturday, with a 4.540-second effort.
"It really seems like Tim [Richards, crew chief] has found something," said Bernstein. "He can tune this Budweiser/Lucas Oil car to do what he wants, it seems, no matter if it's sunny or cool. As a driver, it's such a good feeling to know that if you cut a good light and do your job you have a great chance to win the race."
Force's 4.686 at 329.58 performance from Friday's second session stood and the 28-year racing veteran now has four low qualifier awards this year in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and 129 in his career.
"It's good to run in the heat today," Force said of his 4.809 in Saturday's final qualifying session. "But I see [point leader Ron] Capps over there and he's going straight down the alley every time, just like he has all year. Getting low E.T. is great, but it don't mean a thing if you go home early tomorrow. We got a good hot rod but tomorrow's a new day."
Pro Stock's Anderson earned his fifth No. 1 position of the season and 45th of his career with a 6.704 at 205.22 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO.
"Last night's run came at the right time," Anderson said. "There are a lot of guys and girls running strong right now in this class. Even so, the last 13 elimination ladders have been led by a Summit Racing car. If I don't get it done, Jason [Line, teammate] does. It's a real credit to our team because it isn't easy."
Brown raced to a track-record 7.080 at 188.28 on his U.S. Army Suzuki to claim his first No. 1 qualifying effort of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
"Yet again, this U.S. Army team got the job done," Brown said. "I'm really pumped up for tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be my turn in victory lane."
Eliminations start Sunday at 11 a.m.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.
Top Fuel -- 1. Brandon Bernstein, 4.521 seconds, 328.06 mph vs. 16. Michael Gunderson, 4.735, 316.82; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.529, 328.30 vs. 15. David Baca, 4.635, 319.45; 3. Rod Fuller, 4.535, 327.74 vs. 14. Clay Millican, 4.625, 315.19; 4. Melanie Troxel, 4.541, 327.03 vs. 13. Bob Vandergriff, 4.613, 322.81; 5. Hillary Will, 4.552, 319.52 vs. 12. Scott Weis, 4.608, 316.67; 6. Larry Dixon, 4.559, 329.10 vs. 11. David Grubnic, 4.600, 324.90; 7. Tony Schumacher, 4.562, 321.81 vs. 10. Cory McClenathan, 4.580, 327.66; 8. Doug Herbert, 4.563, 324.75 vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 4.571, 321.19.
Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.686, 329.58 vs. 16. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.875, 321.50; 2. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.698, 325.61 vs. 15. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo, 4.856, 315.42; 3. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.730, 328.70 vs. 14. Jim Head, Dodge Stratus, 4.853, 317.87; 4. Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.734, 318.54 vs. 13. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 4.842, 313.51; 5. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger, 4.744, 328.78 vs. 12. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo, 4.829, 318.47; 6. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.746, 320.74 vs. 11. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo, 4.819, 319.52; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.747, 318.24 vs. 10. Ron Capps, Stratus, 4.803, 319.14; 8. Whit Bazemore, Charger, 4.780, 317.27 vs. 9. Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.797, 318.02.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac GTO, 6.704, 205.22 vs. 16. Greg Stanfield, GTO, 6.754, 204.35; 2. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cobalt, 6.714, 205.19 vs. 15. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.753, 203.92; 3. Jason Line, GTO, 6.724, 205.19 vs. 14. Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.748, 205.04; 4. Jim Yates, GTO, 6.724, 204.51 vs. 13. Mike Thomas, Dodge Stratus, 6.747, 204.35; 5. Erica Enders, Cobalt, 6.726, 205.04 vs. 12. Dave Howard, Cobalt, 6.746, 205.13; 6. Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.726, 204.32 vs. 11. Rickie Smith, GTO, 6.746, 205.19; 7. Warren Johnson, GTO, 6.734, 205.79 vs. 10. Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.745, 204.63; 8. Mike Edwards, GTO, 6.739, 204.73 vs. 9. V. Gaines, Stratus, 6.741, 204.79.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.080, 188.28 vs. 16. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.179, 184.77; 2. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.083, 189.07 vs. 15. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.176, 187.36; 3. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.084, 187.16 vs. 14. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.155, 187.47; 4. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.104, 184.77 vs. 13. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.143, 187.83; 5. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.107, 188.33 vs. 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.140, 188.96; 6. Matt Smith, Buell, 7.110, 186.15 vs. 11. Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.136, 188.20; 7. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.111, 188.07 vs. 10. Marco Andreano, Buell, 7.124, 186.79; 8. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.113, 188.94 vs. 9. Matt Guidera, Buell, 7.114, 185.82.
Bill Pratt
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
-
jim sanders
- Posts:8740
- Joined:Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:54 am
- Location:St.Louis Mo.
- Contact:
-
jim sanders
- Posts:8740
- Joined:Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:54 am
- Location:St.Louis Mo.
- Contact:
Kalitta, Pedregon, Connolly and Brown Earn Victories at Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Doug Kalitta raced to his second straight Top Fuel victory Sunday by beating season-long series leader Melanie Troxel in the final-round of the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway.
Former Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon, Pro Stock rising star Dave Connolly, and Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Antron Brown also scored victories in their respective categories at the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Kalitta posted a 4.469-second pass at 327.57 mph in his Mac Tools dragster to defeat Troxel, whose Skull Shine/Torco Race Fuels dragster lost traction 100 feet into the race. It was Kalitta's 26th career victory and a carbon copy of last year's sweep of races in Bristol, Tenn. and Atlanta.
"This is still hard to believe, but I'm pretty happy right now," said Kalitta, who defeated David Baca, Tony Schumacher and Larry Dixon in earlier rounds. "Two in a row is great and it gives us some good momentum. Melanie's got a strong team over there and we're all trying to catch up to her. They've had a really good start to the year and she's out there quite a bit on all of us."
Troxel's lead in the POWERade standings is now 132 points. She has raced to six of seven finals this year. With his win, Kalitta moved around his teammate Dave Grubnic and into second place in the standings.
A former series champion, Pedregon beat all three of his former teammates -- John Force, Eric Medlen, and final-round opponent Robert Hight -- to win his 30th career Funny Car title. After leaving the line first in the final, his 4.740 at 325.69 mph in his Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo was good enough to hold off Hight's charging Auto Club Ford Mustang, which finished in 4.738 at 321.81 mph.
"If I had any friends left on that team they're probably gone now," said Pedregon, who has now won three times at Atlanta Dragway, including his first career victory in 1996. "I looked at the ladder this morning and I knew it wasn't going to be an easy day. We haven't performed up to our abilities this year and believe me I was thinking about the fact we weren't even in the top 10 at the start of the day. There is no better way to make up for a slow start than to win."
Ron Capps remained in the series lead despite a first-round loss. He now leads Force by 96.
Connolly became the seventh different Pro Stock winner of the season with his sixth career victory and first with new crew chief Tommy Utt. He raced to a final round performance of 6.695 at 205.69 mph in his Skull Gear Chevy Cobalt to defeat Greg Stanfield, whose PiranhaZ Pontiac GTO got out of shape early in the run.
"This is the best race car I've ever had," said Connolly, who outran Jason Line, Allen Johnson and Larry Morgan to advance to his second final round of the season. "I couldn't complain about this thing at all. Tommy saved my butt three out of four races today. It's been a smooth transition, for sure. He's worked with Cagnazzi Racing and we use their motors, so he knew how to put the power together with the chassis, obviously."
Greg Anderson was upset in the first round by Stanfield and exits the race with a 53-point lead over teammate Line. With the victory, Connolly moved to ninth and runner-up Stanfield moved to sixth.
In a classic Suzuki versus Harley final, Brown earned the Pro Stock Motorcycle win over Andrew Hines on a holeshot start. Brown left with a near-perfect reaction time and held on for the win with a 7.098 at 187.44 mph on his U.S. Army Suzuki to Hines' quicker, but losing, 7.089 at 187.94 mph on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.
"I needed that .005 light because Andrew was stepping it up every round," Brown said. "The bike bogged at the start but by the time I went into high gear I still didn't see him and I just tucked low and held on. When I saw the win light I was the happiest guy in the world because that's the team to beat. They work hard over there but so do we."
Brown, who defeated Ryan Schnitz, Craig Treble, and Karen Stoffer to advance to the final, moved into the series points lead with the win. He holds a six-point lead over teammate Angelle Sampey, winner of the first two Pro Stock Motorcycle events.
The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series continues with the Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing, May 18-21 at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway. The $1.5 million race is the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
TOP FUEL: 1. Doug Kalitta; 2. Melanie Troxel; 3. Larry Dixon; 4. Morgan Lucas; 5. Hillary Will; 6. Tony Schumacher; 7. Brandon Bernstein; 8. Rod Fuller; 9. David Grubnic; 10. Clay Millican; 11. Cory McClenathan; 12. Bob Vandergriff; 13. Michael Gunderson; 14. Scott Weis; 15. Doug Herbert; 16. David Baca.
FUNNY CAR: 1. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang; 3. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo; 4. Eric Medlen, Mustang; 5. John Force, Mustang; 6. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo; 7. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo; 8. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger; 9. Whit Bazemore, Charger; 10. Ron Capps, Dodge Stratus; 11. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo; 12. Jim Head, Stratus; 13. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo; 14. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo; 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., Monte Carlo; 16. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo.
PRO STOCK: 1. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt; 2. Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GTO; 3. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus; 4. Jim Yates, GTO; 5. Erica Enders, Cobalt; 6. Mike Edwards, GTO; 7. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 8. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 9. Jason Line, GTO; 10. Mike Thomas, Stratus; 11. Ron Krisher, Cobalt; 12. Warren Johnson, GTO; 13. V. Gaines, Stratus; 14. Dave Howard, Cobalt; 15. Rickie Smith, GTO; 16. Greg Anderson, GTO.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 1. Antron Brown, Suzuki; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 3. Michael Phillips, Suzuki; 4. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 5. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 6. Marco Andreano; 7. Tom Bradford; 8. Geno Scali, Suzuki; 9. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki; 10. Shawn Gann, Suzuki; 11. Chip Ellis; 12. Ryan Schnitz; 13. Matt Guidera; 14. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki; 15. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson; 16. Matt Smith.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Sunday's final results from the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway. The $1.5 million race is the seventh of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel -- Doug Kalitta, 4.469 seconds, 327.59 mph def. Melanie Troxel, 7.234 seconds, 133.55 mph.
Funny Car -- Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.740, 325.69 def. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.738, 321.81.
Pro Stock -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.695, 205.69 def. Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GTO, 7.531, 127.34.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.098, 187.44 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.089, 187.94.
Top Alcohol Dragster -- Ashley Force, 5.573, 267.80 def. Karen Stalba, foul.
Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.608, 259.76 def. Steve Harker, Dodge Avenger, 8.460, 106.73.
Competition Eliminator -- Vinny Barone, Chevy Roadster, 30.809, 67.31 def. Sal Biondo, Chevy Beretta, foul.
Super Stock -- Michael Iacono, Chevy Camaro, 9.839, 133.05 def. Don Barber, Chevy Cavalier, 9.604, 126.73.
Stock Eliminator -- Bernie Cunningham, Pontiac Firebird, 10.876, 119.71 def. Scott Helms, Chevy Impala, 13.782, 96.05.
Super Gas -- Gene Norwood, Chevy Corvette, 9.912, 151.27 def. Steven Farrow, Chevy Bel Air, 10.066, 138.36.
Super Street -- David Anspach, Plymouth Duster, 10.863, 132.65 def. Joe Urbino, Chevy Malibu, 10.858, 129.65.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Final round-by-round results from the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Morgan Lucas, 4.715, 272.78 def. Doug Herbert, 6.607, 125.83; Tony Schumacher, 4.448, 331.28 def. Cory McClenathan, 4.561, 330.39; Larry Dixon, 4.532, 329.34 def. David Grubnic, 4.545, 322.34; Melanie Troxel, 4.513, 326.63 def. Bob Vandergriff, 4.602, 318.77; Rod Fuller, 4.504, 329.26 def. Clay Millican, 4.554, 318.99; Hillary Will, 4.538, 325.37 def. Scott Weis, 4.943, 260.46; Doug Kalitta, 4.550, 324.20 def. David Baca, 8.009, 96.71; Brandon Bernstein, 4.528, 330.63 def. Michael Gunderson, 4.684, 321.12; QUARTERFINALS -- Lucas, 4.858, 245.23 def. Bernstein, broke; Troxel, 4.496, 331.04 def. Will, 4.507, 324.98; Dixon, 4.762, 282.19 def. Fuller, foul; Kalitta, 4.473, 325.37 def. Schumacher, 6.952, 130.35; SEMIFINALS -- Troxel, 4.514, 318.54 def. Lucas, 7.773, 109.74; Kalitta, 4.483, 328.70 def. Dixon, 4.556, 328.78; FINAL -- Kalitta, 4.469, 327.59 def. Troxel, 7.234, 133.55.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.765, 326.56 def. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Charger, 4.774, 320.05; Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.753, 326.87 def. Ron Capps, Dodge Stratus, 4.792, 321.96; Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.850, no speed def. Jim Head, Stratus, 4.921, 268.71; Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.700, 327.35 def. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo, 4.965, 297.48; John Force, Mustang, 4.761, 327.66 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Monte Carlo, 7.103, 122.59; Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.907, 257.63 def. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 5.375, 208.23; Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.709, 326.40 def. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo, 10.049, 84.86; Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.753, 320.66 def. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo, 4.838, 320.05; QUARTERFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.735, 322.73 def. Force, 4.715, 329.18; Worsham, 4.785, 320.66 def. Densham, 4.818, 317.72; Hight, 4.680, no speed def. C. Pedregon, 4.809, 317.94; Medlen, broke def. Scelzi, foul; SEMIFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.739, 327.98 def. Medlen, 5.083, 232.43; Hight, 4.752, 324.05 def. Worsham, 4.825, 319.52; FINAL -- T. Pedregon, 4.740, 325.69 def. Hight, 4.738, 321.81.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Mike Edwards, Pontiac GTO, 6.776, 203.86 def. V. Gaines, Dodge Stratus, 6.723, 201.64; Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.727, 205.47 def. Warren Johnson, GTO, 6.716, 206.20; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.719, 205.41 def. Rickie Smith, GTO, 6.735, 205.79; Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.693, 205.72 def. Dave Howard, Cobalt, 6.726, 206.20; Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.702, 205.85 def. Jason Line, GTO, 6.690, 206.23; Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.719, 205.76 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.715, 204.98; Greg Stanfield, GTO, 6.714, 205.47 def. Greg Anderson, GTO, 6.749, 205.44; Jim Yates, GTO, 6.718, 205.32 def. Mike Thomas, Stratus, 6.714, 205.35; QUARTERFINALS -- Morgan, 6.712, 204.76 def. K. Johnson, 6.908, 171.64; Stanfield, 6.728, 204.35 def. Edwards, 6.765, 200.59; Connolly, 6.716, 205.04 def. A. Johnson, 6.766, 204.29; Yates, 6.716, 204.98 def. Enders, foul; SEMIFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.725, 204.88 def. Yates, 6.728, 204.76; Connolly, 6.696, 205.76 def. Morgan, 6.705, 205.44; FINAL -- Connolly, 6.695, 205.69 def. Stanfield, 7.531, 127.34.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
ROUND ONE -- Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.082, 188.86 def. Matt Guidera, Buell, foul; Marco Andreano, Buell, 7.110, 186.15 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.087, 183.37; Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.232, 192.77 def. Matt Smith, Buell, foul; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.075, 189.90 def. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.060, 187.70; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.123, 188.46 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.170, 186.18; Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.045, 188.75 def. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.126, 184.70; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.105, 188.62 def. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.205, 186.48; Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.148, 184.17 def. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.071, 188.83; QUARTERFINALS -- Phillips, 7.182, 188.44 def. Andreano, foul; Hines, 7.077, 189.50 def. Bradford, 7.160, 182.40; Brown, 7.065, 188.81 def. Treble, 7.106, 188.44; Stoffer, 7.110, 184.07 def. Scali, 7.244, 189.26;
SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 7.057, 188.81 def. Phillips, 7.172, 187.63; Brown, 7.060, 189.31 def. Stoffer, 14.847, 51.79; FINAL -- Brown, 7.098, 187.44 def. Hines, 7.089, 187.94.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Melanie Troxel, 636; 2. Doug Kalitta, 504; 3. David Grubnic, 434; 4. Rod Fuller, 416; 5.(tie) Brandon Bernstein, 403; Larry Dixon, 403; 7. Morgan Lucas, 394; 8. Tony Schumacher, 373; 9. Doug Herbert, 327; 10. Hillary Will, 297.
Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 634; 2. John Force, 538; 3. Robert Hight, 416; 4. Eric Medlen, 409; 5. Del Worsham, 376; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 373; 7. Cruz Pedregon, 368; 8. Phil Burkart, 344; 9. Tony Pedregon, 328; 10. Whit Bazemore, 317.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 504; 2. Jason Line, 451; 3. Erica Enders, 425; 4. Mike Edwards, 414; 5. Jim Yates, 392; 6. Greg Stanfield, 388; 7. Larry Morgan, 370; 8. Kurt Johnson, 349; 9. Dave Connolly, 338; 10. Warren Johnson, 336.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Antron Brown, 272; 2. Angelle Sampey, 266; 3. Andrew Hines, 265; 4. Chip Ellis, 164; 5. Karen Stoffer, 160; 6. Geno Scali, 156; 7. Ryan Schnitz, 143; 8. Shawn Gann, 141; 9. GT Tonglet, 134; 10. Tom Bradford, 120.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Doug Kalitta raced to his second straight Top Fuel victory Sunday by beating season-long series leader Melanie Troxel in the final-round of the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway.
Former Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon, Pro Stock rising star Dave Connolly, and Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Antron Brown also scored victories in their respective categories at the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Kalitta posted a 4.469-second pass at 327.57 mph in his Mac Tools dragster to defeat Troxel, whose Skull Shine/Torco Race Fuels dragster lost traction 100 feet into the race. It was Kalitta's 26th career victory and a carbon copy of last year's sweep of races in Bristol, Tenn. and Atlanta.
"This is still hard to believe, but I'm pretty happy right now," said Kalitta, who defeated David Baca, Tony Schumacher and Larry Dixon in earlier rounds. "Two in a row is great and it gives us some good momentum. Melanie's got a strong team over there and we're all trying to catch up to her. They've had a really good start to the year and she's out there quite a bit on all of us."
Troxel's lead in the POWERade standings is now 132 points. She has raced to six of seven finals this year. With his win, Kalitta moved around his teammate Dave Grubnic and into second place in the standings.
A former series champion, Pedregon beat all three of his former teammates -- John Force, Eric Medlen, and final-round opponent Robert Hight -- to win his 30th career Funny Car title. After leaving the line first in the final, his 4.740 at 325.69 mph in his Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo was good enough to hold off Hight's charging Auto Club Ford Mustang, which finished in 4.738 at 321.81 mph.
"If I had any friends left on that team they're probably gone now," said Pedregon, who has now won three times at Atlanta Dragway, including his first career victory in 1996. "I looked at the ladder this morning and I knew it wasn't going to be an easy day. We haven't performed up to our abilities this year and believe me I was thinking about the fact we weren't even in the top 10 at the start of the day. There is no better way to make up for a slow start than to win."
Ron Capps remained in the series lead despite a first-round loss. He now leads Force by 96.
Connolly became the seventh different Pro Stock winner of the season with his sixth career victory and first with new crew chief Tommy Utt. He raced to a final round performance of 6.695 at 205.69 mph in his Skull Gear Chevy Cobalt to defeat Greg Stanfield, whose PiranhaZ Pontiac GTO got out of shape early in the run.
"This is the best race car I've ever had," said Connolly, who outran Jason Line, Allen Johnson and Larry Morgan to advance to his second final round of the season. "I couldn't complain about this thing at all. Tommy saved my butt three out of four races today. It's been a smooth transition, for sure. He's worked with Cagnazzi Racing and we use their motors, so he knew how to put the power together with the chassis, obviously."
Greg Anderson was upset in the first round by Stanfield and exits the race with a 53-point lead over teammate Line. With the victory, Connolly moved to ninth and runner-up Stanfield moved to sixth.
In a classic Suzuki versus Harley final, Brown earned the Pro Stock Motorcycle win over Andrew Hines on a holeshot start. Brown left with a near-perfect reaction time and held on for the win with a 7.098 at 187.44 mph on his U.S. Army Suzuki to Hines' quicker, but losing, 7.089 at 187.94 mph on his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.
"I needed that .005 light because Andrew was stepping it up every round," Brown said. "The bike bogged at the start but by the time I went into high gear I still didn't see him and I just tucked low and held on. When I saw the win light I was the happiest guy in the world because that's the team to beat. They work hard over there but so do we."
Brown, who defeated Ryan Schnitz, Craig Treble, and Karen Stoffer to advance to the final, moved into the series points lead with the win. He holds a six-point lead over teammate Angelle Sampey, winner of the first two Pro Stock Motorcycle events.
The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series continues with the Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals presented by Summit Racing, May 18-21 at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway. The $1.5 million race is the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
TOP FUEL: 1. Doug Kalitta; 2. Melanie Troxel; 3. Larry Dixon; 4. Morgan Lucas; 5. Hillary Will; 6. Tony Schumacher; 7. Brandon Bernstein; 8. Rod Fuller; 9. David Grubnic; 10. Clay Millican; 11. Cory McClenathan; 12. Bob Vandergriff; 13. Michael Gunderson; 14. Scott Weis; 15. Doug Herbert; 16. David Baca.
FUNNY CAR: 1. Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo; 2. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang; 3. Del Worsham, Monte Carlo; 4. Eric Medlen, Mustang; 5. John Force, Mustang; 6. Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo; 7. Gary Densham, Monte Carlo; 8. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger; 9. Whit Bazemore, Charger; 10. Ron Capps, Dodge Stratus; 11. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo; 12. Jim Head, Stratus; 13. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo; 14. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo; 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., Monte Carlo; 16. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo.
PRO STOCK: 1. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt; 2. Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GTO; 3. Larry Morgan, Dodge Stratus; 4. Jim Yates, GTO; 5. Erica Enders, Cobalt; 6. Mike Edwards, GTO; 7. Allen Johnson, Stratus; 8. Kurt Johnson, Cobalt; 9. Jason Line, GTO; 10. Mike Thomas, Stratus; 11. Ron Krisher, Cobalt; 12. Warren Johnson, GTO; 13. V. Gaines, Stratus; 14. Dave Howard, Cobalt; 15. Rickie Smith, GTO; 16. Greg Anderson, GTO.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 1. Antron Brown, Suzuki; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 3. Michael Phillips, Suzuki; 4. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 5. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 6. Marco Andreano; 7. Tom Bradford; 8. Geno Scali, Suzuki; 9. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki; 10. Shawn Gann, Suzuki; 11. Chip Ellis; 12. Ryan Schnitz; 13. Matt Guidera; 14. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki; 15. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson; 16. Matt Smith.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Sunday's final results from the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway. The $1.5 million race is the seventh of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel -- Doug Kalitta, 4.469 seconds, 327.59 mph def. Melanie Troxel, 7.234 seconds, 133.55 mph.
Funny Car -- Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.740, 325.69 def. Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.738, 321.81.
Pro Stock -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, 6.695, 205.69 def. Greg Stanfield, Pontiac GTO, 7.531, 127.34.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.098, 187.44 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.089, 187.94.
Top Alcohol Dragster -- Ashley Force, 5.573, 267.80 def. Karen Stalba, foul.
Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.608, 259.76 def. Steve Harker, Dodge Avenger, 8.460, 106.73.
Competition Eliminator -- Vinny Barone, Chevy Roadster, 30.809, 67.31 def. Sal Biondo, Chevy Beretta, foul.
Super Stock -- Michael Iacono, Chevy Camaro, 9.839, 133.05 def. Don Barber, Chevy Cavalier, 9.604, 126.73.
Stock Eliminator -- Bernie Cunningham, Pontiac Firebird, 10.876, 119.71 def. Scott Helms, Chevy Impala, 13.782, 96.05.
Super Gas -- Gene Norwood, Chevy Corvette, 9.912, 151.27 def. Steven Farrow, Chevy Bel Air, 10.066, 138.36.
Super Street -- David Anspach, Plymouth Duster, 10.863, 132.65 def. Joe Urbino, Chevy Malibu, 10.858, 129.65.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Final round-by-round results from the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:
TOP FUEL:
ROUND ONE -- Morgan Lucas, 4.715, 272.78 def. Doug Herbert, 6.607, 125.83; Tony Schumacher, 4.448, 331.28 def. Cory McClenathan, 4.561, 330.39; Larry Dixon, 4.532, 329.34 def. David Grubnic, 4.545, 322.34; Melanie Troxel, 4.513, 326.63 def. Bob Vandergriff, 4.602, 318.77; Rod Fuller, 4.504, 329.26 def. Clay Millican, 4.554, 318.99; Hillary Will, 4.538, 325.37 def. Scott Weis, 4.943, 260.46; Doug Kalitta, 4.550, 324.20 def. David Baca, 8.009, 96.71; Brandon Bernstein, 4.528, 330.63 def. Michael Gunderson, 4.684, 321.12; QUARTERFINALS -- Lucas, 4.858, 245.23 def. Bernstein, broke; Troxel, 4.496, 331.04 def. Will, 4.507, 324.98; Dixon, 4.762, 282.19 def. Fuller, foul; Kalitta, 4.473, 325.37 def. Schumacher, 6.952, 130.35; SEMIFINALS -- Troxel, 4.514, 318.54 def. Lucas, 7.773, 109.74; Kalitta, 4.483, 328.70 def. Dixon, 4.556, 328.78; FINAL -- Kalitta, 4.469, 327.59 def. Troxel, 7.234, 133.55.
FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE -- Tony Pedregon, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.765, 326.56 def. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Charger, 4.774, 320.05; Cruz Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.753, 326.87 def. Ron Capps, Dodge Stratus, 4.792, 321.96; Del Worsham, Monte Carlo, 4.850, no speed def. Jim Head, Stratus, 4.921, 268.71; Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.700, 327.35 def. Mike Ashley, Monte Carlo, 4.965, 297.48; John Force, Mustang, 4.761, 327.66 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Monte Carlo, 7.103, 122.59; Eric Medlen, Mustang, 4.907, 257.63 def. Tim Wilkerson, Monte Carlo, 5.375, 208.23; Gary Scelzi, Charger, 4.709, 326.40 def. Scott Kalitta, Monte Carlo, 10.049, 84.86; Gary Densham, Monte Carlo, 4.753, 320.66 def. Tony Bartone, Monte Carlo, 4.838, 320.05; QUARTERFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.735, 322.73 def. Force, 4.715, 329.18; Worsham, 4.785, 320.66 def. Densham, 4.818, 317.72; Hight, 4.680, no speed def. C. Pedregon, 4.809, 317.94; Medlen, broke def. Scelzi, foul; SEMIFINALS -- T. Pedregon, 4.739, 327.98 def. Medlen, 5.083, 232.43; Hight, 4.752, 324.05 def. Worsham, 4.825, 319.52; FINAL -- T. Pedregon, 4.740, 325.69 def. Hight, 4.738, 321.81.
PRO STOCK:
ROUND ONE -- Mike Edwards, Pontiac GTO, 6.776, 203.86 def. V. Gaines, Dodge Stratus, 6.723, 201.64; Larry Morgan, Stratus, 6.727, 205.47 def. Warren Johnson, GTO, 6.716, 206.20; Allen Johnson, Stratus, 6.719, 205.41 def. Rickie Smith, GTO, 6.735, 205.79; Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.693, 205.72 def. Dave Howard, Cobalt, 6.726, 206.20; Dave Connolly, Cobalt, 6.702, 205.85 def. Jason Line, GTO, 6.690, 206.23; Kurt Johnson, Cobalt, 6.719, 205.76 def. Ron Krisher, Cobalt, 6.715, 204.98; Greg Stanfield, GTO, 6.714, 205.47 def. Greg Anderson, GTO, 6.749, 205.44; Jim Yates, GTO, 6.718, 205.32 def. Mike Thomas, Stratus, 6.714, 205.35; QUARTERFINALS -- Morgan, 6.712, 204.76 def. K. Johnson, 6.908, 171.64; Stanfield, 6.728, 204.35 def. Edwards, 6.765, 200.59; Connolly, 6.716, 205.04 def. A. Johnson, 6.766, 204.29; Yates, 6.716, 204.98 def. Enders, foul; SEMIFINALS -- Stanfield, 6.725, 204.88 def. Yates, 6.728, 204.76; Connolly, 6.696, 205.76 def. Morgan, 6.705, 205.44; FINAL -- Connolly, 6.695, 205.69 def. Stanfield, 7.531, 127.34.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:
ROUND ONE -- Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.082, 188.86 def. Matt Guidera, Buell, foul; Marco Andreano, Buell, 7.110, 186.15 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.087, 183.37; Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.232, 192.77 def. Matt Smith, Buell, foul; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.075, 189.90 def. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.060, 187.70; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.123, 188.46 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.170, 186.18; Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.045, 188.75 def. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.126, 184.70; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.105, 188.62 def. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.205, 186.48; Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.148, 184.17 def. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.071, 188.83; QUARTERFINALS -- Phillips, 7.182, 188.44 def. Andreano, foul; Hines, 7.077, 189.50 def. Bradford, 7.160, 182.40; Brown, 7.065, 188.81 def. Treble, 7.106, 188.44; Stoffer, 7.110, 184.07 def. Scali, 7.244, 189.26;
SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 7.057, 188.81 def. Phillips, 7.172, 187.63; Brown, 7.060, 189.31 def. Stoffer, 14.847, 51.79; FINAL -- Brown, 7.098, 187.44 def. Hines, 7.089, 187.94.
COMMERCE, Ga. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac at Atlanta Dragway, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel
1. Melanie Troxel, 636; 2. Doug Kalitta, 504; 3. David Grubnic, 434; 4. Rod Fuller, 416; 5.(tie) Brandon Bernstein, 403; Larry Dixon, 403; 7. Morgan Lucas, 394; 8. Tony Schumacher, 373; 9. Doug Herbert, 327; 10. Hillary Will, 297.
Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 634; 2. John Force, 538; 3. Robert Hight, 416; 4. Eric Medlen, 409; 5. Del Worsham, 376; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 373; 7. Cruz Pedregon, 368; 8. Phil Burkart, 344; 9. Tony Pedregon, 328; 10. Whit Bazemore, 317.
Pro Stock
1. Greg Anderson, 504; 2. Jason Line, 451; 3. Erica Enders, 425; 4. Mike Edwards, 414; 5. Jim Yates, 392; 6. Greg Stanfield, 388; 7. Larry Morgan, 370; 8. Kurt Johnson, 349; 9. Dave Connolly, 338; 10. Warren Johnson, 336.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Antron Brown, 272; 2. Angelle Sampey, 266; 3. Andrew Hines, 265; 4. Chip Ellis, 164; 5. Karen Stoffer, 160; 6. Geno Scali, 156; 7. Ryan Schnitz, 143; 8. Shawn Gann, 141; 9. GT Tonglet, 134; 10. Tom Bradford, 120.
Bill Pratt
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
NHRA POWERADE SERIES POST RACE NOTES
NHRA POWERADE SERIES POST RACE NOTES:
26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals
May 5-7, Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga.
TOP FUEL
· Doug Kalitta, of Ypsilanti, Mich., claimed his second consecutive victory and the 26th of his career, by powering his Mac Tools dragster to the win over Melaine Troxel’s Skull Shine dragster, which lost traction near mid-track. Kalitta posted a winning performance of 4.469 seconds at 327.59, while Troxel’s dragster crossed the finish line in 7.234 at 133.55.
· With the victory, Kalitta moved to second in the POWERade Series point standings.
· It is the second straight season that Kalitta has earned back-to-back victories in Bristol and Atlanta.
· Troxel, who earlier in the week was named the first quarter winner of the prestigious Driver of the Year award, advanced to her sixth final of the season in seven races.
· Brandon Bernstein drove his Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster to his first No. 1 qualifying effort of the season, clocking a category-leading 4.521-second run at 329.10 mph. It was his ninth No. 1 qualifying effort of his career.
· On his No. 1 qualifying performance Friday evening, Bernstein had to slow his car on three wheels after his left rear tire went down just past the finish line. The team went to their back-up car for the remainder of qualifying and eliminations.
· Tony Schumacher set both ends of the track record in his U.S. Army dragster at 4.448 seconds, 331.28 mph in a first round win. Schumacher lost in the second round.
· Morgan Lucas, who advanced to the semifinals, lost 10 points during his second round victory when his Lucas Oil dragster dropped oil onto the racing surface.
· With the runner-up finish, Troxel maintained her series lead at 132 over Kalitta.
· Hillary Will’s KB Racing team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
FUNNY CAR
· Tony Pedregon, of Chino Hills, Calif., earned his first Funny Car victory of the season by driving his Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo to the win over Robert Hight’s Auto Club Ford Mustang. It was Pedregon’s 30th career victory and his third victory at Atlanta Dragway, site of his first career victory in 1996.
· In a photo-finish, Pedregon’s Monte Carlo posted a 4.740 at 325.69 to hold off the quicker, but losing, Ford Mustang of Hight, which posted a 4.738 at 321.81.
· Pedregon defeated all three Force Racing teammates in consecutive round wins, including John Force in the second round and Eric Medlen in the semifinals.
· Force raced to the No. 1 qualifying spot with a track record time of 4.686 at 329.58 in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. It was Force’s fourth No. 1 of the season and 129th of his career.
· Hight set the track record for time at 4.680 seconds in his Auto Club Ford Mustang.
· Series points leader Ron Capps lost in the first round in his Brut Dodge, but maintained his lead at 96 over John Force, who lost in the second round.
· Cruz Pedregon defeated Ron Capps by .0029-second margin of victory in the first round of Funny Car eliminations.
· Robert Hight’s Auto Club Ford Mustang team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
PRO STOCK
· Dave Connolly, of Elyria, Ohio, became the seventh different winner in as many races in the 200 mph category this season when he defeated Greg Stanfield in the final. Connolly drove his Skull Gear Chevy Cobalt to a 6.695 at 205.69 to beat Stanfield, whose PiranaZ Pontiac GTO lost traction near mid-track and crossed the finish line in 7.531 at 127.34.
· Greg Anderson claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO with a performance of 6.704 at 205.22 mph. It is Anderson’s fifth No. 1 of the season and the 45th of his career.
· Despite setting the track records for time and speed at 6.690 seconds at 206.03 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO in the first round of eliminations, Jason Line lost to Larry Morgan on the run.
· Anderson maintained his series lead, 53 ahead of teammate Line.
· Greg Anderson’s Summit Racing team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
· Antron Brown, of Indianapolis, earned his first victory of the season and 15th of his career, when he used a holeshot start to hold off Andrew Hines in the final. Brown posted a 7.098 at 187.44 on his U.S. Army Suzuki to beat Hines’ quicker, but losing, 7.089 at 187.94 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davdison.
· Brown claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot atop his U.S. Army Suzuki with a track record time of 7.080 seconds at 188.28 mph. It is Brown’s first of the season and 11th of his career.
· Brown set the track record for time at 7.045 seconds in the first round of eliminations.
· Brown moved into the series lead, six points ahead of teammate Angelle Sampey.
· Brown’s U.S. Army Suzuki team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
POWERADE FAN NATIONALS
· Dylan Stott, 13, of Columbus, Ga., won the seventh round of the NHRA POWERade Fan Nationals. Stott, an eighth grade student and O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League competitor, defeated hundreds of area fans to claim the POWERade Fan Nationals victory, driving realistic POWERade Funny Car simulators. With the victory, Stott, will have the opportunity to race for the ultimate title of 2006 POWERade Fan Nationals Series champion in November at the 42nd Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.
26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals
May 5-7, Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga.
TOP FUEL
· Doug Kalitta, of Ypsilanti, Mich., claimed his second consecutive victory and the 26th of his career, by powering his Mac Tools dragster to the win over Melaine Troxel’s Skull Shine dragster, which lost traction near mid-track. Kalitta posted a winning performance of 4.469 seconds at 327.59, while Troxel’s dragster crossed the finish line in 7.234 at 133.55.
· With the victory, Kalitta moved to second in the POWERade Series point standings.
· It is the second straight season that Kalitta has earned back-to-back victories in Bristol and Atlanta.
· Troxel, who earlier in the week was named the first quarter winner of the prestigious Driver of the Year award, advanced to her sixth final of the season in seven races.
· Brandon Bernstein drove his Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster to his first No. 1 qualifying effort of the season, clocking a category-leading 4.521-second run at 329.10 mph. It was his ninth No. 1 qualifying effort of his career.
· On his No. 1 qualifying performance Friday evening, Bernstein had to slow his car on three wheels after his left rear tire went down just past the finish line. The team went to their back-up car for the remainder of qualifying and eliminations.
· Tony Schumacher set both ends of the track record in his U.S. Army dragster at 4.448 seconds, 331.28 mph in a first round win. Schumacher lost in the second round.
· Morgan Lucas, who advanced to the semifinals, lost 10 points during his second round victory when his Lucas Oil dragster dropped oil onto the racing surface.
· With the runner-up finish, Troxel maintained her series lead at 132 over Kalitta.
· Hillary Will’s KB Racing team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
FUNNY CAR
· Tony Pedregon, of Chino Hills, Calif., earned his first Funny Car victory of the season by driving his Q Racing Chevy Monte Carlo to the win over Robert Hight’s Auto Club Ford Mustang. It was Pedregon’s 30th career victory and his third victory at Atlanta Dragway, site of his first career victory in 1996.
· In a photo-finish, Pedregon’s Monte Carlo posted a 4.740 at 325.69 to hold off the quicker, but losing, Ford Mustang of Hight, which posted a 4.738 at 321.81.
· Pedregon defeated all three Force Racing teammates in consecutive round wins, including John Force in the second round and Eric Medlen in the semifinals.
· Force raced to the No. 1 qualifying spot with a track record time of 4.686 at 329.58 in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. It was Force’s fourth No. 1 of the season and 129th of his career.
· Hight set the track record for time at 4.680 seconds in his Auto Club Ford Mustang.
· Series points leader Ron Capps lost in the first round in his Brut Dodge, but maintained his lead at 96 over John Force, who lost in the second round.
· Cruz Pedregon defeated Ron Capps by .0029-second margin of victory in the first round of Funny Car eliminations.
· Robert Hight’s Auto Club Ford Mustang team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
PRO STOCK
· Dave Connolly, of Elyria, Ohio, became the seventh different winner in as many races in the 200 mph category this season when he defeated Greg Stanfield in the final. Connolly drove his Skull Gear Chevy Cobalt to a 6.695 at 205.69 to beat Stanfield, whose PiranaZ Pontiac GTO lost traction near mid-track and crossed the finish line in 7.531 at 127.34.
· Greg Anderson claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO with a performance of 6.704 at 205.22 mph. It is Anderson’s fifth No. 1 of the season and the 45th of his career.
· Despite setting the track records for time and speed at 6.690 seconds at 206.03 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO in the first round of eliminations, Jason Line lost to Larry Morgan on the run.
· Anderson maintained his series lead, 53 ahead of teammate Line.
· Greg Anderson’s Summit Racing team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
· Antron Brown, of Indianapolis, earned his first victory of the season and 15th of his career, when he used a holeshot start to hold off Andrew Hines in the final. Brown posted a 7.098 at 187.44 on his U.S. Army Suzuki to beat Hines’ quicker, but losing, 7.089 at 187.94 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davdison.
· Brown claimed the No. 1 qualifying spot atop his U.S. Army Suzuki with a track record time of 7.080 seconds at 188.28 mph. It is Brown’s first of the season and 11th of his career.
· Brown set the track record for time at 7.045 seconds in the first round of eliminations.
· Brown moved into the series lead, six points ahead of teammate Angelle Sampey.
· Brown’s U.S. Army Suzuki team won the Full Throttle Pit Crew challenge award.
POWERADE FAN NATIONALS
· Dylan Stott, 13, of Columbus, Ga., won the seventh round of the NHRA POWERade Fan Nationals. Stott, an eighth grade student and O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League competitor, defeated hundreds of area fans to claim the POWERade Fan Nationals victory, driving realistic POWERade Funny Car simulators. With the victory, Stott, will have the opportunity to race for the ultimate title of 2006 POWERade Fan Nationals Series champion in November at the 42nd Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.
Bill Pratt
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Draglist.com - Crowdsourced drag racing history.
Headlines and Results: http://www.draglist.com/
Drag Lists: http://www.draglist.com/draglist/draglist.php
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 29 guests