May 2, 2005 (Greg Gage photos)

Sunday elimination's

This was a race that I stated Saturday would require a patient tuner and drivers ability to pedal because the teams only got the one qualifying hit. The final results were a big surprise though, as possibly the most aggressive TF team of the modern era, managed their tuning and turned it into a holeshot win over a new upstart team, that everyone is going to have to take notice of.

Round one was full of upsets, Scott Weiss, David Grubnic and Scott Palmer all took out higher qualified and/or high point standing drivers. Tony Schumacher was out Morgan Lucas was out and Cory Mac was ousted.

(W) Scott Weis (Barrett Enterprises Dragster) 0.091 5.239 195.08
(L) Cory McClenathan (Carrier Boyz/Fram Airhog D0.097 9.014 98.98
(W) Larry Dixon (Miller Lite Dragster) 0.067 4.557 327.43
(L) Doug Herbert (Snap-On Tools Dragster) 0.070 4.604 321.42
(W) Doug Kalitta (MAC Tools Dragster) 0.088 6.873 148.05
(L) Bruce Litton (Lucas Oil/Torco Dragster) -0.052(R) 7.845 95.24
(W) Rod Fuller (Valvoline Dragster) 0.107 4.548 323.97
(L) Mitch King (LA Kings/Modern Outlaw Dragster)0.133 4.801 301.87
(W) John Smith (Hartman Motorsports Dragster) 0.086 4.583 319.67
(L) Scott Kalitta (Mac Tools/Jesse James Dragste0.089 4.627 321.42
(W) David Grubnic (Zantrex 3 Dragster) 0.055 5.248 260.26
(L) Tony Schumacher (U.S. Army Dragster) 0.060 6.488 179.18
(W) Scott Palmer (OReilly-Lucas Dragster) 0.061 4.679 325.69
(L) Morgan Lucas (Lucas Oil Dragster) 0.098 13.416 67.29
(W) Brandon Bernstein (Budweiser/Lucas Oil Drags0.120 4.512 331.04
(L) David Baca (David & Dennis Baca Dragster) 0.101 11.794 81.19

In the 1/4's, the upsets continued, as Weis took out a tire hazing #1 qualifier Brandon Bernstein, Scott Palmer for the second round ran big speed and his career best et a 4.66 close win over Dixon, and rookie Rod Fuller defeated a resurgent John Smith. Doug Kalitta took out a bad red lighting teammate David Grubnic. The semi finals were going to see at least one first time finalist and possibly two. Doug Kalitta made sure only one final virgin made the final when he ran a 4.56 to Palmers tire smoking 7.19. In the other semi 'Hot Rod' Fuller won over a red lighting Scott Weis. Kalitta had lane choice by 4/100's in the final and used a 1/100ths starting line advantage for a .005 margin of victory at the stripe. The final numbers were. 4.593 over a 4.588. The win gives Doug the point lead for the first time this season after a sluggish start.

(W) Scott Weis (Barrett Enterprises Dragster) 0.108 4.668 302.28 (L) Brandon Bernstein (Budweiser/Lucas Oil Drags0.089 4.993 274.05

(W) Rod Fuller (Valvoline Dragster) 0.099 4.687 310.05 (L) John Smith (Hartman Motorsports Dragster) 0.056 NT-Timing Problem

(W) Scott Palmer (OReilly-Lucas Dragster) 0.059 4.661 317.42 (L) Larry Dixon (Miller Lite Dragster) 0.090 4.678 304.39

(W) Doug Kalitta (MAC Tools Dragster) 0.055 4.678 302.14 (L) David Grubnic (Zantrex 3 Dragster) -0.162(R) 5.258 229.70

(W) Rod Fuller (Valvoline Dragster) 0.097 4.607 324.75 (L) Scott Weis (Barrett Enterprises Dragster) -0.089(R) 5.874 156.17

(W) Doug Kalitta (MAC Tools Dragster) 0.079 4.567 322.88 (L) Scott Palmer (OReilly-Lucas Dragster) 0.071 7.194 122.97

(W) Doug Kalitta (MAC Tools Dragster) 0.072 4.593 322.50 (L) Rod Fuller (Valvoline Dragster) 0.082 4.588 327.35

Point standings after six of 23 events.

1. Doug Kalitta 474
2. Tony Schumacher 451
3. Larry Dixon 405
4. Morgan Lucas 370
5. David Grubnic 366
6. Cory McClenathan 343
7. Scott Kalitta 323
8. Doug Herbert 321
9. Brandon Bernstein 304
10. Rod Fuller 244

Funny Car Ellimination's ...............saw even more upsets, but in a class that is showing alot more parity that TF, most were not huge upsets. Based on the points heading into this race seven of eight drivers who lost, went out to drivers who were lower than them in the points. Whit Bazemore, John Force, Robert Hight, Tony Bartone, Bob Gilbertson, Ron Capps and Del Worsham were all first round fodder for their lower rivals. Only Gary Scelzi bucked the trend and advanced.

Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '05 Monte Carlo, Left lane, (0.081) 4.913 316.08 def. Whit Bazemore,
Indianapolis IN, '05 Stratus, (0.075) 5.144 302.14
Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo, Right lane, (0.079) 4.936 308.64 def. Del
Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.122) 4.951 310.98
Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '05 Monte Carlo, Right lane, (0.060) 6.098 221.27 def. John Force,
Yorba Linda CA, '03 Mustang, (0.090) 7.096 137.19
Eric Medlen, Yorba Linda CA, '02 Mustang, Left lane, (0.104) 9.209 178.78 def. Ron Capps,
Carlsbad CA, '04 Stratus, (0.095) 9.804 187.00
Jack Wyatt, Corydon IA, '02 Firebird, Right lane, (0.181) 7.016 218.51 def. Robert Hight, Yorba
Linda CA, '02 Mustang, (0.211) 7.837 174.12
Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '04 Stratus, Left lane, (0.088) 4.791 325.37 def. Gary Densham,
Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.112) 5.141 231.36
Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '05 Monte Carlo, Left lane, (0.111) 4.863 304.67 def. Bob
Gilbertson, Gastonia NC, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.103) 9.140 107.61
Jeff Arend, San Dimas CA, '05 Monte Carlo, Right lane, (0.086) 5.000 256.99 def. Tony Bartone,
Long Island City NY, '05 Monte Carlo, (0.071) 9.439 102.47

So second round match-ups had a couple odd pairings, particularly Jack Wyatt who got his first round win in round one and then shocked everyone within the valley as he went to round three for the first time in his career, when Tim Wilkerson smoked the tires. Scelzi and TJ has a real close 5.teen match-up that was won by Gary by a half car length. Cruz beat brother Tony within easy 4.84 - 7.58, and Jeff Arend went to the semis for the first time in a number of years with his upset of Eric Medlen. Arend stayed consistent and did not over power the track to defeat Cruz 4.90 to a tire smoking 8.13 and Gary Scelzi ripped off another strong run, this time a 4.81 to dump an overwhelmed Jack Wyatt (9.38). Scelzi had a chance to move into fourth place and Arend could jump up 5 placing into 11th with a win. It was Scelzi's day, as he had low et for the third time on Sunday, a great 4.815 at 329.26 mph, to easily get the win over a slowing Jeff Arends 4.971/282.

J Arend, Left lane, (0.071) 4.896 320.58 def. E Medlen, (0.114) 5.453 197.65

C Pedregon, Right lane, (0.113) 4.842 314.24 def. T Pedregon, (0.089) 7.581 112.87

J Wyatt, Right lane, (0.302) 5.294 237.34 def. T Wilkerson, (0.152) 13.659 90.91

G Scelzi, Left lane, (0.090) 5.134 244.25 def. T Johnson Jr., (0.080) 5.185 273.22

J Arend, Left lane, (0.109) 4.905 310.91 def. C Pedregon, (0.084) 8.132 112.19

G Scelzi, Left lane, (0.124) 4.818 322.19 def. J Wyatt, (0.162) 9.389 84.85

G Scelzi, Left lane, (0.080) 4.815 329.26 def. J Arend, (0.101) 4.971 282.42

Points after 6 of 23 events.

1. Whit Bazemore 433
2. John Force 375
3. Cruz Pedregon 373
4. Gary Scelzi 370
5. Robert Hight 360
6. Tommy Johnson Jr. 319
7. Eric Medlen 308
8. Ron Capps 294
9. Bob Gilbertson 292
10. Del Worsham 280
11. Tony Pedregon 266
12. Phil Burkart 253
13. Jeff Arend 251
14. Tony Bartone 229
15. Tim Wilkerson 214

Would Pro Stock...............see the upsets as well. Only two based on point standings, as Greg Anderson and Greg Stanfield both were eliminated in the opening round

Richie Stevens, New Orleans LA, '05 Stratus, Right lane, (0.032) 6.754 203.98 def. Greg
Anderson, Concord NC, '04 Grand Am, (0.033) 6.763 203.40
Jason Line, Terrell NC, '05 Grand Am, Left lane, (0.038) 6.780 203.25 def. Mike Edwards, Coweta
OK, '05 Grand Am, (-0.039 foul) 6.775 203.83
V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '05 Stratus, Right lane, (0.045) 6.805 203.16 def. Kenny Koretsky,
Richboro PA, '05 Stratus, (0.035) 6.845 197.65
Rickie Smith, King NC, '04 Cavalier, Left lane, (0.065) 6.763 203.40 def. Greg Stanfield,
Bossier City LA, '04 Cavalier, (0.063) 12.113 70.70
Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '05 Grand Am, Left lane, (0.001) 6.763 203.43 def. Jeg Coughlin,
Delaware OH, '05 Stratus, (0.028) 6.778 204.42
Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '05 Cobalt, Right lane, (0.085) 6.747 204.17 def. Ben Watson,
Concord CA, '02 Cavalier, (0.031) 6.806 200.68
Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '05 Grand Am, Right lane, (0.048) 6.749 204.39 def. Allen
Johnson, Greeneville TN, '05 Stratus, (0.031) 6.796 202.21
Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '04 Cavalier, Right lane, (0.038) 6.782 204.08 def. Ron Krisher,
Warren OH, '04 Cavalier, (-0.002 foul) 6.813 203.31

Richie Stevens after taking out Greg Anderson continued his upset ways with a win over #1 Dave Connolly. The margin was less than 1/1000ths. Warren took Jason Line to HP school with a come from behind low et of elims win. KJ defeated Trickie Rickie Smith and will face Papa Johnson and V. Gaines matched ets with Jim Yates but left over .05 ahead of him and will take on Stevens in the other semi. Stevens continued to roll in the semis, and got a holeshot win over GAines and WJ took his son to school on both ends of the track with .014 a the tree and .002 in performance (6.757 - 6.759) to reach his third final of the year. Steven's had lane choice by .001 and took his lane of choice all day the right one for the final. Unfortunately for Stevens he pulled the trigger to quick going .049 red. Warren stayed in the mid 6.70's, a 6.756 that vaulted him into the points lead. Warren now has 94 national event and 800 round wins in his four decade career.

R Stevens, Right lane, (0.022) 6.750 204.05 def. D Connolly, (0.018) 6.755 204.45

V Gaines, Left lane, (0.014) 6.804 202.45 def. J Yates, (0.068) 6.805 203.16

W Johnson, Right lane, (0.054) 6.715 203.83 def. J Line, (0.027) 6.756 203.52

K Johnson, Right lane, (0.019) 6.745 204.05 def. R Smith, (0.036) 6.781 203.06

R Stevens, Right lane, (0.041) 6.756 203.68 def. V Gaines, (0.037) 6.801 202.85

W Johnson, Right lane, (0.025) 6.757 204.29 def. K Johnson, (0.039) 6.759 204.05

W Johnson, Left lane, (0.036) 6.756 203.89 def. R Stevens, (-0.049 foul) 6.777 203.22

Standings after 6 of 23 events.

1. Warren Johnson 536
2. Dave Connolly 486
3. Jason Line 379
4. Greg Anderson 365
5. Ron Krisher 316
6. Jim Yates 315
7. Kurt Johnson 306
8. Richie Stevens 297
9. Greg Stanfield 294
10. Allen Johnson 289
11. Jeg Coughlin 278
12. V. Gaines 233
13. Larry Morgan 223
14. Mike Edwards 192
15. Kenny Koretsky 153

 

The next event of the 2005 seson is in two weeks at Atlanta.

April 29, 2005

Greg Gage photos

Not much to talk about from Bristol this weekend during qualifying. The rain has been the winner so far as three of the four rounds of qualifying were washed out due to the weather you can see in the picture above. Top Fuel had only one alternate and with the qualifying format of the top ten in points guaranteed a spot in the field, that scenario did not come into play as the #17 car was driven by Luigi Novelli and he is well outside the top 10. Brandon Bernstein is the top dog with a great 4.539/325. Morgan Lucas and the Amato team continue to show they are one of THE teams in 2005 with a solid 4.561. Those two are the only 4.50 club members this weekend. Patience will be the name of the game for Sunday elimination's, and this race will be earned by the crew chief and probably the ability for a driver to pedal the car.

Top Fuel final qualifying after one round

1. Brandon Bernstein Budweiser/Lucas Oil Dragster 4.539 324.83
2. Morgan Lucas Lucas Oil Dragster 4.561 325.61
3. David Grubnic Zantrex 3 Dragster 4.619 318.09
4. Scott Kalitta Mac Tools/Jesse James Dragster 4.639 325.92
5. Rod Fuller Valvoline Dragster 4.652 324.83
6. Doug Kalitta MAC Tools Dragster 4.664 316.60
7. Larry Dixon Miller Lite Dragster 4.685 310.34
8. Scott Weis Barrett Enterprises Dragster 4.749 320.05
9. Cory McClenathan Carrier Boyz/Fram Airhog Drags 4.813 298.54
10. Doug Herbert Snap-On Tools Dragster 4.904 283.37
11. Bruce Litton Lucas Oil/Torco Dragster 4.943 265.38
12. Mitch King LA Kings/Modern Outlaw Dragste 5.118 265.43
13. John Smith Hartman Motorsports Dragster 5.211 275.06
14. Tony Schumacher U.S. Army Dragster 8.212 153.54
15. Scott Palmer OReilly-Lucas Dragster 9.838 96.15
16. David Baca David & Dennis Baca Dragster 10.802 83.57
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Luigi Novelli National Machine Repair Dragst 10.854 91.51

 

Bernstein was dialed in on his only pass

Look at the goo coming off Palmer's tires

Team Force looks scary strong as all three cars are in the top 1/4 of the field. Boss John, is the low man on the Force totem pole with a 4.821. Medlen leads after his one shot 4.806 and Hight is right on his butt with a 4.811/326. Scelzi is the chesse in the Force sandwich with a #3 4.814/322. Frank Pedregon was bumped out of the field despite being quicker than Ron Capps who was inserted into the field due to the top ten guarantee.

Funny Car final qualifying after one round

1. Eric Medlen Castrol Syntec Mustang 4.806 325.22
2. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.811 326.63
3. Gary Scelzi Hemi Oakley Stratus 4.814 322.19
4. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.821 314.39
5. Del Worsham Checker Schuck's Kragen Monte 4.849 318.09
6. Tommy Johnson Jr. Skoal Racing Monte Carlo 4.857 318.02
7. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Monte Carlo 4.872 313.58
8. Tony Bartone Got CMKX?/Lucas Oil Monte Carl 4.878 314.61
9. Jeff Arend CMKX-treme Mining Machine Mont 4.923 312.78
10. Bob Gilbertson Autolite XP Spark Plugs Monte 4.926 310.55
11. Whit Bazemore Matco Tools Stratus 4.948 308.78
12. Tony Pedregon Q Power/Snap-on Monte Carlo 5.021 272.78
13. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo 5.093 313.15
14. Gary Densham RaceBricks Monte Carlo 5.321 236.09
15. Jack Wyatt RaceGirl Firebird 5.504 250.00
16.* Ron Capps Brut Stratus 9.229 155.97
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Frank Pedregon Hell Fire Stratus 6.292 192.58
18. Phil Burkart Checker Schuck's Kragen Monte 8.397 101.46
19. Jim Head Head Racing Stratus 14.084 63.56

Pro Stock had one insert into the field as well, and that was Ron Krisher who replaced Larry Morgan, who was quicker than two in the field. Dave Connolly is #1 and Kurt Johnson leads the Cobalt contingent. His is the only one of four Cobalts to make the field.

Pro Stock final qualifying

1. Dave Connolly Bullet Motorsports Cavalier 6.814 201.25
2. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Grand Am 6.834 201.58
3. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.837 200.83
4. Jeg Coughlin Jeg's Stratus 6.839 201.01
5. V. Gaines Western Motorsports Stratus 6.839 200.50
6. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing Cavalier 6.843 200.38
7. Jason Line KB Framers Grand Am 6.846 200.56
8. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.847 200.53
9. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment Grand 6.848 200.50
10. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. Grand Am 6.852 200.68
11. Rickie Smith Dart Cavalier 6.854 200.62
12. Kenny Koretsky Nitrofish Wear Stratus 6.863 200.68
13. Jim Yates Pontiac Grand Am 6.863 200.47
14. Ben Watson Watson Racing Cavalier 6.864 198.64
15. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.875 199.37
16.*Ron Krisher Valvoline Cavalier 6.881 200.38
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Larry Morgan ZMax Stratus 6.866 201.76
18. Ronnie Humphrey Troy Humphrey Cavalier 6.879 200.14