May 4-7, 2006

Southern Nationals, Commerce Georgia

(results courtesy NHRA and DRC)

May 8, 2006

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.

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.

Post race notes

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.

May 6, 2006 Final qualifying (courtesy DRC and NHRA.com)

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.

FC

1 3 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.686@ 329.58 329.58
2 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.698 325.61 325.61
3 8 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.730 328.70 328.70
4 4 Eric Medlen, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.734 318.54 318.54
5 1 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '06 Charger 4.744 328.78 328.78
6 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.746 320.74 320.74
7 10 Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.747 318.24 318.24
8 9 Whit Bazemore, Indianapolis IN, '06 Charger 4.780 304.25 317.27
9 7 Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.797 275.00 318.02
10 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '05 Stratus 4.803 316.45 319.14
11 427 Tony Bartone, Long Island City NY, '05 Monte C 4.819 319.14 319.52
12 319 Scott Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, '05 Monte Carlo 4.829 318.47 318.47
13 347 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '05 Monte Carlo 4.842 313.51 313.51
14 388 Jim Head, Columbus OH, '05 Stratus 4.853 317.87 317.87
15 180 Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '05 Monte Carlo 4.856 315.42 315.42
16 503 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '05 Monte Carlo 4.875 321.50 321.50

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 156 Phil Burkart, Yorkville NY, '05 Monte Carlo 4.876 308.71 309.98
18 73 Frank Pedregon, Rancho Cucamonga CA, '04 Strat 4.885 311.05 311.05
19 206 Bob Gilbertson, Gastonia NC, '05 Stratus 4.948 314.75 314.75
20 121 Terry Haddock, Lynnwood WA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.984 297.94 297.94
21 34 Jack Wyatt, Corydon IA, '02 Firebird 4.986 298.47 298.47
22 280 Andy Kelley, Piedmont SC, '02 Firebird 5.191 255.63 255.63

TF

1 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, McKinney-TFX 4.521 328.06 328.06
2 3 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.529 324.67 328.30
3 10 Rod Fuller, Las Vegas NV, Hadman-TFX 4.535 327.74 327.74
4 507 Melanie Troxel, Avon IN, Hadman-BAE 4.541 327.03 327.03
5 763 Hillary Will, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.552 314.53 319.52
6 91 Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 4.559 329.10 329.10
7 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 4.562 321.81 321.81
8 6 Doug Herbert, Lincolnton NC, McKinney-BAE 4.563 324.75 324.75
9 5 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 4.571 321.19 321.19
10 9 Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, Hadman-BAE 4.580 327.66 327.66
11 4 David Grubnic, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.600 324.90 324.90
12 201 Scott Weis, Ashland VA, Attac-TFX 4.608 316.67 316.67
13 12 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, McKinney-BAE 4.613 322.81 322.81
14 104 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.625 315.19 315.19
15 13 David Baca, Brentwood CA, McKinney-BAE 4.635 317.12 319.45
16 217 Michael Gunderson, Middleburg FL, Hadman-TFX 4.735 315.12 316.82

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 747 Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Williamston SC, McKinney 4.755 313.22 313.22
18 5050 Scott Palmer, Highlandville MO, McKinney-BAE 4.846 246.93 271.68

PS

1 1 Greg Anderson, Concord NC, '06 GTO 6.704@ 205.22 205.22
2 2 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 Cobalt 6.714 205.19 205.19
3 3 Jason Line, Terrell NC, '06 GTO 6.724 204.94 205.19
4 10 Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '06 GTO 6.724 204.51 204.51
5 430 Erica Enders, Houston TX, '06 Cobalt 6.726 205.04 205.04
6 93 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '06 Stratus 6.726 204.32 204.32
7 4 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 GTO 6.734 205.79& 205.79
8 44 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '06 GTO 6.739 204.60 204.73
9 55 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '06 Stratus 6.741 204.32 204.79
10 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '06 Stratus 6.745 203.46 204.63
11 43 Rickie Smith, King NC, '06 GTO 6.746 205.19 205.19
12 3351 Dave Howard, Braidwood IL, '06 Cobalt 6.746 205.13 205.13
13 207 Mike Thomas, Knoxville TN, '05 Stratus 6.747 203.58 204.35
14 5 Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '06 Cobalt 6.748 204.45 205.04
15 9 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '06 Cobalt 6.753 203.00 203.92
16 7 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '06 GTO 6.754 204.14 204.35

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 8 Richie Stevens, New Orleans LA, '06 Stratus 6.757 204.45 204.51
18 387 Mark Pawuk, Akron OH, '06 Cobalt 6.761 203.80 203.80
19 103 Max Naylor, New Buffalo PA, '06 Stratus 6.777 203.00 203.46
20 1186 Dave Northrop, Perkasie PA, '05 Stratus 6.779 203.80 203.80
21 713 Shaun Carlson, Ontario CA, '06 Stratus 6.781 202.85 203.31
22 136 Bob Benza, Briarcliff Manor NY, '05 Cobalt 6.817 201.64 201.76
23 2062 Ronnie Humphrey, Jacksonville NC, '05 Cobalt 6.838 202.12 202.12
24 295 Barry Grant, Dahlonega GA, '04 Cavalier 6.840 202.52 202.52
25 853 Eero Knihtila, Kauniainen FI, '04 Cavalier 6.855 202.06 202.06
26 772 Tony Rizzo, Tucson AZ, '06 Cobalt 6.870 201.97 201.97

PSB

1 6 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.080@ 188.28 188.28
2 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.083 189.07 189.07
3 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.084 187.16 187.16
4 10 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 7.104 184.19 184.77
5 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.107 188.33 188.33
6 204 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 7.110 186.15 186.15
7 5 Chip Ellis, Americus GA, Buell 7.111 188.07 188.07
8 7 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 7.113 188.28 188.94
9 731 Matt Guidera, Rocklin CA, Buell 7.114 185.00 185.82
10 1000 Marco Andreano, Monroe Twp NJ, Buell 7.124 186.79 186.79
11 303 Tom Bradford, Eagle WI, Buell 7.136 183.54 188.20
12 8 Geno Scali, Palatine IL, Suzuki 7.140 188.96 188.96
13 310 Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki 7.143 187.83 187.83
14 2 GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod 7.155 187.47 187.47
15 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.176 185.59 187.36
16 4 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Buell 7.179 180.55 184.77

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 7487 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.191 183.74 184.27
18 9 Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki 7.226 184.80 184.80
19 235 Hector Arana, Miami FL, Suzuki 7.252 184.62 184.62
20 371 Wesley Wells, Greenwood IN, Suzuki 7.255 184.47 184.47
21 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.284 180.69 180.69
22 257 Darin McCurdy, Port Charlotte FL, Suzuki 7.343 175.43 179.59
23 207 Mike Chongris, Ft Meyers FL, Suzuki 7.640 173.18 173.18

TAD

1 8 A/FD Arthur Gallant, Boxboro MA, Dan Page-BAE 5.305 266.32 266.32
2 1 A/FD Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Monden-Conway 5.333 262.49 262.49
3 7 A/FD Ashley Force, Yorba Linda CA, McKinney-B 5.345 260.46 260.46
4 45 A/FD Aaron Olivarez, Sandy UT, Spitzer-BAE 5.373 264.08 265.33
5 19 A/FD John Finke, Selkirk NY, McKinney-BAE 5.392 270.00 270.00
6 2 B/AD Steve Federlin, Oregon City OR, Rodeck-B 5.412 261.02 263.05
7 2155 B/AD Guy Kelly, Wadley AL, Hadman-BAE 5.446 258.91 258.91
8 12 B/AD Karen Stalba, Fanwood NJ, ProStart-KB 5.500 258.62 258.62
9 39 B/AD Jeff Veale, Stoney Creek ON, Precision-B 5.527 210.83 253.37
10 185 B/AD Mike Kosky, Cuddy PA, Kosky-BAE 5.528 257.38 257.38
11 1320 B/AD Wayne Morris, Lincoln University PA, Spi 5.544 254.23 254.23
12 5 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-RTR 5.549 257.87 257.87
13 110 A/FD Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville PA, Precis 5.756 247.88 247.88
14 373 A/FD Ray Hack, Valpraiso IN, SBI-TFX 5.944 245.99 245.99
15 24 A/FD Dick Garlets, Lowell IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.949 219.65 223.95
16 267 TA/D Dan Lucas, Cumming GA, Canode-BAE 6.523 162.08 162.08

TAFC

1 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.660 255.29 255.29
2 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.681 256.21 256.21
3 8 David Ray, Plaistow NH, '01 Avenger 5.710 252.38 253.56
4 806 Steve Harker, Brisbane AU, '99 Avenger 5.745 249.21 250.78
5 10 Mark Billington, Norcross GA, '01 Avenger 5.745 249.07 250.83
6 289 John Sullivan, Montgomery AL, '04 Firebird 5.778 246.30 246.30
7 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.827 250.41 250.41
8 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.860 240.59 240.59
9 405 Jon Johnson, Beaumont TX, '05 Stratus 5.897 243.55 243.55
10 222 Monty Todd, Wetumpka AL, '01 Camaro 6.269 228.73 228.73
11 189 John Headley, Newportville PA, '96 Firebird 6.407 168.64 168.64
12 425 Will Hanna, Richwood Village TX, '05 Monte Car 6.973 151.92 151.92
13 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 8.890 97.34 97.34

 

 

May 5, 2006...........Friday qualifying

 

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.

Top Fuel

1 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, McKinney-TFX 4.521 328.06 328.06
2 3 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.529 324.67 324.67
3 10 Rod Fuller, Las Vegas NV, Hadman-TFX 4.535 327.74 327.74
4 507 Melanie Troxel, Avon IN, Hadman-BAE 4.541 327.03 327.03
5 763 Hillary Will, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.552 314.53 319.52
6 91 Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 4.559 329.10 329.10
7 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 4.562 321.81 321.81
8 5 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 4.571 321.19 321.19
9 6 Doug Herbert, Lincolnton NC, McKinney-BAE 4.592 316.23 316.23
10 201 Scott Weis, Ashland VA, Attac-TFX 4.608 316.67 316.67
11 9 Cory McClenathan, Anaheim CA, Hadman-BAE 4.611 324.20 324.20
12 104 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.625 315.19 315.19
13 13 David Baca, Brentwood CA, McKinney-BAE 4.658 319.45 319.45
14 217 Michael Gunderson, Middleburg FL, Hadman-TFX 4.735 315.12 315.12
15 5050 Scott Palmer, Highlandville MO, McKinney-BAE 4.846 246.93 246.93
16 12 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, McKinney-BAE 4.853 251.39 251.39

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 747 Rhonda Hartman-Smith, Williamston SC, McKinney 6.726 157.69 157.69
18 4 David Grubnic, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 11.391 74.95 78.06

Funny Car

1 3 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.686@ 329.58 329.58
2 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.698 325.61 325.61
3 8 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.730 328.70 328.70
4 4 Eric Medlen, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.734 318.54 318.54
5 1 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '06 Charger 4.744 328.78 328.78
6 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.746 320.74 320.74
7 10 Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.747 318.24 318.24
8 9 Whit Bazemore, Indianapolis IN, '06 Charger 4.780 304.25 304.25
9 7 Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.797 275.00 318.02
10 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '05 Stratus 4.803 316.45 316.45
11 427 Tony Bartone, Long Island City NY, '05 Monte C 4.824 319.52 319.52
12 319 Scott Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, '05 Monte Carlo 4.829 318.47 318.47
13 347 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '05 Monte Carlo 4.842 313.51 313.51
14 388 Jim Head, Columbus OH, '05 Stratus 4.853 317.87 317.87
15 180 Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '05 Monte Carlo 4.856 315.42 315.42
16 156 Phil Burkart, Yorkville NY, '05 Monte Carlo 4.876 308.71 308.71

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 121 Terry Haddock, Lynnwood WA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.984 297.94 297.94
18 73 Frank Pedregon, Rancho Cucamonga CA, '04 Strat 4.995 239.14 239.14
19 34 Jack Wyatt, Corydon IA, '02 Firebird 5.198 228.19 228.19
20 503 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '05 Monte Carlo 6.825 142.15 142.15
21 206 Bob Gilbertson, Gastonia NC, '05 Stratus 8.271 117.56 117.56
22 280 Andy Kelley, Piedmont SC, '02 Firebird 9.209 99.60 99.60

Pro Stock

1 1 Greg Anderson, Concord NC, '06 GTO 6.704@ 205.22& 205.22
2 2 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 Cobalt 6.714 205.19 205.19
3 3 Jason Line, Terrell NC, '06 GTO 6.724 204.94 204.94
4 10 Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '06 GTO 6.724 204.51 204.51
5 430 Erica Enders, Houston TX, '06 Cobalt 6.726 205.04 205.04
6 93 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '06 Stratus 6.726 204.32 204.32
7 44 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '06 GTO 6.739 204.60 204.60
8 55 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '06 Stratus 6.741 204.32 204.32
9 4 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 GTO 6.745 204.26 204.26
10 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '06 Stratus 6.745 203.46 203.49
11 207 Mike Thomas, Knoxville TN, '05 Stratus 6.747 203.58 203.58
12 5 Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '06 Cobalt 6.748 204.45 204.45
13 9 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '06 Cobalt 6.753 203.00 203.00
14 43 Rickie Smith, King NC, '06 GTO 6.754 204.32 204.32
15 8 Richie Stevens, New Orleans LA, '06 Stratus 6.763 203.03 203.03
16 3351 Dave Howard, Braidwood IL, '06 Cobalt 6.772 203.46 203.46

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 103 Max Naylor, New Buffalo PA, '06 Stratus 6.777 203.00 203.00
18 713 Shaun Carlson, Ontario CA, '06 Stratus 6.781 202.85 202.85
19 7 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '06 GTO 6.783 202.97 202.97
20 387 Mark Pawuk, Akron OH, '06 Cobalt 6.790 202.91 202.91
21 136 Bob Benza, Briarcliff Manor NY, '05 Cobalt 6.817 201.64 201.64
22 2062 Ronnie Humphrey, Jacksonville NC, '05 Cobalt 6.850 200.26 200.26
23 853 Eero Knihtila, Kauniainen FI, '04 Cavalier 6.855 202.06 202.06
24 1186 Dave Northrop, Perkasie PA, '05 Stratus 6.935 203.22 203.22
25 772 Tony Rizzo, Tucson AZ, '06 Cobalt 7.239 166.99 166.99
26 295 Barry Grant, Dahlonega GA, '04 Cavalier 8.184 120.62 120.62

 

Pro Stock Motorcycle (Suzuki riders in white)

1 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.084 187.16 187.16
2 7 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 7.113 188.28 188.28
3 5 Chip Ellis, Americus GA, Buell 7.142 184.88 184.88
4 6 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.160 187.08 187.08
5 2 GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod 7.167 185.84 185.84
6 8 Geno Scali, Palatine IL, Suzuki 7.172 186.02 186.10
7 731 Matt Guidera, Rocklin CA, Buell 7.179 185.15 185.15
8 10 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 7.179 180.31 184.77
9 4 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Buell 7.184 184.77 184.77
10 204 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 7.197 183.49 184.70
11 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.206 180.79 184.62
12 303 Tom Bradford, Eagle WI, Buell 7.213 179.35 185.15
13 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.219 186.10 186.10
14 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.219 181.42 182.38
15 310 Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki 7.221 185.77 185.77
16 7487 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.225 182.18 182.18

------------ Not Qualified ------------

17 1000 Marco Andreano, Monroe Twp NJ, Buell 7.228 183.64 183.64
18 9 Steve Johnson, Birmingham AL, Suzuki 7.249 183.62 183.62
19 371 Wesley Wells, Greenwood IN, Suzuki 7.255 184.47 184.47
20 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.284 180.69 180.69
21 235 Hector Arana, Miami FL, Suzuki 7.306 180.16 180.16
22 257 Darin McCurdy, Port Charlotte FL, Suzuki 7.353 176.17 176.17
23 207 Mike Chongris, Ft Meyers FL, Suzuki 7.640 173.18 173.18

TAD (Blown alcohol drivers in white)

1 8 A/FD Arthur Gallant, Boxboro MA, Dan Page-BAE 5.305 266.32 266.32
2 1 A/FD Steve Torrence, Kilgore TX, Monden-Conway 5.333 262.49 262.49
3 7 A/FD Ashley Force, Yorba Linda CA, McKinney-B 5.345 260.46 260.46
4 45 A/FD Aaron Olivarez, Sandy UT, Spitzer-BAE 5.373 264.08 264.08
5 19 A/FD John Finke, Selkirk NY, McKinney-BAE 5.392 270.00 270.00
6 2 B/AD Steve Federlin, Oregon City OR, Rodeck-B 5.412 261.02 261.02
7 2155 B/AD Guy Kelly, Wadley AL, Hadman-BAE 5.446 258.91 258.91
8 12 B/AD Karen Stalba, Fanwood NJ, ProStart-KB 5.500 258.62 258.62
9 185 B/AD Mike Kosky, Cuddy PA, Kosky-BAE 5.528 257.38 257.38
10 1320 B/AD Wayne Morris, Lincoln University PA, Spi 5.544 254.23 254.23
11 5 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-RTR 5.549 257.87 257.87
12 39 B/AD Jeff Veale, Stoney Creek ON, Precision-B 5.647 253.37 253.37
13 110 A/FD Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville PA, Precis 5.756 247.88 247.88
14 373 A/FD Ray Hack, Valpraiso IN, SBI-TFX 5.944 245.99 245.99
15 24 A/FD Dick Garlets, Lowell IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.949 219.65 219.65

TAFC

1 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.660 255.29 255.29
2 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.692 254.86 254.86
3 8 David Ray, Plaistow NH, '01 Avenger 5.710 252.38 252.38
4 806 Steve Harker, Brisbane AU, '99 Avenger 5.745 249.21 249.21
5 10 Mark Billington, Norcross GA, '01 Avenger 5.745 249.07 250.83
6 289 John Sullivan, Montgomery AL, '04 Firebird 5.778 246.30 246.30
7 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.860 240.59 240.59
8 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.871 241.15 247.47
9 405 Jon Johnson, Beaumont TX, '05 Stratus 5.897 243.55 243.55
10 425 Will Hanna, Richwood Village TX, '05 Monte Car 6.973 151.92 151.92
11 189 John Headley, Newportville PA, '96 Firebird 7.352 135.84 135.84
12 222 Monty Todd, Wetumpka AL, '01 Camaro 7.431 128.41 128.41
13 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 8.890 97.34 97.34

 

 

COMMERCE, Ga. --

The 26th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Presented by Pontiac, the seventh of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA POWERade Series world championships.
Sportsman competitors in six categories earn points leading to 2006 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, Ga. I-85 to Exit 149 (Hwy 441). After exiting the freeway, go north on Highway 441 to Steven Tanger Blvd. Take left on Tanger and then go right on Ridgeway Road.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, May 4-7.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.4 million.

SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, May 4 -- Sportsman time trials and qualifying begin at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, May 5 -- Sportsman qualifying and eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 6 -- Sportsman eliminations begin at 8 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 7 -- Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, May 6, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 9 p.m. (ET).
Sunday May 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute weekly news magazine show, at 11:30 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, May 7, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

2005 EVENT WINNERS: Doug Kalitta, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Greg Anderson, Pro Stock; GT Tonglet, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 4.469 seconds by Dave Grubnic May '04; 329.34 mph by Brandon Bernstein May '05
Funny Car - 4.765 seconds by Tony Pedregon May '04; 329.83 mph by Pedregon, May '04
Pro Stock - 6.745 seconds by Jason Line, May '05; 204.54 mph by Warren Johnson, May '05
Pro Stock Motorcycle - 7.081 seconds by GT Tonglet, May '05; 192.91 mph by Tonglet, May '04

NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel -- 4.437 sec. (Sept. '05,Joliet, Ill.) and 336.15 mph (May '05, Columbus, Ohio) by Tony Schumacher.
Funny Car -- 4.665 sec. and 333.58 mph (Oct. '04, Joliet, Ill.) by John Force.
Pro Stock -- 6.633 sec. and 208.23 mph (March '05, Gainesville, Fla.) by Greg Anderson.
Pro Stock Motorcycle - 6.968 sec. (July '05, Sonoma, Calif.) and 197.45 mph (March '05, Gainesville, Fla.) by Andrew Hines

TICKETS: For tickets call NHRA, (800) 884-6472 or Ticketmaster at (404) 249-6400. Tickets also available at nhra.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Thursday: Adult, $10; Junior (6-12 years), free. Friday: Adult, $31; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Saturday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Sunday: Adult, $44; Junior (6-12 years), $10. Child (5 years-under), admitted free with paying adult in general admission and pit access areas each day.

RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $37; Junior (6-12 years), $18; Child (5 years-under), $8. Saturday: Adult, $54; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Sunday: Adult, $54; Junior (6-12 years), $22; Child (5 years and under), $12. Call NHRA for four-day passes and campground information.