Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2006

 

52nd US Nationals

Presented by Barcelon's Truck Town Trailer Sales

 

 

(results courtesy NHRA and DRC)

(Pro Team Indy announcements are here).

Final eliminations

 

CLERMONT, Ind. --

Hight, Schumacher, Anderson and Smith
Three-time POWERade Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher drew within 54 points of the championship lead by earning his fifth Mac Tools U.S. Nationals victory Monday at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.
Schumacher's final round win over Brandon Bernstein at the $2.6 million NHRA POWERade Series race put him alongside fellow Indy champs Robert Hight (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle.) Like Schumacher, Anderson's win was his fifth at the world's most prestigious drag race, including the last four in a row.

Schumacher immediately dedicated his win to crew chief Alan Johnson's brother Blaine, who lost his life in a crash 10 years ago at this event. Schumacher's U.S. Army dragster was the quickest of every round as he raced past J.R. Todd, Dave Grubnic, Rod Fuller, and Bernstein's Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster for his third win of the year and 33rd of his career.

"There are a lot of reasons to win races -- the fans, your sponsors, the championship chase, whatever -- but today we raced for Blaine," said Schumacher, the first nitro category driver this season to win from the No. 1 qualifying position. "My first Indy race was 10 years ago and I would've raced him in the first round if he hadn't died. To come back now and win with Alan as my crew chief, it was meant to be. This trophy is going on the Johnson family mantle. That's where it belongs."

With the victory, Schumacher cut Doug Kalitta's points lead to 54 with five races remaining. Kalitta was upset in the first round by David Baca.

Hight was a picture of relief and bewilderment after winning the sport's biggest race in just his second appearance here as a driver. He had to work for this one, getting chased by Whit Bazemore all the way down the race track, but he reached the stripe first with a 4.737 at 328.38 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang to Bazemore's 4.756 at 327.82 mph in his Matco Tools Dodge Charger.

"This is unbelievable," Hight said. "I didn't think I'd ever get to drive one of these cars, let alone drive for John Force. To come here, to a race I watched so many times as a fan and as a crew guy for John, and to find a way to win is beyond anything you can dream of. I always wondered what I'd do if I was here in this spot and now I don't know what to do."

John Force gave the Funny Car points lead back to Ron Capps after just one race on top by red-lighting against first-round foe Jim Head. Capps, who went to the semifinals, now leads by 19 points.

Skoal Showdown winner Force, a winner of 13 world championships, 121 events and four U.S. Nationals titles, was disappointed with his early round miscue.

"I have the best car here and I failed," Force said. "This is Indy. It's not where you make mistakes. I'm the best there is and I forgot how to race. If you lose like this at Indy you deserve to have your (butt) kicked."

Anderson broke his longest winless streak since his first career victory by taking out starting line specialist Dave Connolly, who fouled at the start in his Skull Gear Chevy Cobalt. Like Schumacher in Top Fuel, Anderson entered race day as the No. 1 qualifier and posted the quickest pass of every round in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO to win his second race of the season and 41st of his career.

"Man I needed a win so badly, and what better place to get it than Indy," said Anderson, who joined Bob Glidden and Warren Johnson as the only Pro Stock racers to win four consecutive Indy races. "It's incredible in this day and age to win four in a row at the race where everybody goes all out to win. I know the competition was awesome when those guys did it, but it's even more brutal now. I feel very humbled and privileged."

Anderson's victory cut teammate Jason Line's series lead to 59 points.

One year ago, Smith felt the elation of an Indy Pro Stock Motorcycle win for about a day, only to have it stripped away when ESPN2 replays proved that a timing malfunction had occurred and opponent Steve Johnson had actually won the final. Although Smith agreed with the decision and was gracious in the turn of events, the incident has stayed with him.

On this day, any chance of a repeat performance was extinguished at the starting line when Sampey left the tree too early, thereby handing the win to Smith at the starting line. He went on to post a 7.222 on his Torco Buell to Sampey's 7.147 on her U.S. Army Suzuki.

"No one's taking this one away," Smith said as he clutched the trophy at the top end. "I saw her red-light come on and I was like, 'Thank you, thank you.' I doubt very seriously I made a very good run because I was screaming my head off in my helmet. I don't even remember going through the gears."

Andrew Hines and Antron Brown remain 1-2 in the point standings after a pair of semifinal finishes with Hines ahead by eight points.

The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series continues with the 22nd annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, Sept. 14-17 at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa. Monday's final results from the 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. The $2.6 million race is the 18th of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

 

Final rounds

Top Fuel -- Tony Schumacher, 4.505 seconds, 325.22 mph def. Brandon Bernstein, 4.602 seconds, 274.00 mph.

Funny Car -- Robert Hight, Ford Mustang, 4.737, 328.38 def. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Charger, 4.756, 327.82.

Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac GTO, 6.687, 206.83 def. Dave Connolly, Chevy Cobalt, foul.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Matt Smith, Buell, 7.222, 176.95 def. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, foul.

Pro RWD -- Brad Personett, Scion, 6.439, 218.80 def. Matt Scranton, Solara, foul.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Bill Reichert, 5.244, 271.13 def. Randy Meyer, 5.273, 267.37.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Frank Manzo, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.569, 258.57 def. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 9.165, 97.28.

Competition Eliminator -- Glen Treadwell, Ford Roadster, 8.089, 158.54 def. Lee Zane, Ford Bantam, 9.055, 145.11.

Super Stock -- Mark Faul, Pontiac Grand Am, 10.156, 124.67 def. Scott Stillings, Grand Am, 8.799, 155.38.

Stock Eliminator -- Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 10.698, 118.87 def. David Edwards, Camaro, 10.860, 119.56.

Super Comp -- Heather Robilotto, Dragster, 8.890, 148.23 def. Jimmy Lewis, Dragster, 8.888, 168.41.

Super Gas -- Iggie Boicesco, Chevy Corvette, 9.941, 157.25 def. Regis Lepage, Chevy S-10, 9.931, 161.90.

Final qualifying and the Skoal Showdown finals

CLERMONT, Ind. --

John Force raced to the $100,000 Skoal Showdown victory Sunday at O'Reilly Raceway Park. It was Force's sixth career win in the special bonus race for the top eight Funny Car qualifiers from the last 12 months.
Force also was the No. 1 qualifier in his category at the $2.6 million Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world's most prestigious drag race. Tony Schumacher, Greg Anderson, and Matt Smith also were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

A 13-time series champion, Force used consistency to earn the Showdown trophy, beating Tony Pedregon with a 4.790, Eric Medlen with a 4.805, and Johnson with 4.789 at 327.19 mph. Johnson gave it a run in the final in his Skoal Racing Chevy Monte Carlo, posting a 4.823 at 321.04 mph, but Force simply had too much horsepower in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang.

"This is a great day for all of John Force Racing," said Force, who was competing in this event for the 23rd time. "It takes a team like this to win one of these deals because it's so hard to win anymore. It's a lot of stress because it's so much money on the line and your sponsors really want this trophy."

In Top Fuel, Schumacher will begin race day as the favorite to win his fifth U.S. Nationals trophy. His 4.475 at 332.59 mph in his U.S. Army dragster, the fastest pass ever at this facility, earned him his ninth low qualifier award of the season and 31st of his career. He'll try to bec8ome the first Top Fuel or Funny Car driver this season to win from the No. 1 position during Monday's 11 a.m. eliminations.

"No one has won a race from the No. 1 spot this year and half of that can be blamed directly on me," Schumacher said. "I'm the dummy screwing up the curve. I know it's starting to bother Alan [Johnson, crew chief] a little bit and he really wants to win this deal tomorrow and put an end to that streak. He's motivated to win, believe me."

Force's 131st low qualifying effort brought him within five of the all-time record held by Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson, who has 136 No. 1 starts. His 4.691 at 328.54 mph from Saturday evening, probably the coolest session of the weekend, ended up being his run of record.

"Being No. 1 is good because that's a few more points on (Ron) Capps and that's a good thing because we need them all," Force said. "Every day you wonder if you're done. Every time we do something good (crew chief Austin) Coil says, 'Do you think this is our last one?' You never know, it just might be. I don't feel like I'm done yet. I got some fight left in me, but it'll run out at some point."

Anderson's 6.662 at 206.95 mph run in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO Sunday morning reset both ends of the ORP record for Pro Stock. This marked the 10th time this year and 50th time in his career that the three-time and reigning series champion has qualified in the No. 1 position.

"This is great but I need a win," said Anderson, who last won at the season-opening race in Pomona, Calif. "It seems like an eternity since I've won and I know it won't be easy to win here. Everyone brings their best to this race because of what it means and every round will be a knock-down, drag-out fight."

Smith's track-record 6.994 at 188.70 mph from Saturday remained the best run in Pro Stock Motorcycle, awarding the Torco Buell racer his second consecutive top qualifying effort.

"This weekend's been awesome for us," Smith said. "The cooler weather was a surprise. It worked out well for us because it allowed us to make more horsepower with the motors. We love to go fast."

SKOAL SHOWDOWN results

INDIANAPOLIS -- Final round-by-round results from the Skoal Showdown, a bonus race for Funny Car competitors held during the 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

 

ROUND ONE -- Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.750, 324.36 def. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Charger, 9.373, 85.93; Eric Medlen, Ford Mustang, 4.770, 323.35 def. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.793, 320.05; John Force, Mustang, 4.790, 322.58 def. Tony Pedregon, Monte Carlo, 4.834, 295.46; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.768, 321.58 def. Whit Bazemore, Charger, 4.860, 310.41;

SEMIFINALS -- Force, 4.805, 320.51 def. Medlen, 5.876, 159.76; Johnson Jr., 5.325, 259.16 def. Hight, 6.314, 146.51;

FINAL -- Force, 4.789, 327.19 def. Johnson Jr., 4.823, 321.04.

TF

1 1 Tony Schumacher, Long Grove IL, Hadman-TFX 4.475 332.59& 332.59
2 91 Larry Dixon, Indianapolis IN, McKinney-TFX 4.492 328.38 328.38
3 3 Doug Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.497 322.65 322.65
4 10 Rod Fuller, Las Vegas NV, Hadman-TFX 4.509 329.67 329.67
5 507 Melanie Troxel, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.521 326.08 326.08
6 9 Cory McClenathan, Lake Havasu City AZ, Hadman- 4.524 329.34 329.34
7 763 Hillary Will, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.531 324.67 325.69
8 4 David Grubnic, Ypsilanti MI, Attac-TFX 4.541 327.51 327.51
9 5 Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Hadman-TFX 4.543 316.67 316.67
10 7 Brandon Bernstein, Lake Forest CA, McKinney-TFX 4.544 328.46 328.46
11 6 Doug Herbert, Lincolnton NC, McKinney-BAE 4.545 322.50 322.50
12 530 Alan Bradshaw, Odessa TX, Don Long-BAE 4.557 326.32 326.32
13 835 Andrew Cowin, Wilmington NC, McKinney-BAE 4.572 323.12 323.50
14 13 David Baca, Brentwood CA, McKinney-BAE 4.581 327.11 327.11
15 1301 Doug Foley, Sewell NJ, McKinney-TFX 4.583 326.00 326.00
16 373 J.R. Todd, Avon IN, Hadman-TFX 4.585 321.65 322.58

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

17 524 Joe Hartley, Portland OR, McKinney-BAE 4.595 327.51 327.51
18 12 Bob Vandergriff, Alpharetta GA, McKinney-BAE 4.599 322.73 322.73
19 201 Scott Weis, Ashland VA, McKinney-TFX 4.623 317.57 317.57
20 104 Clay Millican, Drummonds TN, Hadman-BAE 4.633 319.07 319.07
21 345 Bruce Litton, Indianapolis IN, Hadman-TFX 4.672 318.17 318.17
22 5050 Scott Palmer, Highlandville MO, McKinney-BAE 4.766 295.72 295.72
23 703 Tim Gibson, Newport Beach CA, McKinney-BAE 5.001 220.94 220.94
24 394 Luigi Novelli, Crete IL, McKinney-TFX 6.894 115.97 115.97

FC

1 3 John Force, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.691@ 328.54 328.54
2 5 Robert Hight, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.692 326.56 326.56
3 503 Tommy Johnson Jr., Avon IN, '05 Monte Carlo 4.701 325.14 325.14
4 9 Whit Bazemore, Indianapolis IN, '06 Charger 4.718 327.43 327.43
5 4 Eric Medlen, Yorba Linda CA, '05 Mustang 4.728 324.12 324.12
6 28 Ron Capps, Carlsbad CA, '06 Charger 4.730 324.67 324.67
7 1 Gary Scelzi, Fresno CA, '06 Charger 4.735 330.31& 330.31
8 7 Tony Pedregon, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.735 325.30 325.30
9 180 Mike Ashley, Melville NY, '05 Stratus 4.737 328.30 328.30
10 156 Phil Burkart, Yorkville NY, '05 Monte Carlo 4.760 328.54 328.54
11 782 Gary Densham, Bellflower CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.770 0.00 319.98
12 10 Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.779 325.92 325.92
13 347 Tim Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '05 Monte Carlo 4.784 316.60 319.37
14 319 Scott Kalitta, Ypsilanti MI, '07 Solara 4.790 322.11 322.11
15 206 Bob Gilbertson, Charolette NC, '05 Stratus 4.793 318.92 318.92
16 388 Jim Head, Columbus OH, '05 Stratus 4.801 320.51 323.35

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

17 8 Del Worsham, Chino Hills CA, '05 Monte Carlo 4.806 320.20 320.20
18 31 Johnny Gray, Carlsbad NM, '05 Monte Carlo 4.818 315.86 319.29
19 427 Tony Bartone, Long Island City NY, '05 Monte C 4.840 316.15 316.15
20 340 Bob Bode, Barrington IL, '05 Monte Carlo 4.981 237.55 237.55
21 116 Paul Lee, Gaithersburg MD, '04 Monte Carlo 4.985 307.72 307.72
22 121 Terry Haddock, Lynnwood WA, '05 Monte Carlo 6.768 130.19 130.19

PS

1 1 Greg Anderson, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.662@ 206.95& 206.95
2 2 Kurt Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 Cobalt 6.672 206.83 206.83
3 3 Jason Line, Mooresville NC, '06 GTO 6.676 206.64 206.64
4 55 V. Gaines, Lakewood CO, '06 Stratus 6.682 206.32 206.32
5 44 Mike Edwards, Coweta OK, '06 GTO 6.683 206.73 206.73
6 3351 Dave Howard, Braidwood IL, '06 Cobalt 6.686 205.76 206.07
7 93 Allen Johnson, Greeneville TN, '06 Stratus 6.690 205.29 205.57
8 7 Greg Stanfield, Bossier City LA, '06 GTO 6.693 206.35 206.35
9 357 Larry Morgan, Newark OH, '06 Stratus 6.694 206.20 206.20
10 186 Tom Martino, Farmingdale NJ, '06 GTO 6.695 205.82 206.10
11 5 Dave Connolly, Elyria OH, '06 Cobalt 6.702 205.13 205.13
12 9 Ron Krisher, Warren OH, '06 Cobalt 6.705 205.66 205.66
13 136 Bob Benza, Briarcliff Manor NY, '06 Cobalt 6.707 205.29 205.29
14 4 Warren Johnson, Sugar Hill GA, '06 GTO 6.710 205.79 205.79
15 30 Steve Schmidt, Indianapolis IN, '06 Cobalt 6.716 205.19 205.85
16 1186 Dave Northrop, Perkasie PA, '05 Stratus 6.717 205.29 205.44

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

17 387 Mark Pawuk, Akron OH, '06 GTO 6.718 205.38 205.38
18 10 Jim Yates, Occoquan VA, '06 GTO 6.718 203.92 204.94
19 712 Bob Panella, Stockton CA, '06 Stratus 6.723 204.91 205.22
20 430 Erica Enders, Houston TX, '05 Stratus 6.723 204.60 204.60
21 8 Richie Stevens, New Orleans LA, '06 Stratus 6.726 204.94 204.94
22 107 Kenny Koretsky, Richboro PA, '06 Stratus 6.726 204.91 204.91
23 203 Tommy Lee, Mooresville NC, '06 Cobalt 6.729 204.66 205.63
24 202 Tommy Brown, Gloucester VA, '06 GTO 6.732 204.60 204.98
25 103 Max Naylor, New Buffalo PA, '06 Stratus 6.736 204.51 204.51
26 701 Ben Watson, Concord CA, '06 GTO 6.745 202.76 202.79
27 376 Kevin Lawrence, Palos Hills IL, '02 Cavalier 6.753 203.65 203.65
28 5681 Pat Herold, Maplewood MN, '05 Cavalier 6.768 203.16 203.16
29 772 Tony Rizzo, Tucson AZ, '06 Cobalt 6.780 202.33 202.33
30 295 Barry Grant, Dahlonega GA, '06 GTO 6.800 203.71 203.71
31 359 Larry Peternel, Bristol WI, '02 Camaro 15.970 42.76 42.76

PSM

1 204 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 6.994 188.70 188.70
2 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.020 189.68 189.68
3 10 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 7.041 189.23 189.23
4 5 Chip Ellis, Americus GA, Buell 7.053 185.56 188.52
5 4 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Buell 7.069 187.05 187.70
6 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.070 186.41 186.41
7 133 Paul Gast, Grand Island NY, Suzuki 7.078 186.64 186.64
8 731 Matt Guidera, Rocklin CA, Buell 7.085 185.69 185.69
9 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 7.088 188.81 188.81
10 9 Steve Johnson, Irondale AL, Suzuki 7.092 185.95 185.95
11 8 Geno Scali, Palatine IL, Suzuki 7.095 189.15 189.15
12 6 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.096 184.95 185.61
13 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.097 187.89 187.89
14 303 Tom Bradford, Eagle WI, Buell 7.098 185.61 186.98
15 7487 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.102 185.03 185.03
16 2 GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod 7.117 186.25 186.85

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

17 1000 Marco Andreano, Monroe Twp NJ, Buell 7.129 186.41 186.41
18 310 Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki 7.133 187.65 187.65
19 371 Wes Wells, Greenwood IN, Suzuki 7.138 186.10 186.10
20 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.141 186.43 186.43
21 7 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 7.158 185.61 186.90
22 101 Connie Cohen, Bristol CT, Buell 7.161 184.19 184.19
23 235 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Suzuki 7.191 183.27 183.27
24 533 Jim Underdahl, Stacy MN, Suzuki 7.265 182.55 182.55
25 500 Buddy Robinson, Princeton MN, Suzuki 7.267 182.23 182.23
26 457 Redell Harris, Prairieville LA, Suzuki 7.358 178.80 179.85
27 257 Darin McCurdy, Port Charlotte FL, Suzuki 7.381 177.67 178.31
28 322 Brian DeLong, Circleville OH, Suzuki 7.499 157.34 175.43
29 117 Jack Baldwin, Wharton NJ, Suzuki 7.888 163.65 163.65

TAD

1 74 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman-B 5.208@ 271.57 271.57
2 4 A/FD Bill Reichert, Owosso MI, Bowen-Reich 5.265 276.07 276.07
3 421 A/FD Spencer Massey, Fort Worth TX, Bowen-TFX 5.285 268.49 269.24
4 303 A/FD Todd Datweiler, Herscher IL, McKinney-BAE 5.292 267.00 267.48
5 7 A/FD Ashley Force, Azusa CA, McKinney-BAE 5.296 269.56 269.56
6 42 A/FD Lee Callaway, Channelview TX, Monden-Con 5.311 269.46 270.64
7 371 A/FD Dave Heitzman, Grand Rapids OH, Spitzer- 5.322 262.74 262.74
8 47 A/FD Brandon Pierce, Oklahoma City OK, Monden 5.330 255.00 257.04
9 3 A/FD Randy Meyer, Olathe KS, Meyer-BAE 5.332 269.89 269.89
10 318 A/FD Dave Hirata, Lowell IN, Hadman-TFX 5.341 269.73 269.73
11 7438 A/FD Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.348 263.62 263.62
12 37 B/AD Noah Condo, Monticello IN, Uyehara-TFX 5.369 266.00 266.00
13 5 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-RTR 5.390 268.22 268.22
14 611 A/FD Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park CA, Uyehar 5.397 256.26 258.07
15 33 TA/D Jeff Bohr, Plymouth MI, Spitzer-GBR 5.484 261.22 261.22
16 585 B/AD Jeff Hamelink, Savage MN, Hadman-BAE 5.484 258.12 258.22

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

17 308 B/AD Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell MI, Spitzer-B 5.495 250.69 262.90
18 373 A/FD Ray Hack, Valpraiso IN, SBI-TFX 5.498 258.91 258.91
19 321 B/AD Tim Bowgren, Valparaiso IN, CNE-KB 5.516 261.57 261.57
20 38 B/AD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, Burgan-BAE 5.566 226.35 226.35
21 25 A/FD Robin Samsel, Marion IN, Uyehara-BAE 5.605 229.94 251.25
22 711 A/FD Kevin Brown, Clearfield UT, McKinney-BAE 5.827 233.60 233.60
23 316 B/AD Randy Bayne, Elwood IN, Lindert-Arias 5.873 193.54 193.54
24 518 B/AD John Haley, Wayzata MN, Uyehara-BAE 6.108 169.47 169.47

TAFC

1 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.554@ 260.41& 260.41
2 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.610 257.97 257.97
3 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.633 257.19 257.19
4 5 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.642 256.26 257.04
5 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.643 258.17 258.17
6 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.644 257.97 257.97
7 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '06 Mustang 5.656 255.92 255.92
8 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.656 255.92 255.92
9 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.672 252.76 252.95
10 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.674 252.52 252.52
11 303 Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '05 Monte Carlo 5.682 254.28 254.28
12 54 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.52 252.52
13 33 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '00 Avenger 5.701 250.46 250.46
14 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '05 Monte Carlo 5.715 252.24 252.24
15 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 5.721 252.52 252.52
16 313 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '02 Firebird 5.740 246.71 246.71

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

17 325 Jeff Wilson, Winfield MO, '05 Monte Carlo 5.793 244.34 244.34
18 56 Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake MN, '05 Corvette 5.794 240.72 240.72
19 347 Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '98 Firebird 5.825 247.29 247.29
20 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.889 248.02 248.02
21 302 John Bojec, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.891 242.41 242.41
22 7617 Nancy Matter, Austin TX, '02 Camaro 5.964 243.37 243.37
23 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 6.049 236.05 236.05
24 3608 Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, '02 Firebird 6.228 233.32 233.32
25 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '00 Lumina 6.710 212.96 212.96

Saturday qualifying

CLERMONT, Ind. --

Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Andrew Hines claimed the largest payout in class history by winning the $25,000 top prize in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle Saturday at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.
The special race within a race bonus event highlighted a spectacular day of qualifying for the 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the $2.6 million showcase event in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the event, the 18th of 23 on the tour.

For the third year in a row, a Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson V-Rod from the vaunted Vance & Hines stable came away with a win in the Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle, which features the top eight qualifiers from the previous 12 months. Hines won in 2004, while teammate GT Tonglet took the trophy in 2005. This year the winner's purse increased from $15,000 to $25,000.

The back-to-back series champ and current points leader, Hines left Ellis at the starting line and led all the way down the track, crossing the finish line with a 7.062 at 188.15 mph to Ellis' 7.114 at 184.75 mph on his Drag Specialties S&S Buell.

"That's three years in a row for our team and that's hard to believe," Hines said. "I felt like I was making a good run and I didn't hear Chip. I was just tucked in, looking at the wall and thinking, 'come on finish line.' If we can keep this up, we've got a shot at that $10,000 bonus for winning on Monday."

Hines has put himself in position to earn another $20,000 from NHRA should he manage to "Double-up" and win the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Monday. The race and the "Double-up" bonus are worth $10,000 each.

Schumacher answered points leader Doug Kalitta's opening day salvo with a blistering 4.475 at 332.59 mph in his U.S. Army dragster to move up the Top Fuel ladder to the No. 1 spot. Schumacher's top speed was the fastest ever recorded at ORP. Kalitta dropped to third with a best of 4.497 seconds in his Mac Tools dragster.

"We don't want [Kalitta] to be No. 1 because we need every single point we can get," Schumacher said. "That's a world-class team over there. They haven't won a championship yet but they're of that caliber. I always say, we don't just come for the trophy we come for the challenge and it's a big one right now."

Force's 4.691 at 328.54 mph in his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang was a true crowd-pleaser as the four-time Indy champ and series points leader lit-up the night sky from one end of the track to the other. Force took the points lead from Ron Capps at the last event by 17 markers. Capps is qualified sixth here with a 4.730 at 324.67 mph in his Brut Dodge Charger.

"It's funny because we're low E.T. now but right before that run I was as nervous as can be," Force said. "We'd been pushed down to the bump and I was about to get knocked out. I looked at [crew chief Austin] Coil and said, 'Well, what do you think?' He said, 'I think I'm gonna be sick.' Then it was our turn to go and he said, 'Well, no guts, no glory.' This sport can bring you to your knees. I don't care how many championships you've won."

Three-time and defending series champion Anderson found his Indy tune-up in the third session and quickly moved to the front of Pro Stock with a 6.681 at 206.23 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO. Anderson has won three of the last fo8r Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, including the last three in a row.

"This place is magic to me and always has been," Anderson said. "For a drag racer, it just doesn't get any better to have this track, and this race, be the one where you always seem to shine."

Smith's track record 6.994 at 188.70 mph was the 10th quickest pass in Pro Stock Motorcycle history and his first in the six-second range. The Torco Buell V-Twin rider also became the fifth member of the Mickey Thompson 6-Second Pro Stock Bike Club and put himself in position to claim his second consecutive low qualifier honor.

"It means a lot to join that club," Smith said. "My dad [Pro Stock racer Rickie Smith] was a member of the 6-Second Club in Pro Stock and for both of us to be a part of the history books like that is pretty amazing."

Sunday's final two qualifying sessions are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday's eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

Final round-by-round results from the Ringer's Gloves Pro Bike Battle, a bonus race for Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors held during the 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

BIKE BATTLE:

ROUND ONE -- Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.096, 184.95 def. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 7.131, 183.24; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.994, 188.70 def. Ryan Schnitz, Buell, 7.069, 187.05; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.049, 188.78 def. Tom Bradford, Buell, 7.120, 186.41; Chip Ellis, Buell, 7.068, 188.52 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.158, 185.61;

SEMIFINALS -- Ellis, 7.118, 185.36 def. Brown, foul; Hines, 7.061, 188.33 def. Smith, 7.099, 185.46;

FINAL -- Hines, 7.062, 188.15 def. Ellis, 7.114, 184.75.

Friday qualifying

Hemi Shootout series is dominated by Charlie Westcott Jr.

With a dominating performance that included a string of 8.6-second runs and a stunning 8.58 in the final round, Charlie Westcott Jr. claimed his second consecutive victory in the Mopar Hemi Challenge contested during the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Driving his War Fish ’68 Barracuda, Westcott downed former Hemi Challenge champion Bucky Hess in the final round, 8.58 to 8.63. With the victory, Westcott claimed the $10,000 top prize and an additional $5,000 as the 2006 overall Hemi Challenge series champion.

“That was a really great race,” said Westcott, who has now won five Hemi Challenge races at various venues. “We made a change to the car after the semifinals, and it obviously worked. I had a 1.15 60-foot time, and that’s pretty good for one of these cars. I saw Bucky for a while in 2nd gear and then started pulling away from him. I knew my car was making a pretty good run. This makes up for the last [Hemi Challenge] race in Columbus when my car broke. In fact, this win more than makes up for that loss.”

Westcott, who operates Jackson Engine Tech in his hometown of Parma, Mich., was the low qualifier with an 8.72 in a strong field that included 26 vintage Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda factory race cars. In eliminations, he breezed through the opening rounds with wins over Joe Faherty and former Indy finalist Jerry Jenkins.

“In the first round, I was so nervous that my foot was shaking trying to hold the brake pedal down,” Westcott said. “I get that way when I have the fastest car because I know I’m supposed to win. Sometimes I’d rather have to come from behind because I’m more relaxed.”

Westcott did have to come from behind late in the race as Hess actually held lane choice going into the final. Westcott downed semifinal opponent Jeg Coughlin with an 8.64, but Hess trumped him with an 8.63 in his win over Joe Teuton Jr.

“I was really surprised when I saw Bucky run that .63 because the quickest he’d been before that was an 8.72,” said Westcott. “That’s when we knew we needed to get to work. I also knew I needed to have a good light in the final, and I did. In the end, it all worked out in my favor.”

Former event champion Coughlin, who earlier in the day announced his return to Pro Stock, reached the semifinals behind the wheel of Michael Ogburn’s West Coast Hemis Barracuda. Coughlin did not get down the track in two qualifying attempts and was the 25th-best qualifier. On race day, Coughlin’s performance improved dramatically in wins over Jerry Caro, Matt Hensley, and Randy Warford.

The opening round of eliminations featured six red-light starts, including one by former U.S. Nationals SS/AH class champion Rick Johnson. Another former Indy class champ, Rick Houser, left too soon in round two against Teuton and his Southland Dodge entry.

Pro Friday Recap

Top Fuel points leader Doug Kalitta posted a quick 4.497-second run at 322 mph to lead the opening day action Friday at the $2.6 million Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious drag race in the world.
Kalitta was joined by Funny Car's Robert Hight, Pro Stock's Jason Line, and Pro Stock Motorcycle's Karen Stoffer as leading qualifiers at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis with four more rounds of professional qualifying left on the schedule for Monday's 11 a.m. eliminations in the NHRA POWERade Series marquee event.

Just as he did in Memphis, Kalitta showed up reigning champ Tony Schumacher, who was in the other lane during his track record run. His 4.497 at 322.65 mph in his Mac Tools dragster drew a large cheer from the crowd and sent a message to Schumacher that the fight for the championship won't be easy. Schumacher, who recently moved up to second place in the points, ended up 11th with a 4.591 in his U.S. Army dragster.

"That was kind of nice, I must admit," Kalitta said. "We're in the heat of the battle and we're trying to do the very best we can on every pass. I was surprised to see the win light come on just now. It was exciting to get there first."

The other three provisional low qualifiers all used track record elapsed times to grab the No. 1 spot in their respective categories. Hight ran a 4.692, Line a 6.687, and Stoffer a 7.068. Gary Scelzi also set an ORP speed record with a 330.31-mph pass in his Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger.

Since he turned pro at the start of 2005, no one has more No. 1 qualifiers than Hight's 13 efforts. Now the sophomore driver has the inside track to add No. 14 after blazing down ORP with a 4.692 at 326.56 mph in his Auto Club Ford Mustang.

"What's really frustrating for me right now is to look at the standings," Hight said. "They just don't reflect how good this car really is. I know in my heart we have the best car out here. We just seem to find a new way to lose every week. We've got to get past that."

Line continues to be the class of Pro Stock, finishing as the low qualifier after a 6.687 at 205.04 mph in his Summit Racing Pontiac GTO. Line has four No. 1 qualifiers this year and eight in his career, but he's never been No. 1 here. His elapsed time is a track record.

"I won my very first round in Pro Stock at this race," Line said. "Ever since then, I've pretty much struggled at this track. We're off to a good start now so hopefully we can win four more rounds Monday and change our luck here. We're in good shape now. It's a pretty big relief."

Stoffer has never led an NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle field until Friday when she rode her Suzuki through a 7.068 at 187.11 mph on her Geico Suzuki. She'll have to hold off everyone else in the pack for four more qualifying sessions to maintain the honor but opening day belongs to her.

"This is amazing," said Stoffer of her track record time. "This is our first time in the No. 1 spot, at least in a pro race, and it's really an amazing feeling to be here, even if it's just for one day. We couldn't have picked a better place to do this. We're living a dream and if we're lucky enough to stay No. 1 there will be lots of tears in our pit, mostly from the guys."

POWERade Series points leader Andrew Hines is second on his Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson V-Rod, although his 7.083 at 188.38 mph is a fair bit back from Stoffer's number.

Saturday's two time trials are scheduled to begin at 1 and 6:15 p.m.

Friday qualifying

Top Fuel

1. Doug Kalitta MAC Tools Dragster 4.497 322.65
2. Melanie Troxel Skull Gear/Torco Dragster 4.521 326.08
3. Rod Fuller David Powers Motorsports Drags 4.523 326.95
4. Cory McClenathan Carrier Boyz/Fram Boost 2 Drag 4.524 329.34&
5. Doug Herbert Snap-On Tools Dragster 4.545 322.50
6. Larry Dixon Miller Lite Dragster 4.546 328.22
7. Hillary Will KB Racing Dragster 4.547 325.69
8. Brandon Bernstein Budweiser/Lucas Oil Dragster 4.550 326.63
9. Morgan Lucas Lucas Oil Dragster 4.564 308.64
10. Andrew Cowin Serta Perfect Sleeper Dragster 4.580 320.74
11. Tony Schumacher U.S. Army Dragster 4.591 304.12
12. Joe Hartley Hartley Racing Dragster 4.595 327.51
13. J.R. Todd Skull Shine Dragster 4.598 322.58
14. Alan Bradshaw Bill Miller Engineering/Okuma 4.606 304.25
15. Doug Foley Torco Racing Fuels Dragster 4.636 322.73
16. Bruce Litton Lucas Oil/Torco Dragster 4.708 283.61
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Bob Vandergriff UPS Dragster 4.759 253.56
18. Scott Weis Barrett Enterprises Dragster 4.802 289.94
19. Clay Millican Werner Enterprises Dragster 4.804 253.99
20. Scott Palmer Grand Crowne/Nitro Plate Drags 4.896 240.51
21. David Baca Big O Tires/Mach 1 Dragster 6.639 117.85
22. David Grubnic StriVectin-SD Dragster 10.158 75.75
23. Tim Gibson Stevens Family Dragster 13.301 67.31
24. Luigi Novelli National Machine Repair Dragst 13.425 89.72

Funny Car

1. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.692@ 326.56
2. Whit Bazemore Matco Tools Charger 4.718 327.43
3. Ron Capps Brut Charger 4.730 324.67
4. Gary Scelzi Hemi Oakley Charger 4.735 330.31&
5. Tommy Johnson Jr. Skoal Racing Monte Carlo 4.747 322.96
6. Eric Medlen Castrol Syntec Mustang 4.765 323.66
7. Gary Densham RaceBricks Monte Carlo 4.770 0.00
8. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo 4.779 325.92
9. Phil Burkart Checker Schucks & Kragen Monte 4.788 325.22
10. Bob Gilbertson Autolite XP Spark Plugs Stratu 4.793 318.92
11. Jim Head Head Racing Stratus 4.801 320.51
12. Johnny Gray Monte Carlo 4.895 317.79
13. Tony Pedregon Q Power Monte Carlo 4.898 243.19
14. Bob Bode Alard Machine Products Monte C 4.981 237.55
15. Paul Lee Rislone Monte Carlo 4.985 307.72
16. Tony Bartone Jim Dunn Racing/Lucas Oil Mont 5.015 304.05
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Monte Carlo 5.570 174.41
18. Scott Kalitta Kalitta Air Solara 5.758 170.77
19. Del Worsham Checker Schuck's Kragen Monte 5.769 168.85
20. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 6.718 132.27
21. Mike Ashley Skull Racing Gear Stratus 7.497 107.86

Pro Stock

1. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.687@ 205.04
2. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.689 205.38
3. Dave Howard Indicom Racing Cobalt 6.691 205.63
4. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.694 205.85&
5. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.698 205.13
6. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.700 205.85
7. Dave Connolly Skull Gear Cobalt 6.705 204.76
8. Tom Martino Skull Gear GTO 6.706 204.82
9. Larry Morgan ZMax Stratus 6.714 204.88
10. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.716 205.38
11. Steve Schmidt GTO 6.716 205.19
12. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.718 203.92
13. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.722 204.94
14. Mark Pawuk Pawuk Racing GTO 6.724 204.60
15. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.726 204.94
16. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.727 204.23
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Tommy Lee Slammer's Cobalt 6.729 204.66
18. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.731 205.10
19. Kenny Koretsky Nitro Fish Wear Stratus 6.733 204.14
20. Erica Enders Team Mopar/SRT Stratus 6.734 203.58
21. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 6.736 204.60
22. Dave Northrop Nitro Fish Stratus 6.741 204.11
23. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Cobalt 6.745 203.98
24. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.750 203.71
25. Tommy Brown GTO 6.754 203.95
26. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.766 201.73
27. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cavalier 6.801 202.61
28. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.818 201.04
29. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 13.395 63.64

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1 10 Karen Stoffer, Smith NV, Suzuki 7.068@ 187.11 187.11
2 1 Andrew Hines, Brownsburg IN, Harley V-Rod 7.083 188.38 188.38
3 204 Matt Smith, King NC, Buell 7.089 184.47 184.47
4 412 Michael Phillips, Baton Rouge LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.097 187.89 187.89
5 303 Tom Bradford, Eagle WI, Buell 7.098 185.61 185.61
6 3 Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Suzuki GSXR 7.099 184.72 184.72
7 5 Chip Ellis, Americus GA, Buell 7.136 184.27 184.27
8 6 Antron Brown, Indianapolis IN, Suzuki GSXR 7.138 183.47 183.47
9 133 Paul Gast, Grand Island NY, Suzuki 7.142 183.97 183.97
10 7487 Chris Rivas, Fresno CA, Buell 7.157 184.07 184.07
11 573 Mike Berry, Littleton CO, Suzuki 7.160 184.47 184.47
12 2 GT Tonglet, Metairie LA, Harley V-Rod 7.164 184.19 184.19
13 7 Craig Treble, Hensley AR, Suzuki GSXR 7.176 184.25 184.25
14 9 Steve Johnson, Irondale AL, Suzuki 7.178 183.89 183.89
15 8 Geno Scali, Palatine IL, Suzuki 7.187 184.07 184.07
16 310 Joe DeSantis, Rootstown OH, Suzuki 7.211 182.35 182.35

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

17 731 Matt Guidera, Rocklin CA, Buell 7.211 181.54 181.54
18 1000 Marco Andreano, Monroe Twp NJ, Buell 7.247 182.33 182.33
19 371 Wes Wells, Greenwood IN, Suzuki 7.305 180.52 180.52
20 500 Buddy Robinson, Princeton MN, Suzuki 7.321 179.16 179.16
21 235 Hector Arana, Milltown IN, Suzuki 7.322 182.18 182.18
22 457 Redell Harris, Prairieville LA, Suzuki 7.358 178.80 178.80
23 533 Jim Underdahl, North Branch MN, Suzuki 7.416 178.76 178.76
24 101 Connie Cohen, Bristol CT, Buell 7.491 178.71 178.71
25 322 Brian DeLong, Circleville OH, Suzuki 7.499 157.34 157.34
26 257 Darin McCurdy, Port Charlotte FL, Suzuki 9.671 87.99 87.99
27 205 Shawn Gann, Stoneville NC, Suzuki 12.467 62.95 62.95
28 4 Ryan Schnitz, Decatur IN, Buell 17.725 33.83 33.83

TAD (After Saturday's first session)

1 4 A/FD Bill Reichert, Owosso MI, Bowen-Reich 5.280 267.27 267.27
2 421 A/FD Spencer Massey, Fort Worth TX, Bowen-TFX 5.285 268.49 269.24
3 303 A/FD Todd Datweiler, Herscher IL, McKinney-BAE 5.308 267.48 267.48
4 7 A/FD Ashley Force, Azusa CA, McKinney-BAE 5.310 268.76 268.76
5 42 A/FD Lee Callaway, Channelview TX, Monden-Con 5.317 269.46 270.64
6 371 A/FD Dave Heitzman, Grand Rapids OH, Spitzer- 5.322 262.74 262.74
7 3 A/FD Randy Meyer, Olathe KS, Meyer-BAE 5.332 269.89 269.89
8 74 A/FD Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman-B 5.335 270.00 270.00
9 47 A/FD Brandon Pierce, Oklahoma City OK, Monden 5.336 257.04 257.04
10 7438 A/FD Morgan Lucas, Brownsburg IN, Spitzer-BAE 5.348 263.62 263.62
11 318 A/FD Dave Hirata, Lowell IN, Hadman-TFX 5.397 257.53 257.53
12 611 A/FD Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park CA, Uyehar 5.397 256.26 258.07
13 5 B/AD Marty Thacker, Robinson IL, Spitzer-RTR 5.470 262.39 262.39
14 33 TA/D Jeff Bohr, Plymouth MI, Spitzer-GBR 5.484 261.22 261.22
15 37 B/AD Noah Condo, Monticello IN, Uyehara-TFX 5.488 261.62 261.62
16 308 B/AD Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell MI, Spitzer-B 5.495 250.69 250.69

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

17 585 B/AD Jeff Hamelink, Savage MN, Hadman-BAE 5.496 258.22 258.22
18 373 A/FD Ray Hack, Valpraiso IN, SBI-TFX 5.498 258.91 258.91
19 321 B/AD Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso IN, CNE-KB 5.516 261.57 261.57
20 38 B/AD Jared Dreher, Clinton IN, Burgan-BAE 5.566 226.35 226.35
21 25 A/FD Robin Samsel, Marion IN, Uyehara-BAE 5.605 229.94 229.94
22 711 A/FD Kevin Brown, Clearfield UT, McKinney-BAE 5.827 233.60 233.60
23 518 B/AD John Haley, Wayzata MN, Uyehara-BAE 6.108 169.47 169.47
24 316 B/AD Randy Bayne, Elwood IN, Lindert-Arias 6.154 173.78 173.78

TAFC

1 5 Mick Snyder, Demotte IN, '02 Firebird 5.642 256.26 256.26
2 2 Frank Manzo, Morganville NJ, '05 Monte Carlo 5.643 258.17 258.17
3 4 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '02 Camaro 5.647 258.12 258.12
4 1 Bob Newberry, Schenectady NY, '05 Monte Carlo 5.655 254.66 256.99
5 1777 Bob Tasca III, Cranston RI, '06 Mustang 5.656 255.92 255.92
6 3 Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina CA, '05 Monte C 5.656 255.87 255.87
7 62 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '02 Firebird 5.672 252.76 252.76
8 303 Todd Veney, Indianapolis IN, '05 Monte Carlo 5.682 254.28 254.28
9 54 Vern Moats, Des Moines IA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.52 252.52
10 756 Don Hudson, Stockton CA, '02 Camaro 5.682 252.10 252.10
11 33 Jeff Burnett, Brownsburg IN, '00 Avenger 5.701 250.46 250.46
12 32 Danny Townsend, Muncie IN, '05 Stratus 5.707 255.05 255.05
13 806 Steve Harker, Gainesville GA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.760 253.52 253.52
14 313 Andy Bohl, Racine WI, '02 Firebird 5.792 244.03 244.03
15 325 Jeff Wilson, Winfield MO, '05 Monte Carlo 5.793 244.34 244.34
16 56 Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake MN, '05 Corvette 5.794 240.72 240.72

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

17 497 Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow OK, '05 Monte Carlo 5.838 246.80 246.80
18 1210 Marty Nothstein, Orefield PA, '05 Monte Carlo 5.889 248.02 248.02
19 302 John Bojec, Chardon OH, '03 Avenger 5.891 242.41 242.41
20 347 Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield IL, '98 Firebird 5.924 243.02 243.02
21 7617 Nancy Matter, Austin TX, '02 Camaro 5.964 243.37 243.37
22 315 Russ Mudd, Fairdale KY, '98 Mustang 6.285 228.81 228.81
23 3608 Wayne Butler, Forest City IL, '02 Firebird 6.417 227.31 227.31
24 317 Steve Franke, Indianapolis IN, '00 Lumina 6.710 212.96 212.96
25 64 Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls OR, '05 Monte Ca 12.477 61.15 61.15

 

Thuursday Hemi shootout qualifying

 

Round two

1 3651 SS/AH Charlie Wescott Jr., Parma MI, '68 Barracu 8.721 9.80 -1.079
2 1798 SS/AH Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill WV, '68 Barracuda 8.795 9.80 -1.005
3 5333 SS/AH Randy Hopkins, Cable WI, '68 Dart 8.856 9.80 -0.944
4 350 SS/AH Jim Pancake, Delaware OH, '68 Barracuda 8.860 9.80 -0.940
5 7301 SS/AH Jerry Jenkins, Modesto CA, '68 Barracuda 8.868 9.80 -0.932
6 3122 SS/AH Joey Wilkes, Zanesville OH, '68 Barracuda 8.912 9.80 -0.888
7 4426 SS/AH Joe Teuton Jr., Houma LA, '68 Barracuda 8.921 9.80 -0.879
8 7980 SS/AH Steven Wann, Modesto CA, '69 Barracuda 8.922 9.80 -0.878
9 3410 SS/AH Randy Warford, Nashville IN, '68 Barracuda 8.925 9.80 -0.875
10 1990 SS/AH David Barton, Robesonia PA, '68 Dart 8.929 9.80 -0.871
11 3426 SS/AH Darrell Marvel, Big Rapids MI, '68 Barracu 8.932 9.80 -0.868
12 4408 SS/AH Jerry Caro, Houma LA, '68 Dart 8.942 9.80 -0.858
13 721 SS/AH Rick Houser, Chatsworth CA, '68 Barracuda 8.952 9.80 -0.848
14 7629 SS/AH Joe Faherty, Apple Valley CA, '68 Dart 8.961 9.80 -0.839
15 799J SS/AH John Rains, Santa Paula CA, '68 Dart 8.999 9.80 -0.801
16 1960 SS/AH Al Smyth, Uxbridge MA, '68 Barracuda 9.002 9.80 -0.798
17 5651 SS/AH Rick Johnson, Litchfield MN, '68 Barracuda 9.007 9.80 -0.793
18 1821 SS/AH Michael Barton, Wernersville PA, '68 Plymo 9.032 9.80 -0.768
19 2904 SS/AH Matt Hensley, Knoxville TN, '68 Barracuda 9.035 9.80 -0.765
20 205 SS/AH John Gifford, Naples FL, '68 Barracuda 9.075 9.80 -0.725
21 1381 SS/AH Mark Howes, Rothesay NB, '68 Dart 9.084 9.80 -0.716
22 720 SS/AH Dave Raybourn, Modesto CA, '68 Dart 9.087 9.80 -0.713
23 138 SS/AH Wendell Howes, Rathesay NB, '68 Barracuda 9.127 9.80 -0.673
24 1954 SS/AH Bob Wolkwitz, Darien CT, '68 Dart 9.136 9.80 -0.664
25 372 SS/AH Jeg Coughlin, Delaware OH, '68 Barracuda 15.708 9.80 5.908
26 4222 SS/AH Fred Henson, Madisonville TX, '68 Dart 24.470 9.80 14.670

Indy Press releases

MOPAR Hemi Shootout

CENTER LINE, Mich. -- The Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge is poised to make its sixth appearance at the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals next Friday, September 1. Featuring the hottest SS/AH cars in the country, the event will also feature former Mopar Direct Connection and Mopar Ramcharger program engineer Tom Hoover, former U.S. Nationals Pro Stock Champion Herb McCandless and Buddy Martin, manager of the famous Sox & Martin race team. Well-regarded for their on-track contributions to drag racing, Mopar will honor these men for their part in the advancement of the sport.
Martin will act as the Grand Marshal for the Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge, while Diane Sox, the widow of the legendary Ronnie Sox, is noted as the honorary starter for the event. Sox passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer. David Hakim, Portfolio Manager for Performance Mopar Parts, is looking forward to the excitement and nostalgia that these former racers and Mrs. Sox will bring to the event.

"Mopar is truly honored to have an influential group such as this as a part of this year's Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge," said Hakim. "Tom, Herb and Buddy are a part of the HEMI's legacy, and it's great to have them return to see the progress of their work. These gentlemen are also a part of the original Chrysler Racing program of the 1960s and 1970s, and it's because of their dedication that the SS/AH class continues to flourish."

Hoover was heavily involved in the development of the 1968 HEMI Barracuda and Dodge Dart Package Cars. Sox and Martin were instrumental in the progress and popularity of the Mopar Super Stock and Pro Stock drag racing campaign in the 1960s and 1970s. Also highlighted in this year's event is the Mopar Direct Connection Racer Support trailer. Mopar's Direct Connection program uses interactive web-based technologies to help grassroots and sportsman racers evaluate their runs, as well as provide on-track product support.

"The Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge is an outstanding event; it truly showcases the awesome influence that the HEMI powerplant and Mopar have had on drag racing's history," Hakim said. "With 30 entries pre-entered, we're expecting the largest group of competitors for the event to date. Race fans will have an opportunity to see some of the most wicked SS/AA class cars do battle for the bragging rights as the Mopar Super Stock HEMI Challenge champion. It's going to be a great show."

Competitors in the Super Stock/AH-HEMI (SS/AH) division are eligible to compete in the Super Stock HEMI Challenge event. Featuring more than 25 Hemi-powered factory lightweight SS/AH 1968 Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts, the event winner will receive a $10,000 bonus. The final round will feature an all or nothing format as the competitors compete for not only the bragging rights but the cash prize. The event will also crown an overall Mopar HEMI Challenge series points champion based on rounds won at the two NHRA Sportsnationals held earlier this year. The Mopar HEMI Challenge Series winner will receive a $5,000 prize.

The Mopar Super Stock Hemi Challenge will take place on Friday, September 1, during the 52nd Mac Tools U.S. Nationals event at O'Reilly Raceway Park.

Top Alcohol team press releases

Don Hudson

Hudson ready for the "Big Go" in Indy

CLERMONT, Ind. - After posting solid numbers during last month's "Western Swing," NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Don Hudson hopes to turn those numbers into success during this weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, the most prestigious race in all of drag racing. The Red Line Oil backed team hopes a new PSI Supercharger will be their 'ace in the hole' this weekend.

Hudson, from Stockton, Calif., not only hopes to continue the strong numbers he ran on the Western Swing, but build on the consistency the team showed as well.

"The car has ran well at the past few races," said Hudson. "We've had a car that could win at the past few races but we haven't been able to put it in the winner's circle. We're not going to try to kill the world; we just want to be consistent and make small steps at a time."

Not wanting to leave anything on the table, Hudson has taken delivery of a brand new PSI Supercharger for the weekend.

"This is Indy, so you're going to be racing the best of the best," stated Hudson. "We've been running an older model PSI, so hopefully the new blower will give us a little more performance. We plan to start qualifying with our old blower to get it down the track, then put the new blower on when we're solidly in the field. It's Indy, so you have to bring your A game."

Qualifying begins on Thursday and will run until Saturday for the alcohol cars. Round one of eliminations will be Sunday morning, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Monday.

For more information on the Don Hudson Racing team, visit their website at http://www.donhudsonracing.com/

In conditions where only the best oil will do, veterans like Don Hudson choose Red Line Synthetic Oil. Find out more at http://www.redlineoil.com/

http://www.jimmyvasserchevrolet.com/ - Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet in Napa, Calif.

http://www.deltarubber.com/ - California & Nevada's leader in Industrial distribution since 1945

http://www.fueldeliveryservices.com/ - Timely, Quality Service to the Stockton area

Spencer Massey

Massey shooting to bounce back in Indy

CLERMONT, Ind. - Following a disappointing first round loss in Brainerd, Minn., two weeks ago, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster rookie Spencer Massey and car owner/tuner Gene Snow hope to bounce back at the biggest event in all of drag racing, this weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Snow qualified No. 1 here last year en route to a semifinal finish, and hopes to pass that success along to Massey.

Massey, 23, of Ft. Worth, Texas, enters the event fourth in national points. Having three more national events he can claim points at, Massey and Snow hope to make the most of this weekend.

"It's not impossible, but it would be tough for us to win the championship," said Massey. "We basically have to win out the rest of the year to have a shot at the championship. Right now, we're just focused on going rounds and staying in the top five. I would also like to win a national event. Ideally I would have already got the 'first one' out of the way going into Indy, but Indy would be a nice place to win our first."

Massey also feels this weekend's weather forecast plays to his favor.

"We should have a pretty good car," stated Massey. "It's supposed to be cool, so we should have a car that can run good numbers. We just want to compete, hold our own and not make mistakes. This is the big one - Indy."

Qualifying begins on Thursday and will run until Saturday for the alcohol cars. Round one of eliminations will be Sunday morning, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Monday.

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Lee Callaway

Callaway & Conway looking to stay hot in Indy

CLERMONT, Ind. - Just one week off their first win together, the duo of NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Lee Callaway and car owner/tuner Tom Conway will enter the biggest race of them all, this weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Conway won the event last year as a car owner, and would love to give his new driver Callaway his first national event win at the "Big Go."

Callaway, from Baytown, Texas, is excited about driving the car that not only won Indy last year, but the World Championship.

"It's pretty exciting to get to drive for Tom at a big race like this," said Callaway. "We have had several races to 'click.' I'm feeling pretty comfortable in the car, so it's good to have that out of the way going into Indy. I just have to put all the hype aside and do my job. Evan Knoll and the Torco Race Fuels family have been very supportive of us this year, so hopefully we can put this Skull Shine car in the winner's circle for them."

Callaway and Conway not only want to defend their title, but gain valuable points this weekend. Callaway enters the event 17th in national points, but has only attended two national events this year. Racers in Top Alcohol Dragster can claim points at their best five of the first eight national events they attend, leaving Callaway six more national events to claim points this year.

"We started the year together late, so every race counts more now," stated Callaway. "Right now it's a long shot for us to win the national championship, but we still have enough races to do it if we win out. If we can just go rounds, the points will take care of themselves."

Qualifying begins on Thursday and will run until Saturday for the alcohol cars. Round one of eliminations will be Sunday morning, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Monday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news in alcohol racing.

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Bill Reichert

Reichert to debut new sponsor Rislone Engine Treatment in Indy

CLERMONT, Ind. - Current NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster points leader Bill Reichert will debut Bar's Products Rislone Engine Treatment as his new major sponsor during this weekend's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at the famed O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Other sponsors joining Rislone on Reichert's battle for the Championship will be Bar's Leaks, Lane Automotive and NGK Spark Plugs.

Rislone is no stranger to NHRA Drag Racing, sponsoring numerous vehicles over the years, including the famous 'Chi Town Hustler' Funny Car. Reichert, from Owosso, Mich., hopes to continue the winning tradition with his 3500 hp Injected Nitro Dragster this weekend in Indy.

"We really want to do a good job for our new sponsor Rislone," said Reichert. "We're going to debut the deal at Indy, the biggest race on the tour, so hopefully it will be lucky for us. What's neat about the deal is Rislone is a drag racing sponsor from way back and Bar's Products is bringing it back into the sport."

Rislone was acquired by Reichert's longtime sponsor Bar's Products in May. Bar's Products president Bob Mermuys is excited about bringing Rislone back into drag racing.

“Customers have counted on Bar’s Leaks and Rislone products to improve their vehicles’ performance for decades,” stated Mermuys. “These benchmark product lines both have proud histories, and we are extremely pleased to bring them together. We are thrilled to have Bill Reichert to promote both product lines in NHRA Drag Racing.”

The flagship Risone product is Rislone Engine Treatment. America's best-selling engine treatment has been enhancing automobile engine performance for more than 75 years. It removes engine-damaging sludge, varnish and deposits from valves and lifters, as well as ring and piston grooves to restore and equalize compression in all cylinders, returning lost engine power. Other Rislone products include Rislone Ring Seal and Rislone 2-Cycle Engine Oil.

Based in Holly, Mich., Bar's Products is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company. For more information about any Bar's Leaks or Rislone products, visit www.barsproducts.com

 

Sox and Martin return....

CENTER LINE, Mich. --

Race fans attending the 52nd Annual U.S. Nationals event at O'Reilly Raceway Park will see history repeat itself, as the legendary names of Sox & Martin will once again take to the quarter-mile. Bailey-Panella Racing is set to debut the Sox & Martin tribute car, which will see race driver Bob Panella Jr., compete in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Series under the Sox & Martin colors. Monte Bailey and Bob Panella Sr., are joined by Mopar-legend Buddy Martin as co-owners of the entry.
Panella Sr., brought the idea of competing at Indianapolis to Martin and Bailey, who quickly jumped on board. It was decided that three time NHRA Pro Stock Truck Series champion Panella Jr., would pilot the machine, which will also feature Mopar power provided by Larry Morgan Racing and Mopar Direct Connection graphics.

Martin is thrilled to be a part of the team and is looking forward to returning to Indianapolis later this week.

"When Bob [Panella Sr.] came up with the idea to run the Sox & Martin tribute car, I knew I wanted to be a part of it," Martin said. "I've loved racing and all of the aspects of the sport that I've been a part of. I knew that Monte and Bob's operation would do things well, and I think a lot of them. I also had talked with Ronnie [Sox] before he passed away and seeing his excitement about the project made me want to be a part of it even more so. I'm looking forward to returning to Indianapolis."

Panella Jr., and the Sox & Martin tribute car will make its debut at O'Reilly Raceway Park on Friday, September 1, with the first round of NHRA POWERade Pro Stock qualifying. The team may compete in other series events as the season comes to a close.

"We're going to see what happens at Indianapolis," Martin said. "It's possible that if things go well in Indy that we may compete at Las Vegas, Richmond and Pomona. We're going to take it one race at a time."

The 52nd annual U.S. Nationals will kick off on Friday, September 1, with the first round of pro qualifying at 6:15 p.m. EST. Qualifying will continue on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. Eliminations are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

(results courtesy NHRA and DRC)