Funny Car

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Friday Results for Qualifying Round 1

CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 1 qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil listing lane, driver name, elapsed time, top speed, and position in order following run: Right Lane: Justin Schriefer Runs 8.339/75.83, Now #1 Left Lane: Grant Downing Runs 4.310/227.27, Now #2 Right Lane: Brian Thiel Runs 4.238/294.63, Now #1 Lots of header flames from both cars with Downing stepping off the throttle before the 1000 foot lights. Nice clean pass for Thiel, just a nickle less than his career best. Left Lane: Bob Bode Runs 6.066/109.28, Now #4 Right Lane: Jim Head Runs 4.289/239.02, Now #2 Another great looking new paint job on Heads FC honoring Connie Kalitta's fifty years in racing. He tries to ruin it, as there is a huge blower bang and flames near the 1000ft lights. The top end crew scrambles to put out the fire. Even then he takes the current #2 spot. Bode was away first and had better numbers until near the 330 lights, where Head's car took over the best incrementals. Right around mid-track the flames went down and he coasted on down the track. 7:50 p.m. Looks like a multi-bagger to clean up the top end. Bob Bode's incremental times: 60ft-0.909 sec., 330ft-2.415, 660ft-3.502/No Speed Jim Head's incremental times: 60ft-0.925 sec., 330ft-2.373, 660ft-3.369/256.80 mph. Right Lane: Jeff Arend Runs 4.184/297.55, Now #1 8:04 p.m. Well, that took a while! Arend will get a single. Toliver was scheduled to be in the other lane. A great looking pass from start to finish with big header flames over the roof down the track. Straight and clean! Left Lane: Robert Hight Runs 4.107/305.36, Now #1 Right Lane: Matt Hagan Runs 4.171/299.46, Now #2 These two both need points to get into the Run to the Championship. Everyone likely knows about Coils medical problems. Team Force decided to put Hight back into the Prock Rocket and it looks like it worked well! Hight was away first and steadily moved away from Hagan all the way to the finish line for the new top spot. He'll want to keep it that way all weekend. Hagan was no slouch, as he runs right behind for the #2 spot. Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.896 sec., 330ft-2.318, 660ft-3.305/259.81 mph. Matt Hagan's incremental times: 60ft-0.902 sec., 330ft-2.351, 660ft-3.354/255.73 mph. Left Lane: Cruz Pedregon Runs 4.124/302.35, Now #3 Right Lane: Mike Neff Runs 4.113/304.60, Now #2 Cruz Pedregon has his fate in his own hands. He just needs to stay in front of the last two cars in rounds won. Team Force continues to show Big Ford power and Neff thunders on down to take the #2 spot. He might have taken over the top spot, but there is a bang from the Mustang engine near the lights. Pedregon's pass was a terrific one too, with number comparable to Neff's. He take the current number three spot. Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.907 sec., 330ft-2.332, 660ft-3.316/260.01 mph. Mike Neff's incremental times: 60ft-0.903 sec., 330ft-2.321, 660ft-3.307/259.41 mph. Left Lane: John Force Runs 4.176/300.20, Now #5 Right Lane: Del Worsham Runs 6.799/89.17, Now #11 8:23 p.m. ...and another Force car to the line. John will run next to a newly invigorated Al-Anabi Team. Dickie Venibles has joined the team recently and will be trying to boost Worsham up the points ladder for the rest of this year. Force's car will be tuned by The Brain Trust Group with Austin Coil providing support from his hospital bed. I believe that Federly and Guido will be doing most of the on track work. Force gets a full pull and has good number to tune to. Worsham had similar incremental to Force until mid-track, where he slowed. John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.902 sec., 330ft-2.352, 660ft-3.357/255.43 mph. Del Worsham's incremental times: 60ft-0.901 sec., 330ft-2.478, 660ft-4.400/109.52 mph. Left Lane: Tim Wilkerson Runs 4.253/290.82, Now #8 Right Lane: Jack Beckman Runs 4.254/274.89, Now #9 Two great looking runs. I was surprised that the ET's weren't much better. They left well with reasonable sixtyfoot times, but just didn't keep the pace to the finish line. Tim Wilkerson's incremental times: 60ft-0.913 sec., 330ft-2.388, 660ft-3.412/250.13 mph. Jack Beckman's incremental times: 60ft-0.909 sec., 330ft-2.352, 660ft-3.379/246.12 mph. More clean up on the track... Left Lane: Bob Tasca III Runs 4.158/302.14, Now #5 Right Lane: A. Force Hood Runs 4.138/301.07, Now #4 8:31 p.m. It's full dark now and two more Ford Mustangs are up next. Both Tasca and Force have had a great season so far, but Ashley will be attempting to put her first round DQ behind her this weekend. What a great looking pair. They looked like slot cars on steroids as they ran together down the track. For you Ford fans, four of the top five qualifiers are running Mustangs. Bob Tasca III's incremental times: 60ft-0.915 sec., 330ft-2.357, 660ft-3.348/258.71 mph. Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.896 sec., 330ft-2.322, 660ft-3.323/256.21 mph. Left Lane: Ron Capps Runs 8.130/81.06, Now #17 Right Lane: Tony Pedregon Runs 5.340/145.38, Now #14 Last pair of the GREAT session! Jim Head is on the 12 car bump spot at 4.289 and will stay there, as both cars overpower the track and are in and out of the throttle to mid track. They will have to wait until tomorrow to lay down some power and improve on their positions. 8:36 p.m. Robert Hight stays #1 with a 4.107 ET at 305.36 MPH

Friday Order for Qualifying Round 1

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after one round of qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed 1. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.107 305.36 2. Mike Neff JFR/Ford Mustang 4.113 304.60 3. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Solara 4.124 302.35 4. Ashley Force Hood Castrol GTX Mustang 4.138 301.07 5. Bob Tasca III Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang 4.158 302.14 6. Matt Hagan Shelor Motor Mile Charger 4.171 299.46 7. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.176 300.20 8. Jeff Arend DHL Solara 4.184 297.55 9. Brian Thiel Case Agricultural Charger 4.238 294.63 10. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang 4.253 290.82 11. Jack Beckman Valvoline/MTS Charger 4.254 274.89 12. Jim Head Head Racing Solara 4.289 239.02 --------- Not Qualified --------- 13. Grant Downing Need2Speed Monte Carlo 4.310 227.27 14. Tony Pedregon Nitrofish Impala 5.340 145.38 15. Bob Bode Alard Machine Products Impala 6.066 109.28 16. Del Worsham Al-Anabi Racing Solara 6.799 89.17 17. Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Charger 8.130 81.06 18. Justin Schriefer Creasy Family Camaro 8.339 75.83

Saturday Results for Qualifying Round 2

CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 2 qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run: Left Lane: Jerry Toliver Runs 7.069/93.16, Now #17 No Prior Run Right Lane: Del Worsham Runs 4.437/276.63, Now #14 Best prior run: 6.799/89.17, Was #16 3:10 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 82 degrees, relative humidity 40 percent, barometer 29.26 inches, adjusted altitude 2,875 feet, track temperature 112 degrees. We had a lot of great FC runs last night and Jim Head is on the bump spot at 4.289 comming into session two. Worsham will want to match Dixon's TF position, as the Big Boss, the Prince, is here at the race. Venibles picks up the pace from last night and gets Worsham to the finish line under power. Toliver didn't make a pass last night and smokes the tires on this attempt. Left Lane: Ron Capps Runs 4.225/292.65, Now #9 Best prior run: 8.130/81.06, Was #18 Right Lane: Tony Pedregon Runs 4.253/288.95, Now #12 Best prior run: 5.340/145.38, Was #15 These two ran together last night and smoked the slicks together. Today is a much better day and they both get full pulls into the current field, with Pedregon on the new bump spot. Ron Capps' incremental times: 60ft-0.922 sec., 330ft-2.381, 660ft-3.395/253.52 mph. Tony Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.916 sec., 330ft-2.368, 660ft-3.406/245.23 mph. Left Lane: Bob Bode Runs 4.237/290.69, Now #10 Best prior run: 6.066/109.28, Was #17 Right Lane: Jim Head Runs 4.269/293.28, Now #15 Best prior run: 4.289/239.02, Was #14 Head started the session on the bump and Bode near the bottom of the field. He takes care of that quickly with a great looking pass into the current #10 position. Great looking pass. Head picked up a little ET and a bunch of MPH, but gets pushed down a spot on the ladder. Bob Bode's incremental times: 60ft-0.917 sec., 330ft-2.377, 660ft-3.397/250.09 mph. Jim Head's incremental times: 60ft-0.933 sec., 330ft-2.408, 660ft-3.434/249.49 mph. Left Lane: Grant Downing Runs 7.303/94.12, Now #16 Best prior run: 4.310/227.27, Was #16 Right Lane: Jack Beckman Runs 4.322/246.39, Now #14 Best prior run: 4.254/274.89, Was #14 Tim Wilkerson is on the bump spot at 4.253. Downing fires and falls back before the three-thirty lights. Beckman looked to be on a great pace to get into the field until just before the finish line, when the engine lights up and fills the engine bay with fire. That will add some tension to the camp before this afternoons second session. Jack Beckman's incremental times: 60ft-0.928 sec., 330ft-2.380, 660ft-3.405/244.25 mph. Left Lane: Tim Wilkerson Runs 4.200/292.46, Now #9 Best prior run: 4.253/290.82, Was #12 Lots of clean up in the right lane from the finish line area to way down the track. Thiel is a no show, so Wilkerson will make a single run to get off the bump spot. The tune up for last night's pass just easn't agressive enough. Nice clean pass to move up the ladder to just 0.02 short of the top half of the 16 car field. No fuss, no muss... Left Lane: John Force Runs 4.153/297.94, Now #5 Best prior run: 4.176/300.20, Was #7 Right Lane: Jeff Arend Runs 5.298/136.52, Now #8 Best prior run: 4.184/297.55, Was #8 Another super pass from Team Force. The Crew Chief Committee did their job well and John takes the Mustang straight and true into the new #5 spot. Arend was not too stong down low and strikes the tires. John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.863 sec., 330ft-2.310, 660ft-3.327/251.34 mph. Left Lane: Bob Tasca III Runs 4.248/293.41, Now #6 Best prior run: 4.158/302.14, Was #6 Right Lane: Matt Hagan Runs 4.233/285.23, Now #7 Best prior run: 4.171/299.46, Was #7 Four twenties seem to be the best for the FC's in these weather conditions. Clean passes, but no improvements. Bob Tasca III's incremental times: 60ft-0.923 sec., 330ft-2.395, 660ft-3.414/251.16 mph. Matt Hagan's incremental times: 60ft-0.927 sec., 330ft-2.378, 660ft-3.391/250.97 mph. Left Lane: Cruz Pedregon Runs 4.134/301.00, Now #3 Best prior run: 4.124/302.35, Was #3 Right Lane: A. Force Hood Runs 4.185/296.76, Now #4 Best prior run: 4.138/301.07, Was #4 Pedregon is protecting his top ten position with another pass within 0.010 of last nights run. Nice looking pass. Force ran just a tad slower than last night and both cars will stay in their current positions. Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.908 sec., 330ft-2.333, 660ft-3.325/259.76 mph. Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.913 sec., 330ft-2.361, 660ft-3.365/256.16 mph. Left Lane: Robert Hight Runs 4.141/300.46, Now #1 Best prior run: 4.107/305.36, Was #1 Right Lane: Mike Neff Runs 4.167/297.48, Now #2 Best prior run: 4.113/304.60, Was #2 Two Team Force cars to wrap up session two and they do so with style. The red, white, and blue Mustangs thunder down the track together with four- teen numbers. Great session!! Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.900 sec., 330ft-2.332, 660ft-3.328/257.87 mph. Mike Neff's incremental times: 60ft-0.908 sec., 330ft-2.342, 660ft-3.346/254.71 mph. 3:46 p.m. Brian Thiel is on the bump spot at 4.238.

Saturday Order for Qualifying Round 2

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Revised order after 2 rounds of qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed 1. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.107 305.36 2. Mike Neff JFR/Ford Mustang 4.113 304.60 3. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Solara 4.124 302.35 4. Ashley Force Hood Castrol GTX Mustang 4.138 301.07 5. Bob Tasca III Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang 4.158 302.14 6. Matt Hagan Shelor Motor Mile Charger 4.171 299.46 7. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.176 300.20 8. Jeff Arend DHL Solara 4.184 297.55 9. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang 4.200 292.46 10. Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Charger 4.225 292.65 11. Bob Bode Alard Machine Products Impala 4.237 290.69 12. Brian Thiel Case Agricultural Monte Carlo 4.238 294.63 --------- Not Qualified --------- 13. Tony Pedregon Nitrofish Impala 4.253 288.95 14. Jack Beckman Valvoline/MTS Charger 4.254 274.89 15. Jim Head Head Racing Solara 4.269 293.28 16. Grant Downing Need2Speed Monte Carlo 4.310 227.27 17. Del Worsham Al-Anabi Racing Solara 4.437 276.63 18. Jerry Toliver Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo 7.069 93.16 19. Justin Schriefer Creasy Family Camaro 8.339 75.83

Saturday Results for Qualifying Round 3

CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 3 qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run: Left Lane: Justin Schriefer Runs 6.436/102.70, Now #18 Best prior run: 8.339/75.83, Was #19 Right Lane: John Force Runs 4.107/307.09, Now #1 Best prior run: 4.176/300.20, Was #7 8:19 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 77 degrees, relative humidity 50 percent, barometer 29.23 inches, adjusted altitude 2,667 feet, track temperature 88 degrees. Brian Thiel is on the bump spot at 4.238, but reportedly will not run. Forces pass in the last session was DQ'ed, as the front of the Mustang body was too low. He makes a great looking pass this time and captures the current top spot from team mate, Hight, with a higher MPH. Schriefer's FC gets way loose down tack and he lifts. John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.898 sec., 330ft-2.322, 660ft-3.307/260.56 mph. Left Lane: Jeff Arend Runs 4.972/152.21, Now #8 Best prior run: 4.184/297.55, Was #8 Right Lane: Grant Downing Runs 6.260/104.06, Now #16 Best prior run: 4.310/227.27, Was #16 Arend is in the current top half of the field and Downing is looking to improve on his earlier career best performance. Two broken runs and neither car can improve. Downing is the first to lift, followed shortly after by Arend. Left Lane: Del Worsham Runs 4.109/303.98, Now #3 Best prior run: 4.437/276.63, Was #17 Right Lane: Jerry Toliver Runs 4.254/284.45, Now #15 Best prior run: 7.069/93.16, Was #19 The "new" crew chief for Al-Anabi gets it all together on this pass and Worsham makes a great run into the current #3 spot. Lots of flames over the top of the car. That's three funny cars in the four-tens already. Toliver gets a near full pull to tune to for tomorrow's final sessions. Del Worsham's incremental times: 60ft-0.903 sec., 330ft-2.321, 660ft-3.304/260.26 mph. Jerry Toliver's incremental times: 60ft-0.924 sec., 330ft-2.397, 660ft-3.407/251.44 mph. Left Lane: Jack Beckman Runs 4.184/296.89, Now #10 Best prior run: 4.254/274.89, Was #16 Right Lane: Bob Tasca III Runs 4.126/302.69, Now #6 Best prior run: 4.158/302.14, Was #7 Beckman's team was able to gather up and replace all of the broken and burnt pieces and make the Valvoline/MTS Charger all shiny again for round three. Man, it's great to watch the cars fly down the track with all of the huge header flames. It looked like sixteen candles burning at the finish line. Beckman pick up the pace a bunch and bumps into the current #10 spot. Tasca moves another Ford further into the top half of the field with another low four pass. He move one spot up the ladder to #6. Jack Beckman's incremental times: 60ft-0.919 sec., 330ft-2.363, 660ft-3.303/383.95 mph. Bob Tasca III's incremental times: 60ft-0.912 sec., 330ft-2.335, 660ft-3.320/260.11 mph. Left Lane: Jim Head Runs 4.143/304.46, Now #8 Best prior run: 4.269/293.28, Was #17 Right Lane: Bob Bode Runs 5.695/123.91, Now #14 Best prior run: 4.237/290.69, Was #13 Ron Capps is on the bump spot at 4.225 and will be up in the next pair. OK! Head gets the tune up perfect and makes a big move up the ladder and into the top half of the field. Bode was on a good pass too, until he overpowered the track right before mid-track to stay #14. Jim Head's incremental times: 60ft-0.918 sec., 330ft-2.351, 660ft-3.339/260.16 mph. Bob Bode's incremental times: 60ft-0.924 sec., 330ft-2.414, 660ft-3.923/141.19 mph. Left Lane: Tony Pedregon Runs 4.147/300.93, Now #9 Best prior run: 4.253/288.95, Was #16 Right Lane: Ron Capps Runs 14.561/56.69, Now #14 Best prior run: 4.225/292.65, Was #13 Tim Wilkerson is on the bump spot at 4.200. Something goes wrong for Capps right off the line and the car shutters, spins and shakes until he clicks it off. Pedregon gets his 300 mph pass of the weekend and just misses the top half of the field with a strong and clean pass. Tony Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.907 sec., 330ft-2.347, 660ft-3.340/259.96 mph. Ron Capps' incremental times: 60ft-1.313 sec., 330ft-5.650, 660ft-10.301/050.97 mph. Left Lane: Matt Hagan Runs 6.067/109.62, Now #11 Best prior run: 4.171/299.46, Was #10 Right Lane: Tim Wilkerson Runs 4.128/303.78, Now #7 Best prior run: 4.200/292.46, Was #13 Jack Beckman is on the bump spot at 4.184. Two strong passe until after the 660 lights, when the Charger kicks the tires and slows. He had better incremental down low. Nice clean pass for Wilkerson and he moves into the top half of the field to spoil Beckman's day. That should end the bumping for tonight. Matt Hagan's incremental times: 60ft-0.905 sec., 330ft-2.416, 660ft-3.483/266.58 mph. Tim Wilkerson's incremental times: 60ft-0.914 sec., 330ft-2.336, 660ft-3.322/260.61 mph. Left Lane: A. Force Hood Runs 4.093/309.20, Now #2 Best prior run: 4.138/301.07, Was #8 Right Lane: Robert Hight Runs 4.082/308.35, Now #1 Best prior run: 4.107/305.36, Was #2 JUST WOW!! Say Hello to your new #1 and #2 qualifiers and a new top speed of the meet. What a perfect pair of Funny Cars passes from start to finish. The matching Mustangs run door handle to door handle from start to finish. That pair will make the race highlights for sure! Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.907 sec., 330ft-2.331, 660ft-3.302/264.75 mph. Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.895 sec., 330ft-2.310, 660ft-3.288/262.13 mph. Left Lane: Mike Neff Runs 4.093/308.85, Now #3 Best prior run: 4.113/304.60, Was #5 Right Lane: Cruz Pedregon Runs 4.155/303.84, Now #6 Best prior run: 4.124/302.35, Was #6 Last two cars in this Super Session!! Two more terrific side by side passes put a cap on tonight's activities. Flames over the roofs from start to finish and Team Force takes the top four spots on the ladder with two more Mustangs in the top half of the field. Pedregon was no slouch on tjhis pass and makes his third low four second run with just a 0.031 spread. Talk about consistent. Mike Neff's incremental times: 60ft-0.900 sec., 330ft-2.326, 660ft-3.299/263.67 mph. Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.919 sec., 330ft-2.369, 660ft-3.352/262.18 mph. 8:50 p.m. Jeff Arend is on the bump spot at 4.184 by MPH over Beckman. That's a wrap for today's terrific day of racing! See you early tomorrow for final qualifying and eliminations for most classes.

Saturday Order for Qualifying Round 3

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed 1. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.082 308.35 2. Ashley Force Hood Castrol GTX Mustang 4.093 309.20 3. Mike Neff JFR/Ford Mustang 4.093 308.85 4. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.107 307.09 5. Del Worsham Al-Anabi Racing Solara 4.109 303.98 6. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Solara 4.124 303.84 7. Bob Tasca III Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang 4.126 302.69 8. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang 4.128 303.78 9. Jim Head Head Racing Solara 4.143 304.46 10. Tony Pedregon Nitrofish Impala 4.147 300.93 11. Matt Hagan Shelor Motor Mile Charger 4.171 299.46 12. Jeff Arend DHL Solara 4.184 297.55 --------- Not Qualified --------- 13. Jack Beckman Valvoline/MTS Charger 4.184 296.89 14. Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Charger 4.225 292.65 15. Bob Bode Alard Machine Products Impala 4.237 290.69 16. Brian Thiel Case Agricultural Monte Carlo 4.238 294.63 17. Jerry Toliver Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo 4.254 284.45 18. Grant Downing Need2Speed Monte Carlo 4.310 227.27 19. Justin Schriefer Creasy Family Camaro 6.436 102.70

Sunday Results for Qualifying Round 4

CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from final, round 4 qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run: Left Lane: Justin Schriefer Runs 12.015/43.13, Now #14 No Prior Run Right Lane: Ron Capps Runs 4.154/299.73, Now #11 No Prior Run 5:19 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 74 degrees, relative humidity 65 percent, barometer 29.20 inches, adjusted altitude 2,581 feet, track temperature 97 degrees. The three racers competing for the last position in the Count Down to one are already in the top twelve qualifying positions for The Big Go. Right now Pedregon and Hagen would meet in round one with huge implications to the points. Here we go! Last chance to get into the four open spots. The "Peanut Mobile" strikes the tires and coasts on down the track. Great pressure pass for Team NAPA. The conditions are no where as good as last night, so this may keep him in the field. Ron Capps' incremental times: 60ft-0.919 sec., 330ft-2.358, 660ft-3.344/260.51 mph. Left Lane: Matt Hagan Runs 4.247/254.42, Now #12 Best prior run: 4.171/299.46, Was #12 Right Lane: Grant Downing Runs 4.230/283.25, Now #14 No Prior Run Both cars left hard, but Hagan looked to have a little boomer near the finish line and will stay #12. Downing gets a full pull with a new career best ET and speed and moves into the current #14 spot, but there are still three cars that can bump him out. Matt Hagan's incremental times: 60ft-0.902 sec., 330ft-2.349, 660ft-3.368/250.23 mph. Grant Downing's incremental times: 60ft-0.928 sec., 330ft-2.391, 660ft-3.396/254.90 mph. 5:26 p.m. A bunch of kitty litter going down in Hagan's lane, so we will be down for a while. Luckily, no current threat from Mother Nature! Left Lane: Jeff Arend Runs 4.141/301.87, Now #9 Best prior run: 4.184/297.55, Was #13 Right Lane: Bob Bode Runs 4.292/264.39, Now #15 No Prior Run 5:40 p.m. ...and we are back to qualifying. Arend has been bumped down to #13, but always wants to move up the ladder. OH, WOW!! Bode was making a relatively good pass down the track until just before the finish line, when the engine starts to mix up the cylinders and there was a flash from the right bank. That distorts the body and it collapses and flies way into the air. Bob Fry's comment was that this the highest that he had ever seen. Bode quickly gets the bodyless car stopped and pops out and runs over to the guard rail. No significant fire or other major damage noted. That puts him in the current #15 spot on the ladder. In the other lane, Arend has his act together and powers down the track and almost into the top half of the field. Nice looking pass. Jeff Arend's incremental times: 60ft-0.904 sec., 330ft-2.346, 660ft-3.335/260.11 mph. Bob Bode's incremental times: 60ft-0.921 sec., 330ft-2.398, 660ft-3.424/249.90 mph. Left Lane: Jack Beckman Runs 4.166/297.35, Now #14 No Prior Run Right Lane: Jerry Toliver Runs 4.110/302.69, Now #6 No Prior Run 6:00 p.m. More cleanup. The right lane this time, collecting Bode Body pieces. Both cases were after the finish line. Justin Schriefer is on the bump spot at 12.015. ...and the hits keep coming! Toliver unloads a strong pass with a great leave and a strong finish to move all the way from #19 to #6. Way to go! Beckman's team does what they needed to do and gives him a car that can qualify. Another good leave and clean pass puts him into the field in #14. Jack Beckman's incremental times: 60ft-0.909 sec., 330ft-2.353, 660ft-3.347/256.99 mph. Jerry Toliver's incremental times: 60ft-0.914 sec., 330ft-2.337, 660ft-3.309/263.10 mph. Left Lane: Tony Pedregon Runs 4.141/301.67, Now #11 Best prior run: 4.141/301.67, Was #11 Right Lane: Cruz Pedregon Runs 4.098/305.36, Now #4 Best prior run: 4.098/305.36, Was #4 Grant Downing will end up on the bump spot at 4.230. The Brothers to the line. Tony was stronger to sixty feet and then the Advance Auto Solera drives on by and pulls steadily ahead for a great pass into the new #4 spot. Tony squeeze so more ET out of the Quaker State Impala and moves up a spot. Tony Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.901 sec., 330ft-2.339, 660ft-3.334/259.56 mph. Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.913 sec., 330ft-2.330, 660ft-3.302/264.03 mph. Left Lane: Jim Head Runs 6.914/95.79, Now #12 Best prior run: 4.143/304.46, Was #12 Right Lane: Tim Wilkerson Runs 4.131/297.88, Now #9 Best prior run: 4.128/303.78, Was #9 Head gets the early advantage and then strikes the tires about 330' out. Wilkerson looked to be on a big one until near the finish line where the engine starts to mix up the cylinders. Jim Head's incremental times: 60ft-0.902 sec., 330ft-2.520, 660ft-3.374/263.77 mph. Tim Wilkerson's incremental times: 60ft-0.907 sec., 330ft-2.335, 660ft-3.321/260.56 mph. Left Lane: Del Worsham Runs 4.532/191.32, Now #6 Best prior run: 4.109/303.98, Was #6 Right Lane: Bob Tasca III Runs 5.030/138.63, Now #8 Best prior run: 4.126/302.69, Was #8 Both cars leave a little soft and run together until the 330 lights. Tasca's tire start to spin, the cylinders start to drop, and the engine goes BOOM at the 660' mark.! Lots of fire from the engine, but the car stays straight. Lots of engine damage and a ready screwed up Mustang body. Worsham's pass was not as spectacular and he clicks it a little early to stay #6 for now. 6:10 p.m. Even more clean up in the right lane. Lots of small parts from the 660 to after the finish line. Doesn't look like much oil though. Left Lane: Mike Neff Runs 4.141/304.25, Now #3 Best prior run: 4.093/308.85, Was #3 Right Lane: John Force Runs 4.601/182.08, Now #5 Best prior run: 4.107/307.09, Was #5 6:18 p.m. That didn't take too long. Last four, all Force Mustangs. As Neff is well qualified into the top half of the field, he clinches his spot in the Count Down to One top ten. Force gets off the line first and has better incrementals until right at the 660' mark, where the car shakes and spins. He lifts and coasts on down. Neff was right behind Force and drives right on by to make another strong pass. He will stay #3. Mike Neff's incremental times: 60ft-0.911 sec., 330ft-2.340, 660ft-3.335/257.97 mph. John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.905 sec., 330ft-2.334, 660ft-3.399/210.18 mph. Left Lane: A. Force Hood Runs 4.992/159.16, Now #2 Best prior run: 4.093/309.20, Was #2 Right Lane: Robert Hight Runs 4.095/304.19, Now #1 Best prior run: 4.082/308.35, Was #1 Force's car was not up to par off the line and struggles a while before striking the tires. Hight continues to fully utilize the Prock tune and makes another four oh pass to stay number one. A little luck and this kind of performance could get him into the Count Down field. Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.931 sec., 330ft-2.364, 660ft-3.390/362.02 mph. Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.906 sec., 330ft-2.323, 660ft-3.299/264.03 mph. 6:24 p.m. Grant Downing is on the bump spot at 4.230.

Sunday Order for Qualifying Round 4

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Final order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed 1. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.082 308.35 2. Ashley Force Hood Castrol GTX Mustang 4.093 309.20 3. Mike Neff JFR/Ford Mustang 4.093 308.85 4. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Solara 4.098 305.36 5. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.107 307.09 6. Del Worsham Al-Anabi Racing Solara 4.109 303.98 7. Jerry Toliver Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo 4.110 302.69 8. Bob Tasca III Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang 4.126 302.69 9. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang 4.128 303.78 10. Jeff Arend DHL Solara 4.141 301.87 11. Tony Pedregon Quaker State Impala 4.141 301.67 12. Jim Head Head Racing Solara 4.143 304.46 13. Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Charger 4.154 299.73 14. Jack Beckman Valvoline/MTS Charger 4.166 297.35 15. Matt Hagan Shelor Motor Mile Charger 4.171 299.46 16. Grant Downing Need2Speed Monte Carlo 4.230 283.25 --------- Not Qualified --------- 17. Bob Bode Alard Machine Products Impala 4.292 290.69 18. Justin Schriefer Creasy Family Camaro 12.015 102.70 19. Brian Thiel Case Agricultural Monte Carlo NT

Monday Results for Elimination Round 1

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 1 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: W/L Driver R-Time E-Time Speed (W) Tony Pedregon (Quaker State Impala) 0.074 4.285 256.55 (L) Del Worsham (Al-Anabi Racing Solara) 0.070 5.411 266.21 11:25 a.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 71 degrees, relative humidity 72 percent, barometer 29.16 inches, adjusted altitude 2,442 feet, track temperature 89 degrees. In the 2009 Countdown to 1, the only driver who can clinch in R1 is Cruz. And he clinches if BOTH Hagan and Hight lose. Pedregon, running the traditional Quaker State colors this weekend is 33 - 18 against Worsham in prior events. This is the first race for Dickie Venebiles, after leaving the Pedregon Team. Hmmmm..... What a wild race Worsham gets a small lead off the line and then has the slicks go up in smoke before the 330' lights. Pedregon was starting to thunder away, until the chutes came out right around half track. Worsham tried to catch him, but to no avail. The win secures Pedregon's top spot in the Countdown to 1. (W) John Force (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.094 4.283 304.19 (L) Jim Head (Head Racing Solara) 0.152 4.251 264.96 Force is 11 - 5 against Head in prior events. Another wacky race with Force getting the advantage off the line and then had the slicks start to shake. He had to do a pedal slap and then powers on down to steal the win on a hole shot. Head looked to have the race in the bad until the engine expired right about the 660' lights. John Force's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(0.063), 330 ft(0.006), 660ft(-0.018). MOV: 0.0265 seconds (approximately 10 feet). John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.934 sec., 330ft-2.451, 660ft-3.471/253.56 mph. Jim Head's incremental times: 60ft-0.939 sec., 330ft-2.399, 660ft-3.395/258.17 mph. 11:33 a.m. Lots of clean up in Head's lane near the last turn out. (W) Mike Neff (JFR/Ford Mustang) 0.093 4.897 194.55 (L) Jack Beckman (Valvoline/MTS Charger) 0.117 5.725 138.87 11:36 a.m. That didn't take long. Beckman is 2 - 1 against Neff in prior events. More drama, as Neff is away first and running down the track. Beckman's tires begin to smoke and then Neff's. They both pump the throttle, but Neff has the momentum to stay ahead and take the win. His Mustang drifts dangerously close to the guard rail at the finish line, but he keeps it safe. Neff will face Tony Pedregon in round two (W) Robert Hight (AAA of So. Cal Mustang) 0.103 4.102 307.93 (L) Grant Downing (Need2Speed Monte Carlo) 0.116 5.700 122.70 This is the first time Hight and Downing have faced each other in eliminations. Prock does what he needed to do, as well as Hight. The Mustang was off the line first and runs the quickest pass of the session to take the vital win. Downing was making a game effort until the tires kicked loose around the 330 lights. Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.900 sec., 330ft-2.328, 660ft-3.307/262.39 mph. (W) Ashley Force Hood (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.084 4.119 309.84 (L) Matt Hagan (Shelor Motor Mile Charger) 0.086 4.142 300.26 Force Hood and Hagan have each won 1 times against the other in prior events. Force-Hood gives Hight a huge boost towards the Countdown with a wire to wire lead over Hagan. It was close with Hagen having better incrementals down low. That's a wrap for Hagen's chance in the Countdown. Ashley Force Hood's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.005), 330 ft(-0.001), 660ft(0.008). MOV: 0.0253 seconds (approximately 11 feet). Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.922 sec., 330ft-2.346, 660ft-3.326/263.10 mph. Matt Hagan's incremental times: 60ft-0.915 sec., 330ft-2.343, 660ft-3.332/259.56 mph. (W) Cruz Pedregon (Advance Auto Parts Solara) 0.043 4.164 305.36 (L) Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts Charger) 0.075 4.178 301.94 Capps is 20 - 15 against Pedregon in prior events. Pedregon continues the suspense with a great pass to just trounce a strong Capps' effort. Cruz Pedregon's incremental margins: 60ft(0.017), 330 ft(0.021), 660ft(0.036). MOV: 0.0460 seconds (approximately 20 feet). Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.956 sec., 330ft-2.387, 660ft-3.364/262.18 mph. Ron Capps' incremental times: 60ft-0.941 sec., 330ft-2.376, 660ft-3.368/259.11 mph. (W) Jeff Arend (DHL Solara) 0.082 4.174 301.47 (L) Jerry Toliver (Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo 0.154 4.194 294.56 This is the first time Toliver and Arend have faced each other in eliminations. Arend takes his second round win, after Force-Hood's DQ last week, with a better RT and a good clean pass. Great race and Toliver's times were very close, but his RT killed any chance of winning. 11:50 a.m. Looks like some Schmutz in Tolivers lane way down the track. Jerry Toliver's incremental times: 60ft-0.935 sec., 330ft-2.393, 660ft-3.377/260.11 mph. Jeff Arend's incremental times: 60ft-0.921 sec., 330ft-2.371, 660ft-3.364/258.62 mph. (W) Bob Tasca III (Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustan 0.084 4.188 297.55 (L) Tim Wilkerson (Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang) 0.068 4.365 225.07 11:55 a.m. Last pair of the session. Wilkerson is 5 - 2 against Tasca III in prior events.The Tasca Ford Team worked into the early hours last night struggling to put the Mustang FC body puzzle back together after the second week in a row carnage. This race will pit the two teammates against each other for the chance to race Height in round two. Wilkerson gets a small advantage off the line and holds it to right at the 330 lights. His chances go up in smoke near the finish line, when the engine expired. Looks like all of the work by the team last night paid off, as the repair and reassembly worked together to power the car to the finish line in front. It will be a all Mustang match up in round two, as he has to give up lane choice to Hight. Bob Tasca III's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.017), 330 ft(0.003), 660ft(0.016). MOV: 0.1611 seconds (approximately 53 feet). Other next round: Crus Pedregon has lane choice over John Force; Force-Hood over Arend; and Tony Pedregon over Neff.

Monday Results for Elimination Round 2

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 2 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: W/L Driver R-Time E-Time Speed (W) Tony Pedregon (Quaker State Impala) 0.086 4.163 301.67 (L) Mike Neff (JFR/Ford Mustang) 0.109 4.206 291.13 1:22 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 82 degrees, relative humidity 54 percent, barometer 29.15 inches, adjusted altitude 3,182 feet, track temperature 101 degrees. Pedregon is 5 - 3 against Neff in prior events. The first two pairs in the round are Team Force and Team Pedregon. Pedregon's Quaker State Impala takes the early lead and just keeps pulling steadily ahead for the big win. Two clean passes. Tony Pedregon's incremental margins: 60ft(0.002), 330 ft(0.004), 660ft(0.033). MOV: 0.0664 seconds (approximately 28 feet). Tony Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.939 sec., 330ft-2.371, 660ft-3.357/261.52 mph. Mike Neff's incremental times: 60ft-0.918 sec., 330ft-2.352, 660ft-3.367/249.86 mph. (W) John Force (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.068 4.183 304.94 (L) Cruz Pedregon (Advance Auto Parts Solara) 0.026 7.874 93.33 This is a BIG Race for the two teams in the Countdown. Force is 52 - 25 against Pedregon in prior events. Oh, my! How disappointing for the Advance Auto Parts Team. Pedregon gets a good lead off the line and stays ahead until after the sixty-foot lights, where the slicks start to boil. Force is long gone at that point and picks up from his first round pace for the easy win. That put a big dent in Cruz's race for the final Countdown position. John Force's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.007), 330 ft(0.839), 660ft(0.111). MOV: 3.6493 seconds (more than 100 feet). Cruz Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.993 sec., 330ft-3.282, 660ft-3.536/405.40 mph. John Force's incremental times: 60ft-0.958 sec., 330ft-2.401, 660ft-3.383/261.72 mph. (W) Ashley Force Hood (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.065 4.171 303.91 (L) Jeff Arend (DHL Solara) 0.072 4.204 300.53 Force-Hood is dominate in this match up and powers from start to finish in taking the win. Arend ran close to his prior best, but to no avail. Force-Hood gives up lane choice to Tony Pedregon by 0.01 in round three. Ashley Force Hood's incremental margins: 60ft(0.013), 330 ft(0.030), 660ft(0.033). MOV: 0.0402 seconds (approximately 18 feet). Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.933 sec., 330ft-2.370, 660ft-3.364/257.87 mph. Jeff Arend's incremental times: 60ft-0.939 sec., 330ft-2.393, 660ft-3.390/257.04 mph. (W) Robert Hight (AAA of So. Cal Mustang) 0.065 4.184 302.75 (L) Bob Tasca III (Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustan 0.085 4.213 277.20 Tasca III is 2 - 0 against Hight in prior events. Hight's fate is in his own hands after Pedregon's loss.He's ready, willing, and able. A good start from the green light and the car marches down the track for the significant win, Tasca's day is over early, as he is close for the first half of the track and then slows down. John Force has lane choice in the next round by 0.001 of a second. Robert Hight's incremental margins: 60ft(0.038), 330 ft(0.030), 660ft(0.017). MOV: 0.0491 seconds (approximately 20 feet). Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.912 sec., 330ft-2.360, 660ft-3.370/254.90 mph. Bob Tasca III's incremental times: 60ft-0.930 sec., 330ft-2.370, 660ft-3.367/256.89 mph. 1:35 p.m.

Monday Results for Elimination Round 3

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 3 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: W/L Driver R-Time E-Time Speed (W) Robert Hight (AAA of So. Cal Mustang) 0.143 4.261 279.09 (L) John Force (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.209 5.819 133.14 3:05 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 78 degrees, relative humidity 59 percent, barometer 29.13 inches, adjusted altitude 2,973 feet, track temperature 102 degrees. Robert Hight's entire season working to get to the final ten comes down to this "Do or Die" effort to get into the final round. Team Force has alway given the fans everything that they could on race day, but John will have mixed feelings coming to the line. Hight and Force have each won 7 times against the other in prior events. This will be the rubber match. No red lights here, as both drivers looked to be waiting for the other. Hight gets the "advantage" and moves out ahead of Force and then gets the "Get Out of Jail Free "card,as Force's Mustang spins the tires and gets way sideways. Not spectacular, but a vital win. Say"Hello" to your new number ten qualifier in the 2009 Countdown to 1! Robert Hight's incremental margins: 60ft(0.084), 330 ft(0.310), 660ft(0.864). MOV: 1.6244 seconds (more than 100 feet). (W) Ashley Force Hood (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.061 4.145 294.56 (L) Tony Pedregon (Quaker State Impala) 0.055 4.198 297.42 Pedregon is 11 - 4 against Force Hood in prior events. Force-Hood makes it two for two against the Pedregon Team this weekend in a great looking race. She get a very good light and uses the "Guido Power" to march on down the track with a significant advantage in the lights Ashley Force Hood's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(0.034), 330 ft(0.045), 660ft(0.051). MOV: 0.0472 seconds (approximately 21 feet). Tony Pedregon's incremental times: 60ft-0.953 sec., 330ft-2.393, 660ft-3.388/260.01 mph. Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.913 sec., 330ft-2.342, 660ft-3.331/260.06 mph. 3:12 p.m. She will have lane choice in the finals.

Monday Results for Final Round

CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of final, round 4 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil: W/L Driver R-Time E-Time Speed (W) Ashley Force Hood (Castrol GTX Mustang) 0.081 4.170 294.75 (L) Robert Hight (AAA of So. Cal Mustang) 0.100 4.217 271.19 4:43 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 78 degrees, relative humidity 59 percent, barometer 29.11 inches, adjusted altitude 2,993 feet, track temperature 101 degrees. Hight is 3 - 2 against Force Hood in prior events and this is the first time they have faced each other in a final round. All Team Force, all the time. The Castrol and AAA Ford Mustangs meeting the final is just cool! Hight has been to four finals at Indy final in 2006 and 2008 and this is the first for Ashley. This is his first 2009 final and he is 11-11 in overall wins. Force-Hood is 2-9 in final rounds and 1-6 this year. Force-Hood gets the RTadvantage off the line and the two cars then stay together until right at the 660 lights, where Hight's engine lights up and burns through the lights. Ashley power on to the finish line for her first big win at Indy. Ashley Force Hood's incremental margins: 60ft(0.007), 330 ft(0.007), 660ft(0.023). MOV: 0.0667 seconds (approximately 27 feet). Ashley Force Hood's incremental times: 60ft-0.923 sec., 330ft-2.362, 660ft-3.350/258.96 mph. Robert Hight's incremental times: 60ft-0.911 sec., 330ft-2.350, 660ft-3.354/251.30 mph.

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