Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Friday
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Results for Qualifying Round 1
CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 1 qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals listing lane, driver name, elapsed time, top speed, and position in order following run:
Right Lane: Bill Glidden Runs 6.790/203.46, Now #1
6:48 p.m.
This is not going to be a "play 'em if you got 'em" session. As we saw with the motorcycles, the track is plenty good enough to take care of the smart crew chiefs. It's going to be about getting the clutch right, with enough wheelspeed to get the car moving hard but no so much that it goes out of control.
The first car is one that a lot of people have been talking about. It's Bill Glidden in a shiny silver GTO. I understand that this is Mark Pawuk's previous ride but have not confirmed that information. He's running Schmidt power and that IS confirmed. Be aware that along with the Mickey Thompson logos on the doors, the car is running the new MT tires also.
Weather conditions: air temperature 79 degrees, relative humidity 32 percent, barometer 29.17 inches, adjusted altitude 2,382 feet, track temperature 109 degrees.
They're taking quite a bit of time getting Bill in the proper spot on the line - and the guy directing traffic is none other than Bob Glidden.
Billy makes his pass and everybody turns to look at the person next to them. That was pretty darn impressive and far from what was expected.
Left Lane: Rickie Smith Runs 6.734/204.35, Now #1
Right Lane: Pat Herold Runs 6.784/203.49, Now #2
Rickie in the bright red Skull Gear Cobalt.
The trickster nails the front half and goes to the top of the order.
Left Lane: Matt Hartford Runs 12.808/80.85, Now #5
Right Lane: Kevin Lawrence Runs 6.773/203.61, Now #2
Hartford was burning a lot of gas here during the test session and was making nice smooth runs with the shifts on time.
Lawrence's car is beautiful in the setting sun with its candy red and pearl white.
Hartford's car gets up on the tires and heads to the center of the track. He's out of the throttle by 150 feet.
Lawrence lays down a good number and now we're beginning to wonder if this session is going to be a bunch better than anyone expected.
Left Lane: Jim Cunningham Runs 6.828/200.44, Now #6
Right Lane: Bob Benza Runs 6.794/205.22, Now #5
Cunningham has been spending a lot of time developing power for his Ford and finally brings it back out into public.
Cunningham had a great .996 sixty foot but that was the best part of the pass.
Left Lane: Bill Windham Runs 10.035/91.80, Now #8
Right Lane: Steve Schmidt Runs 6.736/205.47, Now #2
It's good to see Steve back out here racing in his home town. It's obvious he has a few passes as he backs up from the burnout at probably 40 mph.
Neither car left well, and Windham's car made a move towards the wall.
Schmidt's horsepower turns a bad run into a very good one.
Left Lane: Dave Northrop Runs 6.736/205.01, Now #3
Right Lane: Ben Watson Runs 6.751/203.80, Now #4
Northrop's GTO has the famous Jenkins Competition arrow on the hood scoop.
Northrop's car looked a bit lazy down low but still cards a good ET.
Left Lane: Matt Scranton No Time, Now #3
Right Lane: Bob Panella No Time, Now #4
Bob Panella is behind the Stratus lining up his son. He's been in that position hundreds of times before. Most people think of the Larry Morgan Castrol glory days but Panella was involved with lots of other cars also.
Just as both cars were ready to bump in, the tree goes on flashing red. We're down to check some finish line sensors. 7:03 p.m.
Left Lane: Tony Rizzo Runs 6.985/199.02, Now #11
Right Lane: Craig Hankinson Runs 6.688/206.07, Now #1
7:04 p.m. and the timing problem is fixed.
Hankinson rocks everybody and goes to the top.
We now have 16 cars already run in the session so get ready for all the movement up and down the order.
Left Lane: Tom Hammonds Runs 18.501/65.23, Now #15
Right Lane: Ron Krisher Runs 12.797/66.29, Now #13
Hammonds has a bunch of problems at the hit and records a 1.351 short time. Krisher doesn't have much more luck.
Left Lane: Justin Humphreys Runs 17.196/47.34, Now #16
Right Lane: Mike Edwards Runs 6.699/205.19, Now #2
Justin stands the car up and heads for the wall. Even with a broken run, he gets in the field for now.
Edwards' time off appears to have done wonders for him as he goes way up the order.
Left Lane: Max Naylor Runs 6.655/206.39, Now #1
Right Lane: Kenny Koretsky Runs 6.678/206.29, Now #2
Neither of these two get a whole bunch of attention, and that's a shame. Naylor has put together a topshelf program from scratch and has been challenging the leaders of the class.
Koretsky can run very hard at times.
And starting with a .971 60 foot time, 2.769 330, Naylor sets the ORP Pro Stock ET record.
Kenny is right there with him. See what I was saying?
Left Lane: Greg Stanfield Runs 6.684/206.04, Now #4
Right Lane: Jim Yates Runs 6.677/206.42, Now #2
Two very good pairs that were welded together from about 80 feet on. Yates does slightly better and goes to the second position.
Left Lane: Richie Stevens Runs 6.725/205.69, Now #8
Right Lane: V. Gaines Runs 6.708/205.91, Now #7
Neither car was as quick down low as the other fast guys. Still, not too shabby for either team.
Left Lane: Larry Morgan Runs 6.669/206.35, Now #2
Right Lane: Warren Johnson Runs 6.719/206.45, Now #9
I'm predicting Morgan will do very well here this year. He's due and has done well here in the past.
I still have to wonder about WJ - are the problems over?
Larry makes me look a lot smarter than I am as he goes to the second spot.
Left Lane: Kurt Johnson Runs 6.663/206.76, Now #2
Right Lane: Jason Line Runs 12.724/99.14, Now #23
Kurt's been running very well lately. Can he handle the Summit power?
Line heads to the wall and clicks it off.
KJ looks good but can't catch the Jagermeister car. Maybe Max will get some glory now.
Left Lane: Allen Johnson Runs 6.661/206.57, Now #2
Right Lane: Jeg Coughlin Runs 6.675/206.01, Now #5
The first of the fast yellow cars shows up and we're soon going to know how tough Naylor's pass was.
The J&J Hemi on the other side is probably the strongest Mopar out here and also will act as a barometer.
Naylor holds on to the top spot. Just two cars to go.
Left Lane: Dave Connolly Runs 6.684/205.66, Now #9
Right Lane: Greg Anderson Runs 7.809/129.77, Now #25
If history is any indication, this is the time when Anderson breaks Naylor's heart and pulls out an other-wordly run. But remember, there have been times when the car has struggled and we were led to believe it was just a matter of testing. OK, testing's over.
Anderson was not going anywhere and clicks it off at 400 feet. Connoly, with all the Cagnazzi power, can't take over the top spot.
Way to go, Max. Maybe they'll pay attention now.
Left Lane: Matt Scranton Runs 6.732/205.26, Now #15
Right Lane: Bob Panella Runs 6.734/205.51, Now #16
Here's the re-run for the pair that was shut off due to timing system issues.
I'm showing Panella on the bump and we're done with a classic Pro Stock session.
Friday
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Order for Qualifying Round 1
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after one round of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.655 206.39
2. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.661 206.57
3. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.663 206.76
4. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.669 206.35
5. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 6.675 206.01
6. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.677 206.42
7. Kenny Koretsky Indicom Cobalt 6.678 206.29
8. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.684 206.04
9. Dave Connolly Torco Cobalt 6.684 205.66
10. Craig Hankinson Boscoe HVAC GTO 6.688 206.07
11. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.699 205.19
12. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.708 205.91
13. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.719 206.45
14. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.725 205.69
15. Matt Scranton GTO 6.732 205.26
16. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Stratu 6.734 205.51
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Rickie Smith Skull Gear Cobalt 6.734 204.35
18. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.736 205.47
19. Dave Northrop GTO 6.736 205.01
20. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.751 203.80
21. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cobalt 6.773 203.61
22. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 6.784 203.49
23. Bill Glidden GTO 6.790 203.46
24. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.794 205.22
25. Jim Cunningham Cunningham Motorsports Mustang 6.828 200.44
26. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.985 199.02
27. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 7.809 129.77
28. Bill Windham NTB Cobalt 10.035 91.80
29. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 12.724 99.14
30. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 12.797 66.29
31. Matt Hartford Schmidt Automotive Cobalt 12.808 80.85
32. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GTO 17.196 47.34
33. Tom Hammonds Cobalt 18.501 65.23
Saturday
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Results for Qualifying Round 2
CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 2 qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals 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:
Right Lane: Ron Krisher Runs 12.589/67.05, Now #29
Best prior run: 12.797/66.29, Was #30
1:07 p.m. and we're still enjoying great weather and the sunshine. The reported specs are 81 degrees, 44%, and 29.26.
Krisher's got Cagnazzi power and returns to the scene where he got on his lid last year at this race. The car leaves OK, but then at the top of first the rpms go sailing and tire spin ends the run.
Left Lane: Tom Hammonds Runs 15.455/71.48, Now #32
Best prior run: 18.501/65.23, Was #33
Right Lane: Jason Line Runs 6.739/206.76, Now #20
Best prior run: 12.724/99.14, Was #30
Yes, it's different, maybe even completely different: Line is in the second pair and Max Naylor is currently on top.
The track temp is up to a still very manageable 111 degrees.
Hammonds makes another one of those nasty looking lurches off the line where the car starts heading off to the side. Line goes through with no apparent problems. His time is only good for 20th.
Left Lane: Justin Humphreys Runs 13.852/58.25, Now #32
Best prior run: 17.196/47.34, Was #33
Right Lane: Greg Anderson Runs 6.697/207.24, Now #11
Best prior run: 7.809/129.77, Was #28
And, bordering on the twilight zone, we have Greg Anderson in the third pair out. This should be a very good indicator of what the track and weather will allow unless the Summit team has really lost their way.
Anderson doesn't really blast off the line but does manage to make it into the field for now.
Humphrey's GTO torqued over and headed toward the wall.
Left Lane: Matt Hartford Runs 6.764/204.14, Now #23
Best prior run: 12.808/80.85, Was #31
Right Lane: Bob Benza Runs 6.782/205.51, Now #25
Best prior run: 6.794/205.22, Was #26
It's 2007, and in Pro Stock world the teams take as much time to check the wheelie bar height as they do for their burnouts.
Two decent passes pointing to the fact that this might not be the session for Pro Stock cars. The good times ought to happen in the third session this evening.
Left Lane: Bill Windham Runs 6.822/203.98, Now #28
Best prior run: 10.035/91.80, Was #30
Right Lane: Bill Glidden Runs 6.756/204.39, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.790/203.46, Was #27
Both cars do a decent job on the leave as the sixty foot times are now nearing 1 second flat.
Left Lane: Tony Rizzo Runs 6.884/202.06, Now #30
Best prior run: 6.985/199.02, Was #30
Right Lane: Pat Herold Runs 6.796/203.89, Now #27
Best prior run: 6.784/203.49, Was #27
Herold's team looks like they're coming to grips with that rarest of beasts - a brand new Don Ness racecar. The man is master of tweaks so look for this team to continue to improve as they get used to the car.
There's a lot more to a run than the short times, but in today's world a 1.01 sixty foot paired with almost anything is not going to get you qualified.
Left Lane: Jim Cunningham Runs 6.840/200.14, Now #29
Best prior run: 6.828/200.44, Was #29
Right Lane: Kevin Lawrence Runs 6.749/202.30, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.773/203.61, Was #25
Lawrence steps up but not enough to get in.
Left Lane: Dave Northrop Runs 6.720/205.22, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.736/205.01, Was #20
Right Lane: Ben Watson Runs 6.749/203.80, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.751/203.80, Was #23
Northrop breaks the trend and bumps into the show.
Dave Northrop's incremental times: 60ft-1.000 sec., 330ft-2.813, 660ft-4.324/163.24mph, 1,000ft-5.623
Left Lane: Rickie Smith Runs 6.731/204.42, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.734/204.35, Was #19
Right Lane: Steve Schmidt Runs 6.721/205.04, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.736/205.47, Was #20
Schmidt just does get in and Rickie just misses.
Rickie Smith's incremental times: 60ft-0.992 sec., 330ft-2.807, 660ft-4.324/162.65mph, 1,000ft-5.630
Steve Schmidt's incremental times: 60ft-1.009 sec., 330ft-2.814, 660ft-4.322/163.43mph, 1,000ft-5.623
Left Lane: Matt Scranton Runs 6.727/204.98, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.732/205.26, Was #19
Right Lane: Bob Panella Runs 13.338/62.25, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.734/205.51, Was #20
Who woulda thought? At this point in this session, I'd bet that Naylor is safest in the #1 position than Greg Anderson is in 11th.
Panella's car shuts down about when it should have gone into 2nd gear. It was standing up pretty good right then and the nose drop was really apparent.
Left Lane: Richie Stevens Runs 6.710/205.91, Now #14
Best prior run: 6.725/205.69, Was #17
Right Lane: Warren Johnson Runs 13.243/64.27, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.719/206.45, Was #14
WJ is barely in, Richie is barely out.
Warren looks the same in the first 200 feet as Panella did. Stevens has stated he's looking forward to being a spoiler since he can't finish any higher than 9th. He advances his cause by ramming his way into the field.
Left Lane: Dave Connolly Runs 6.662/205.88, Now #3
Best prior run: 6.684/205.66, Was #9
Right Lane: V. Gaines Runs 6.794/204.51, Now #13
Best prior run: 6.708/205.91, Was #13
Dave Northrop is on the bump spot at 6.720.
Connolly confounds everybody. He leaves like a rocket and runs low time of the round so far. That is a serious problem for the guys who already ran and didn't get close to getting that much out of the track.
Dave Connolly's incremental times: 60ft-0.979 sec., 330ft-2.777, 660ft-4.278/164.19mph, 1,000ft-5.571
Left Lane: Greg Stanfield Runs 6.690/206.39, Now #9
Best prior run: 6.684/206.04, Was #9
Right Lane: Mike Edwards Runs 6.753/205.54, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.699/205.19, Was #12
Stanfield leaves hard and runs great - but doesn't improve. Neither does Edwards.
Left Lane: Larry Morgan Runs 6.787/205.35, Now #5
Best prior run: 6.669/206.35, Was #5
Right Lane: Craig Hankinson Runs 6.723/205.69, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.688/206.07, Was #10
Morgan gets the sixty, but doesn't carry it through the front half.
Larry Morgan's incremental times: 60ft-0.987 sec., 330ft-2.866, 660ft-4.389/162.59mph, 1,000ft-5.692
Left Lane: Kurt Johnson Runs 6.690/207.08, Now #4
Best prior run: 6.663/206.76, Was #4
Right Lane: Kenny Koretsky Runs 6.709/206.13, Now #8
Best prior run: 6.678/206.29, Was #8
Though all the runs look good, all the cars are having trouble getting off the line and then building speed by driving hard to half track. Both racers lose about .03 over yesterday.
Left Lane: Allen Johnson Runs 6.665/206.57, Now #2
Best prior run: 6.661/206.57, Was #2
Right Lane: Jim Yates Runs 6.723/206.10, Now #7
Best prior run: 6.677/206.42, Was #7
Though it's a touch slower than his previous pass, AJ runs a huge number for this session.
Left Lane: Max Naylor Runs 6.659/206.20, Now #1
Best prior run: 6.655/206.39, Was #1
Right Lane: Jeg Coughlin Runs 6.772/204.94, Now #6
Best prior run: 6.675/206.01, Was #6
There's only one guy who can keep Naylor from holding on to his #1 spot for another session, and he's lining up in the right lane. The car is capable of it, I think, but I doubt it's going to happen.
Max is for REAL, folks!
Jeggie shakes his brains out and Naylor just drives away.
Max Naylor's incremental times: 60ft-0.979 sec., 330ft-2.772, 660ft-4.272/164.01mph, 1,000ft-5.567
Jeg Coughlin's incremental times: 60ft-1.007 sec., 330ft-2.857, 660ft-4.374/162.74mph, 1,000ft-5.675
Northrop is on the bump.
Saturday
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Order for Qualifying Round 2
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 2 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.655@ 206.39
2. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.661 206.57
3. Dave Connolly Torco Cobalt 6.662 205.88
4. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.663 207.08
5. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.669 206.35
6. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 6.675 206.01
7. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.677 206.42
8. Kenny Koretsky Indicom Cobalt 6.678 206.29
9. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.684 206.39
10. Craig Hankinson Boscoe HVAC GTO 6.688 206.07
11. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.697 207.24&
12. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.699 205.54
13. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.708 205.91
14. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.710 205.91
15. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.719 206.45
16. Dave Northrop GTO 6.720 205.22
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.721 205.47
18. Matt Scranton GTO 6.727 205.26
19. Rickie Smith Skull Gear Cobalt 6.731 204.42
20. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Stratu 6.734 205.51
21. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.739 206.76
22. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.749 203.80
23. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cobalt 6.749 203.61
24. Bill Glidden GTO 6.756 204.39
25. Matt Hartford Schmidt Automotive Cobalt 6.764 204.14
26. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.782 205.51
27. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 6.784 203.89
28. Bill Windham NTB Cobalt 6.822 203.98
29. Jim Cunningham Cunningham Motorsports Mustang 6.828 200.44
30. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.884 202.06
31. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 12.589 67.05
32. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GTO 13.852 58.25
33. Tom Hammonds Cobalt 15.455 71.48
@ = Track ET Record
& = Track Speed Record
Saturday
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Results for Qualifying Round 3
CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 3 qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals 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: Bob Panella Runs 6.737/205.07, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.734/205.51, Was #20
6:33 p.m. This was supposed to be the good session, but unless it runs really long I think there's going to be some problems for those not qualified. The conditions are remarkably similar to earlier today and have not changed all that much though the track is cooling quickly.
Weather conditions: air temperature 83 degrees, relative humidity 33 percent, barometer 29.21 inches, adjusted altitude 2,646 feet, track temperature 107 degrees.
It's not going to happen for Panella, as it just didn't blast off the line.
Dave Northrop is on the bump spot at 6.720.
Left Lane: Warren Johnson Runs 6.706/205.98, Now #13
Best prior run: 6.719/206.45, Was #15
Right Lane: Tom Hammonds Runs 15.576/53.36, Now #33
Best prior run: 15.455/71.48, Was #33
Warren is barely in, and Tom is absolutely capable of getting in though perhaps not under these conditions.
Warren steps up, so there is some hope.
Hammonds hits the tires very hard and goes left. He has to be getting gunshy about dropping the hammer right about now and that is never good for a driver's concentration.
Left Lane: Ron Krisher Runs 6.729/204.98, Now #20
Best prior run: 12.589/67.05, Was #31
Right Lane: Justin Humphreys Runs 6.696/206.42, Now #11
Best prior run: 13.852/58.25, Was #32
Krisher gets a chance to flex all that Cagnazzi muscle on the lane of choice for Pro Stock cars. He may get in if they get it right.
Just to prove me wrong, it's the "bad" lane that gives up a good number.
Richie Stevens is on the bump spot at 6.710.
Left Lane: Pat Herold Runs 6.779/202.97, Now #28
Best prior run: 6.784/203.49, Was #29
Right Lane: Tony Rizzo Runs 6.798/202.39, Now #30
Best prior run: 6.884/202.06, Was #32
Herold looked very good on the front half of the track but doesn't have the top end to match.
Pat Herold's incremental times: 60ft-0.995 sec., 330ft-2.824, 660ft-4.352/161.42mph, 1,000ft-5.670
Left Lane: V. Gaines Runs 6.722/204.73, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.708/205.91, Was #15
Right Lane: Jim Cunningham Runs 6.864/199.73, Now #32
Best prior run: 6.828/200.44, Was #32
Cunningham's Mustang is simply a great looking racecar. No need for fancy graphics, the car looks plenty good with mostly solid paint letting the body lines shine.
Same story for V as for Pat Herold. I'm not sure what's happening to the cars after 400 feet or so. Gaines stays in the 15th spot and Stevens is still on the bump.
Left Lane: Bob Benza Runs 6.707/205.32, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.782/205.51, Was #29
Right Lane: Bill Windham Runs 6.716/205.66, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.822/203.98, Was #31
Before he pulls forward to stage, Windham's crew chief dives in the passenger door to make some final adjustments.
Benza looked really good, as he was opening a half a car gap on his competition with every gear change. He's in for now.
V. Gaines is on the bump spot at 6.708, and he's already run this session.
Left Lane: Jeg Coughlin Runs 6.703/205.66, Now #6
Best prior run: 6.675/206.01, Was #6
Right Lane: Larry Morgan Runs 6.673/206.39, Now #5
Best prior run: 6.669/206.35, Was #5
Coughlin was really lazy on the bottom, but Morgan sure wasn't. He lays down a really strong pass, though he stays put in the order.
Left Lane: Bill Glidden No Time, Now #28
Best prior run: 6.756/204.39, Was #28
Right Lane: Matt Hartford Runs 6.772/203.86, Now #29
Best prior run: 6.764/204.14, Was #29
Glidden shakes hard and shuts it off before it's time to shift.
Hartford goes down the track but doesn't gain any position.
Left Lane: Mike Edwards Runs 6.731/204.63, Now #13
Best prior run: 6.699/205.19, Was #13
Right Lane: Rickie Smith Runs 6.735/204.48, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.731/204.42, Was #23
Rickie's return to NHRA racing has not been all that rosy. He has a whole bunch of experience (and success) at this track so don't be surprised to see him become one of the few to step up. Problem is, he's got at least 7 spots to gain.
The cars are welded together but neither is quick enough to make a difference.
Left Lane: Kevin Lawrence Runs 6.728/204.14, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.749/202.30, Was #27
Right Lane: Matt Scranton Runs 15.801/51.80, Now #21
Best prior run: 6.727/204.98, Was #21
Lawrence makes one of the longest Pro Stock burnouts I can remember seeing. The engine was singing as he crossed the starting line and the smoke just kept rolling for a long way down the track.
Lawrence may be on to something as he has a really good front half but just misses the ET he needs. Scranton's car stands up and points off center so he lifts.
Left Lane: Ben Watson Runs 6.741/203.92, Now #27
Best prior run: 6.749/203.80, Was #27
Right Lane: Dave Northrop Runs 6.715/205.54, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.720/205.22, Was #19
Northrop loses a lot on the starting line but still cards a decent ET. He just misses.
Left Lane: Jason Line Runs 6.694/205.82, Now #11
Best prior run: 6.739/206.76, Was #26
Right Lane: Richie Stevens Runs 14.590/69.26, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.710/205.91, Was #17
It's hard to believe that neither of these cars are qualified yet. Want to bet that's going to change?
Gaines' 6.708 is the target for both these racers.
Stevens shakes hard and Line gets in, bumping Gaines.
Bob Benza is now on the bump spot at 6.707.
Left Lane: Craig Hankinson Runs 6.706/204.85, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.688/206.07, Was #10
Right Lane: Greg Stanfield Runs 6.699/206.01, Now #9
Best prior run: 6.684/206.04, Was #9
It's good to see the Stanfield team finally get untracked and run to their potential.
Both he and Hankinson are probably safe but there's some priceless track data to be gained.
Hankinson kills the 60 foot, but look at the numbers and you'll see that's not everything as Stanfield ends up outrunning him.
Craig Hankinson's incremental times: 60ft-0.986 sec., 330ft-2.793, 660ft-4.305/162.94mph, 1,000ft-5.608
Greg Stanfield's incremental times: 60ft-0.994 sec., 330ft-2.801, 660ft-4.307/163.47mph, 1,000ft-5.605
Left Lane: Jim Yates Runs 6.658/206.29, Now #2
Best prior run: 6.677/206.42, Was #7
Right Lane: Kurt Johnson Runs 6.680/207.27, Now #5
Best prior run: 6.663/206.76, Was #4
I think the Grump is smiling right now, at least inside.
Yates delivers a crushing run and goes to the #2 spot. Friends, check the other passes in this session and then tell me that Yates didn't put that one out of the park.
Jim Yates' incremental times: 60ft-0.983 sec., 330ft-2.777, 660ft-4.276/164.23mph, 1,000ft-5.568
Left Lane: Steve Schmidt Runs 6.705/205.19, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.721/205.04, Was #21
Right Lane: Allen Johnson Runs 6.679/206.35, Now #3
Best prior run: 6.661/206.57, Was #3
Schmidt does all his hometown fans proud and gets into the show.
Johnson quivered the tires on the launch but never went into heavy shake like Richie Stevens did.
Warren Johnson is now on the bump spot at 6.706.
Left Lane: Kenny Koretsky Runs 6.776/205.22, Now #8
Best prior run: 6.678/206.29, Was #8
Right Lane: Dave Connolly Runs 6.692/205.47, Now #4
Best prior run: 6.662/205.88, Was #4
Nobody moves up or down in the order.
Left Lane: Greg Anderson Runs 6.677/206.67, Now #8
Best prior run: 6.697/207.24, Was #13
Right Lane: Max Naylor Runs 6.699/205.44, Now #1
Best prior run: 6.655/206.39, Was #1
Here's where it gets interesting. Naylor has been the quickest Pro Stock on the property for two straight sessions.
Now he's head to head with the guy who's known for ripping hearts out.
The King blinks in the staredown! The cars leave together and stay side by side. Though he's a touch quicker than Naylor, he's not quick enough to take over the top spot.
Indy is known for Cinderella stories, and this one is shaping up nicely for the Max Naylor Jagermeister team.
Saturday
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Order for Qualifying Round 3
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.655@ 206.39
2. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.658 206.42
3. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.661 206.57
4. Dave Connolly Torco Cobalt 6.662 205.88
5. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.663 207.27&
6. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.669 206.39
7. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 6.675 206.01
8. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.677 207.24
9. Kenny Koretsky Indicom Cobalt 6.678 206.29
10. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.684 206.39
11. Craig Hankinson Boscoe HVAC GTO 6.688 206.07
12. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.694 206.76
13. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GTO 6.696 206.42
14. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.699 205.54
15. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.705 205.47
16. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.706 206.45
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.707 205.51
18. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.708 205.91
19. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.710 205.91
20. Dave Northrop GTO 6.715 205.54
21. Bill Windham NTB Cobalt 6.716 205.66
22. Matt Scranton GTO 6.727 205.26
23. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cobalt 6.728 204.14
24. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 6.729 204.98
25. Rickie Smith Skull Gear Cobalt 6.731 204.48
26. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Stratu 6.734 205.51
27. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.741 203.92
28. Bill Glidden GTO 6.756 204.39
29. Matt Hartford Schmidt Automotive Cobalt 6.764 204.14
30. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 6.779 203.89
31. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.798 202.39
32. Jim Cunningham Cunningham Motorsports Mustang 6.828 200.44
33. Tom Hammonds Cobalt 15.455 71.48
@ = Track ET Record
& = Track Speed Record
Sunday
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Results for Qualifying Round 4
CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from round 4 qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals 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:
Right Lane: Bill Glidden Runs 6.781/204.05, Now #28
Best prior run: 6.756/204.39, Was #28
As we enter the next to final round of qualifying, the big story has to be Max Naylor's Jagermeister Stratus holding the #1 spot.
Indy has always had great stories about the little guy, and this may be a year to add to them. If Naylor can hold on, he will become only the 18th person to gain his first top qualifying spot here in 37 years. Even with the dreadnaughts of the Summit and Cagnazzi teams, it's certainly not impossible. We are seeing it happen in Pro Stock Motorcycle and may have a surprise leader in Funny Car after the dust settles.
The conditions are pretty decent right now but the track is gaining heat by the minute. Running early in the session should be a plus.
I understand that Glidden is indeed in an ex-Mark Pawuk car. The deal with Mickey Thompson will be ongoing in the R&D area, but this is the only event that was contracted for at this time. Bill is such a crowd favorite I can't imagine that it wouldn't be a worthwhile investment.
Left Lane: Matt Scranton Runs 6.709/205.63, Now #19
Best prior run: 6.727/204.98, Was #22
Right Lane: Pat Herold No Time, Now #30
Best prior run: 6.779/202.97, Was #30
Good guy Pat Herold has some bad luck as his crew is pushing him back from the burnout and he will not be able to race this round.
Weather conditions: air temperature 82 degrees, relative humidity 41 percent, barometer 29.24 inches, adjusted altitude 2,587 feet, track temperature 98 degrees.
Scranton gets very close but isn't quick enough going to 330.
Warren Johnson is on the bump spot at 6.706.
Left Lane: Tom Hammonds Runs 13.702/58.01, Now #33
Best prior run: 15.455/71.48, Was #33
Right Lane: Kenny Koretsky Runs 14.746/80.13, Now #9
Best prior run: 6.678/206.29, Was #9
Hammmonds, at this point, is probably just hoping to get from point A to point B. He hasn't been past the 200 foot mark under power in his three previous tries.
Hammonds runs 1.008 but it's just like the previous run. Unfortunately for Koretsky, he did almost exactly the same thing.
Left Lane: Richie Stevens Runs 6.680/205.79, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.710/205.91, Was #20
Right Lane: Ben Watson Runs 16.744/46.44, Now #27
Best prior run: 6.741/203.92, Was #27
Teammate Allen Johnson is behind the Stevens car taking a close look at what the set up is going to yield.
Stevens bumps WJ.
Watson repeats the right lane blues just like the previous cars. The car stands up, shakes, and moves off center.
Steve Schmidt is now on the bump spot at 6.705.
Left Lane: Jim Cunningham Runs 6.860/200.20, Now #32
Best prior run: 6.828/200.44, Was #32
Right Lane: Bob Panella Runs 6.747/205.66, Now #26
Best prior run: 6.734/205.51, Was #26
Neither of these cars are going anywhere off the starting line.
Left Lane: Tony Rizzo Runs 6.806/202.79, Now #31
Best prior run: 6.798/202.39, Was #31
Right Lane: Mike Edwards Runs 6.718/205.10, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.699/205.19, Was #15
Edwards is a former champion here, and is hoping to hold on to his qualified position. He's known for his setup skills, so let's see how he handles the right lane.
Well, he does better than the others but it's not enough to make a change in the order.
We're down for a short bit as the crew does some quick wiping on the starting line area in the left lane.
Left Lane: Matt Hartford Runs 6.788/203.80, Now #29
Best prior run: 6.764/204.14, Was #29
Right Lane: Ron Krisher Runs 6.718/205.88, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.729/204.98, Was #24
Hmm, that was a bit more involved than it looked at first, even getting a quick sweep with the tractor. Larry Morgan was on the line offering suggestions and considering his stellar record here I hope they listened to him.
Krisher steps up but doesn't quite get there. Steve Schmidt is still on the bump spot at 6.705.
Left Lane: Rickie Smith Runs 6.722/204.91, Now #24
Best prior run: 6.731/204.42, Was #25
Right Lane: Kevin Lawrence Runs 6.743/203.71, Now #25
Best prior run: 6.728/204.14, Was #24
So far, only Stevens and Krisher have been below the 1 second level at 60 foot. Ron Krisher is being interviewed and doesn't like the right lane much. He's looking forward very much to taking the left lane in the final session this afternoon.
Rickie gets close but only swaps positions with Lawrence.
Left Lane: Bill Windham Runs 6.709/205.44, Now #21
Best prior run: 6.716/205.66, Was #22
Right Lane: V. Gaines Runs 6.707/205.63, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.708/205.91, Was #19
Indy is truly amazing. How hard was Gaines running just a couple of races ago? And here, he's not in the show.
It's not happening this time. Schmidt stays on the bump and Gaines has but one more chance.
Left Lane: Dave Northrop Runs 6.715/205.57, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.715/205.54, Was #22
Right Lane: Bob Benza Runs 6.753/205.16, Now #19
Best prior run: 6.707/205.32, Was #19
Benza's running Steve Schmidt power, one of 9 entries here.
Left Lane: Max Naylor Runs 12.635/68.46, Now #1
Best prior run: 6.655/206.39, Was #1
Right Lane: Craig Hankinson Runs 6.698/205.66, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.688/206.07, Was #12
Here's the top guy. He's been remarkably quick and remarkably consistent so all eyes are on him now to see if he can once again card the lowest ET of the session.
Hankinson is making a good showing considering he made the field early and is having no problems staying there.
Naylor overpowers the track but Hankinson puts up another great ET.
Left Lane: Greg Stanfield Runs 6.699/206.39, Now #11
Best prior run: 6.684/206.04, Was #11
Right Lane: Warren Johnson Runs 6.714/206.01, Now #17
Best prior run: 6.706/205.98, Was #17
Indy Weirdness: It's the next to the last session and The Professor is on the outside looking in. He's in the less-favored right lane.
Warren gets way too much wheelspeed on the hit and is going to have to rely on the last session to avoid making history.
Stanfield says they found something on his car that was causing their recent problems. Looks to me like he's right as the PiranaZ team is running strong just like they used to.
Left Lane: Justin Humphreys Runs 6.669/206.67, Now #6
Best prior run: 6.696/206.42, Was #14
Right Lane: Steve Schmidt Runs 6.737/204.79, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.705/205.19, Was #16
Two words: Glidden's smiling.
Humpreys, in a session of lesser performances, nails the setup and actually moves up in the order. Most teams are losing 3 to 5 hundredths, Justin picks up 3.
Left Lane: Dave Connolly Runs 6.659/206.32, Now #3
Best prior run: 6.662/205.88, Was #4
Right Lane: Jeg Coughlin Runs 6.677/206.51, Now #8
Best prior run: 6.675/206.01, Was #8
Connolly gets close to the top but early wheelspin dooms Jeg.
Left Lane: Kurt Johnson Runs 6.662/207.30, Now #5
Best prior run: 6.663/206.76, Was #5
Right Lane: Jason Line Runs 6.697/206.73, Now #14
Best prior run: 6.694/205.82, Was #14
It's going to take a 6.664 to go to the top.
I'm not that impressed with the right lane, either. Line is another of many cars to really hit the tires hard on the leave.
Kurt picks up a thou and runs top speed of the event.
Left Lane: Allen Johnson Runs 6.670/206.86, Now #4
Best prior run: 6.661/206.57, Was #4
Right Lane: Greg Anderson Runs 6.689/207.05, Now #9
Best prior run: 6.677/206.67, Was #9
These are the pairs who can end Naylor's storybook effort.
Mad Max still survives.
If the positions don't change, the Summit cars will meet the Cagnazzi cars in the first round.
Left Lane: Larry Morgan Runs 6.679/206.57, Now #7
Best prior run: 6.669/206.35, Was #7
Right Lane: Jim Yates Runs 6.687/206.39, Now #2
Best prior run: 6.658/206.29, Was #2
Yates stunned a lot of people with the charge he made yesterday with his Jenkins power. Morgan has the power to run with the best and is in the better lane.
Jagermeister still rules. Local hero Schmidt is 16th.
If you're not here, you're missing some really fun action.
Sunday
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Order for Qualifying Round 4
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Order after 4 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.655 206.39
2. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.658 206.42
3. Dave Connolly Torco Cobalt 6.659 206.32
4. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.661 206.86
5. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.662 207.30
6. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GTO 6.669 206.67
7. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.669 206.57
8. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 6.675 206.51
9. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.677 207.24
10. Kenny Koretsky Indicom Cobalt 6.678 206.29
11. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.680 205.91
12. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.684 206.39
13. Craig Hankinson Boscoe HVAC GTO 6.688 206.07
14. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.694 206.76
15. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.699 205.54
16. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.705 205.47
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.706 206.45
18. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.707 205.91
19. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.707 205.51
20. Matt Scranton GTO 6.709 205.63
21. Bill Windham NTB Cobalt 6.709 205.66
22. Dave Northrop GTO 6.715 205.57
23. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 6.718 205.88
24. Rickie Smith Skull Gear Cobalt 6.722 204.91
25. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cobalt 6.728 204.14
26. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Stratu 6.734 205.66
27. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.741 203.92
28. Bill Glidden GTO 6.756 204.39
29. Matt Hartford Schmidt Automotive Cobalt 6.764 204.14
30. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 6.779 203.89
31. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.798 202.79
32. Jim Cunningham Cunningham Motorsports Mustang 6.828 200.44
33. Tom Hammonds Cobalt 13.702 71.48
Sunday
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results for Qualifying Round 5
CLERMONT, Ind. - INDY - Notes from final, round 5 qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals 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: Pat Herold Runs 6.788/203.52, Now #30
Best prior run: 6.779/202.97, Was #30
Until the last few pairs of Pro Stock Motorcycles, I would have bet big money that none of the normally aspirated vehicles would be able to make a move. I still don't think it's going to happen, I'm just a touch less convinced.
Weather conditions: air temperature 90 degrees, relative humidity 28 percent, barometer 29.20 inches, adjusted altitude 3,062 feet, track temperature 119 degrees.
Herold gets a single on his last chance. Steve Schmidt is on the bump spot at 6.705.
That's how tough this class is. Herold's run sounded very sweet, with the engine accelerating quickly and cleanly; good gear changes; and steady accelleration. It might have sounded good, but it wasn't enough.
Left Lane: Bill Glidden Runs 6.977/170.56, Now #28
Best prior run: 6.756/204.39, Was #28
Right Lane: Tom Hammonds Runs 14.407/71.83, Now #33
Best prior run: 13.702/58.01, Was #33
Hammonds makes it 5 for 5 as the car once again makes a nasty move off the line.
Glidden makes a clean, uneventful pass but isn't close. I'm not sure of why the MPH is down, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Left Lane: Ben Watson Runs 6.745/204.08, Now #27
Best prior run: 6.741/203.92, Was #27
Right Lane: Jim Cunningham Runs 6.910/199.97, Now #32
Best prior run: 6.828/200.44, Was #32
Left Lane: Bob Panella Runs 7.216/153.28, Now #26
Best prior run: 6.734/205.51, Was #26
Right Lane: Tony Rizzo Runs 6.939/197.28, Now #31
Best prior run: 6.798/202.39, Was #31
Panella's car may be the best-looking on the property. The vintage Sox & Martin scheme is truly a classic.
Panella sees he's not going anywhere and clicks it off at high gear. Rizzo spins hard off the line.
Left Lane: Kevin Lawrence Runs 6.762/203.80, Now #25
Best prior run: 6.728/204.14, Was #25
Right Lane: Matt Hartford Runs 13.531/63.57, Now #29
Best prior run: 6.764/204.14, Was #29
The right lane seems to be giving the crew chiefs a lot of trouble as Hartford gets loose.
Left Lane: Ron Krisher Runs 6.721/204.73, Now #23
Best prior run: 6.718/205.88, Was #23
Right Lane: Rickie Smith Runs 6.758/204.94, Now #24
Best prior run: 6.722/204.91, Was #24
Krisher was right about doing better in the left lane as he hits a great .988 sixty with a 2.805 330. But even the strong Cagnazzi engine is gasping for air at the other end and a very good pass for the conditions won't get him in.
Left Lane: Bob Benza Runs 6.856/204.20, Now #19
Best prior run: 6.707/205.32, Was #19
Right Lane: Dave Northrop Runs 6.775/204.82, Now #22
Best prior run: 6.715/205.57, Was #22
Again, those not in are shooting for the 6.705 bump. The really fast guys are shooting for Max Naylor. Both cars have way too much wheelspeed and way too little movement forward.
Left Lane: V. Gaines Runs 6.709/205.69, Now #18
Best prior run: 6.707/205.63, Was #18
Right Lane: Bill Windham Runs 6.852/203.46, Now #21
Best prior run: 6.709/205.44, Was #21
Gaines is one of the teams that I personally feel has a chance to get in. What he runs here is going to tell a lot about the rest of the cars' hopes.
He gets really, really close but V will not race at Indy.
Left Lane: Warren Johnson Runs 6.752/205.10, Now #17
Best prior run: 6.706/205.98, Was #17
Right Lane: Matt Scranton Runs 6.764/204.51, Now #20
Best prior run: 6.709/205.63, Was #20
Since his first time here in 1972, Warren has always qualified each time he raced here. I like tradition, but I really think a string is going to be broken.
Warren blows the tires off in at least the first two gears and the streak is over. He will not be racing on Labor Day, and like him or hate him that's pretty sad.
These two cars were the last that were not in the field so Steve Schmidt will be racing here in his hometown.
Left Lane: Steve Schmidt Runs 6.786/203.95, Now #16
Best prior run: 6.705/205.19, Was #16
Right Lane: Greg Stanfield Runs 15.138/55.35, Now #12
Best prior run: 6.684/206.04, Was #12
Stanfield may have been testing for race day, or the problem may have returned. His slicks go nuts at the hit and he's out of the throttle as quick as he could lift his foot.
Schmidt gets more data for tomorrow.
Left Lane: Mike Edwards Runs 6.739/204.76, Now #15
Best prior run: 6.699/205.19, Was #15
Right Lane: Richie Stevens Runs 6.755/205.72, Now #11
Best prior run: 6.680/205.79, Was #11
I may be the laughingstock of the internet, but I'm ready to predict that Max Naylor will hold on to the top spot. Both these cars looked decent on the leave but neither had short times that would produce anywhere near what would be needed for the #1 time.
Left Lane: Jason Line No Time, Now #14
No Prior Run
Right Lane: Larry Morgan Runs 13.358/58.73, Now #7
No Prior Run
Line won't be the one to take over the top. His car breaks on the burnout and he's pushed over against the wall so Morgan can make his pass. That's a pretty stunning development.
Morgan barbecues the slicks right at the hit. He does a good job keeping the Stratus from getting bent.
Left Lane: Craig Hankinson Runs 6.710/205.57, Now #13
Best prior run: 6.688/206.07, Was #13
Right Lane: Justin Humphreys Runs 14.469/55.37, Now #6
Best prior run: 6.669/206.67, Was #6
Humpreys shuts off at 100'.
Hankinson goes right through.
Left Lane: Kenny Koretsky Runs 6.749/204.85, Now #10
Best prior run: 6.678/206.29, Was #10
Right Lane: Kurt Johnson Runs 15.294/54.45, Now #5
Best prior run: 6.662/207.30, Was #5
Look at the description for the last pair. It's the same as this one.
Left Lane: Greg Anderson Runs 6.686/206.76, Now #9
Best prior run: 6.677/206.67, Was #9
Right Lane: Allen Johnson Runs 6.727/206.04, Now #4
Best prior run: 6.661/206.57, Was #4
AJ does the impossible and puts up a good ET in the lane others couldn't manage.
Greg lays down one of the better hits of the session and will start tomorrow from the 9th position.
Left Lane: Jeg Coughlin Runs 6.729/205.54, Now #8
Best prior run: 6.675/206.01, Was #8
Right Lane: Dave Connolly Runs 6.716/206.29, Now #3
Best prior run: 6.659/206.32, Was #3
The Yellow Terror guys show up and line up against each other. Dave has had the better car but Jeg is in the better lane.
Left Lane: Jim Yates Runs 6.715/206.23, Now #2
Best prior run: 6.658/206.29, Was #2
Right Lane: Max Naylor Runs 13.307/64.75, Now #1
Best prior run: 6.655/206.39, Was #1
OK, here were go. Only Jim Yates can destroy Max Naylor's storybook weekend. Max has been number one since the first session and I am betting he will keep that honor after this pass. By the way, I have to give big congrats to Bill Jenkins for making enough power to put Yates in the second position.
Naylor has the same problem as the other cars who couldn't manage the lane.
He said Friday night that he was going to frame the qualifying sheet that showed him #1 since that was something that couldn't be taken away. As it turned out, there wasn't a Pro Stock team in existence that COULD take the top spot from him - at least not this weekend.
I guess he'll have five of those to frame now.
Sincere congratulations to Max and the entire Jagermeister team.
Sunday
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order for Qualifying Round 5
CLERMONT, Ind. - SUMMIT FastNews - Final order after 5 rounds of qualifying in Pro Stock at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 53rd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals:
Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Max Naylor Jagermeister Stratus 6.655 206.39
2. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GTO 6.658 206.42
3. Dave Connolly Torco Cobalt 6.659 206.32
4. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.661 206.86
5. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.662 207.30
6. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GTO 6.669 206.67
7. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.669 206.57
8. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 6.675 206.51
9. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.677 207.24
10. Kenny Koretsky Indicom Cobalt 6.678 206.29
11. Richie Stevens Mopar/Valspar Stratus 6.680 205.91
12. Greg Stanfield Piranaz Racing GTO 6.684 206.39
13. Craig Hankinson Boscoe HVAC GTO 6.688 206.07
14. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GTO 6.694 206.76
15. Mike Edwards Young Life/A.R.T. GTO 6.699 205.54
16. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.705 205.47
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GTO 6.706 206.45
18. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.707 205.91
19. Bob Benza BNB Racing Cobalt 6.707 205.51
20. Matt Scranton GTO 6.709 205.63
21. Bill Windham NTB Cobalt 6.709 205.66
22. Dave Northrop GTO 6.715 205.57
23. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 6.718 205.88
24. Rickie Smith Skull Gear Cobalt 6.722 204.94
25. Kevin Lawrence Modern Carriage Werks Cobalt 6.728 204.14
26. Bob Panella Bailey/Panella Trucking Stratu 6.734 205.66
27. Ben Watson Watson Racing GTO 6.741 204.08
28. Bill Glidden GTO 6.756 204.39
29. Matt Hartford Schmidt Automotive Cobalt 6.764 204.14
30. Pat Herold Bad Rat Racing Cavalier 6.779 203.89
31. Tony Rizzo Tony Rizzo Racing Cobalt 6.798 202.79
32. Jim Cunningham Cunningham Motorsports Mustang 6.828 200.44
33. Tom Hammonds Cobalt 13.702 71.83