IHRA CHAMPION PROFILE: MICHAEL RUFF (SUPER ROD)

Ruff overcomes tough first day to take Super Rod title

Ruff loses on Friday, wins on Saturday to take first IHRA championship

NORWALK, Ohio (October 30, 2012) – It is an old proverb, but its words couldn't ring any more true – "for every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile."

It is safe to say no one understands that saying more than Super Rod racer Michael Ruff.

Ruff had about as rough of a first day of racing as any one man could possibly have at the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment World Finals. After blowing a tire on his motor home on his way to Memphis Ruff, driving over 900 miles from his home in Orlando, Fla., began his big weekend with a first round loss in the Sportsman Spectacular followed by an even bigger loss in the re-entry round of that same race all on opening day.

Michael Ruff overcame a rough start to collect his first IHRA championship in Super Rod

With an 0-2 start to the weekend and the biggest race still yet to come, Ruff wasn't exactly high on his chances to be competitive during the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL later in the weekend with the biggest prize – a world championship – still on the line.

"It certainly wasn't the start we had hoped for. After 900 miles and blowing a tire on our way here we go out first round, bought back in and then get whooped bad by (Steve) Furr," Ruff said. "That first day really took the wind out of my sails. It was really frustrating because I knew I had laid down good runs, I just got beat. I wasn't mad at the cars performance or my performance, I just got beat."

But that is where the storm began to subside.

On day two Ruff finally saw some light when he picked up his first round win of the weekend – using a perfect triple zero light to get around fellow Division 2 racer Jason McCandless – setting up an improbable run to the finish that concluded with Ruff holding the biggest prize in the game, an IHRA championship Ironman.

"To come back the next day after a disastrous start and get a win light in the first round, that just helped build the adrenaline and get the next day off on the right foot," Ruff said. "From there things just took off."

Ruff qualified for the Summit Tournament of Champions via a second place in Division 2

And boy did it ever.

After defeating McCandless in round one Ruff found his groove and followed that up with wins over Jeff Estep and Shannon Brinkley before meeting Hamlin, Texas' Joe Collier in the final. In a battle of the Chevrolets Collier, behind the wheel of his 2000 Monte Carlo, got off the line first by a narrow margin – a .015 to a .019 – but Ruff battled back on the other end in a double breakout victory as Ruff crossed the line first in his '67 Camaro with a 9.890/147.39 in the 9.90 class while Collier took a bit more with a 9.884/151.10.

"This is just awesome. As tough as the competition is nowadays, to be able to come out and play with them and win, get the big check, is an awesome deal," Ruff said. "This is such a great opportunity the IHRA has given everyone for all the champions to come to one race and duke it out for the title. It is an amazing feeling to win this thing."

And amazingly, Ruff's weekend almost didn't happen.

Ruff entered the last race of the season in Division 2 outside of the top three in points and needed a monumental performance to sneak into the tournament field. And right when he needed it most Ruff posted a pair of semifinal finishes to propel him into second in the Summit Pro-Am standings, one point ahead of McCandless.

Ruff finished the year with two wins, both coming at Bradenton Motorsports Park in March.

Joe Collier and Mike Ruff went head-to-head in the Super Rod final in Memphis

"I didn't do a whole bunch of races this year. We missed the first race of the year in Immokalee and then went to Bradenton and won both races there," Ruff said. "From there we went to Jackson and didn't do so well and by Darlington I was out of the top three. But we were able to get down to four twice and that moved us all the way up to second in points and now here we are hoisting this trophy."

After the .000 light in round one, Ruff continued to get it done on the tree with a .015 light helping propel him past Division 9 champion Jeff Estep and a lucky break in the quarters moving him on when Shannon Brinkley broke out by .013.

In the semifinals Ruff earned a bye run while Collier, racing out of Division 4, bested fellow D4 racer Clayton Nance with a .012 reaction time and a 9.908/151.99 run to advance. Nance broke out by .036.

With the win Ruff collected his first career IHRA championship and second overall championship all in his first full season of IHRA racing. Now he will take the big trophy home with him to Orlando and hopefully try for a repeat in 2013.

"I have been racing around 20 years and this is the first year I have run IHRA and I can say I have really enjoyed it and let's just say I will be doing more IHRA racing in the future," Ruff said. "I want to thank my wife Sherrie, my brother-in-law Larry, FTI Converts, Mickey Thompson Tires and Takash Race Craft. If it wasn't for them it wouldn't be possible."

Strong Start, Finish Leads Abruzzi To ADRL Summit Racing Top Sportsman World Championship

O'FALLON, MO - Known for fast starts and strong finishes throughout his standout drag racing career, Marco Abruzzi once again relied on that method in 2012 in the American Drag Racing League's (ADRL) Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman class.

The end result was one of the biggest moments in a career filled with wins and spectacular seasons.

In a championship chase that came down to the final day, it was Abruzzi's strong start and finish that proved to be the difference, as it carried him to the 2012 ADRL world championship in Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman.

Abruzzi won the first race of the season, became the first repeat winner in the history of the class in September, advanced to a third final later that month and then held off William Brown III and Ronnie Davis in a thrilling finish to capture the first world championship in Summit Racing Equipment Top Sportsman history in the ADRL.

"It was exciting. The year started off great with the win in Houston, but it didn't look good over the summer," Abruzzi said. "We did some testing, got a couple things worked out and everything turned out really well.

"I really think this is one the best classes around and I was really excited to see the ADRL bring it in.  This is some of the best sportsman racing you will ever see and it means a lot to be the first one to win the championship in this class. This has just been a great year."

It started in fine fashion when Abruzzi went 4.379 to win the season-opening CarSafe Dragpalooza VIII in Houston.

It represented the furthest west that Abruzzi had raced, and, with the victory, Abruzzi committed himself to the championship chase.

But adversity came over the summer through a series of frustrating events. He spun out near the starting line in the first round of the memorable 32-car Summit Racing Equipment "Clash of the Titans" event.

Abruzzi fell in the first round a month later and then failed to qualify at Dragstock IX in August at zMAX Dragway.

That dropped Abruzzi all the way to third in points, and the Warren, Ohio native knew something had to change. Looking back, Abruzzi revealed the simple change that sparked the turnaround.

"I just had the wrong tires on the car. I've ran Hoosier Tires ever since I started racing, and I was ordering dragster tires for my door car. The Hoosier guys told me I should have a different tire on, so I put it on and it was like a different car," Abruzzi said.

"I lost my step in the middle of the year. I wasn't competitive for a while, and it was getting frustrating, but I stuck with it."

Along with different Hoosier Tires and some extensive testing, Abruzzi returned in September with impressive furor.

Going into the season Abruzzi had never been quicker than a 4.39, but went 4.24 to win the finals of the Memphis Drags. That put him back in command and Abruzzi advanced to the finals at his home track, running a career-best 4.16 at the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags VI presented by Mickey Thompson.

"None of us ever had ever gone as fast as we did this year," Abruzzi said. "There's no other track prep liked an ADRL prepped track."

Back in the points lead, Abruzzi finished off the championship by advancing to the semifinals of the World Finals VIII presented by CarSafe, showing tremendous resolve under pressure.

It also capped off a tremendous season in a class that surpassed all expectations.

"It's a big effort and it was tough, but it's very gratifying. It's a great crew of people we race with in Top Sportsman. They're all incredible people. We just had a blast at the races. ADRL racing is exciting, it's fast-paced and it's great to see it succeed on this stage. It was just a great time this year," said Abruzzi, who thanked Tim McAmis Race Cars and Hoosier Tires.

"I also have to thank Summit Racing Equipment for not only sponsoring me, but also the class. They've really put a lot of support into the class and it really turned into a spectacular season."

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NHRA NEWS: FAN VOTE ON NHRA.COM WILL ONCE AGAIN DETERMINE FULL THROTTLE HARD WORKING CREW AWARD WINNERS

GLENDORA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2012) – While the champions of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series soon will be decided on the track, the winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award of the Year will once again be determined through an online fan vote on NHRA.com.

Fan voting for the NHRA Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award on NHRA.com begins Monday, Oct. 29th, following the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, and concludes Monday, Nov. 12th, after the season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Fans are invited to visit NHRA.com to vote for the crews who are nominated in each Full Throttle Series category whose diligence and extra effort made the biggest impact during the season. Video highlights featuring each of the four nominated Hard Working Crews performances in each category will be included to help fans make their selections.

ESPN2’s NHRA broadcast team, led by race analyst Mike Dunn, determines the four finalists in each category. One hardest working crew from each category will be declared the best of the season and the winners as determined by overall fan vote will be honored in each of the four classes at the season-ending awards ceremony. Winners in Top Fuel and Funny Car will earn $25,000 each, while the Pro Stock winner will earn $15,000 and the Pro Stock Motorcycle winner will receive $5,000.

Below are the finalists for the award in each category.

2012 FULL THROTTLE HARD WORKING CREW FINALISTS

TOP FUEL

1) Morgan Lucas’ GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster crew at Gainesville for recording the third-quickest E.T. in history, setting a track record, posting their second No. 1 qualifying position of the season and racing to victory over Tony Schumacher.

2) Tony Schumacher’s U.S. Army dragster crew at Indianapolis for earning a record ninth Top Fuel victory at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, and advancing to a record 11th final round at the Big Go.

3) Shawn Langdon’s Al-Anabi Racing dragster crew at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals at zMAX Dragway for earning the No. 1 qualifying position and racing to his first career victory in a Countdown to the Championship playoff event.

4) Antron Brown’s Matco Tools dragster team at Reading for setting a national record at 3.701 seconds and leaving the event with a 104-point lead in the Countdown to the Championship.

FUNNY CAR

1) Ron Capps’ NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger Funny Car crew at Englishtown for advancing to their fifth consecutive final round of the season and recording the quickest run in Funny Car history at 3.964 seconds.

2) Tim Wilkerson’s Levi Ray & Shoup Ford Mustang Funny Car crew at Norwalk for coming back from a fire on Saturday to advance to the final round on Sunday.

3) Courtney Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang Funny Car crew at Seattle for helping the 24-year-old rookie driver earn her first career victory in only her 15^th career start, after qualifying 14^th  from behind the wheel in the 8,000-horsepower category.

4) Jack Beckman’s Schumacher Electric Dodge Charger Funny Car crew at Reading for setting national elapsed time (3.986 seconds) and speed (320.58 mph) records and moving into the series points lead.

PRO STOCK

1) Greg Anderson’s Summit Racing crew at Englishtown for earning KB Racing’s 100th win at the same track where the team claimed its first victory.

2) Erica Enders’ GK Motorsports crew at Chicago for helping Enders earn her historic first career victory as the first female winner in Pro Stock.

3) Vincent Nobile’s Mountain View Tire Dodge Avenger crew at Norwalk for helping Nobile to sweep the event, winning both the race on Sunday and the $50,000 K&N Horsepower Challenge on Saturday.

4) Dave Connolly’s crew at Indianapolis for getting both his car and teammate Erica Enders’ car to the final round of the world’s most prestigious drag race; Connolly, who races a part-time schedule and serves as Enders’ crew chief, went on to win the Big Go.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

1) Eddie Kraweic’s Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson crew at Gainesville for setting a national E.T. record at 6.750 seconds and opening the season with a victory.

2) Michael Ray’s Viper Motorcycle Company Buell crew at Atlanta for beating three past champions en route to his first career final round appearance.

3) L.E. Tonglet’s Nitro Fish Suzuki crew at Chicago for advancing to three consecutive final rounds at the O’Reilly Route 66 NHRA Nationals.

4) Andrew Hines’ Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson crew at Reading for setting a national E.T. record at 6.728 seconds and advancing to the final round.

IHRA CHAMPION PROFILE: PATRICK FORSTER (HOT ROD)

Forster nearly doubles up at IHRA World Finals

Forster wins Hot Rod, runner-up in Quick Rod during championship tournament

NORWALK, Ohio (October 29, 2012) – Sometimes it is best being the man everyone least suspects.

Just ask Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Patrick Forster.

Sure Forster had a formidable resume already entering the 2012 Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL, but his 2012 performance left little to strike fear in the competition, at least in the world of Hot Rod. Yes Forster was one of only six drivers to qualify for the tournament in two different classes, but he barely managed to sneak into the field in Hot Rod and looked as if the only class in which he stood a real chance at success was in Quick Rod.

Patrick Forster won the IHRA Hot Rod World Championship in Memphis

As it turns out, both were to his liking.

With no real expectations and a "see what happens" attitude, Forster went 9-1 on race day and reached the final in both classes, winning the Hot Rod World Championship and finishing runner-up in Quick Rod. While Forster wasn't able to complete the historical championship sweep, his performance in the tournament proved that Forster is a dangerous racer and that he has picked up quite a bit of racing prowess from his friend and teammate, 2012 IHRA Sportsman Driver of the Year Jacob Elrod.

"Looking back, the weekend is a bit of a blur. Not just because of the win, but also running two races in one day," Forster said. "To be honestly I really hadn't given much thought to my season coming in. I was having so much fun enjoying my teammate Jacob's historic year and I didn't even qualify the Hot Rod car until the last race. So I really didn't feel like I had anything to prove. I was just out there having a good time."

And that "good time" led to one incredible day, none of course bigger than his run through the field in Hot Rod.

After squeaking into the TOC via a third place finish in the Division 3 standings Forster found himself up against the very tough Donald Webb of Four Oaks, N.C. in the final and needed a near-perfect light to help him take the breakout victory over his opponent. Forster, behind the wheel of his unique '78 Monza, had a .008 light and ran just .012 off his dial with a 10.912/140.28 while Webb, finishing runner-up for the second year in a row, had a .030 light and finished with a 10.874/125.25 on a 10.90 dial in his familiar '70 Nova.

"When you come to a race like this every driver you face can put you in the trailer. They are all really good," Forster said. "Having both cars in the final actually helped keep me calm and focused. There really wasn't any time to think. It was just buckle up, hit the tree and drive. In the final Don Webb is such a great champion and a really tough competitor, but I knew my car would be right there so as long as I hit the tree I knew I would have a chance."

Forster qualified for the Tournament of Champions via a third place finish in Division 3

Prior to the tournament Forster had just one win in Hot Rod in 2012 coming at the very last Division 3 race of the season at London Dragway. But that win was enough to push Forster over the edge and into the field and a win that ultimately meant the difference between sitting at home and hoisting his first career IHRA World Championship.

"I have been driving on and off for about 15 years and teamed up with Dave (Elrod) and that team about eight years ago. We have won division championships, but my previous best nationally had been sixth place," Forster said. "This win, quite honestly, is a bit surreal. I am not sure if it has actually sunk in, but it has been a lot of fun. My phone and email has been blowing up with congratulations from friends that I didn't even know followed my racing reaching out to say hi.

"But the part that's been most satisfying for me is winning it with Dave. This is the first time in over 40 years the guy hasn't been behind the wheel of a racecar and I know it was difficult for him to watch at times. Seeing how happy he was when I pulled up after winning was great. He is such a critical part of this championship as well as Jacob's driver of the year award."

Forster began his quest for the Ironman with a close win over the man he beat out to finish third in the division Skip Saddler, a win he gained through a .012 light that meant the difference at the other end. In round two Forster took out another divisional champion in Steve Dweck as Dweck fell asleep at the tree and in round three David Bills fell victim when he ran .012 over the index.

Forster battled Donald Webb in the Hot Rod final

In the semifinal round Forster faced perhaps his toughest round of the day in a double breakout win over Max McGlothin as Forster ran .006 over to McGlothin's .012. In the other semifinal Rick Baehr went .006 red to allow Donald Webb to advance to the final.

"IHRA has really put something special together with the TOC. It's just so much fun and really exciting to be a part of something that draws racers from all over the country and knowing that every one you run against is really good and has had a great year," Forster said. "While we didn't have a traditional championship season, the cars were fantastic all weekend and really all year. We use the best parts and products so the cars area always consistent and reliable."

But of course Forster's day wasn't over just yet. Moments after taking the win light in Hot Rod Forster had to zoom around the facility back to the staging lanes where his Quick Rod car awaited a shot at a second championship. Unfortunately for Forster, a bit too much adrenaline after winning one championship was coursing through his veins and the champion went .012 red allowing young 17-year-old Corey Manuel to take the Quick Rod title.

"Maybe I should have celebrated for a few minutes first because I was clearly a little more pumped up than I realized and went way red," Forster joked. "But as a whole we couldn't have asked for a better weekend and a big part of that is my sponsors. First a huge thank you to Sunoco Race Fuels. Also I wanted to thank Bazell Race Fuels, Moser Engineering, Abruzzi Transmissions, Tom Fisher for the killer Hot Rod motor, PAR Racing Engines, Hoosier Tires, Quick Fuel Carburetors, Mobile 1 Racing Synthetic Oil, East Coast Auto Electric, TCI, Milodon, Moroso, Weld Racing Wheels, American Race Cars, DJ Safety and Sterling Chassis.

"And of course a very special thank you to my wife DeeAnn and our four kids Kaley, Joey, Will and P.J. for all their love and support. They have all made big sacrifices for me to do this and I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family."

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NHRA NEWS: COUGHLIN WINS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY PRO CARE RX SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP ON STRENGTH OF WIN

LAS VEGAS –Troy Coughlin raced to his first NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Pro Care Rx Series world championship on the strength of his second win of the season at the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals. The stage was set at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Coughlin to win the championship when Mike Castellana, points leader coming into the event, was defeated in the quarter finals.

Coughlin, who debuted his 2012 JEGS.com Corvette at the race, needed to win the event to have an opportunity to overcome Castellana, who was sitting on the sidelines. Coughlin defeated Danny Rowe in the semi-finals and then outran top qualifier Don Walsh in the finals. Coughlin secured the championship by three points over Castellana.  

“We approached it like lets go in and run as best as we can and not overpower the track and just take it one round at a time, just go up and make laps, get off the starting line on time and make some laps and turn the win lights on,” Coughlin said. “We came into this race with a brand new car, made a few laps and tested here last week in Vegas and it seemed to be OK, good enough to come to the race. All the guys back at Jegs have done a fabulous job with this thing and making my job really much simpler than in the past.”

LAS VEGAS -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  The race is the final of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx.

PRO MODIFIED:

1.  Troy Coughlin; 2.  Don Walsh; 3.  Danny Rowe; 4.  Leah Pruett; 5.  Raymond Commisso; 6.  Pete Farber; 7.  Mike Castellana; 8.  Rickie Smith; 9.  Donald Martin; 10.  Clint Satterfield; 11.  Todd Tutterow; 12.  Dennis Radford; 13.  Kenny Lang; 14.  Mike Janis; 15.  Jay Payne; 16.  Steve Matusek.

LAS VEGAS -- Sunday's final results from the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race is the final of 10 in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx:

Pro Modified -- Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.830, 253.52  def. Don Walsh, Ford Mustang, 7.602, 140.90.

LAS VEGAS -- Final round-by-round results from the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the final of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx:

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Raymond Commisso, Chevy Camaro, 5.974, 246.08 def. Todd Tutterow, Plymouth Duster, 6.076, 243.68; Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 5.974, 242.23 def. Steve Matusek, Ford Mustang, 13.713, 85.96; Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 5.827, 253.75 def. Mike Janis, Mustang, 6.879, 153.81; Rickie Smith, Camaro, 6.048, 232.87 def. Donald Martin, Camaro, 5.915, 244.56; Don Walsh, Mustang, 5.883, 248.39 def. Clint Satterfield, Camaro, 6.008, 243.24; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.275, 235.19 def. Jay Payne, Camaro, 11.783, 109.57; Leah Pruett, Mustang, 5.967, 250.09 def. Dennis Radford, Camaro, 6.107, 197.31; Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.960, 219.08 def. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.117, 241.32; 

QUARTERFINALS -- Pruett, 6.199, 241.63 def. Smith, 14.571, 58.56; Rowe, no time def. Farber, no time; Rowe, 5.892, 245.32 def. Farber, foul; Coughlin, 5.860, 249.07 def. Castellana, 6.404, 185.84; Walsh, 5.884, 255.29 def. Commisso, foul; 

SEMIFINALS -- Walsh, 5.917, 251.58 def. Pruett, 6.704, 159.21; Coughlin, 5.903, 253.14 def. Rowe, foul; 

FINAL -- Coughlin, 5.830, 253.52 def. Walsh, 7.602, 140.90.

LAS VEGAS -- Point standings (top 10) following the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the final of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by ProCare Rx -

Pro Modified

1.  Troy Coughlin, 675; 2.  Mike Castellana, 672; 3.  Don Walsh, 641; 4.  Rickie Smith, 629; 5. Danny Rowe, 626; 6.  Leah Pruett, 602; 7.  Donald Martin, 513; 8.  Pete Farber, 496; 9.  Steve Matusek, 406; 10.  Kenny Lang, 397.

NHRA NEWS: CAPPS VICTORIOUS AT BIG O TIRES NHRA NATIONALS; VANDERGRIFF JR., JOHNSON, KRAWIEC ALSO WINNERS AT THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

LAS VEGAS – Ron Capps raced to his fifth Funny Car victory of the season Sunday at the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals and cut Jack Beckman's series lead to four points with one race remaining in the season.

Bob Vandergriff Jr. (Top Fuel),  Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners in their respective categories at the penultimate race in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Capps powered his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger to a performance of 4.070 seconds at 315.12 mph to hold off Beckman's Schumacher Electric Charger in a dramatic final round. Capps also defeated Tony Pedregon, top qualifier Cruz Pedregon and Johnny Gray in earlier rounds to claim his 38th career victory and move ever closer to earning that elusive first world championship title.  The veteran driver has finished second three times in his career.

“Qualifying was tough," Capps said. "Rahn Tobler, our crew chief, was like, ‘OK, we’re alright. We’re alright. We’re sneaking up on it. We’re just trying to get down the track,’ until today. Oh man, he unleashed that 4.09 in one of the biggest rounds of the year because we didn't have lane choice — Cruz Pedregon went 4.06 first round. We were taking a pistol to a gunfight. I don’t think we were very comfortable that we could go up there and run that in that right lane. To throw down that 4.09 like he did was unbelievable, and then we come back with a 4.08 and 4.07. It’s a fun car to go to Pomona with and actually have a shot at a championship.”

Vandergriff Jr. earned his second career Top Fuel victory with a run of 3.832 at 324.75 in his C& J Energy Services dragster, defeating seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher in the final round. 

“We’ve had a great race car all weekend," Vandergriff said. "It’s been a year since my last win, and we certainly didn’t think it would take that long to win again,” Vandergriff Jr. said. “Everybody said this next one comes easy. Well, I think they’re full of it because they don’t come easy. That’s just a great job by the guys. We had a great car all weekend. It ran good. We made four great runs today. First round was a little tough. It got hot out there, but other than that, our car was pretty flawless.”

The Top Fuel championship landscape changed a bit when series points leader Antron Brown lost to Al-Anabi Racing’s Khalid alBalooshi in round one after his Matco Tools dragster encountered engine issues midway down the track. FRAM/Prestone dragster driver Spencer Massey, who is currently third in points, was defeated by Vandergriff in the quarterfinals.  With the runner-up finish Schumacher moved to second overall, 65 points back of leader Brown.

In Pro Stock, Johnson continued his domination, winning his sixth event of the season and 15th of his career with a performance of 6.637 at 208.17 in his Team Mopar Dodge Avenger to outrun Vincent Nobile in the final round.  With the win, he increased his Countdown to the Championship points lead to 126 over defending champ Jason Line.

“The Mopar Dodge Avenger has just been so consistent,” Johnson said. “Consistency is what we’ve preached all year, and today, how was that for consistency with four 6.63s in the heat of the day? The crew is doing an awesome job, and to cushion that point lead there to where we feel a little bit more comfortable at Pomona is great.”

GK Motorsports driver Erica Enders was defeated in round two by eventual runner-up Nobile and his Mountain View Tire team. With the loss, she is mathematically out of title contention.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec earned his ninth win of the 2012 season after defeating Matt Smith with a performance of 6.959 at 194.10.

“I’m just really excited, really happy, and very proud to be part of the Harley-Davidson team,” Krawiec said. “You know these guys support me 100 percent and give me awesome equipment to make sure I get up and down the track. You know, I have to do my job, and I tried that this weekend. I knew I was going to have a tough round and a tough opponent against Matt Smith in the final. I really had to step up my game and I didn’t want to leave a whole lot of leeway.”

With the victory, Krawiec increased his series lead to 111 over Andrew Hines, who lost in the second round.

The NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship season-finale, the Auto Club NHRA Finals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, will be held Nov. 8-11 in Southern California.

 

LAS VEGAS -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  The race is the 22nd of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1.  Bob Vandergriff; 2.  Tony Schumacher; 3.  Khalid alBalooshi; 4.  Doug Kalitta; 5.  Steve Torrence; 6.  Spencer Massey; 7.  Shawn Langdon; 8.  J.R. Todd; 9.  Cory McClenathan; 10.  Brandon Bernstein; 11.  T.J. Zizzo; 12.  Terry McMillen; 13.  Morgan Lucas; 14.  Antron Brown; 15.  David Grubnic; 16.  Clay Millican.

FUNNY CAR:

1.  Ron Capps; 2.  Jack Beckman; 3.  Courtney Force; 4.  Johnny Gray; 5.  Cruz Pedregon; 6.  Paul Lee; 7.  Matt Hagan; 8.  Mike Neff; 9.  John Force; 10.  Bob Tasca III; 11.  Jeff Arend; 12.  Jim Head; 13.  Tony Pedregon; 14.  Robert Hight; 15.  Tim Wilkerson; 16.  Jon Capps.

PRO STOCK:

1.  Allen Johnson; 2.  Vincent Nobile; 3.  Ron Krisher; 4.  Jason Line; 5.  Erica Enders; 6.  Mike Edwards; 7.  Jeg Coughlin; 8.  Warren Johnson; 9.  V. Gaines; 10.  Chris McGaha; 11.  Shane Gray; 12.  Kurt Johnson; 13.  Deric Kramer; 14.  Greg Anderson; 15.  JR Carr; 16.  Rodger Brogdon.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1.  Eddie Krawiec; 2.  Matt Smith; 3.  John Hall; 4.  Hector Arana; 5.  Karen Stoffer; 6.  Scotty Pollacheck; 7.  Andrew Hines; 8.  Hector Arana Jr; 9.  LE Tonglet; 10.  Chip Ellis; 11.  Jim Underdahl; 12.  Redell Harris; 13.  GT Tonglet; 14.  Steve Johnson; 15.  Shawn Gann; 16.  Michael Ray.

LAS VEGAS – Sunday’s final results from the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race is the 22nd of 23 in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel – Bob Vandergriff, 3.832 seconds, 324.75 mph  def. Tony Schumacher, 5.543 seconds, 124.25 mph.

Funny Car – Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.070, 315.12  def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 8.455, 74.33.

Pro Stock – Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.637, 208.17  def. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.670, 204.39.

Pro Stock Motorcycle – Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.959, 194.10  def. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.967, 192.28.

Top Alcohol Dragster – Jim Whiteley, 5.340, 270.70  def. Joey Severance, 5.363, 266.21.

Top Alcohol Funny Car – Tony Bartone, Ford Mustang, 5.546, 261.78  def. Annie Whiteley, Mustang, 5.576, 259.26.

Competition Eliminator – Bo Butner, Chevy Cobalt, 8.540, 158.39  def. Lou Ficco, Pontiac GXP, 7.010, 196.22.

Super Stock – Dan Fletcher, Chevy Camaro, 10.476, 122.98  def. Larry Stewart, Dodge Challenger, 10.224, 125.92.

Stock Eliminator – Bo Butner, Ford Mustang, 9.212, 146.97  def. Jeff Teuton, Dodge Challenger, 11.133, 120.19.

Super Comp – Luke Bogacki, Dragster, 9.081, 174.41  def. Greg Boutte, Dragster, 9.087, 177.42.

Super Gas – Steve Apted, Chevy bCorvette, 10.052, 164.63  def. Steve Williams, Corvette, 10.047, 165.50.

* * *

LAS VEGAS – Final round-by-round results from the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 22nd of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE – Shawn Langdon, 3.802, 323.19 def. Clay Millican, 8.583, 87.08; J.R. Todd, 3.826, 322.11 def. Brandon Bernstein, 3.950, 301.13; Doug Kalitta, 3.822, 326.32 def. Cory McClenathan, 3.868, 303.43; Spencer Massey, 3.809, 325.14 def. T.J. Zizzo, 4.258, 208.17; Tony Schumacher, 3.788, 326.32 def. Terry McMillen, 4.280, 197.25; Bob Vandergriff, 3.971, 258.67 def. David Grubnic, 5.025, 137.92; Steve Torrence, 4.102, 264.03 def. Morgan Lucas, 4.536, 232.63; Khalid alBalooshi, 4.470, 241.07 def. Antron Brown, 4.591, 239.27; 

QUARTERFINALS – alBalooshi, 3.816, 312.93 def. Todd, 4.591, 155.20; Vandergriff, 3.851, 321.42 def. Massey, 3.873, 322.34; Kalitta, 4.139, 264.70 def. Langdon, 4.387, 210.31; Schumacher, 3.847, 324.67 def. Torrence, 3.859, 319.37;

SEMIFINALS – Vandergriff, 3.841, 322.19 def. Kalitta, 3.854, 324.75; Schumacher, 3.773, 326.24 def. alBalooshi, 3.842, 324.05; 

FINAL – Vandergriff, 3.832, 324.75 def. Schumacher, 5.543, 124.25.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE – Courtney Force, Ford Mustang, 4.139, 309.42 def. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.576, 237.13; Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.213, 298.80 def. Jon Capps, Charger, 10.637, 76.37; Paul Lee, Charger, 4.180, 299.13 def. Robert Hight, Mustang, 5.205, 151.61; Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.064, 299.66 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.157, 307.86; Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.118, 313.44 def. Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.208, 304.19; Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.110, 304.74 def. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 5.742, 122.99; Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.115, 308.21 def. John Force, Mustang, 4.152, 309.13; Ron Capps, Charger, 4.105, 310.77 def. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.625, 187.68;

QUARTERFINALS – C. Force, 4.128, 312.42 def. Lee, 4.205, 283.97; Beckman, 4.174, 300.26 def. Neff, 4.825, 174.89; R. Capps, 4.095, 312.28 def. C. Pedregon, 4.119, 306.05; Gray, 4.213, 299.46 def. Hagan, 4.601, 173.87;

SEMIFINALS – Beckman, 7.278, 91.44 def. C. Force, foul; R. Capps, 4.086, 311.92 def. Gray, 6.256, 103.94; 

FINAL – R. Capps, 4.070, 315.12 def. Beckman, 8.455, 74.33.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE – Warren Johnson, Pontiac GXP, 6.715, 206.20 def. V. Gaines, Dodge Avenger, 6.687, 207.30; Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.696, 205.98 def. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 10.066, 90.77; Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.660, 206.92 def. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 14.030, 57.87; Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.640, 207.94 def. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.732, 206.32; Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.637, 207.85 def. JR Carr, Ford Mustang, 13.003, 65.26; Jason Line, Camaro, 6.636, 208.42 def. Shane Gray, GXP, 6.695, 206.76; Allen Johnson, Avenger, 6.630, 207.85 def. Deric Kramer, Avenger, 6.735, 204.82; Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.632, 207.66 def. Chris McGaha, Avenger, 6.688, 205.41; 

QUARTERFINALS – Krisher, 6.708, 206.70 def. Edwards, 6.663, 208.04; Line, 6.996, 206.64 def. W. Johnson, 13.625, 62.43; Nobile, 6.649, 207.46 def. Enders, 6.655, 207.72; A. Johnson, 6.630, 207.98 def. Coughlin, 7.020, 166.60; 

SEMIFINALS – Nobile, 6.665, 207.46 def. Line, foul; A. Johnson, 6.631, 208.20 def. Krisher, 6.654, 207.34; 

FINAL – A. Johnson, 6.637, 208.17 def. Nobile, 6.670, 204.39.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE – Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.999, 189.71 def. Chip Ellis, Buell, foul; Hector Arana, Buell, 6.988, 191.19 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.114, 188.81; Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.021, 190.92 def. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.016, 191.46; John Hall, Buell, 7.023, 189.68 def. Michael Ray, Buell, foul; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 14.469, 39.00 def. Shawn Gann, Buell, foul; Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.985, 192.25 def. Redell Harris, Buell, foul; Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.938, 194.02 def. GT Tonglet, Suzuki, 7.089, 189.82; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.945, 191.27 def. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.030, 191.19;

QUARTERFINALS – Hall, 7.052, 188.75 def. Hines, 7.082, 189.52; Arana, 7.001, 192.19 def. Arana Jr, 9.247, 93.99; Smith, 6.973, 191.84 def. Stoffer, 6.994, 192.14; Krawiec, 6.961, 193.90 def. Pollacheck, 7.005, 189.90;

SEMIFINALS – Smith, 6.997, 192.41 def. Arana, 15.074, 34.51; Krawiec, 6.960, 194.02 def. Hall, foul; 

FINAL – Krawiec, 6.959, 194.10 def. Smith, 6.967, 192.28.

LAS VEGAS – Point standings (top 10) following the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 22nd of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

1. Antron Brown, 2,522; 2.  Tony Schumacher, 2,457; 3.  Spencer Massey, 2,452; 4.  Shawn Langdon, 2,406; 5.  Brandon Bernstein, 2,336; 6.  Doug Kalitta, 2,309; 7.  Morgan Lucas, 2,299; 8.  Steve Torrence, 2,265; 9.  Bob Vandergriff, 2,264; 10.  David Grubnic, 2,225.

Funny Car

1. Jack Beckman, 2,531; 2.  Ron Capps, 2,527; 3.  Mike Neff, 2,443; 4.  Johnny Gray, 2,323; 5. Cruz Pedregon, 2,307; 6.  Courtney Force, 2,293; 7.  (tie) John Force, 2,249; Robert Hight, 2,249; 9.  Tim Wilkerson, 2,241; 10.  Jeff Arend, 2,211.

Pro Stock

1. Allen Johnson, 2,630; 2.  Jason Line, 2,504; 3.  Erica Enders, 2,433; 4.  Vincent Nobile, 2,419; 5.  Greg Anderson, 2,305; 6.  Mike Edwards, 2,274; 7.  V. Gaines, 2,268; 8.  Jeg Coughlin, 2,239; 9.  Ron Krisher, 2,237; 10.  Larry Morgan, 2,167.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1.  Eddie Krawiec, 2,672; 2.  Andrew Hines, 2,561; 3.  Hector Arana Jr, 2,448; 4.  Hector Arana, 2,399; 5.  Karen Stoffer, 2,334; 6.  Matt Smith, 2,293; 7.  Michael Ray, 2,285; 8.  Scotty Pollacheck, 2,262; 9.  LE Tonglet, 2,217; 10.  Shawn Gann, 2,208. 

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NHRA NEWS: SCHUMACHER CLAIMS NO. 1 QUALIFYING POSTION; PEDREGON, LINE, KRAWIEC ALSO TOP QUALIFIERS AT BIG O TIRES NHRA NATIONALS

LAS VEGAS -- Tony Schumacher claimed the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel Saturday at the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  

Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock), and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the fifth of six races in the Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's playoffs.

Schumacher powered his U.S. Army dragster to a leading performance of 3.773 seconds at 324.20 mph to earn his fourth No. 1 qualifying position of the season, bringing his career total to 71. In doing so, he keeps his Countdown to the Championship hopes alive in his bid to win his eighth world championship, heading into Sunday's 11 a.m. eliminations which will be aired on ESPN2HD.

"Side-by-side racing is really what it's become," Schumacher said. "There was a time when one car was a tenth of a second faster than everybody else, and he just didn't have to make a mistake and he would win. But now it's incredibly close. It's going to be a battle, and I'm glad we all got today in to see where the conditions are going to be. How many cars ran 3.80s? It was one after another after another, and there were even a couple 3.7s. It's great. The track is prepared good, and it's getting better every day, and we're going to have some fantastic racing."

The battle atop the Top Fuel points standings remains hot as leader Antron Brown and his Matco Tools team qualified 13th with a run of 3.869 at 313.88 while Spencer Massey, who currently sits second in points, landed second with a time of 3.776 at 323.43.  Brown will face rookie driver and the most recent winner on the circuit, Khalid alBalooshi, in the first round of Sunday's 11 a.m. eliminations.

Pedregon paced the Funny Car class with a 4.066 at 312.50 in his Snap-on Tools Toyota Camry to earn his fifth No.1 of the season, 50th in his career. Pedregon is currently fifth in the Countdown to the Championship point standings.

"To be honest with you, the conditions came to us," Pedregon said. "Had we run when we were supposed to, I think the track wouldn't have held that, but hey, we took advantage of it, as did a couple of cars. I think when I pulled into the water box we were fourth or fifth. It's a credit to our team. It's the fifth No. 1 of the year for our Snap-on Toyota, and man is it a great car. It's one of the best cars I've driven in my 20-year Funny Car career. But we've got a goose egg in the win column, so we've got to enjoy this, but at the end of the day, we're going to go out there tomorrow and see if we can't get that win."

Championship points leader Jack Beckman was seventh at the end of qualifying with a 4.091 pass at 309.06, while Ron Capps, who is currently second in points, landed eighth with a pass of 4.098 at 308.78 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger.  Mike Neff, the most recent winner who is third in points, qualified second and will face Jeff Arend in round one of eliminations.

In Pro Stock, defending world champ Line led Pro Stock with a track record performance of 6.590 at 209.72 in his Summit Racing Chevrolet Camaro to earn his eighth No. 1 qualifying position of the season, 32nd of his career. He will face Shane Gray in the first round of eliminations.

"My mind-set is easy. Just win," said Line, currently second in the points standings. "Obviously, Greg's (Anderson) mind-set is a little bit different than mine. He's trying to help me win, which is a great thing. You can say that it's unorthodox because it hasn't been done before. But that's why we have teammates. Our philosophy has never been to try to race each other and dive. That's been done in the past and nobody likes that. That's not real racing."

Points leader Allen Johnson and his Team Mopar/J & J Racing Dodge Avenger team qualified second with a time of 6.600 at 209.07 and will face Deric Kramer in round one. Erica Enders, who is currently third in the points standings,  qualified fourth with a run of 6.626 at 208.71 in her GK Motorsports Chevy Cobalt.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Krawiec won the rain-delayed final elimination round from Reading with a run of 6.966 at 194.13 defeating teammate Andrew Hines in the process to earn his eighth win of the 2012 season. With the win, he increases his championship points lead to 51 over Hines. Krawiec also scored the No.1 qualifying position for the fifth time this season, 14th of his career with a time of 6.902 at 195.11.

"Man, to win today was huge," Krawiec said. "I sort of had mixed emotions when we didn't have the chance to run the final in Reading. I thought I had a great opportunity then. But after unloading my bike here, we still had a fast motorcycle. We made some good laps this weekend and I feel I have a very consistent bike."

Hector Arana Jr. who currently sits third in the points qualified second with a time of 6.912 at 194.41 on his Lucas Oil Buell while father, Hector Arana Sr., landed seventh on the ladder with a 6.989 pass at 192.60.  Hines qualified fourth with a run of 6.963 at 194.07 on his Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson.

LAS VEGAS -- Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 12th annual Big O Tires NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 22nd of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.  Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel -- 1. Tony Schumacher, 3.773 seconds, 324.20 mph  vs. 16. Terry McMillen, 3.893, 314.02; 2. Spencer Massey, 3.776, 323.43  vs. 15. T.J. Zizzo, 3.878, 316.23; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.798, 327.11  vs. 14. Cory McClenathan, 3.871, 305.91; 4. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.804, 325.69  vs. 13. Antron Brown, 3.869, 313.88; 5. J.R. Todd, 3.806, 324.05  vs. 12. Brandon Bernstein, 3.869, 320.43; 6. Shawn Langdon, 3.809, 323.19  vs. 11. Clay Millican, 3.860, 315.71; 7. Bob Vandergriff, 3.810, 324.28  vs. 10. David Grubnic, 3.853, 319.22; 8. Steve Torrence, 3.823, 317.94  vs. 9. Morgan Lucas, 3.835, 317.79.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Steven Chrisman, 4.074, 272.94; 18. Mike Salinas, 4.319, 226.73; 19. Chris Karamesines, 4.382, 201.76; 20. Troy Buff, 4.654, 160.46.

Funny Car -- 1. Cruz Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.066, 312.50  vs. 16. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.136, 305.15; 2. Mike Neff, Mustang, 4.070, 313.73  vs. 15. Jeff Arend, Camry, 4.136, 308.99; 3. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.074, 317.27  vs. 14. Paul Lee, Dodge Charger, 4.125, 301.40; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.077, 310.98  vs. 13. Jon Capps, Charger, 4.114, 290.51; 5. Johnny Gray, Charger, 4.089, 313.22  vs. 12. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.108, 299.20; 6. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.091, 313.51  vs. 11. Jim Head, Toyota Solara, 4.108, 308.78; 7. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.091, 309.06  vs. 10. John Force, Mustang, 4.108, 310.27; 8. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.098, 308.78  vs. 9. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.099, 305.70.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Alexis DeJoria, 4.164, 296.76; 18. Josh Crawford, 4.377, 282.48; 19. Todd Lesenko, 4.476, 240.29; 20. Tommy Johnson Jr., 5.617, 139.52; 21. Jeff Diehl, 9.371, 67.23; 22. Terry Haddock, 10.780, 86.03.

Pro Stock -- 1. Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.590, 209.72  vs. 16. Shane Gray, Pontiac GXP, 6.693, 206.35; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, 6.600, 209.07  vs. 15. Deric Kramer, Avenger, 6.689, 206.67; 3. Mike Edwards, GXP, 6.615, 208.71  vs. 14. JR Carr, Ford Mustang, 6.681, 205.66; 4. Erica Enders, Chevy Cobalt, 6.626, 208.71  vs. 13. Kurt Johnson, GXP, 6.657, 207.34; 5. Vincent Nobile, Avenger, 6.635, 208.01  vs. 12. Chris McGaha, Avenger, 6.653, 206.51; 6. Ron Krisher, GXP, 6.636, 208.04  vs. 11. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.650, 206.45; 7. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.636, 197.39  vs. 10. Jeg Coughlin, Avenger, 6.647, 207.02; 8. V. Gaines, Avenger, 6.639, 208.78  vs. 9. Warren Johnson, GXP, 6.646, 207.50.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Steve Kent, 6.698, 206.70; 18. Mark Wolfe, 6.700, 206.04; 19. Steve Kalkowski, 6.830, 203.55; 20. Larry Morgan, broke.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.902, 195.11  vs. 16. GT Tonglet, Beull, 7.079, 190.03; 2. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.912, 194.41  vs. 15. Redell Harris, Buell, 7.068, 189.23; 3. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.949, 192.96  vs. 14. Jim Underdahl, Suzuki, 7.059, 189.68; 4. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.963, 194.07  vs. 13. Shawn Gann, Buell, 7.011, 190.43; 5. Michael Ray, Buell, 6.970, 191.05  vs. 12. John Hall, Buell, 7.006, 190.38; 6. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.973, 192.52  vs. 11. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.996, 190.89; 7. Hector Arana, Buell, 6.989, 192.60  vs. 10. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.994, 190.22; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, Buell, 6.989, 189.87 vs. 9. Chip Ellis, Buell, 6.990, 191.24.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Michael Phillips, 7.079, 188.62; 18. Kieth Burley, 7.108, 186.38; 19. Freddie Camarena, 7.169, 187.13; 20. James Surber, 7.172, 184.04; 21. Mike Berry, 7.175, 185.23; 22. Katie Sullivan, 7.183, 186.00; 23. Wesley Wells, 7.192, 185.13; 24. Matt Guidera, 7.196, 185.23; 25. Charles Sullivan, 7.350, 175.78; 26. Daryl Meadows, 7.443, 176.33; 27. Jerry Savoie, 7.643, 187.42.