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Chris Karamesines -0.215 | 4.943 | 252.76 Doug Kalitta 0.066 | 4.552 | 324.98

This is only the second time Doug Kalitta has faced Karamesines, but "Bounty Hunter versus Chizler" match races were fixtures in this part of the country during the sixties, so Connie Kalitta has a long track record against Doug's first-round opponent. To put that in perspective, Don Garlits was running "Swamp Rat IV" in those days. Karamesines competed in Top Fuel at the inaugural event here, in 1965 (at age 35), and was runner-up to Maynard Rupp that year. Karamesines was a big underdog and knew it, taking a shot at the tree and missing. It probably didn't matter, Kalitta's car went right down the groove. Kalitta will have lane choice against Herbert in the second round.