Fri, Nov 13, 02:56 PM Good Weather for First Day of Qualifying

by Larry Sullivan But Traction Goes Away at Sunset

POMONA, Calif. - Doug Kalitta, Al Hofmann, Warren Johnson, Angelle Seeling, and Randy Daniels lead their respective categories after the first day of qualifying for the 34th annual NHRA Winston Finals.

Kalitta leads a strong Top Fuel field with a 4.580 second, 313.69 mph run, with the world's fastest teenager, Cristen Powell, second at 4.615 seconds at 305.70 mph.

Top Fuel qualifying took place under sunny, cool conditions, but the sun went down before the Funny Cars made their runs. The track cooled off and traction became a scarce commodity, only Hofmann and John Force able to negotiate the trick y surface. Hofmann posted an elapsed time of 4.976 seconds at 307.58 mph, an amazing run since all around him were smoking their tires. Force's 5.058 at 284.00 would have been quicker and faster, but his engine let go before completing t he run.

Johnson once again heads the Pro Stock field and once again he reset both ends of the track record to do so. Clocked at 6.891 seconds and 201.02 mph, Johnson recorded Pomona Raceway's first-ever 6.8 second and 200 mph times to edge out hi s son, Kurt, who was clocked at 6.914 and 199.55.

Seeling heads the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with a track record elapsed time, 7.300 seconds at 180.00 mph, with David Schultz second at 7.343 and 182.70.

Daniels leads the Pro Stock Truck contingent after two rounds of qualifying for Saturday's eliminations, posting a track-record elapsed time of 7.622 seconds at 176.67 mph to best Brad Jeter's 7.637 at 175.57.

One more round of qualifying Friday (two for the trucks) and two more rounds on Saturday will set the ladders for Sunday's eliminations (Saturday for the trucks).



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