Fri, 2 May 2003, 10:05 PM MCCLENATHAN, JOHNSON, COUGHLIN AND GANN LEAD QUALIFYING AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY

Courtesy NHRA Communications

COMMERCE, Ga. - Cory McClenathan led Top Fuel qualifying Friday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Cory McClenathan

Tommy Johnson Jr., Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Shawn Gann also led their respective categories at the $1.4 million race, the seventh of 23 races in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

NHRA competitors were only able to complete one of two scheduled qualifying sessions. NHRA officials canceled the second qualifying session due to heavy rain.

McClenathan blasted his NY Yankee/Berryman dragster to the finish line in 4.607 seconds at 318.32 mph for the top spot after the first day of qualifying.

"We're just looking to go from point A-to-B on that run," McClenathan said. "In the past on hot, sticky tracks, this car has run well. I don't know if we expected it to run that well but we're happy. We didn't hurt anything, which is always good. You've got to give it to Stewy (crew chief John Stewart) and the guys for giving me a good car."

Tommy Johnson, Jr.

Johnson powered his Skoal Racing Chevy Camaro down the quarter-mile track in 4.917 at 309.13 to lead all Funny Car competitors.

"I have yet to qualify at this event in Funny Car so getting a run like that on the first attempt is a relief," said Johnson. "The track looked a little tricky and we set it up conservatively but Mike (Green, crew chief) made a few little changes in the staging lanes before the run.

"It was a nice smooth pass. There's definitely a ton left in the tune-up. We'll see what the racetrack allows. I don't think that number will hold the No. 1 spot but I'm pretty confident about our tune-up for Sunday because we expect similar conditions."

Defending NHRA POWERade champion Coughlin shut the clocks off in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier in 6.897 at 199.40 to lead the 16-car Pro Stock field. Greg Anderson is in the No. 2 spot and current POWERade points leader Kurt Johnson is third.

Gann rode his Suzuki to the top of the Pro Stock Bike field with his pass of 7.239 at a track record speed of 190.73. He was followed in the order by fellow Suzuki rider Geno Scali while Andrew Hines rode the Vance & Hines Harley Davidson V-Rod to the No. 3 spot.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 10 a.m.



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