With questions surrounding the track surface following a recent repaving, both Langdon and Lucas approached their first run knowing that the track would take a while to build up speed.

"Today was definitely trying but the track, I think, needed the first session to get the rubber laid down," Lucas said. "I think tomorrow is going to be better and you'll see quicker times."

"NHRA and the Safety Safari do a good job to make sure that the track is ready," added Langdon, a rookie of the year contender. "We knew they would do the best of their ability to get it prepared, we were just fighting the heat a little bit. We made two good runs today. We're right there in the thick of things; we're pleased. We just need to get two more consistent runs and be there for Sunday."

Both drivers slid into their respective qualifying positions after the first session, which took place in the heat of the day with temperatures in the mid 80s, and held the spots following the final session, run after the sun had set.

Prior to Langdon's last run of the night, NHRA officials had to make a run down the left lane for track cleanup after Joe Hartley's dragster suffered massive engine failure, delaying the event for more than 30 minutes. By the time Langdon was able to pull into his lane for his run, the sun had set.

"You're just so uncomfortable because the belts are tight and you are ready to go," Langdon said of the delay. "But there's no better place I'd rather be. What's better than sitting in the cockpit of a Top Fuel car?"

Langdon's run was good enough for the third spot, just under the 300 mph-mark, run in 3.927 seconds at a top speed at 299.80 mph.

Lucas lined up next in the GEICO Powersports rail, though he took the right lane. Lucas' speed clocked in at 3.939 at 299.80 mph, an equal speed to his teammate.

Two qualifying sessions are on tap for Saturday, with the first beginning just after noon.

Courtesy of Rob Geiger