Sun, 16 Jul 2006, 07:39 PM Funny Car Final, Round 4 Eliminations

By Bob Orme

MORRISON, Colo. - Results of final, round 4 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, 27th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals:

 Car#-Driver(Opp'nt)-RT-----ET---Speed-----Car#-Driver(Opp'nt)-RT----ET---Speed
    1 Gary Scelzi                            10 Cruz Pedregon                
E4   ****WINNER****  0.090  5.132 301.94                     0.011  5.820 202.82
 Prior rounds:
E3    (T Johnson Jr) 0.091  5.182 298.47      (B Gilbertson) 0.113  5.610 273.27
E2    (J Force     ) 0.106  5.284 270.54      (T Pedregon  ) 0.059  5.588 268.49
E1    (S Kalitta   ) 0.108  5.092 298.21      (G Densham   ) 0.083  5.311 292.77
 Qualified:             #2  4.896 310.20                       #16  5.177 286.32

5:26 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 94 degrees, relative humidity 22 percent, barometer 24.83 inches,adjusted altitude 8,041 feet, track temperature 134 degrees.

Cruz Pedregon won this event in 1993 when his final round opponent was Gordie Bonin, and he was runner up in 2003 and 2004. Gary Scelzi has a 12-5 overall record against Pedregon in eliminations. This is the first time these two have met in a final round.

Pedregon was ahead until about 500 feet. He lost traction, the car got sideways and he was very close to crossing the centerline. His problems didn't end there, as his engine blew up in the finish line lights. ...and it gets worse. That was his third oildown this weekend, and the total cost comes to -35 championship points and $5,500. The good news is, Gary Scelzi finally wins in Denver!

Timing data courtesy of CompuLink