Sat, 21 Oct 2006, 08:41 PM Pro FWD Qualifying Notes, Final Session

By Michael L. Jex

POMONA, Calif. - Notes from final, round 3 qualifying in Pro FWD at the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, Sixth Annual Nitto Tire NHRA Sport Compact World Finals listing lane, driver name, elapsed time/top speed this round, position in order following run, best prior elapsed time/speed, and position in order prior to run:

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Left Lane: Christian Rado Runs 7.715/177.81, Now #1; Best prior run: 7.650/160.29, Was #1

Rado's been very consistent so far this weekend...

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Left Lane: Gary Gardella Runs 7.885/182.60, Now #4; Best prior run: 7.858/185.23, Was #4
Right Lane: Ron Townsend Runs 7.770/192.77, Now #3; Best prior run: 7.771/193.35, Was #3

For the 2nd time today we have a major crash just past the finish line - this time it's Gary Gardella who smacked the right side wall very hard, just after he let out the chutes past the finish line stripe. The car hit hard enough to lift the back end of the car up in the air, spun it around, and Gary came to a stop right on the centerline.

Ron was able to make the turn, it appears he's OK. There is a ton of equipment at the crash site, we're waiting for word on Gary's condition. 5:16 p.m. Word comes quickly that "both drivers are OK". Gary was out of the car quickly and is unhurt. We're down for a cleanup

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Right Lane: Jerrold Rhodes Runs 13.358/98.16, Now #7; Best prior run: 9.948/147.67, Was #7

5:30 p.m.

Timing data courtesy of CompuLink