Fri, 9 Apr 2010, 10:12 PM Payne Takes Provisional Top Spot in Pro Mod Qualifying

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2010 Auto Imagery, Inc. At O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals

BAYTOWN, Texas --

Jay Payne

Jay Payne raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying lead Friday as the second round of NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series qualifying came to an end at Houston Raceway Park.

Payne, of Ontario, Calif., drove his supercharged 1968 Camaro to a 5.813-second run at 246.21 mph to the provisional top spot of the field. For Payne, it would be his first official No. 1 qualifier at the second event of the inaugural season of the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

"We ran a potential world record in Gainesville (5.809) but we didn't back it up so maybe this time we can get it done," said Payne. "The No. 1 goal is winning the race. That never changes. If we can set a national record along the way, all the better."

Raymond Commisso currently sits third in the field with a run of 5.852 at 251.20. NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series driver Melanie Troxel is in the 16th spot just in the field with her Friday run of 6.072 at 243.99.

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 1:15 p.m. along with the first round of eliminations at 4 p.m. Eliminations will continue on Sunday.