( Words and Video by NHRA )LAS VEGAS (Oct. 29, 2022)– Funny Car factors leader Robert Hight hung on to the leading spot at the 22nd annual NHRA Nevada Nationals on Saturday, claiming the No. 1 qualifier to guarantee a nitro move from John Force Racing at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and also Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) additionally qualified No. 1 at the 21st event in the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and the fifth of 6 races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Hight’s excellent run of 3.857-seconds at 331.77 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS from Friday handed the championship enthusiastic his sixth No. 1 qualifier of 2022 and also the 77th in his job. He’ll open eliminations versus Terry Haddock, taking a 21-point lead over protecting globe champ Ron Capps into raceday. Hight gained 11 points on Capps throughout certifying, a nod to his success over the very first 2 days of the race weekend in Las Vegas. That consisted of a solid 3.3865 to liquidate the day, providing the group plenty of momentum heading right into Sunday.
“Well, I would say that it was mission achieved in certifying, because we came in here with a 10-point lead as well as currently we’re 21 points, and that’s 2 rounds,” Hight said. “So that’s a big deal. We gathered a lot of points in qualifying. Tonight, we were pushing, we were trying to run far better than the (3.85) that we ran, but we ran a 3.86 to finish. If we could go 3.85 or 3.86 four times tomorrow, I assume we’re mosting likely to be at the top at the end of the day.”
Matt Hagan made a high quality relocate to liquidate the day, going 3.862 at 330.23 to certify 2nd. He goes into Sunday 83 factors behind Hight. That bumped Bob Tasca III as well as his run of 3.865 at 330.80 to third.
Force’s standout run of 3.665 at 337.24 from Friday in her 11,000-horsepower Flav-R-Pac dragster stood up, providing the former globe champ her nine leading area in 2022 as well as the 41st in her profession. She likewise made two quality runs on Saturday, which contributes to the group’s energy on a weekend break where Force understands she needs a prominent result. Getting in removals, Force tracks Justin Ashley by 73 points as well as will go for a Las Vegas sweep on Sunday, along with her first triumph considering that Sonoma in July.
“Looking at our overall qualifying, we’re in a great setting, making 4 strong passes as well as all in the high -.60 s and a. 71,” Force said. “It’s wonderful for our group, it’s 4 great go to establish entering into race day and also gives us all a great deal of self-confidence. I feel like we’re back on the right track and I’m really feeling positive. We’re in a great headspace and also we intended to strike and also be aggressive. For us, we can not play it secure. That doesn’t work for us.”
The 2nd spot altered hands a number of times during a thrilling final certifying session on Saturday, with Force’s colleague, Austin Prock, winding up there with his run of 3.685 at 334.32. Ashley took 3rd after he made a huge renovation after a pass of 3.686 at 333.08.
Erica Enders moved an action more detailed to her 5th world champion in Pro Stock, as the factors leader took the No. 1 place on Saturday with her run of 6.579 at 208.75 in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. It offered the four-time world champ her sixth No. 1 qualifier this period as well as the 29th in her job, as well as she’ll take a 164-point lead over colleague Aaron Stanfield right into raceday. Enders, who will certainly open eliminations versus Kenny Delco, is looking for a Las Vegas sweep this year, however she’s also attempting to pick up her 10th triumph of the period and also potentially a 5th world champion if every little thing goes her means on Sunday.
“The remainder of the field is nipping at our heels so it’s time to get hectic and go to work,” Enders stated. “All these young guns in the class have actually pushed me all period long and we need to ride to the event.
“I recognize we’re in a great placement to be in, but it’s not over yet. My goal is to do a good job. I know I’m in a terrific setting, however I still feel the pressure. It’s hard to explain that feeling in your gut. Other than that champion, I ‘d still like to win 10 races as well as I’ve got 2 shots to do it.”
Stanfield obtained bumped down to second, yet still amazed with a run of 6.580 at 208.07 and also Deric Kramer leapt to 3rd with his strong pass of 6.585 at 207.69.
Matt Smith made another strong declaration on Saturday in Pro Stock Motorcycle, enhancing from Friday’s provisional No. 1 as well as taking the leading qualifier– while likewise damaging both ends of the record– by going 6.785 at 202.27 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. It gives the factors leader his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the year and also 52nd in his profession, as well as he’ll open up raceday against Katie Justice. His factors lead currently stands at 64 over Joey Gladstone and Smith, who is aiming for a 6th globe title, knows he can extend that much more if he has a desirable day on Sunday.
“We were quickest in Q2, Q3, and Q4. I’ve obtained a shot at a 6th title, yet we still have a great deal of job to do tomorrow,” Smith claimed. “If I just do my job, I understand we’ll be just great. (But) most of us understand how promptly things can alter here. There are still a lot of truly great bikes out below. There are 7 or eight great bikes out right here that can win the race. We got fortunate as well as went to No. 1, but that doesn’t mean way too much tomorrow. We still require to switch on 4 win lights.”
Angelle Sampey took the second spot after her run of 6.807 at 198.64 on Friday, while Angie Smith improved to third many thanks to her 6.816 at 200.77.
Making his NHRA auto racing launching, fabulous driver as well as team proprietor Tony Stewart won the first two rounds in eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster. He will proceed in semifinal action on Sunday.
Removals for the NHRA Nevada Nationals start at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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LAS VEGAS– Sunday’s first-round pairings for removals for the 22nd annual NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 21st of 22 occasions in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in certifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel– 1. Brittany Force, 3.665 secs, 337.24 miles per hour vs. Bye; 2. Austin Prock, 3.685, 334.32 vs. 15. Cameron Ferre, 12.655, 57.36; 3. Justin Ashley, 3.686, 333.08 vs. 14. Clay Millican, 4.272, 198.17; 4. Tony Schumacher, 3.692, 327.43 vs. 13. Rob Passey, 4.032, 297.48; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.696, 327.11 vs. 12. Krista Baldwin, 3.864, 319.90; 6. Mike Salinas, 3.697, 334.73 vs. 11. Leah Pruett, 3.716, 331.69; 7. Steve Torrence, 3.698, 332.92 vs. 10. Josh Hart, 3.714, 332.34; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.708, 324.51 vs. 9. Antron Brown, 3.710, 330.47.
Funny Car– 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.857, 331.77 vs. 16. Terry Haddock, Ford Mustang, 4.126, 266.16; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.862, 330.23 vs. 15. Steven Densham, Mustang, 4.040, 306.60; 3. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.865, 330.80 vs. 14. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.948, 306.88; 4. J.R. Todd, Toyota Supra, 3.870, 333.33 vs. 13. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.945, 318.77; 5. John Force, Camaro, 3.873, 324.28 vs. 12. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.944, 288.89; 6. Ron Capps, Supra, 3.889, 332.59 vs. 11. Jim Campbell, Charger, 3.944, 298.54; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.912, 326.08 vs. 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.941, 321.19; 8. Alexis DeJoria, Supra, 3.917, 327.03 vs. 9. Paul Lee,
Charger, 3.933, 321.35.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Jeff Arend, 4.137, 310.77; 18. Jason Rupert, 4.192, 297.09; 19. Jeff Diehl, 4.553, 194.83.
Pro Stock– 1. Erica Enders, Chevy Camaro, 6.579, 208.75 vs. 16. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.654, 207.08; 2. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.580, 208.07 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.649, 206.61; 3. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.585, 207.69 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.643, 206.13; 4. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.595, 205.98 vs. 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.639, 207.88; 5. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.599, 208.14 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.625, 206.73; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.600, 207.40 vs. 11. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.613, 207.69; 7. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.605, 207.30 vs. 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.611, 206.80; 8. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.606, 207.50 vs. 9. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.610, 207.85.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Shane Tucker, 6.680, 205.69; 18. Alan Prusiensky, 6.680, 205.29.
Pro Stock Motorcycle– 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.785, 202.27 vs. 16. Katie Sullivan, Suzuki, 6.957, 193.52; 2. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki, 6.807, 198.64 vs. 15. Hector Arana Jr, Buell, 6.937, 196.87; 3. Angie Smith, EBR, 6.816, 200.77 vs. 14. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.929, 194.86; 4. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.819, 196.73 vs. 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.929, 194.86; 5. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.829, 198.00 vs. 12. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.908, 193.49; 6. Joey Gladstone, Suzuki, 6.836, 197.48 vs. 11. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.902, 195.82; 7. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.846, 197.02 vs. 10. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.890, 194.49; 8. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.847, 196.39 vs. 9. Chip Ellis, EBR, 6.849, 197.68.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Freddie Camarena, 6.973, 193.96; 18. Kelly Clontz, 6.999, 193.57; 19. Michael Phillips, 7.166, 189.10; 20. Rick Newport, 11.553, 142.34.
Highlight Videos:
Tony Stewart
Mobil 1 Top Alcohol Dragster
5.293 seconds, 271.95 mph
KEEP IN MIND: After making his NHRA competitors launching in Las Vegas, motorsports legend Tony Stewart accumulated his first round win on Saturday when he clocked a 5.293-second pass at 271.95 miles per hour to defeat competitor James Stevens in the opening round of eliminations of the NHRA Nevada Nationals. Stewart also won in the second round and will race in the semifinals on Sunday.
Brittany Force Top Fuel No. 1 Qualifier Flav-R-Pac/ Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster 3.665 secs, 337.24 miles per hour NOTE: Brittany Force asserted her nine No. 1 qualifier
of the period at the
NHRA Nevada Nationals when her 3.665-second pass
at 337.24 miles per hour stayed atop the Top Fuel field.< iframe loading=”careless” title= “Brittany Force rockets to the
top at NHRA Nevada Nationals
“width =”960 “elevation=”540 “src= “https://www.youtube.com/embed/IWu7NAeFPI4?feature=oembed”frameborder =”0″enable=” accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture”allowfullscreen > Robert Hight Funny Car No. 1 Qualifier Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS 3.857 seconds, 331.77 miles per hour KEEP IN MIND: Funny Car’s Robert Hight extended his points bait Saturday when his 3.857-second pass at 331.77 miles per hour stayed strong for the No. 1 qualifier area at the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Erica Enders
Pro Stock No. 1 Qualifier
Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro
6.579 seconds, 208.75 miles per hour
NOTE: Erica Enders extended her Pro Stock points lead when she collected her sixth No. 1 qualifier of the period. Her 6.579-second pass at 208.75 was excellent sufficient for finest of the classification at the NHRA Nevada Nationals.
Matt Smith Pro Stock Motorcycle No. 1 Qualifier Denso Auto Parts Buell 6.785 secs, 202.27 mph NOTE: Pro Stock Motorcycle biker Matt Smith protected his 5th No. 1 qualifier of the year when he clocked a 6.785-second lap at 202.27 mph to liquidate qualifying at the 22nd yearly NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That run damaged both ends of the track record.
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