Sunny skies and comfortable 72 degrees weather greeted racers and fans at Gateway Motorsports Park for the 7th annual AAA Insurance Midwest Nationals Elimination Sunday Finals.
Click here for Final Eliminations and Post Race
Click here for Semi Final Race Action
Click here for Round 2 Race Action
Click here for Round 1 Race Action
Top Fuel
Finals
Steve Torrence is two for two in countdown finish wins. Torrence had a 3.770 ET / 326.66 MPH to beat Clay Millican who is currently in second place in season points championship.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Steve TorrenceWIN | 1 | .043 | .849 | 2.150 | 3.031 | 288.33 | 3.770 | 323.66 | ||
Right | Clay Millican | 2 | .083 | .868 | 2.171 | 3.053 | 286.80 | 3.798 | 320.28 | ||
Weather conditions: air temperature 70 degrees, relative humidity 53 percent, barometer 29.54 inches, adjusted altitude 2,504 feet, track temperature 118 degrees. Torrence is 9 – 8 against Millican in prior events and this is the first time they have faced each other in a final round. Torrence with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Steve Torrence’s MOV: 0.0685 seconds (approximately 32 feet). Torrence wins his seventh Wally this season and the the 23rd of his career. Torrence wins his second consecutive Countdown to the Championship Wally and increases his points lead heading to Dallas. |
Semi Finals
Pat Dakin ran out of good fortune as he could not keep up with Clay Millican, the weekend #2 qualifier.
Steve Torrence continued his march to the weekend and season championship with close victory over Leah Pritchett.
The weekend top two qualifiers will meet for Midwest Nationals championship.
“It was a slugfest all week battling with them [Torrence Team],” said Millican. “this is fun”
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Pat Dakin | 14 | .063 | .927 | 2.571 | 4.793 | 93.25 | 7.703 | 70.54 | ||
Right | Clay MillicanWIN | 2 | .076 | .855 | 2.162 | 3.084 | 274.50 | 3.857 | 310.41 | ||
Weather conditions: air temperature 82 degrees, relative humidity 44 percent, barometer 29.56 inches, adjusted altitude 2,620 feet, track temperature 117 degrees. Dakin is 2 – 1 against Millican in prior events. Dakin with the starting line advantage, but was dropping cylinders right at the hit and clicked it off. Millican made up the difference by the time they went by the Christmas tree and never trailed from there on for the win He dropped a cylinder, but stayed with it for the win. He is going to his third final this season and the 12th of his career. |
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LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Steve TorrenceWIN | 1 | .059 | .841 | 2.143 | 3.029 | 286.86 | 3.772 | 325.22 | ||
Right | Leah Pritchett | 5 | .054 | .853 | 2.160 | 3.060 | 282.54 | 3.809 | 322.11 |
2nd Round
Pat Dakin upset Tony Schumacher. This race for Tony Schumacher was his 500th career race. The most in NHRA history. But his day ended early by Pat Dakin for his second upset of the day. Earlier he beat #3 qualifier Billy Torrence.
Leah Pritchett beat Blake Alexander.
Richard Hogan, crew chief for Steve Torrence, watch the race prior and saw Blake Alexander smoke tires so at the last second he had his team switch lanes which is legal. The change paid off as Torrence won as his competitor Mike Salinas smoked his tires.
But in the next race Clay Millican in the lane under distress but did not have the ability to switch but it did not batter as he upset Antron Brown to go to the next round.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Tony Schumacher | 6 | .074 | .857 | 2.167 | 3.219 | 236.84 | 4.115 | 270.43 | ||
Right | Pat DakinWIN | 14 | .082 | .845 | 2.186 | 3.134 | 267.37 | 3.946 | 286.13 | ||
Weather conditions: air temperature 80 degrees, relative humidity 50 percent, barometer 29.61 inches, adjusted altitude 2,453 feet, track temperature 114 degrees. Schumacher with the starting line advantage, but was up in smoke early. Dakin grabbed the lead by the time they went past the Christmas tree and was dropping cylinders, but held on for the win. He used up an engine for the win. |
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LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Leah PritchettWIN | 5 | .076 | .856 | 2.161 | 3.056 | 283.49 | 3.802 | 322.73 | ||
Right | Blake Alexander | 4 | .082 | .849 | 2.738 | 5.199 | 85.21 | 8.032 | 80.82 | ||
Pritchett is 2 – 1 against Alexander in prior events. Pritchett with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Alexander was up in smoke right at the hit. |
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LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Steve TorrenceWIN | 1 | .072 | .843 | 2.146 | 3.031 | 287.35 | 3.771 | 325.30 | ||
Right | Mike Salinas | 9 | .082 | .905 | 3.454 | 6.555 | 72.02 | 9.692 | 74.79 | ||
There was a lane swap as they pulled up to stage. Torrence is 4 – 1 against Salinas in prior events. Torrence with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Torrence with the quickest pass of round two and will have lane choice over Pritchett in the semifinal. |
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LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Antron Brown | 7 | .065 | .867 | 2.182 | 3.092 | 280.89 | 3.842 | 323.66 | ||
Right | Clay MillicanWIN | 2 | .083 | .860 | 2.163 | 3.059 | 284.56 | 3.803 | 323.04 | ||
Brown is 24 – 2 against Millican in prior events. Brown with the starting line advantage, but Millican has the lead at 330 feet and never trails from there on. He will have lane choice over Dakin in the semifinal. The word from the starting line was when Millican fired the car it showed no oil pressure, and he did a very short burnout. After the burnout the car had oil pressure again and they sent him on down track for the win. Clay Millican’s MOV: 0.0212 seconds (approximately 10 feet). |
1st Round
Top Fuel dragsters kicked off Sunday’s action with two power house racers and team competing: Antron Brown and Doug Kalitta, 5th and 6th respectively in the season points championship. Brown was able to outlast Kalitta even though he had engine issues at the end of his run.
The upset of the round was Pat Daiken 16th place qualifier beating 3rd place qualifier Billy Torrence. Daiken had a near perfect start with .006. Billy Torrence is the father of season points leader Steve Torrence. The loss foiled the Torrence plan of having Billy upset some of Steves competitors for the season championship.
“Total guess, Not me,” laughed Daiken after the run. “We got away with one.”
Mike Salinas upset reigning Top Fuel Champion Brittany Force to advance to the next round.
Season points leader, Steve Torrence, advanced without issue. He will face . Blake Alexcander, Lea Pritchett, Clay Millican, and Tony Schumacher advanced to next round.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Doug Kalitta | 10 | .048 | .853 | 2.167 | 3.049 | 287.41 | 3.792 | 323.58 | ||
Right | Antron Brown WIN | 7 | .064 | .844 | 2.122 | 2.997 | 291.32 | 3.728 | 328.86 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Terry McMillen | 13 | .075 | .852 | 2.186 | 3.545 | 155.31 | 5.158 | 137.69 | ||
Right | Blake Alexander WIN | 4 | .059 | .839 | 2.129 | 3.000 | 290.63 | 3.730 | 330.72 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Shawn Reed | 15 | .130 | .881 | 2.237 | 3.521 | 164.59 | 5.084 | 138.39 | ||
Right | Clay Millican WIN | 2 | .075 | .849 | 2.140 | 3.020 | 288.21 | 3.758 | 325.61 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Pat Dakin WIN | 14 | .006 | .855 | 2.165 | 3.066 | 282.54 | 3.814 | 322.58 | ||
Right | Billy Torrence | 3 | .066 | .842 | 2.152 | 3.317 | 199.70 | 4.589 | 170.49 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Bill Litton | 16 | .087 | .909 | 2.257 | 3.218 | 245.54 | 4.245 | 211.66 | ||
Right | Steve Torrence WIN | 1 | .123 | .838 | 2.141 | 3.017 | 289.51 | 3.751 | 327.19 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Scott Palmer | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
Right | Leah Pritchett WIN | 5 | .075 | .841 | 2.218 | 3.782 | 137.15 | 5.568 | 125.37 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Richie Crampton | 11 | .071 | .850 | 2.243 | 3.775 | 137.72 | 5.641 | 115.95 | ||
Right | Tony Schumacher WIN | 6 | .080 | .847 | 2.139 | 3.168 | 239.19 | 4.067 | 257.73 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Mike Salinas WIN | 9 | .083 | .836 | 2.131 | 3.017 | 288.15 | 3.758 | 324.36 | ||
Right | Brittany Force | 8 | .106 | .838 | 2.156 | 3.314 | 206.26 | 4.483 | 186.56 |
Funny Car
Finals
An incredible finish in Funny Car. Tim Wilkerson and Robert Hight battled when both cars began to have trouble nearing the finish line. Wilkerson tires began to smoke as he lost transaction and speed but then Hights car exploded. The body of the car blew off 30 feet in the air, off the track and flew into the large video screen and tearing off the right side of it. Hight then ran hard into the wall. Fortunately the chutes opened slowing the car to a stop. The safety crew was on-site within seconds and assist Hight who got out of the car and was standing and communicating. Hight was taken off the track by ambulance to track care center. The extent of his injuries are not known at this time.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Robert HightWIN | 1 | .057 | .870 | 2.262 | 3.208 | 267.53 | 4.036 | 276.29 | ||
Right | Tim Wilkerson | 6 | .075 | .891 | 2.302 | 3.319 | 226.89 | 4.413 | 201.91 | ||
3:52 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 70 degrees, relative humidity 53 percent, barometer 29.54 inches, adjusted altitude 2,504 feet, track temperature 118 degrees. Hight is 25 – 20 against Wilkerson in prior events and this is the first time they have faced each other in a final round. Hight gets out of the gate first and starts pulling away. Wilkerson gets about 600 feet out, hazes the tires and has to back off the throttle. Hight pulls away and looks like he loses a cylinder or two. The engine explodes about 800 feet out and the body flies off. He goes through the lights, the car makes a move to the left and hits the wall. He bounces off the wall, drives back into it, then comes to a stop. He is out of the car and is walking under his own power. With the win Hight is now 30 points ahead of Todd in the points chase. |
Semi Finals
Hometown favorite Tim Wilkerson took advantage to move past JR Todd to go to the finals. JR Todd hit the gas and his car went up in smoke. Wilkerson had his troubles smoking his tires going side to side but was able to keep it in his lane for the win.
Robert Hight, racing for AAA who is also the race sponsor, had a very close battle with Tommy Johnson Jr, but was able to succeed to make the finals for the second year in a row at Gateway.
“Last run we blew a spark plug and slowed down,” said Hight. “But this was awesome run.”
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | J.R. Todd | 7 | .069 | .989 | 3.099 | 4.655 | 158.22 | 6.100 | 152.28 | ||
Right | Tim WilkersonWIN | 6 | .086 | .891 | 2.688 | 3.931 | 199.61 | 5.186 | 175.23 | ||
2:36 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 82 degrees, relative humidity 44 percent, barometer 29.56 inches, adjusted altitude 2,620 feet, track temperature 117 degrees. Todd is 6 – 3 against Wilkerson in prior events. This was an exciting race. Todd gets out of the gate first but strikes the tires early. Wilkerson goes around him, then he loses traction. Todd pedals and can’t recover. Wilkerson pedals, makes a move to the left and gets close to the centerline. Todd continues to pedal, the car almost turns sideways and he finally backs off the throttle. Wilkerson skirted the centerline all the way through the lights and takes the win. Tim Wilkerson’s incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(0.081), 330 ft(0.394), 660ft(0.707). MOV: 0.8974 seconds (more than 100 feet). |
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LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Robert HightWIN | 1 | .081 | .877 | 2.264 | 3.193 | 277.89 | 3.945 | 323.04 | ||
Right | Tommy Johnson Jr | 4 | .086 | .899 | 2.299 | 3.249 | 272.39 | 4.008 | 320.13 |
2nd Round
JR Todd got the break of the day so far…Cruz Pedregon beat JR Todd but he red lighted
“I had no idea, we are screwed” said Todd describing his thoughts watching Pedregon apparent win. “Lucky breaks need to keep going. We need to wind two more”
Robert Hight racing for John Force racing, beat his boss and car owner, John Force, to advance to the next round.
“Unfortunate we have to race so soon,” said Hight. “We can’t loose rounds at this time of year”
Tim Wilkerson, racing in front of all his fans from Springfield Ill, upset points leading Courtney Force to move to the next round.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | J.R. ToddWIN | 7 | .081 | .891 | 2.308 | 3.274 | 266.37 | 4.064 | 307.58 | ||
Right | Cruz Pedregon | 15 | -.005 | .918 | 2.302 | 3.244 | 272.89 | 4.015 | 300.40 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Bob Tasca III | 5 | .073 | .973 | 3.518 | 6.234 | 81.46 | 9.014 | 82.83 | ||
Right | Tommy Johnson JrWIN | 4 | .087 | .870 | 2.256 | 3.197 | 274.44 | 3.950 | 323.50 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Robert HightWIN | 1 | .074 | .883 | 2.289 | 3.243 | 269.35 | 4.017 | 313.07 | ||
Right | John Force | 9 | .077 | .899 | 2.303 | 3.263 | 267.27 | 4.043 | 310.34 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Courtney Force | 3 | .087 | .893 | 2.303 | 3.269 | 267.16 | 4.051 | 310.70 | ||
Right | Tim WilkersonWIN | 6 | .111 | .892 | 2.298 | 3.236 | 274.16 | 4.000 | 315.19 |
1st Round
Bob Tasca and Johnny Lindberg kicked off Funny Car competition with an exciting side-by-side race to the finish. But it was Bob Tasca with a holeshot that was difference even as Tasca almost hit the wall.
“This season has pissed us off even though the team has worked so hard,” said Tasca after his run. “This could be our day.”
Cruz Pedregon upset Ron Capps on a holeshot to advance to the next round. For Capps it is a brutal loss as he is current 3rd is season points championship and will most likely impact championship hopes. But for Pedregon it was some consolation
“We are not in points championship. We have fought hard this year,” said Pedregon. “Ron Capps is really good, we are lucky to get by them.”
Tim Wilkerson, from Springfield Illinois, raced Matt Hagen. Both drivers took off clean but both drivers lost transaction almost the same time and both almost hit their respective walls but Wilkerson was able to straighten it to streak by for the win.
Robert Hight, Brittany Force, Tommy Johnson Jr and John Force all advanced to the next round.
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Jonnie Lindberg | 12 | .123 | .881 | 2.273 | 3.197 | 278.40 | 3.952 | 320.51 | ||
Right | Bob Tasca IIIWIN | 5 | .058 | .907 | 2.293 | 3.233 | 273.16 | 3.999 | 315.86 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Del Worsham | 13 | .100 | .897 | 2.298 | 3.245 | 273.66 | 4.003 | 321.50 | ||
Right | Tommy Johnson JrWIN | 4 | .064 | .888 | 2.258 | 3.179 | 279.15 | 3.925 | 325.22 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Dale Creasy | 16 | .087 | .901 | 2.350 | 3.327 | 264.55 | 4.124 | 295.34 | ||
Right | Robert HightWIN | 1 | .098 | .889 | 2.275 | 3.194 | 279.04 | 3.938 | 324.75 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Cruz PedregonWIN | 15 | .067 | .899 | 2.281 | 3.230 | 272.89 | 3.992 | 317.05 | ||
Right | Ron Capps | 2 | .101 | .872 | 2.254 | 3.210 | 269.62 | 3.978 | 316.23 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Jim Campbell | 14 | .067 | 1.396 | 5.652 | 9.702 | 60.38 | 13.179 | 70.12 | ||
Right | Courtney ForceWIN | 3 | .073 | .891 | 2.265 | 3.197 | 277.94 | 3.937 | 329.02 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Matt Hagan | 11 | .070 | .882 | 2.276 | 3.467 | 199.64 | 4.585 | 201.19 | ||
Right | Tim WilkersonWIN | 6 | .075 | .897 | 2.298 | 3.418 | 223.88 | 4.348 | 251.67 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | Shawn Langdon | 10 | .075 | .895 | 2.284 | 3.235 | 272.50 | 3.997 | 320.20 | ||
Right | J.R. ToddWIN | 7 | .065 | .888 | 2.262 | 3.195 | 274.94 | 3.954 | 318.69 | ||
LANE | DRIVER | Q. POS. | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | ET | MPH | ||
Left | John ForceWIN | 9 | .041 | .929 | 2.330 | 3.272 | 275.34 | 4.025 | 322.96 | ||
Right | Jack Beckman | 8 | .077 | .883 | 2.265 | 3.332 | 206.80 | 4.523 | 185.28 |
Pro Stock
Finals
Tanner Gray continues his domination in 2018. Gray season parts leader won his 6th win of the season beating Drew Skillman for the victory.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | Tanner GrayWIN | PRO | — | .004 | .987 | 2.752 | 4.227 | 166.76 | 5.498 | 6.567 | 211.06 | — | |
Right | Drew Skillman | PRO | — | .028 | 1.027 | 3.228 | 5.859 | 84.27 | 8.670 | 11.409 | 78.68 | — | |
Weather conditions: air temperature 70 degrees, relative humidity 53 percent, barometer 29.54 inches, adjusted altitude 2,504 feet, track temperature 118 degrees. Gray is 10 – 4 against Skillman in prior events and this is the first time they have faced each other in a final round. Gray with a great light and never trails for the win as Skillman has severe tire shake right at the hit. Gray wins his sixth Wally this season and 11th of his career. |
Semi Finals
Drew Skillman finally slowed down Jeg Coughlin Jr to make it to the Pro Stock finals.
Skillman will face his teammate Tanner Gray in the finals.
“Both of are chasing the world,” said Gray. “It is a win-win for everyone.”
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Tanner GrayWIN | PRO | — | .019 | .987 | 2.756 | 4.233 | 166.70 | 5.507 | 6.579 | 210.54 | — | |
Right | Vincent Nobile | PRO | — | .048 | .994 | 2.766 | 4.246 | 166.44 | 5.523 | 6.597 | 209.85 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Drew SkillmanWIN | PRO | — | .015 | .992 | 2.766 | 4.243 | 166.99 | 5.513 | 6.581 | 211.63 | — | |
Right | Jeg Coughlin Jr | PRO | — | .010 | .997 | 2.882 | 4.398 | 163.29 | 5.693 | 6.778 | 207.62 | — |
2nd Round
Eric Enders had a perfect reaction time at .000 but it was not enough to beat series points leader Shane Gray.
“My guys saved me,” said Gray. “Happy with we are doing. Its cool.”
Jeg Coughlin and Greg Anderson, racing for Pro Stock power teams, had a side-by-side battle but Coughlin kept his weekend streak edging out the victory.
Drew Skillman had a mild upset over Bo Butner.
Vince Nobile keeps his hot streak going beating Jason Line to make it to semi finals.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | Tanner GrayWIN | PRO | — | .015 | .984 | 2.750 | 4.226 | 167.12 | 5.498 | 6.568 | 210.37 | — | |
Right | Erica Enders | PRO | — | .000 | .997 | 2.770 | 4.248 | 166.46 | 5.525 | 6.599 | 210.18 | — | |
Weather conditions: air temperature 80 degrees, relative humidity 50 percent, barometer 29.61 inches, adjusted altitude 2,453 feet, track temperature 114 degrees. Gray is 5 – 4 against Enders in prior events. Enders with a perfect light, but Gray had the lead by 100 feet and never trailed for the win. Tanner Gray’s MOV: 0.0168 seconds (approximately 5 feet). |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Drew SkillmanWIN | PRO | — | .020 | .993 | 2.756 | 4.226 | 167.47 | 5.492 | 6.559 | 211.66 | — | |
Right | Bo Butner | PRO | — | .030 | 1.016 | 3.504 | 6.648 | 70.18 | 10.051 | 13.412 | 63.70 | — | |
Skillman is 8 – 7 against Butner in prior events. Skillman with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Butner with severe tire shake right at the hit and pushed in the clutch. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Jeg Coughlin JrWIN | PRO | — | .010 | .981 | 2.748 | 4.224 | 166.91 | 5.499 | 6.573 | 210.54 | — | |
Right | Greg Anderson | PRO | — | .029 | .998 | 2.764 | 4.242 | 166.39 | 5.518 | 6.591 | 210.54 | — | |
Anderson is 55 – 43 against Coughlin in prior events. Coughlin with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Jeg Coughlin’s MOV: 0.0379 seconds (approximately 12 feet). He will give up lane choice to Skillman in the semifinal. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Jason Line | PRO | — | .039 | 1.030 | 3.196 | 5.576 | 93.14 | 8.124 | 10.660 | 83.80 | — | |
Right | Vincent NobileWIN | PRO | — | .025 | .986 | 2.757 | 4.234 | 166.70 | 5.508 | 6.580 | 210.57 | — |
1st Round
There were no upsets in the first round of the Pro Stocks. But there will be many competitive match ups in the next round.
Jason Line had the low ET of the round.
“I am in a good mood,” said Line after his win. “We are getting out of a slump and we have a chance to win.”
Line will face last week”s winner Vincent Nobile
Top qualifier, Jeg Coughlin easily won to advance to the next round. He will face Greg Anderson. Bo Butner will face Drew Skillman. Erica Enders will face her top rival in Shawn Gray.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Left | Greg AndersonWIN | PRO | — | .019 | .996 | 2.763 | 4.236 | 166.97 | 5.509 | 6.579 | 211.49 | — | |
Right | Deric Kramer | PRO | — | .018 | 1.038 | 4.452 | 8.924 | 48.90 | 13.885 | 18.901 | 42.36 | — | |
Weather conditions: air temperature 74 degrees, relative humidity 59 percent, barometer 29.63 inches, adjusted altitude 2,037 feet, track temperature 100 degrees. Greg Anderson is the defending event champion. Greg starts the day with 796 round wins and that is fourth most among all pro drivers and second best in Pro Stock behind Warren Johnson’s 874. Anderson is 6 – 1 against Kramer in prior events. Kramer with a tick advantage on the starting line, but then had severe tire shake and pushed in the clutch. Anderson drifted out of the groove, but got the win. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Tanner GrayWIN | PRO | — | .017 | .984 | 2.743 | 4.213 | 167.76 | 5.479 | 6.546 | 211.49 | — | |
Right | Chris McGaha | PRO | — | .083 | .983 | 2.747 | 4.219 | 167.32 | 5.487 | 6.554 | 211.43 | — | |
Gray is 3 – 1 against McGaha in prior events. Gray with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Vincent NobileWIN | PRO | — | .016 | .972 | 2.732 | 4.205 | 167.18 | 5.474 | 6.544 | 210.80 | — | |
Right | Fernando Cuadra | PRO | — | .020 | .988 | 2.793 | 4.527 | 129.17 | 6.352 | 8.120 | 122.07 | — | |
Vincent Nobile is coming off his win in Reading, a win he got with a holeshot over Drew Skillman. Of Vincent’s 13 wins four have now come via holeshots. Fernando Cuadra is the 40th different driver to race Nobile in eliminations. Nobile with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Cuadra with problems and clicked it off. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Drew SkillmanWIN | PRO | — | .029 | .983 | 2.744 | 4.215 | 167.74 | 5.480 | 6.545 | 211.89 | — | |
Right | Kenny Delco | PRO | — | .077 | .991 | 2.774 | 4.259 | 165.60 | 5.541 | 6.619 | 209.46 | — | |
Drew Skillman won here in 2015. Skillman is 4 – 1 against Delco in prior events. Skillman with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Bo ButnerWIN | PRO | — | .033 | .975 | 2.736 | 4.207 | 167.07 | 5.477 | 6.546 | 211.46 | — | |
Right | Alan Prusiensky | PRO | — | .121 | .984 | 2.807 | 4.713 | 116.51 | 6.740 | 8.707 | 109.64 | — | |
Butner is 5 – 0 against Prusiensky in prior events. Butner with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Butner will give up lane choice to Skillman in the next round by 0.001 seconds. Butner with the win moves in front of Kramer in the points. Prusiensky made a quick move toward the centerline right at the hit and pushed the clutch in. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Jason LineWIN | PRO | — | .037 | .965 | 2.723 | 4.194 | 166.54 | 5.465 | 6.536 | 210.24 | — | |
Right | Val Smeland | PRO | — | .077 | 1.000 | 2.806 | 4.327 | 161.09 | 5.642 | 6.744 | 204.63 | — | |
Jason Line has been runner-up here twice. This is the 17th time this year he has started from the top half of the field. This is Line’s highest qualifying spot this year. Val Smeland is making his 23rd start. Line is 3 – 0 against Smeland in prior events. Line with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. Line runs low E.T. of race day. He will have lane choice over Nobile in the next round. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Erica EndersWIN | PRO | — | .032 | .978 | 2.737 | 4.210 | 167.26 | 5.482 | 6.553 | 211.00 | — | |
Right | Charlie Westcott | PRO | — | .068 | 1.007 | 2.818 | 4.335 | 162.16 | 5.644 | 6.746 | 204.48 | — | |
Erica Enders has a pair of wins at this event, in 2012 and 2013. She was also runner-up in 2015. Charlie Westcott is making his fourth start in Pro Stock. This is the first time Enders and Westcott Jr. have faced each other in eliminations. Enders with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. She will give up lane choice to Gray in the next round. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Jeg Coughlin JrWIN | PRO | — | .070 | .976 | 2.733 | 4.202 | 167.43 | 5.472 | 6.542 | 210.60 | — | |
Right | Mark Hogan | PRO | — | .185 | .991 | 2.807 | 4.331 | 161.05 | 5.673 | 6.943 | 170.04 | — |
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Finals
Matt Smith and LE Tonglet had the closest race of the entire of the weekend. Side by side to the finish and Smith edged Tonglet by .0006 of a second.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | Matt SmithWIN | PSM | — | .008 | 1.077 | 2.882 | 4.415 | 159.85 | 5.744 | 6.877 | 198.44 | — | |
Right | LE Tonglet | PSM | — | .018 | 1.066 | 2.863 | 4.390 | 160.23 | 5.724 | 6.867 | 196.10 | — | |
3:42 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 70 degrees, relative humidity 53 percent, barometer 29.54 inches, adjusted altitude 2,504 feet, track temperature 118 degrees. Tonglet is 14 – 11 against Smith in prior events and Tonglet is 3 – 2 against Smith in prior final rounds. The winner of this race will leave here as the points leader. Smith gets the holeshot, Tonglet starts reeling him in just past the sixty foot mark, but can’t quite get around him. Matt Smith’s incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.001), 330 ft(-0.009), 660ft(-0.015), 1,000ft(-0.010). MOV: 0.0006 seconds (approximately 2 inches). This is Smith’s 20th national event win, his second this year. |
Semi Finals
Two of the motorcycle power houses and big rivals will meet in the finals. It will be Matt Smith facing LE Tonglet.
“We are going fishing. We are going to snag us some fish,” said Matt Smith making reference to Tonglet sponsor Nitro Fish Gear.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | LE TongletWIN | PSM | — | .027 | 1.079 | 2.867 | 4.400 | 159.27 | 5.742 | 6.890 | 195.65 | — | |
Right | Jerry Savoie | PSM | — | .020 | 1.079 | 2.887 | 4.427 | 158.87 | 5.772 | 6.924 | 194.86 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Matt SmithWIN | PSM | — | .040 | 1.073 | 2.874 | 4.412 | 159.68 | 5.743 | 6.879 | 198.03 | — | |
Right | Chip Ellis | PSM | — | .039 | 1.057 | 2.846 | 4.398 | 158.22 | 5.748 | 6.901 | 194.63 | — |
2nd Round
Like Erica Enders in Pro Stock, Angelle Sampey had a near perfection reaction time at ,001 but it was not enough to beat part time racer Chip Ellis.
“Angelle is a three time world champion and she was messing with me,” said Ellis. “She is one of my best friends in the world.”
Jerry Savoie beat Andrew Hines and LE Tonglet beat Angie Smith who had troubles with her bike’s clutch and could not catch Tonglet.
Matt Smith made it to the semis.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | Angelle Sampey | PSM | — | .001 | 1.072 | 2.865 | 4.404 | 157.74 | 5.767 | 6.941 | 190.83 | — | |
Right | Chip EllisWIN | PSM | — | .022 | 1.061 | 2.841 | 4.364 | 160.31 | 5.700 | 6.863 | 190.27 | — | |
1:36 p.m. Weather conditions: air temperature 83 degrees, relative humidity 45 percent, barometer 29.59 inches, adjusted altitude 2,656 feet, track temperature 114 degrees. Ellis is 13 – 10 against Sampey in prior events. Sampey gets out of the gate first, stays in front for about 300 feet, then Ellis goes around and pulls away. Ellis drifts to the left early, gets very close to the centerline, but hangs on and takes the win. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Jerry SavoieWIN | PSM | — | .024 | 1.073 | 2.881 | 4.411 | 159.93 | 5.750 | 6.897 | 195.62 | — | |
Right | Andrew Hines | PSM | — | .027 | 1.076 | 2.879 | 4.441 | 156.83 | 5.803 | 6.968 | 192.82 | — | |
Hines is 12 – 6 against Savoie in prior events. Savoie gets a small advantage off the line, Hines pulls even at the 330 foot mark, then Savoie is able to pull away and take the win. Jerry Savoie’s incremental margins: 60ft(0.006), 330 ft(0.001), 660ft(0.033), 1,000ft(0.056). MOV: 0.0742 seconds (approximately 21 feet). |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | LE TongletWIN | PSM | — | .067 | 1.068 | 2.857 | 4.382 | 160.35 | 5.716 | 6.864 | 195.34 | — | |
Right | Angie Smith | PSM | — | .212 | 1.060 | 3.412 | 6.492 | 70.28 | 9.993 | 13.648 | 57.27 | — | |
Tonglet gets the holeshot and starts to pull away. Smith has problems and is off the throttle early. With the win Tonglet ties Krawiec for the points lead. Tonglet will have lane choice over Savoie in the next round. |
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LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Matt SmithWIN | PSM | — | .036 | 1.065 | 2.869 | 4.402 | 159.78 | 5.732 | 6.869 | 197.45 | — | |
Right | Joey Gladstone | PSM | — | .055 | 1.072 | 2.873 | 4.425 | 157.45 | 5.779 | 6.940 | 192.80 | — |
1st Round
Eddie Krawiec, current point leader, had a red light allowing Joey Gladstone to take the win. Krawiec just barely left early, just .001 of second too early. Gladstone will face Matt Smith in next round.
Angie Smith and Steve Johnson battled side by side down the track and Smith upset Johnson by 2 thousandth of a second. She will face low LE Tonglet who had low ET of the round.
“This Nitro Fish bike is hauling butt and running well,” said Tonglet
Chip Ellis, Angelle Sampey, Jerry Savoie and Andrew Hines all advance to next round.
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
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Left | Hector Arana | PSM | — | -.107 | 1.157 | 3.060 | 4.839 | 123.62 | 6.818 | 8.848 | 104.05 | — | |
Right | Jerry SavoieWIN | PSM | — | .080 | 1.067 | 2.893 | 4.457 | 154.30 | 5.842 | 7.138 | 163.28 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Hector Arana Jr | PSM | — | 8.111 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Right | Angelle SampeyWIN | PSM | — | .037 | 1.062 | 2.856 | 4.403 | 157.78 | 5.761 | 6.925 | 192.52 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Mark Paquette | PSM | — | .060 | 1.067 | 2.862 | 4.409 | 157.83 | 5.766 | 6.938 | 190.86 | — | |
Right | Chip EllisWIN | PSM | — | .042 | 1.070 | 2.866 | 4.396 | 159.68 | 5.736 | 6.885 | 194.77 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | LE TongletWIN | PSM | — | .029 | 1.052 | 2.840 | 4.363 | 160.54 | 5.695 | 6.838 | 195.90 | — | |
Right | Jim Underdahl | PSM | — | .025 | 1.084 | 2.889 | 4.436 | 157.82 | 5.794 | 6.953 | 193.82 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Eddie Krawiec | PSM | — | -.001 | 1.072 | 2.846 | 4.357 | 161.57 | 5.685 | 6.828 | 195.70 | — | |
Right | Joey GladstoneWIN | PSM | — | .045 | 1.066 | 2.857 | 4.397 | 158.80 | 5.742 | 6.893 | 194.58 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Matt SmithWIN | PSM | — | .005 | 1.070 | 2.893 | 4.426 | 160.37 | 5.753 | 6.889 | 197.31 | — | |
Right | Scotty Pollacheck | PSM | — | .016 | 1.075 | 2.888 | 4.444 | 157.56 | 5.796 | 6.955 | 193.07 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Ryan Oehler | PSM | — | .061 | 1.086 | 2.890 | 4.421 | 159.55 | 5.762 | 6.915 | 194.66 | — | |
Right | Andrew HinesWIN | PSM | — | .056 | 1.071 | 2.853 | 4.391 | 159.02 | 5.738 | 6.889 | 194.86 | — | |
LANE | DRIVER | CLASS | DIAL IN | RT | 60 FT | 330 FT | 660 FT | 660 FT MPH | 1000 FT | ET | MPH | OV/UN | |
Left | Steve Johnson | PSM | — | .044 | 1.060 | 2.842 | 4.366 | 160.37 | 5.702 | 6.849 | 194.80 | — | |
Right | Angie SmithWIN | PSM | — | .012 | 1.062 | 2.854 | 4.379 | 159.85 | 5.721 | 6.879 | 193.21 | — |
Photos By: Larry Vancil – stlracing.com / St. Louis Motor Racing News
Story By: Kevin Proot – stlracing.com / St. Louis Motor Racing News
Scoring courtesy of NHRA