CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Alexis DeJoria topped Funny Car qualifying Saturday and Erica Enders-Stevens led in Pro Stock in the Countdown-opening NHRA Carolina Nationals.
DeJoria and Enders-Stevens became the fourth set of female drivers to top qualifying in an event this season and the seventh in NHRA history.
DeJoria, a three-time winner this season, had a run of 4.090 seconds at 300.53 mph in a Toyota Camry.
“It’s only our second No. 1, so it’s really exciting for our team,” DeJoria said. “(Crew chief) Tommy (DeLago) and the guys have got a real good handle on the race car and they’ve managed to get us down the track more often than not. The consistency has helped us get round wins and get better. I am really excited about our chances at this race.”
Enders-Stevens, a four-time winner this season, raced to her third No. 1 qualifying position of the season with a 6.568 at 210.37 in a Chevy Camaro.
“The track was pretty tricky this afternoon being as hot as it was and they nailed the tuneup,” Enders-Stevens said. “I’m really excited going into Sunday.”
J.R. Todd was the fastest in Top Fuel, and Eddie Krawiec led in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Todd had a 3.804 at 317.64 mph in his Kalitta Motorsports dragster, and Krawiec had a 6.849 at 194.30 on a Harley-Davidson.
The event is the first in the six-race NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 in each class qualified for the playoffs. Doug Kalitta leads in Top Fuel, John Force in Funny Car, Jason Line in Pro Stock and Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
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