READING, PA (Oct. 2, 2016) The third race of the Countdown was riddled by cold weather and downpours, but that didn’t stop the fans from coming out to support their favorite drivers for the NHRA Dodge Nationals. With just one session of qualifying for most of the professional classes, tuners and drivers did their best to get a grip on their machines as they went into final eliminations.
Top Fuel
Top Fuel points-leader, Antron Brown stretched his lead with a big win over Brittany Force. Both left the starting line at almost the exact same time, but Brown was able to edge out Force for the win with a 3.721 @ 317.34 mph run over her 3.721 @ 324.67 mph pass. Brown’s biggest competition in the points, Doug Kalitta, went out second round with an uncharacteristic red-light.
Funny Car
Make-A-Wish driver, Tommy Johnson Jr. was able to pick up the Wally at his manufacturer’s race. Johnson Jr. has been a quite dark horse in the points this season but is starting to gain some more momentum and buzz. He picked up the win over his teammate and Funny Car points-leader, Ron Capps. Tommy’s 3.895 @ 330.63 was better than Ron’s 3.911 @ 324.12. Capps will still retain his points going into the next race.
Pro Stock
Vincent Nobile picked up his first race victory in 56 national events. He got past Pro Stock heavyweight, Greg Anderson in the final round. Nobile left the starting line first and he got there first with a 6.575 @ 209.85 mph. Anderson made his worst pass of the weekend during the final round with a 6.582 @ 210.37 mph. Vincent isn’t a favorite to win the championship this year, but Greg is currently locked in a points battle with his teammate, Jason Line for the title.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Eddie Krawiec took down first-time final round competitor, Cory Reed to get the win. Reed’s effort of 6.958 @ 186.43 mph was not enough to hold off Krawiec’s 6.818 @ 193.88 mph run. Krawiec is currently leading in the points and needs every single one he can get with his teammate, Andrew Hines, hot on his heels.
