ST. LOUIS, Mo. (September 30, 2017) The qualifying fields are set in the professional classes for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals. Many drivers and riders were able to improve upon their qualifying times from yesterday despite the fact that the weather was warmer and close to what is expected for tomorrow’s race.
Top Fuel
As expected, Clay Millican’s world record setting 3.631 second pass at 330.39 mph pass could not be bested and he will start tomorrow’s race on pole. Millican will race Kyle Wurtzel in the first round. Leah Pritchett knocked her teammate, Tony Schumacher down to third in the final session of qualifying when she made a 3.670 second lap at 329.10 mph. Schumacher’s Friday night run of 3.680 seconds at 327.66 mph will keep him in third. Doug Kalitta, Brittany Froce, Antron Brown, Steve Torrence, and Dom Lagana will also start on the top side of the ladder.
Funny Car
John Force Racing will take the pole and off-pole position for Sunday’s race. Robert Hight’s Q2 pass of 3.830 seconds at 333.91 mph stayed No. 1 throughout today’s two sessions. Hight will face Dale Creasy in the opening round of competition. John Force’s 3.832 second lap at 334.65 mph from Q2 was good enough for second on the ladder. Ron Capps’ 3.849 second effort at 332.51 mph has him in third. Alexis Dejoria, Jonnie Lindberg, Jack Beckman, Courtney Force, and Matt Hagan round out the “quick eight” qualifiers.
Pro Stock
The factory hot rod field definitely got quicker in today’s warmer temperatures. KB Racing showed their strength in today’s two sessions as they locked up the top three spots. Greg Anderson took the pole with a 6.507 lap at 212.33 mph. Anderson will run against Dave River in the first round of racing. Jason Line’s 6.510 second pass at 212.03 mph has him starting off-pole tomorrow. The third and final KB car, belonging to Bo Butner, is third with his 6.512 second run at 213.3 mph. Drew Skillman, Chris McGaha, Tanner Gray, Erica Enders, and Alex Laughlin are on the top side of the ladder as well.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
The two wheel class also got quicker in the St. Louis heat. Andrew Hines got even faster and threw down a 6.781 second lap at 196.19 mph which earned him the No. 1 spot. Hines will race Andie Rawlings in the opening round. Hine’s teammate and Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader, Eddie Krawiec is second after his 6.783 second effort at 195.59 mph. Matt Smith’s 6.792 second run at 197.22 mph put him in third for tomorrow’s final eliminations. Scotty Pollacheck, Jerry Savoie, Angie Smith, LE Tonglet, and Hector Arana Jr. will also start tomorrow as the top eight.
