Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, Bristol, TN, USA June 13-16, 2014

story and photos by NHRA

Shawn Langdon

Reigning NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel world champion Shawn Langdon claimed his first victory of the season Sunday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car) and Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) also were winners in their respective categories at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Bristol Dragway.

Langdon raced to his first Bristol Dragway victory and ninth win of his career in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster by posting a final round performance of 3.819 seconds at 320.51 mph to defeat series points leader Doug Kalitta. With the win, Langdon moves to third in the points standings. “With the stiff competition in Top Fuel, one thing you have to learn is patience and not to take anything for granted,” Langdon said. “We knew it was going to be tough. We’re still learning. Fortunately, we got this win and most importantly, we hope to continue earning those Mello Yello points.”

Langdon, who qualified No. 7 for the event, defeated teammate Khalid alBalooshi, Terry McMillen and Bob Vandergriff Jr. en route to his third final round appearance of the season. “I was a little worried about pedalling in the final going up against the Kalitta group,” Langdon said. “They are definitely the hottest car in the circuit. That’s why it is great to be a part of the Alan Johnson and Al-Anabi Racing. You feel like you have a pretty good race car too.”

In Funny Car, Johnson Jr. earned his first victory since 2007. The Indianapolis driver took his 10th career win and first at Bristol with a performance of 4.156 at 302.14 in his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger, defeating Tim Wilkerson’s Levi Ray & Shoup Ford Mustang in the final. “I’m thrilled that we were able to get it done and all that work paid off,” Johnson Jr. said. “The guys did a great job today. We’ve qualified great we just couldn’t get it to go our way on race day. We’ve been competitive and we just couldn’t close the deal. It’s tough out here. I wanted to prove that we’re not in a slump and we needed to step it up a little bit and we did.”

Johnson Jr., who was the No. 5 qualifier of the event, defeated Cruz Pedregon, points leader Robert Hight and local favorite Matt Hagan en route to the final round. “We didn’t get to run Friday night because of the weather and Saturday we had a problem in the car and didn’t get to run the last session,” Johnson Jr. said. “We just kept with our lane choice and able to stay in right lane all day. It worked perfect and the car was running great.”

Erica Enders-Stevens continues to shine in the Pro Stock category this season. The series points leader secured her third win of the season and ninth of her career with a performance of 6.698 at 207.15 in her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro, defeating rookie Jonathan Gray in the final round. It was the first win at Bristol for Enders-Stevens, who increased her series lead with the win. “We had to dig deeper this weekend,” the Texas native said. “Everybody out here is hungry. As a driver, I knew I had to step up to the plate and get up on the wheel. Momentum is huge in this sport and we just need to continue to carry it. To get it done today meant the world to me and my team gave me a car to drive to the winner’s circle.”

Peter Farber raced to his first career victory on Sunday during the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Thunder Valley Nationals. Farber, the No. 13 qualifier, drove his PJ and Sons Towing/CRC Brakeleen 69’ Dodge Daytona to a 6.087-second pass at 240.51 mph to defeat No. 7 seed Steve Matusek in the final. Matusek trailed in with a 6.971 at 152.61 in his Aeromotive ’68 Camaro.

Farber defeated Danny Rowe, Dan Stevenson and Jim Laurita en route to his first career final. With the victory, Farber moves to the eighth position in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series points standings.

Mike Janis took over the points lead after he advanced to the semifinals and season-long leader Rickie Smith lost in the opening round.

The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series continues July 3-6 at the eighth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continues in Epping, N.H. with the second annual Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway, June 19-22.

Sunday’s final results from the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway. The race is the tenth of 24 in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Shawn Langdon, 3.902 seconds, 316.08 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 4.128 seconds, 260.97 mph.

Funny Car — Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 4.156, 302.14 def. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.423, 227.34.

Pro Stock — Erica Enders-Stevens, Chevy Camaro, 6.698, 207.15 def. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 13.480, 64.40.

Pro Modified — Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 6.087, 240.51 def. Steve Matusek, Chevy Camaro, 6.971, 152.61.

Top Fuel Harley — Tommy Grimes, Harley, 6.413, 221.45 def. Damian Cownden, Harley, 6.454, 214.04.

Super Stock — Larry Miller, Plymouth Barracuda, 10.003, 131.02 def. Drew Skillman, Ford Mustang, foul.

Stock Eliminator — Drew Skillman, Ford Mustang, 9.217, 138.94 def. Kevin Wells, Chevy Nova, foul.

Super Comp — Jeff Taylor, Dragster, 8.917, 164.79 def. Kevin Brannon, Dragster, 8.873, 176.74.

Super Gas — Scott Lawton, Chevy Corvette, 9.912, 150.63 def. Jim Perry, Chevy S-10, 9.896, 163.43.

Top Dragster — Anthony Bertozzi, Dragster, 7.397, 173.43 def. Dylan Stott, Dragster, 6.792, 194.97.

Top Sportsman — Tony Fagnilli, Pontiac GXP, 6.914, 191.62 def. Marco Abruzzi, Chevy Camaro, 7.050, 198.12.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Final round-by-round results from the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, the tenth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Doug Kalitta, 3.838, 321.58 def. Leah Pritchett, 4.862, 161.42; Shawn Langdon, 3.895, 310.20 def. Khalid alBalooshi, 5.041, 147.96; Tony Schumacher, 3.857, 323.89 def. Billy Torrence, 4.008, 305.84; Chris Karamesines, 5.215, 118.87 def. Brittany Force, 5.558, 122.66; Terry McMillen, 4.038, 304.39 def. J.R. Todd, 4.902, 183.47; Antron Brown, 3.829, 318.39 def. Richie Crampton, 4.398, 196.79; Spencer Massey, 3.892, 317.05 def. Clay Millican, broke; Bob Vandergriff, 4.456, 212.83 def. Steve Torrence, foul;
QUARTERFINALS — Langdon, 5.338, 289.14 def. McMillen, 5.603, 210.70; Vandergriff, 4.453, 289.88 def. Schumacher, 5.027, 171.45; Kalitta, 4.171, 296.76 def. Karamesines, 4.977, 145.00; Brown, 3.883, 315.19 def. Massey, 10.460, 76.70;
SEMIFINALS — Langdon, 5.110, 149.85 def. Vandergriff, foul; Kalitta, 3.905, 312.64 def. Brown, 3.952, 304.74;
FINAL — Langdon, 3.902, 316.08 def. Kalitta, 4.128, 260.97.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.148, 303.78 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.890, 169.55; Tony Pedregon, Toyota Camry, 4.355, 256.21 def. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 5.330, 142.06; Del Worsham, Camry, 4.191, 299.13 def. Jeff Arend, Charger, 12.726, 59.78; Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.746, 223.91 def. Justin Schriefer, Chevy Camaro, 5.082, 155.33; Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.147, 309.20 def. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.613, 188.49; Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.199, 302.35 def. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.787, 181.64; Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.216, 292.14 def. John Force, Mustang, 4.437, 229.78; Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.166, 300.00 def. Chad Head, Camry, 5.498, 143.90;
QUARTERFINALS — Wilkerson, 4.220, 294.95 def. DeJoria, 6.019, 112.71; Johnson Jr., 4.175, 305.84 def. Hight, 6.009, 114.01; Hagan, 4.216, 287.66 def. Worsham, 4.209, 299.53; T. Pedregon, 4.380, 252.14 def. C. Force, 4.770, 211.69;
SEMIFINALS — Wilkerson, 4.240, 293.60 def. T. Pedregon, 4.533, 218.19; Johnson Jr., 4.201, 299.46 def. Hagan, 4.207, 293.54;
FINAL — Johnson Jr., 4.156, 302.14 def. Wilkerson, 4.423, 227.34.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Jonathan Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.706, 207.18 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.709, 207.37; Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.686, 207.15 def. Shane Tucker, Chevy Cobalt, 7.471, 141.02; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.712, 206.13 def. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.702, 206.67; Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.690, 205.41 def. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, DQ; Jason Line, Camaro, 6.673, 207.53 def. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.709, 206.99; Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.663, 207.40 def. Curt Steinbach, Camaro, 6.871, 201.52; Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.651, 207.78 def. Kenny Delco, Cobalt, 6.869, 202.15; Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.665, 207.46 def. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.770, 205.04;
QUARTERFINALS — Line, 6.707, 206.95 def. Connolly, 17.884, 43.65; Enders-Stevens, 6.697, 207.15 def. Anderson, foul; J. Gray, 6.703, 206.80 def. S. Gray, 6.703, 207.40; Coughlin, 6.671, 207.05 def. Nobile, 6.702, 207.05;
SEMIFINALS — J. Gray, 6.730, 206.23 def. Line, 6.726, 206.39; Enders-Stevens, 6.703, 207.11 def. Coughlin, foul;
FINAL — Enders-Stevens, 6.698, 207.15 def. J. Gray, 13.480, 64.40.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE — Jim Laurita, Chevy Camaro, 6.015, 224.14 def. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 11.666, 71.74; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 6.025, 238.38 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 11.048, 78.76; Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.027, 242.98 def. Steven Whiteley, Camaro, 9.954, 141.33; Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.107, 239.74 def. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 6.228, 242.80; Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 11.178, 88.48 def. Danny Rowe, Camaro, foul; Mike Knowles, Camaro, 6.049, 241.63 def. Don Walsh, Camaro, 6.188, 211.10; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.735, 149.80 def. Von Smith, Camaro, foul; Kevin Fiscus, Ford Mustang, 6.198, 244.43 def. Jim Bell, Camaro, 9.229, 103.74;
QUARTERFINALS — Farber, 6.065, 241.67 def. Stevenson, 6.178, 238.01; Matusek, 6.041, 242.10 def. Castellana, 6.109, 236.92; Janis, 6.046, 241.63 def. Knowles, 6.093, 221.34; Laurita, 6.008, 240.85 def. Fiscus, 6.158, 244.87;
SEMIFINALS — Matusek, 6.062, 241.89 def. Janis, 6.073, 241.54; Farber, 7.994, 126.18 def. Laurita, 10.723, 81.62;
FINAL — Farber, 6.087, 240.51 def. Matusek, 6.971, 152.61.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Point standings (top 10) following the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, the tenth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

1. Doug Kalitta, 902; 2. Antron Brown, 782; 3. Shawn Langdon, 751; 4. Spencer Massey, 652; 5. Steve Torrence, 617; 6. Tony Schumacher, 557; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 535; 8. Brittany Force, 502; 9. Richie Crampton, 464; 10. J.R. Todd, 429.

Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 905; 2. John Force, 640; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., 627; 4. Alexis DeJoria, 619; 5. Del Worsham, 593; 6. Courtney Force, 581; 7. Ron Capps, 571; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 538; 9. Tim Wilkerson, 533; 10. Matt Hagan, 527.

Pro Stock

1. Erica Enders-Stevens, 908; 2. Jeg Coughlin, 753; 3. Allen Johnson, 704; 4. Jason Line, 698; 5. Shane Gray, 651; 6. Vincent Nobile, 617; 7. Dave Connolly, 587; 8. V. Gaines, 487; 9. Chris McGaha, 459; 10. Rodger Brogdon, 390.

Pro Modified

1. Mike Janis, 347; 2. Rickie Smith, 337; 3. Mike Castellana, 328; 4. Steve Matusek, 304; 5. Danny Rowe, 295; 6. Kevin Fiscus, 280; 7. Von Smith, 269; 8. Pete Farber, 244; 9. Steven Whiteley, 207; 10. Troy Coughlin, 199.

EARLIER: Gray, Worsham, Brit Force & Fiscus #1 in Bristol

Adams Performance customer Shane Gray

Adams Performance customer Shane Gray set both ends of the Bristol track record to claim his first career No. 1 Pro Stock qualifying position with a performance of 6.621 at 208.78 during the final session in his Gray Manufacturing Chevy Camaro at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway. Gray will meet Curt Steinbach in the opening round as he pursues his first win of the season. “We are living for today,” Gray said. “I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for my crew. We definitely have the equipment to do what we did today. I’m not going to worry too much until tomorrow and have some fun.”

The reigning Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin qualified in the No. 2 position in his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Dart and will race Kenny Delco in the first round, while points leader Erica Enders-Stevens posted the quickest run of the final qualifying session and moved up to the No. 3 qualifier with a 6.631 at 208.17 in her Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro. She will face Larry Morgan in the opener. Local favorite Allen Johnson, driver of the Mopar/Magneti Marelli Dodge Dart, qualified fifth and will face Dave Connolly in the opening round.

Second-year driver Brittany Force earned the Top Fuel No. 1 qualifying position Saturday. Force claimed her second No. 1 qualifying position of the season by making a 3.828-second pass at 317.94 mph in her Castrol Edge dragster. The sophomore driver is seeking her first career win and says that would be the perfect Father’s Day gift for her 16-time world championship dad, John Force. “[Winning] would be the ultimate Father’s Day present to my dad,” said Force, who is paired against the legendary Chris Karamesines in the first round. “I love coming here to Bristol. It’s one of my favorite tracks by far. It’s just beautiful and green, and I have forgotten how loud it is when you’re standing down here at Thunder Valley. I’m excited for race day, and I would love to end up in the winner’s circle. I think it’s pretty awesome to be running alongside the legendary Greek.”

Optima Batteries dragster driver J.R. Todd qualified second with a 3.835 at 315.12 and will face Terry McMillen in the opening round and seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher, a five-time Bristol winner, qualified third in his U.S. Army dragster with a 3.854 at 330.47 and will meet Billy Torrence in the opener.

In Funny Car, Del Worsham set both ends of the track record with a 3.992 at 319.45 in his DHL Toyota Camry on Friday to earn his second consecutive No. 1 qualifying position at this event. Worsham will face fellow Californian Jeff Arend in the first round of eliminations. It was the second No. 1 of the season for Worsham and 15th of his career. “Every race seems like we’ve gotten stronger and stronger,” the two-time Bristol event winner said. “Hopefully tomorrow we can maintain that strength. It should be a great race against my good friend Jeff Arend tomorrow.”

Tim Wilkerson is the No. 2 qualifier following his career-best elapsed time of 4.013 at 317.72 and will face Bob Tasca in the first round. Three-time Bristol winner Ron Capps qualified third with a run of 4.024 at 316.38 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger. He will race Tony Pedregon in the opening round.

Kevin Fiscus secured the No. 1 qualifying position Saturday in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and then claimed his opening round victory over Jim Bell. Other top seeded first round winners included Mike Castellana, Steve Matusek, and Jim Laurita.

There were several upset winners in the first round, including Pete Farber outrunning No. 4 qualifier Danny Rowe, Dan Stevenson taking out No. 5 qualifier Clint Satterfield, Mike Knowles defeating No. 3 qualifier Don Walsh and Mike Janis beating No. 6 qualifier Steve Whiteley.

Pro Mod eliminations continue Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m. with the following second round pairings: Fiscus vs. Laurita, Farber vs. Stevenson, Castellana vs. Matusek, and Knowles vs. Janis.

Sunday’s first-round pairings for pro eliminations for the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, the tenth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.828 seconds, 317.94 mph vs. 16. Chris Karamesines, 4.485, 190.08; 2. J.R. Todd, 3.835, 315.12 vs. 15. Terry McMillen, 4.444, 238.93; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.854, 330.47 vs. 14. Billy Torrence, 4.161, 240.25; 4. Antron Brown, 3.873, 313.07 vs. 13. Richie Crampton, 3.939, 266.58; 5. Spencer Massey, 3.876, 312.93 vs. 12. Clay Millican, 3.909, 261.42; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.879, 317.34 vs. 11. Bob Vandergriff, 3.904, 321.12; 7. Shawn Langdon, 3.880, 316.75 vs. 10. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.900, 315.42; 8. Doug Kalitta, 3.890, 318.32 vs. 9. Leah Pritchett, 3.898, 309.13.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Pat Dakin, 5.489, 246.48.

Funny Car — 1. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 3.992, 319.45 vs. 16. Jeff Arend, Dodge Charger, 6.460, 100.70; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.013, 317.72 vs. 15. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 5.349, 306.81; 3. Ron Capps, Charger, 4.024, 316.38 vs. 14. Tony Pedregon, Camry, 4.621, 192.66; 4. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.074, 315.27 vs. 13. Justin Schriefer, Chevy Camaro, 4.333, 285.17; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.074, 306.60 vs. 12. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.127, 299.86; 6. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.077, 313.07 vs. 11. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.123, 308.99; 7. John Force, Mustang, 4.099, 306.81 vs. 10. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.121, 305.29; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.111, 308.99 vs. 9. Chad Head, Camry, 4.118, 313.22.

Pro Stock — 1. Shane Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 208.78 vs. 16. Curt Steinbach, Camaro, 6.848, 200.80; 2. Jeg Coughlin, Dodge Dart, 6.621, 208.62 vs. 15. Kenny Delco, Chevy Cobalt, 6.843, 201.82; 3. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.631, 208.17 vs. 14. Larry Morgan, Ford Mustang, 6.822, 205.22; 4. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.636, 208.55 vs. 13. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.690, 207.30; 5. Allen Johnson, Dart, 6.636, 207.85 vs. 12. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.681, 206.35; 6. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.643, 207.94 vs. 11. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.678, 207.53; 7. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.644, 207.53 vs. 10. Shane Tucker, Cobalt, 6.669, 206.86; 8. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.659, 207.85 vs. 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.669, 207.43.
Did Not Qualify: 17. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.883, 201.22.

First round results from the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, the fifth of 10 events in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

ROUND ONE — Jim Laurita, Chevy Camaro, 6.015, 224.14 def. Troy Coughlin, Chevy Corvette, 11.666, 71.74; Steve Matusek, Camaro, 6.025, 238.38 def. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 11.048, 78.76; Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.027, 242.98 def. Steven Whiteley, Camaro, 9.954, 141.33; Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.107, 239.74 def. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 6.228, 242.80; Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 11.178, 88.48 def. Danny Rowe, Camaro, foul; Mike Knowles, Camaro, 6.049, 241.63 def. Don Walsh, Camaro, 6.188, 211.10; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.735, 149.80 def. Von Smith, Camaro, foul; Kevin Fiscus, Ford Mustang, 6.198, 244.43 def. Jim Bell, Camaro, 9.229, 103.74.

EARLIER: Gray, Worsham, Brit Force & Fiscus lead in Bristol

Adams Performance customer Shane Gray topped the Pro Stock field on day 1 of Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals qualifying at Bristol Dragway with a performance of 6.644 seconds at 207.88 mph at the controls of his Gray Manufacturing Chevy Camaro. Gray is seeking his first career No. 1 qualifying position. “I’m thrilled for the program put together by my dad,” Gray said. “It’s a good team bringing the scheme we had last year. If it holds tomorrow, it’s hard to say because you have a tough field out there. It’s a work in progress and anybody’s race.”

Local favorite Allen Johnson was second with a performance of 6.657 seconds at 206.73 mph in his Mopar/Magnetti Marelli Dodge Dart, while his teammate, reigning world champion Jeg Coughlin, was third in his JEGS.com/Mopar Dodge Dart with a pass of 6.657 at 206.64. Pro Stock series leader Erica Enders-Stevens, who reset both ends of the Pro Stock national record (6.464 seconds, 215.55 mph) in Englishtown, is sixth overall after two rounds of qualifying.

Del Worsham raced to the qualifying lead in Funny Car Friday during the rain-shortened day. Persistent rain showers in the area forced NHRA officials to cancel the day’s second session midway through Funny Car’s final attempt.

Worsham, the 2011 Top Fuel world champion, set both ends of the track record in his DHL Toyota Camry with a performance of 3.992 seconds at 319.45 mph. The No. 1 qualifier at Bristol last season, Worsham seeks a third career win at Bristol. “To come back here at Bristol and do it again is pretty exciting,” Worsham said. “The run was smooth and clean. Everybody on the team went after it. This is definitely a great track at Bristol with great fans.”

Worsham has shown championship form this season with two semifinal finishes and one runner-up finish. The veteran California driver, who currently sits in fourth in the points standings, is in position to repeat his winnings ways at Bristol. “We’ve been making some great runs this season,” Worsham said. “It’s bittersweet that a few guys did not get a run because of the rain, but we hope we can continues where we left off tomorrow.”

Tim Wilkerson’s Levi Ray & Shoup Ford Mustang holds the second position with a 4.013 at 317.72. Three-time Bristol winner Ron Capps sits in third with a performance of 4.024 at 316.38 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger.

Brittany Force, the 2013 Auto Club Road to the Future Award winner, set the pace in Top Fuel in her Castrol Edge dragster with a performance of 3.828 at 317.94. “When they told me I was No. 1, I was shocked,” Force said. “It’s unfortunate with the rain, but I’m excited to be on the top of the field.”

The sophomore driver is seeking her second No. 1 qualifying position of the season. J.R. Todd is second with a performance of 3.835 at 315.12 in his Optima Batteries/Bounty Hunter dragster followed by 2012 world champion Antron Brown with a 3.873 at 313.07.

Kevin Fiscus raced to the qualifying lead Friday in the Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the event. Fiscus drove his 2012 Ford Mustang to a top performance of 5.958 seconds at 245.54 mph to lead the category. The Florida native, who earned the No. 1 qualifying position at the most recent event in Englishtown, N.J., is seeking his second No. 1 qualifying position and first career win.

Mike Castellana sits second with a 5.958 at 240.08 in his Al-Anabi Racing ’12 Camaro. Danny Rowe, who was the No. 1 qualifier at Bristol last season, is third with a 5.983 second pass at 240.51 mph in his Agave Underground Tequila Chevy Camaro.

Qualifying continues Saturday with rounds scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations start at noon.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Friday’s qualifying results for the 14th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway, 10th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.828 seconds, 317.94 mph; 2. J.R. Todd, 3.835, 315.12; 3. Antron Brown, 3.873, 313.07; 4. Spencer Massey, 3.876, 312.93; 5. Shawn Langdon, 3.893, 316.75; 6. Leah Pritchett, 3.898, 309.13; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 3.900, 315.42; 8. Clay Millican, 3.909, 261.42; 9. Bob Vandergriff, 3.913, 321.12; 10. Richie Crampton, 3.939, 250.97; 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.969, 292.84; 12. Chris Karamesines, 4.485, 190.08. Not Qualified: 13. Pat Dakin, 4.644, 163.89; 14. Billy Torrence, 4.771, 162.63; 15. Terry McMillen, 5.150, 137.39; 16. Tony Schumacher, 28.000, no speed.

Funny Car — 1. Del Worsham, Toyota Camry, 3.992, 319.45; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.013, 317.72; 3. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.024, 316.38; 4. Robert Hight, Mustang, 4.074, 315.27; 5. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 4.074, 306.60; 6. Courtney Force, Mustang, 4.077, 313.07; 7. John Force, Mustang, 4.099, 306.81; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.111, 308.99; 9. Chad Head, Camry, 4.118, 313.22; 10. Alexis DeJoria, Camry, 4.121, 305.29; 11. Jack Beckman, Charger, 4.123, 308.99; 12. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.127, 299.86. Not Qualified: 13. Bob Tasca III, 4.143, 306.81; 14. Tony Pedregon, 9.230, 72.90; 15. Justin Schriefer, 9.475, 73.52; 16. Jeff Arend, 11.442, 64.41.

Pro Stock — 1. Shane Gray, Chevy Camaro, 6.644, 207.88; 2. Allen Johnson, Dodge Dart, 6.657, 207.37; 3. Jeg Coughlin, Dart, 6.657, 206.64; 4. Jonathan Gray, Camaro, 6.668, 206.89; 5. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.673, 207.02; 6. Erica Enders-Stevens, Camaro, 6.673, 206.86; 7. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.677, 207.21; 8. Rodger Brogdon, Camaro, 6.680, 206.51; 9. Dave Connolly, Camaro, 6.681, 206.07; 10. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.689, 206.92; 11. V. Gaines, Dart, 6.691, 206.54; 12. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.693, 207.18. Not Qualified: 13. Shane Tucker, 6.723, 206.04; 14. Larry Morgan, 6.736, 203.98; 15. John Gaydosh Jr, 6.951, 198.93; 16. Kenny Delco, 7.076, 197.68; 17. Curt Steinbach, 7.562, 158.46.

Pro Modified — 1. Kevin Fiscus, Ford Mustang, 5.958, 245.54; 2. Mike Castellana, Chevy Camaro, 5.958, 240.08; 3. Danny Rowe, Camaro, 5.983, 240.51; 4. Clint Satterfield, Pontiac Firebird, 5.986, 245.90; 5. Steve Matusek, Camaro, 5.992, 241.15; 6. Mike Janis, Camaro, 6.000, 242.32; 7. Dan Stevenson, Camaro, 6.016, 239.19; 8. Pete Farber, Dodge Daytona, 6.018, 241.20; 9. Steven Whiteley, Camaro, 6.021, 241.41; 10. Jim Laurita, Camaro, 6.021, 239.44; 11. Mike Knowles, Camaro, 6.029, 242.28; 12. Von Smith, Camaro, 6.040, 235.84; 13. Jim Bell, Camaro, 6.043, 232.51; 14. Rickie Smith, Camaro, 6.051, 240.81; 15. Kenny Lang, Camaro, 6.062, 237.55; 16. Bill Glidden, Mustang, 6.119, 229.63. Not Qualified: 17. Jimmy Widener, 6.127, 226.85; 18. Harold Martin, 6.159, 234.94; 19. Gary Capano, 6.212, 225.33; 20. Doug Winters, 6.400, 218.37; 21. Troy Coughlin, 6.489, 167.03; 22. Jeff Naiser, 6.503, 173.27; 23. Don Walsh, 7.699, 128.03; 24. Chip King, 7.779, 112.73.