John Force powered to the Funny Car top qualifying position at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. Richie Crampton (Top Fuel) Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took the top qualifying spot in their respective categories.
“We always know we can run better at night when conditions cool down,” said Force.
Force ran a 4.022 seconds at 319.52 mph to take the top spot. Cruz Pedregon was right behind with the same time of 4.022 and a speed of 314.02.
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Erica Enders-Stevens continues her recent dominance at Gateway. She has won the Pro Stock race the past two years at Gateway.
“I’ve just always liked coming here,” said Enders-Stevens. “When they brought the races back here in 2012, we were able to win then and in 2013 as well. We’re hoping for a three-peat this year.”
Enders-Stevens’ top pass came in the first qualifying session, and she was hoping for an even quicker run in Q2.
“After that first session we were pleased with the numbers we saw up on the board,” Enders-Stevens said.
Enders-Stevens was quickest in the second session (6.413 seconds at 212.26 mph), earning six bonus points total on Friday. She came to Gateway fourth in the points standings after two of the six Countdown to the Championship races, trailing leader Jason Line by 59 points.
Round Two NHRA race action at Gateway Motorsports Park begins Saturday with sessions 1:15 and 3:45 pm. Sunday’s Final Eliminations are set for 11 am. To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Gateway Motorsports Park at (855) RACE-TIK (722-3845) or visit www.gatewaymsp.com.
Photos by Larry Vancil
Story by Kevin Proot
St. Louis Motor Racing News