Ron Capps Top Qualifier Phoenix NHRA Nationals

Ron Capps and his NAPA Auto Parts Charger took the top qualifier spot during Friday’s qualifying session for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 25th annual Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ. The weather for this weekend’s event has been great, unlike the season opener at Pomona. The high temperature for Sunday’s race is forecast to be 78 degrees and overcast, with high barometric pressure. A cool track with the forecasted weather should lead to some extremely fast runs.

The only car that didn’t make the field was Bob Bode’s Alard Machine Products Impala.

Racing Broadcast Schedule

02/22/2009 Repeat Qualifying 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET - ESPN2
02/22/2009 Eliminations 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM ET - ESPN2
02/25/2009 Repeat Eliminations 3:00 AM - 5:00 AM ET - ESPN2

Qualifying Results and First Round Eliminations Pairings
Driver Team E.T. / MPH
1. Ron Capps NAPA Auto Parts Charger 4.023 305.63
16. Jeff Arend DHL Solara 4.196 301.74

2. Mike Neff JFR/Ford Mustang 4.050 309.06
15. Gary Densham Asombroso Tequila Impala 4.165 296.50

3. John Force Castrol GTX Mustang 4.069 306.53
14. Tim Wilkerson Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang 4.148 297.09

4. Del Worsham Al-Anabi Racing Solara 4.072 305.22
13. Cruz Pedregon Advance Auto Parts Solara 4.135 296.05

5. Robert Hight AAA of So. Cal Mustang 4.077 303.71
12. Ashley Force Hood Castrol GTX Mustang 4.129 301.40

6. Tony Pedregon Quaker State Impala 4.104 295.72
11. Jack Beckman Valvoline/MTS Charger 4.125 301.40

7. Bob Tasca III Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang 4.106 301.94
10. Jerry Toliver Canidae Pet Food Monte Carlo 4.122 302.08

8. Matt Hagan Brakesafe Charger 4.106 300.20
9. Jim Head Team Strange Apparel Solara 4.116 299.06