Doug Herbert set the pace on Friday in Top Fuel qualifying for the 20th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.
Herbert (Snap-on Tools), who is seeking his first top-qualifying effort since Dallas in 2005, covered the quarter-mile drag strip in 4.556 seconds (315.64 mph) during the second round of qualifying, which was cut short by a 10 p. m. track curfew. There will be two more rounds of qualifying on Saturday, with Sunday’s final eliminations set to begin at noon.
The effort highlighted a blistering day on the Sonoma Valley drag strip, as three track records were shattered. The cool temperatures and the track’s proximity to sea level created near-perfect conditions for racing.
“We’re happy the Snap-on Tools dragster is No. 1 for now, ” Herbert said. “When we ran, I think everything was optimum. It was very good. It gets a little cold, but you’ve just got to keep your car going straight. “
Herbert was followed in qualifying by Melanie Troxel (Vietnam Veterans/POW-MIA) at 4.561 (326.63) and Tony Schumacher (U. S. Army) at 4.575 (324.90). Top Fuel points leader Rod Fuller (Peterson Caterpillar) was last in qualifying (18th) at 5.364 (158.61).
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