Rain caused a delay in Wednesday’s qualifying at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, but after the weather improved, the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge and other categories resumed their sessions. Steve Comella from Webster, N.Y., secured the top HEMI Challenge spot with an impressive 8.291-second pass at 161.04 mph in his 1968 Barracuda. Close competitors included Jason Line of North Carolina and Jimmy Daniels from Pennsylvania, who posted runs of 8.309 and 8.331 seconds, respectively. In the Competition Eliminator, Doug Engels led with a 7.264-second run at 180.45 mph, significantly under his index, followed by Donald Thomas and Rodger Brogdon.

In Top Dragster, Kevin Thorp from Texas clocked in a leading 6.114-second run at 212.86 mph, narrowly ahead of Al Kenny and Blake Peavler. Top Sportsman saw Bob Mandell III take provisional No. 1 with a 6.230-second pass in his ’55 Bel Air, followed closely by Darian Boesch in a Camaro.

As the event progresses, eliminations in Stock and Super Stock classes are set to continue Thursday, alongside more qualifying sessions for various categories, leading into the weekend. The competition is tightening as participants strive for favorable positions in the standings.



Source: competitionplus.com