CDR: 2009 Funny Car Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals Elim #1

COMMERCE, Ga. - SUMMIT FastNews - Results of round 1 eliminations in Funny Car at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, 29th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals:

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	8	L	Matt HAGAN	Charger	0.090	4.012	292.3
L	9	R	Jack WYATT	Firebird	0.109	No Time	N/A

Matt Hagan had an easy drive to the quarterfinals as Jack Wyatt did not get very before his car gave up on him after a sluggish start.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	10	R	Cruz PEDRAGON	Solara	0.083	4.360	288.5
L	7	L	Bob TASCA III	Mustang	0.090	4.477	294.5

Bob Tasca III exits in the opening round for the first time this season as both men duel for the first time this year. Both drivers started well but Cruz Pedragon started edging away from then on to take victory.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	6	L	Tim WILKERSON	Mustang	0.102	4.419	291.0
L	11	R	John FORCE	Mustang	0.098	No Time	N/A

A rematch from the last event saw the result reversed as John Force was victim to the second big vehicle malfunction today, leaving Tim Wilkerson to ease home.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	12	R	Mike NEFF	Mustang	0.122	4.721	294.5
L	5	L	Jeff AREND	Solara	0.081	9.775	80.0

Another rematch, with the two meeting back in the third event of the season, and another role reversal due to mechanical troubles.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	1	L	Ron CAPPS	Charger	0.085	4.303	311.8
L	16	R	Jack BECKMAN	Charger	0.085	9.095	95.5

Jack Beckman goes 0-4 in racing this season as he had to shut her down before reaching the halfway point of what was a very even contest up to that point. Ron Capps remains the highest seed.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	2	L	Tony PEDRAGON	Impala	0.094	4.353	305.5
L	15	R	Bob BODE	Impala	0.119	11.944	30.5

Having met twice in the opening two rounds this year, it would not be third time lucky for Bob Bode. Tony Pedragon's time was not spectacular but a slow start from his opponent sealed the contest before the massive blowout.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	4	L	Robert HIGHT	Mustang	0.099	4.890	277.0
L	13	R	Brian THIEL	Monte Carlo	N/A	No Start	N/A

The unbeaten finalist one event ago cruises home after Brian Thiel failed to get off the line as the right-hand lane proves to have some voodoo hex on it. Not that Robert Hight will mind.

W/L	#	L	Driver	Car	R/T	E.T.	Speed
W	14	R	Bob GILBERTSON	Stratus	0.096	4.279	290.5
L	3	L	Ashley FORCE-HOOD	Mustang	0.094	5.182	276.3

Two of the more recognisable names in the class met for the first time, and maybe the right-hand curse was lifted. Force-Hood got away with her opponent but was unable to keep the power past the tree and could only watch as Bob Gilbertson went on to win.

Second Elimination Round Schedule (Asterisk indicates fastest driver in previous round and gets the lane choice)
(1) Ron Capps vs Matt Hagan (8)*
(2)* Tony Pedragon vs Cruz Pedragon (10) 
(4) Robert Hight vs Mike Neff (12)*
(6) Tim Wilkerson vs Bob Gilbertson (14)*