NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Terry McMillen, who made his first career 3.6-second pass at the Winternationals, improved on that career-best by a thousandth of a second with a 3.695 to take over the Top Fuel qualifying lead after two sessions.

Jordan Vandergriff made an impressive official first run, clocking a strong 3.726, quicker even than his unprecedented 3.738 licensing pass made three weeks ago at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, for the provisional No. 2 spot. Billy Torrence earned the final qualifying bonus point with a 3.734.

Scott Palmer, driving for event sponsor Magic Dry, had a good pass going with a best-of-session .815 60-foot time (McMillen’s .825 was next best) before running into tire shake. Defending world and event champ Steve Torrence, who did not run in Friday’s session, shook hard and coasted to a 7.891 and sits 15th with one session remaining.

Qualifying order after Q2:

[Q1 recap]