NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta powered to the provisional No. 1 position Friday at Brainerd International Raceway, leading a strong opening night of qualifying at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals.

Kalitta covered the 1,000-foot course in 3.705 seconds at 340.30 mph, separating himself from the field and putting the defending event winner in position to secure his latest No. 1 qualifier of the season. Kalitta, who won at Brainerd last year, is seeking his fourth victory at the fan-favorite Minnesota facility.

“I had a lot of confidence in Alan [Johnson] and in our ability to get to the top,” Kalitta said. “The car left well, pulled hard and stayed nice and straight. It was a good, solid run for us.” Kalitta credited crew chief Johnson and the strength of his Mac Tools team for providing him with a car capable of delivering another standout performance.

“I’ve got the best crew behind me,” Kalitta said. “With Alan Johnson building these cars and the performance he gets from his engines, I couldn’t be more fortunate to be in the situation I’m in.” Brainerd has been a special place for the Kalitta family for decades, and this year’s event carries added significance with Kalitta’s son, Mitch, making his Top Alcohol Dragster debut with Randy Meyer Racing.

“Brainerd is a special place,” Kalitta said. “Connie has had a lot of success here, and it has been a good family place for us to race.”

Reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock delivered Friday’s quickest run in the category, powering to a 3.893 at 329.91 mph. Prock, who won the Brainerd event last season, also collected the $4,000 bonus and Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge lane choice with the run.

“We figured if we ran between an .87 and an .89, we’d have a pretty good shot at being the No. 1 qualifier—and we did that,” Prock said. “It was a good way to end my birthday here in Brainerd.” The run also gave Prock could position him for a first-round bye Sunday if the top spot holds through Saturday’s two qualifying sessions.

“That was a huge run—to win the $4,000, win the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, earn lane choice, become the provisional No. 1 qualifier and potentially get a bye in the first round,” Prock said. Prock also praised the enthusiastic Brainerd crowd, which welcomed the Funny Car teams back toward the pits following the final session.

“I absolutely love racing here because the fans are so intense,” Prock said. “When we rode back in front of the grandstands, the place was going absolutely nuts. As a professional race car driver, there’s nothing cooler than seeing everybody on their feet.”

In Pro Stock, Matt Latino produced the biggest surprise of opening night, driving his Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.588 at 207.21 mph. If the position holds, it will give Latino the first No. 1 qualifier of his young Pro Stock career. The performance was especially rewarding after a left-front brake problem prevented Latino from making a run during the opening session.

“To come back after not making a pass in Q1 and go to the No. 1 spot in such a tight field is an incredible feeling,” Latino said. Latino entered Brainerd determined to strengthen his position before the Countdown to the Championship and continue his pursuit of a first career Pro Stock victory.

“If I could sweep this race with the No. 1 qualifier and the win, that would be huge—especially considering how tight the points are,” Latino said. “I’m having fun, don’t get me wrong, but that isn’t why I’m here. I’m here to win.”

Kalitta, Prock and Latino will attempt to hold their provisional No. 1 positions when qualifying continues at noon CT Saturday at Brainerd International Raceway.