Massey had been plagued by problems in the past events this year but on this pass he must have had a special hand from above as Massey clicked off his best pass since the season opener, a 4.10 at 175 mph and the crowd erupted with celebration, as a few tears hit the pavement in this very emotional tribute. 

The teams returned to their cars and the drivers got strapped in as qualifying in first session resumed. I want to stop for a second and ask you to fasten your seatbelt and strap on your helmet, because the OFAA rocked the house at NSD under the lights and you’ll be blown out of your seat if you’re not ready for this! 

Tom and Phyllis Butherus made the tow from Goddard, Kan., in the “Rude Rat Too” blown Chevy and clicked off a 4.51 at 156 mph to open the action. Next up, Jack Hodgson and Terry Anglin rolled out with side-by-side burnouts. Both left hard and started mixing up cylinders nearing the finish line. Anglin’s car went through the traps at 4.29 at 142 mph then let fly a huge cloud of white smoke at the top end, the unfortunate result of several rods hanging out of the oil pan in the “Psychotic Express” machine. Hodgson’s throttle hung as the car continued to accelerate through the shutdown area. Hodgson did everything he could to get the car shut off and slowed down, making the corner then having a small fire as a fuel line let go during the process and momentarily ignited. Thankfully Hodgson climbed out safely after a great driving job and went back to the pits to prepare for the next session.