Ron Muncy and Chuck Rearick lined up to start eliminations in a battle of veteran wheelmen. Muncy, as usual, drilled his opponent on the tree and clicked off an 8.13 at 168 mph to take the win over Rearick’s 8.34 at 145.

Steve Dunkin in “Foolish Pleasure” was out next and soloed to a 7.99 at 160-mph pass to advance over Joe Scarlata who broke on the line. Both “Foolish Pleasure” cars were moving on to the second round.

Thomas Hixson lined up with Kenny Stroud as the first round continued. Stroud had the advantage off the line but Hixson quickly closed the gap to take the win with an 8.11 at 166 to Stroud’s 8.65 at 151 mph.

Number-two qualifier Ken Hawkins laid down a strong 7.51 at 175 mph to knock out newbie Tony Lee’s 9.14 at 138 mph. Hawkins posted a semifinal finish in last year’s State Championships and was looking good as he moved to the second round.

Tulsa winner and defending series Champion, Richard Brady.