In the consolation pairing Wurtzel (far lane) produced his best career numbers in a Top Fuel machine to defeat Paton.

While Gallen took home the Ironman in Funny Car, it was actually Boychuk who had lane choice in the final thanks to the quickest pass in round, but that number couldn't help Boychuk in the final as he ran a 5.899, 231.40, a solid number but still a considerable distance from Gallen's record pace.

Gallen advanced to the final with a 5.975, 239.06 in a round one win over Greg Jacobsmeyer, while Boychuk recorded a 5.897, 233.12.

The great final wrapped up a wild opening evening of Funny Car action as two separate incidents marred an otherwise smooth first round. The first incident involved nitro veteran Rick Krafft who was transported to a local medical center following a mechanical failure just after launch in the "Chicago Fire" Corvette.

Mike McIntire slammed the wall in the "McAttack" Camaro a few hundred feet into his run, sending the car several feet in the air before slamming back to earth. McIntire was treated and released following the accident.

While Krafft and McIntire were unable to continue, the consolation rounds saw former champion Laurie Cannister return to form in a win over John Dunn and Nitro Jam newcomer Troy Martin in the "Chi-Town Hustler" defeated Greg Jacobsmeyer.