The semi-finals got underway as Terry Brian and Brad Rigler lined up a pair of heavy hitting blown alcohol machines.  Brian hoping to continue to go rounds, keeping his points lead over Jones and Marriott, while Rigler searched to capitalize on his top qualifying effort and career best performance in first round with a trip to the finals.  The cars laid down side by side burnouts and moved into the pre-stage bulbs.  Brian bumped into the stage beam and Rigler moved in but just enough to flicker the bottom bulb.  With automatic start in effect, Rigler was timed out and given a red light as he tried to get the car completely pulled in the beams.  The ambers flashed in Brian’s lane and he blasted through the traps with a 4.28 at 162 mph to advance to the final.

In the final pair of the round, Jimmy Jones squared off with Bobby Marriott.  Jones had a tenth of a second advantage off the line and led Marriott to the stripe.  Despite Jones getting way out of shape at the top end, his 4.02 at 176 mph got the nod over Marriott’s close 4.05 at 183 mph.  The 183 mph lap by Marriott earned him then Napa Auto Parts Top Speed Bonus as Jones advanced to his second final of the season in search of his second win and possible points lead, while Terry Brian looked to secure his second straight win and maintain his lead in the standings.

Semi-Final Round Results:

(W) Terry Brian (.414 rt) 4.28 @ 162 vs. (L) Brad Rigler (No Time)
(W) Jimmy Jones (.097 rt) 4.02 @ 176 vs. (L) Bobby Marriott (.194 rt) 4.05 @ 183