Hard-charging driver Rick Rogers in Smokey’s “Darkside” ’79 Challenger landed in the middle of the Quick 8 with a 6.034 ET at 231.99 mph with their Emery/Rodeck 417. (Paul Schmitz photo)

Donny Watkins drove his “Thunderstruck” Plymouth Arrow, but failed to make it into the Quick 8 running a best of 6.225 ET, tuned by “Big Ray” Gandy. (Paul Schmitz photo)