Damien Harris had an ignition drama on launch that sent his Best Tractor Parts dragster on an unhealthy run with just a 6.36 despite being on the power for most of the way. That pass guaranteed Lamattina a spot in the final, but Harris would have to wait and see what Sheehan would run to know whether he would face Lamattina or have to settle for the consolation final.

The hassles started early for Sheehan’s pass when the car would not go into reverse.