Mike Edwards in his Pro Stock Camaro also led qualifiers with his 6.528 ET at 212.39 mph going into Sunday’s eliminations at the newly christened NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season-opener. Edwards took the top spot in Pro Stock for the 42nd time in his Interstate Batteries/I Am Second Chevy Camaro. 

“I’m ecstatic and real proud of my guys,” Edwards said. “We did a phenomenal job. It’s going to be interesting tomorrow and we’ll see what happens but real proud. I think you’ll see some real good runs by the Pro Stockers on Sunday, this is an exciting way to start the season.”

Veteran driver V. Gaines qualified second in his Kendall Oil Avenger with a performance of 6.538 ET at 211.49 mph. Defending Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson qualified 10th for his first event in the 2013 season.