On the other hand, it was a weekend of redemption for Dan Horan Jr. and his tuner Ron Swearingen (shown). The team seemed to hit on all cylinders from the time they unloaded at Firebird Raceway. Horan led the charge on Friday with a nice 5.93-second run, and continued that pace all the way to Saturday night’s final round of qualifying where Swearingen flexed his crew chief muscles running a 5.83 to take the pole.

Robert Overholser in the “California Hustler.”

A big surprise in the number-two spot was Robert Overholser in the “California Hustler” at 5.86, followed by Kris Krabill at 5.91. Rounding out the top half was Roger Garten in the “War Horse” with a very solid 6.06-second run.

The bottom half of the field were Dennis LaCharite at 6.07, newcomer Cameron Ferre driving for Twig Zeigler at 6.11; Edmonton, Alberta’s favorite son, Tim Boychuk, in seventh at 6.15, and rounding out the field, the quiet and diminutive Mark Sanders also at 6.15.

Those also not making the show but making quality runs all weekend were Tom Padilla, Chris Davis and Wally Giavia.