Results compiled by Kay Burk - Photos by Richard Muir - Design by Matt Schramel

TOP FUEL

In Top Fuel, Khalid alBalooshi claimed his first victory of the season and second of his career, knocking off No. 1 qualifier Doug Kalitta in the final round in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster. AlBalooshi covered the distance in 3.935 at 271.30 to knock off Kalitta’s Mac Tools dragster, which went 4.215 at 268.54.

Since losing 12 straight times in the first round to open his career a year ago, alBalooshi has responded with three final round and three semifinal appearances. AlBalooshi also secured the seventh spot in the Traxxas NHRA Shootout (the eighth spot will be determined by a fan vote).

“The last race I lost in the first round last year was at this track, and this week I won my first trophy (in 2013) at this track,” alBalooshi said. “I’ve been looking forward to this race for a long time, especially when I was in Englishtown in the final with our teammate (Shawn Langdon).”

Langdon jumped past Tony Schumacher for the Top Fuel points lead, while alBalooshi maintained his
sixth position. Kalitta jumped up to fourth with his first finals appearance of 2013. AlBalooshi beat
defending world champion Antron Brown, Chris Karamesines and Clay Millican to reach the final round,
going as quick as 3.811 and as fast as 320.97.

“From the first week when Shawn won the first race, I’ve been thinking, ‘Oh, I need to be in the Traxxas Shootout. I need to be in the Traxxas Shootout’,” said alBalooshi. “I keep seeing, ‘Oh, there’s only one opening for the Traxxas Shootout, only one.’ When I made the final I knew that whoever won, it would be done, and I’m lucky to finish this deal.”