Session 2

Tony Bartone (Paul Schmitz photo)

Round two of qualifying seemed to get things back, somewhat to normal. Both Bartone and Sorokin jumped into the field. Bartone making the biggest jump from ninth to the pole running a very stout 5.67/212.39 run. Once again the relatively low mile per hour indicating that Bartone was following crew chief Steve Boggs’ modus operandi, shutting off very early on the run.

Sorokin got into the eight-car field with a 5.92-second run sporting new A-arms and new chrome front wheels. (Which look nicer.)

Session 3

Round three of qualifying played out under very overcast skies and cool breezy winds. This did not affect the track conditions. That showed with the performances of the cars on track.

The final eight cars to make the program were headed by Rick White 5.56/254.04., reportedly, the third quickest time recorded in Top Fuel history. Right behind White was Bartone at 5.62/233.84, followed by Jimmy Young at 5.733/243.11. Rounding out the top half was Bill Dunlap at 5.738/243.33.

The bottom half of the field was headed up Santa Rosa’s own Jim Murphy at 5.76/254.33. Rick Williamson in the Team Craig car was next at 5.79/203.19. Dusty Green at 5.80/252.43 was in the seven hole, and on the bump at 5.86/207.21 was Sorokin.