FUNNY CAR

The Funny Car field was still at the traditional 16-car field, however the overall car count was down dramatically from past years. Only 22 Nitro Funny Cars were on the grounds, compared to past years when there were well north of 30 cars on the grounds trying to get into the 16-car field.

Session 1

Steve Densham in the “Teacher’s Pet”. (Paul Schmitz photo)

Round one of qualifying was headed by reigning champion Steven Densham 5.64/253.99. Densham’s car, for whatever reason, was wanting to get in on the Sorokin, Ed Jones fun by carrying the front wheels a foot in the air for nearly 500 feet down track on each run.

In the second slot was Dan Horan at 5.72/252.33. In the third position was the incomparable James Day at the helm of Gary Turner’s “Pedaler” flopper at 5.78/250.64.

On the bump it was Marc White at the wheel of Frank and Debra Ousley’s “Crop Duster" Monza at 9.77-87.31

Session 2

Cory Lee (Paul Schmitz photo)

Densham’s Q1 time stood up to keep the top spot, Horan’s time also stood for the second slot. However, the number-three position was taken over by Cory Lee driving the Ron Swearingen-tuned “California Hustler” Trans Am at 5.73/255.97.

Rian Konno took the bump spot at 6.08-220.58 in his bright yellow Mustang.

One of the big names on the not yet qualified list was “The Cruzer” Cruz Pedregon.