TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – John Force broke Heartland Park Topeka’s Funny Car time and speed records Friday in rain-shortened qualifying for the NHRA Kansas Nationals.
The 65-year-old Force, the 16-time and defending Funny Car season champion, powered his Ford Mustang to a 4.021-second run at 318.84 mph. he won the season-opening Winternationals for his record 139th victory.
J.R. Todd led the Top Fuel field, and Vincent Nobile took the Pro Stock lead. Teams were only able to get in one of two scheduled qualifying sessions before rain moved in.
Todd had a 3.747 at 322.65, and Nobile finished in 6.601 seconds at 208.71 mph in a Chevy Camaro.
Alexis DeJoria, currently sitting in third in the overall Funny Car standings, is qualified in the third position after her opening run on Friday evening. She is trying to become the 100th overall female winner in an NHRA drag race. DeJoria has won twice already this year (Phoenix, and Las Vegas).