Kalitta, Hagan, Enders, Arana Jr. lead final Norwalk fields
Kalitta powered his Kalitta Motorsports dragster to a track record time of 3.731 seconds at 327.82 mph to earn his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season and the 43rd of his career. Kalitta will face Chris Karamesines in the opening round of eliminations.
“I knew the guys had my car loaded for bear out there and I was just hoping it was going to stick," Kalitta said. “It was great conditions and right now it doesn’t get much better. The track was good. We held on and I can’t say enough about my guys, they’ve been working their tails off with these night sessions. We’re definitely happy to be on top here today."
Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also will lead their categories into Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event just west of Cleveland.
Defending world champ Hagan lowered the Funny Car track record with a 3.973 at 321.96 in his Dodge Charger R/T to claim his third No. 1 of the season and 20th of his career. He will open eliminations against John BoJec.
Defending Pro Stock world champ and event winner Enders claimed her fifth No. 1 of the season and the 17th of her career with a performance of 6.532 at 211.23 in a Chevy Camaro. Enders will race Alan Prusiensky in the first round.
Arana Jr. earned his second No. 1 qualifying position of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle and 18th of career with his Friday run of 6.868 at 196.50 on a Buell. He will meet Angie Smith in the opener.