Rain has forced the postponement of the NHRA Auto Plus Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway but not before current Top Fuel points leader, Antron Brown was able to set a new NHRA elapsed time record.
Brown blistered down the track in a time of 3.722 seconds during his charge towards the semi-finals.
Brandon Bernstein and Khalid alBalooshi also made it through to the semis with Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta to face off when racing resumes tomorrow.
Australian pilot, Dave Grubnic set the pace in qualifying, heading the field for the first time since 2008. He was eliminated in a shock opening round by unheralded Ike Maier after striking trouble during his run. Grubnic’s qualifying time – 3.728 seconds – had set the new national record prior to Brown’s run.
The opening round of Funny Car and Pro Stock were both completed, the big news coming from the opening Pro Stock round. Jason Line posted the second-quickest and third-fastest run in history in the opening round with a 6.482 second pass at 343.82kph (213.64 mph).