The fifth event of the American drag racing series, which features an unusual format, brought victory in one of the classes to the driver from Europe. Meanwhile, the sixth NHRA event will be held this weekend already. What is the overall picture before the next round of the fastest racing championship on our planet?
Previous NHRA event was held in Charlotte at the unique venue with four-lane dragstrip which offers racing in quads instead of pairs which are traditional for drag racing. A remarkable event happened for the first time in the more than 60-year NHRA history — victory in one of the classes was scored by a driver from Europe!
Jimmy Alund from Sweden needed just two runs to defeat American drivers and win one of the NHRA events! Multiple drag racing champion in Europe was the best in Pro Stock class in Charlotte. In the final round, behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Camaro, he managed to defeat the most remarkable American drivers in this class — four-time champion Greg Anderson, Shane Gray, Vincent Nobile, and the recent Las Vegas winner Erica Enders-Stevens.
He became only fourth non-American winner in the NHRA history and the first European driver to come off with flying colours in American drag racing. “Since I got here the very first time, I didn’t feel pressure,” Alund admitted. “I knew they gave me a great race car and if I did my best that I could do much more”.
Though Alund took part in just two events this season, this victory allowed him to break in the top ten in the overall standings straight away. In the meantime, Erica Enders-Stevens (426 points) is still leading in the series standings. Jason Line (384) and Allen Johnson (370) make the top three in Pro Stock class.
The 2012 champion Antron Brown celebrated his second season’s victory in the most powerful Top Fuel class. It was his first career win in Charlotte. In the final round he defeated qualifier Shawn Langdon, J.R. Todd, and Doug Kalitta. Nevertheless, it is Kalitta who is still leading in the championship standings. He has 485 points while Brown has just 460 points. Steve Torrence (347) is taking third position.
For the second year in a row Robert Hight claimed victory in the Funny Car class in Charlotte which allowed him to pass John Force in the overall standings. Before the beginning of the sixth event Hight has 488 points vs. 453 points scored by the 16-time champion. Alexis DeJoria (375) makes the top three.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle class the legendary Harley-Davidson is back to victory path — Andrew Hines on an H-D bike won the event in Charlotte which allowed him to get in the lead in the series standings.
However, the main championship battle is yet to unfold. The sixth 2014 NHRA event will be held in Houston this weekend. As usually, you will be able to enjoy watching the battle between the fastest racing drivers on the Viasat Sport channel. Qualifying will be broadcast on Saturday at 08:30 AM (MSK); eliminations — at 10:00 AM (MSK).
Photo: dragillustrated.com, dragracingonline.com, racingjunk.com