Johnson remains No. 1 in Funny Car at NHRA Carolina Nationals

Tommy Johnson Jr. couldn’t find any more speed from his Funny Car on Saturday at zMax Dragway.

No matter. Neither could anyone else, at least enough to catch Johnson.

Johnson’s first-day pass of 3.971 seconds and 312.42 mph was good enough to make him the top qualifier for Sunday’s elimination rounds at the NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Johnson – one of four Don Schumacher Racing Funny Car drivers in the NHRA’s “Countdown to the Championship” – earned his second No. 1 qualifier award this season and the 12th of his career.

Johnson, third in the Funny Car standings behind DSR teammates Jack Beckman and Matt Hagan, will face Bob Gilbertson in the first round of eliminations.

3 to watch

Clay Millican: Went from not qualifying for U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, to taking first No. 1 qualifier in Top Fuel this season and third of his career. With only 15 cars entered, gets a first-round bye.

Greg Anderson: Stayed on top in Pro Stock qualifying to earn his third No. 1 qualifier award this season and 78th of his career. Will face Wally Stroupe of Grover in first round.

Eddie Krawiec: Final run of 6.851 seconds at 194.38 mph pushed him past Jerry Savoie and into his third No. 1 qualifier award this season in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Will face Angie Smith in first round.

Worth mentioning

▪ Bob Gilbertson of Gastonia, making his first qualifying run of the weekend , had the engine on his Funny Car catch on fire midway through the run. Gilbertson was OK, but qualifying was delayed for 15 minutes as workers cleaned up the track.

▪ Saturday’s qualifying runs were slower than Friday, when the second round was held during the evening hours with track temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s. During Saturday’s runs, track temperatures ranged from 117 degrees to a high of 133.

This story was originally published September 19, 2015 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Johnson remains No. 1 in Funny Car at NHRA Carolina Nationals."