JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - John Force topped Funny Car qualifying Friday night at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals.
The 63-year-old Force powered his Ford Mustang to a 4.050-second run at 310.77 mph during the first of two night qualifying sessions for the event. The 15-time champ won the season-opener race in Pomona, Calif.
``This is simple. I'm a 15-time champ,'' Force said. ``I owe sponsors and fans better than what I have been giving them last year and this year. I know what the game is. We've showed some consistency lately, but not much to be excited about.''
Antron Brown led the Top Fuel division, Allen Johnson topped the Pro Stock field, and Hector Arana Sr. had the Pro Stock Motorcycle lead.
In Top Fuel, Brown cruised to the top of the order with a 3.773 at 322.50. Johnson led Pro Stock with a 6.597 at 209.26 in a Dodge Avenger, and Arana Sr. paced the two-wheel category at 6.915 at 192.22 on a Buell.
