Ron Capps took provisional No. 1 in Funny Car qualifying at the NHRA Finals in Pomona, while rookie Maddi Gordon set a track speed record in Top Fuel. Weather delays limited Friday’s qualifying, leaving both drivers’ positions subject to change when sessions resume Saturday.

By the Numbers
  • Capps ran 3.894 seconds at 331.53 mph.
  • Gordon ran 3.679 seconds at 342.11 mph, setting the track’s Top Fuel speed record.
  • A Saturday qualifying session is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Yes, But

Capps is provisionally No. 1, but expects faster track conditions Saturday and says he’ll need to improve to hold the position. Gordon’s record-setting run has her second behind reigning Top Fuel champion Doug Kalitta.

State of Play
  • Rain delays prevented the nitro categories from making another Friday run.
  • Championships are on the line at the season-ending event, with qualifying continuing Saturday.
  • Capps and Paul Lee are scheduled to race side by side in the first session, with cars honoring Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen’s 1976 Funny Cars.
What's Next

Saturday’s qualifying runs will determine whether Capps can keep the provisional top spot and where Gordon starts in the Top Fuel field, as teams make their final moves of the season.

Bottom Line

Capps made the most of a single qualifying shot, while Gordon delivered the day’s headline performance. With limited runs and championships at stake, Saturday’s improved track conditions could reshuffle the field.