Epping Friday qualifying summary

Canadians Dominate Friday Qualifying at IHRA North American Nationals; Nobile Establishes Quickest-ever Sunoco Pro Stock Lap

EPPING, N.H. - (9-10-2004) - Canadians Rick DiStefano and Rob Atchison were the tops in their respective classes following the first day of qualifying for the Amalie Oil IHRA North American Nationals hosted by New England Dragway in Epping, NH. Sunoco Pro Stock racer John Nobile also unofficially established a new class record in the single session.

DiStefano, of Calgary, Alberta, paced the Pro Modified division with a track record 6.146, 230.80 in a supercharged Corvette. He was closely trailed by the nitrous team of Shannon Jenkins (6.173) and Mike Castellana (6.192).

Another Canadian, Al Billes sat on the bump spot with an off-pace 9.450.

Atchison, of London, Ontario, was the quickest of the Funny Car drivers as he nailed down a 5.806, 237.30. Caledonia, New York-based Jim Sickles was second with a 5.884.

In Sunoco Pro Stock, Nobile obliterated the track record by nearly .07 seconds as he blasted out a 6.453, eclipsing Brian Gahm's 2003 best, a 6.526. The Long Island, New York-based driver also posted a new track speed record with a 214.52.

Robert Patrick was second with a 6.478, 212.83 that edged the 6.40 assaults of Brian Gahm (6.479) and Frank Gugliotta (6.496).

Qualifying continues tomorrow with professional sessions scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m.

-ihra-