Michigan Paul Romine qualifying notes

Romine qualifies #3 at CARQUEST Northern Nationals, will face points leader Tommy Johnson Jr. in round one

STANTON, MI -- A year ago Paul Romine and his CARQUEST Top Fuel team came to the CARQUEST Northern Nationals second in points and left with the points lead. Sunday at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, Mi., Romine will have the same opportunity in round one when he faces current IHRA Snap-on Drag Racing Top Fuel points leader Tommy Johnson, Jr. "The points chase between myself and Tommy has been tight for the last two races," Romine said. "We really need a win in round one because there's only three races left after this event and its time to make a move toward the front. I'm really looking forward to the race." Final eliminations for the CARQUEST Northern Nationals are scheduled to begin at 12 noon (EST).

CARQUEST Northern Nationals, Stanton, Mi.. Top Fuel final qualifying 1 Shirley Muldowney 4.696/312.50 (quickest and fastest times ever in IHRA) 2 Pat Dakin 4.750/292.71 3 PAUL ROMINE 4.794/288.21 4 Don Lampus 4.829/305.84 5 Luigi Novelli 4.840/303.16 6 Tommy Johnson Jr. 4.858/288.52 7 Danny Dunn 4.863/286.74 8 Jack Ostrander 4.984/286.56 (quickest field in IHRA history, first 4-second field)

DNQ: Danielle DePorter, David Bieneman, Steve Smith, Jim Bailey, Bruce Litton

Muldowney's numbers: .839/2.144/3.135/251.25/3.979 -->4.696/312.50 ROMINE'S NUMBERS: .843/2.165/3.161/247.84/4.027 -->4.794/288.21