Indy ORP: Series Pro Mod Friday report

BURGESS LEADS NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD QUALIFYING AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS

CLERMONT, Ind. -- Roger Burgess raced to the qualifying lead in the Get Screened America Pro Mod portion of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Friday at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.

Burgess powered his ProCare Rx '68 Camaro to the front of the 16-car field with a performance of 5.926 seconds at 244.74 mph.

Burgess won the Pro Mod race here one year ago, when it was an exhibition event. Now he's hoping to defend his victory since the category has become an official NHRA touring series.

"Last year was a nice win for us but it didn't result in a Wally, so we're hoping to get one of those this time," Burgess said. "Al (Billes, crew chief) got the tune-up right and we pretty much went straight down the track. We may have left a little in there so that gives us something to shoot for the rest of the weekend. We want to shoot for consistency and I think the weather tomorrow should give everyone a chance to improve. If conditions get better, we'll all get quicker."

Troy Coughlin was second in his Team JEGS '68 Camaro with a 5.928 at 238.51 and veteran driver Rickie Smith was third overall in his '68 Camaro with a 5.958 at 237.75. Series points leader Von Smith, who has earned three victories this season in his Barwa '68 Camaro was fourth with a 5.975 at 241.80.

Get Screened America Pro Mod Series qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 2:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

-source: nhra