Pomona: Thursday qualifying summary

POMONA, Calif. -- Kenny Bernstein clocked the quickest Top Fuel run Thursday to lead qualifying for the Pep Boys NHRA 50th Anniversary Nationals presented by American Racing Wheels at Pomona Raceway. The $2 million race is the first nighttime drag race held in Southern California in more than 20 years.

Scotty Cannon, George Marnell and Angelle Savoie were the leaders in their respective categories at the 13th of 24 events in the $50 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Howard Haight was the leader in the exhibition nostalgia top fuel category.

Bernstein powered his Budweiser King dragster to a 4.633 second run at 317.64 mph to edge Mike Dunn for the top spot. The NY Yankees dragster driver was second, posting a 4.654 at 320.81. Qualifying continues Friday at 3:30 p.m. for Saturday's eliminations.

"The main thing we were concerned about today was the track conditions and it is coming around pretty good," said Bernstein, referring to the repaved track surface. "Actually, it was better than we thought it was going to be. Everyone was real cautious today, but it's only going to get better tomorrow. Especially tomorrow evening -- I think we'll see some good numbers in that session."

Cannon was quickest in Funny Car, recording a 4.862 at 318.39 in the Oakley Pontiac Firebird. "This is just one run, it's not winning the race," Cannon said. "We've still got some work to do. We need four good runs on Saturday to get the job done."

Marnell paced the Pro Stock lineup, covering the distance in 6.958 seconds at 197.48 mph in a Pontiac Grand Am.

Savoie led Pro Stock Motorcycle, speeding down the quarter-mile in 7.260 at 181.84 on her Team Winston Suzuki.

Haight paced nostalgia top fuel, driving his front-motored dragster to a 6.168 at 215.62.

-NHRA