JOLIET, Ill. – John Force topped Funny Car qualifying Friday in the Route 66 NHRA Nationals with a run of 4.035 seconds at 314.02 mph in a Ford Mustang.
The 64-year-old Force raced to his record 135th career victory two weeks ago in Bristol, Tenn., and lost to daughter Courtney Force last week in the final in Epping, N.H.
NHRA officials canceled one of the two qualifying sessions scheduled for Friday because of rain.
"Anytime you come to Chicago you usually have killer conditions and after old (rookie Chad) Head went out there and ran 4.05 we knew it was there," said Force, a three-time winner at this track who has moved from 10th to fifth place in the series standings in the last two weeks. "Anytime you run good you're excited and I ain't had a car that runs like this for a while. Mike Neff (crew chief) and the crew did a great job."
Series leader Matt Hagan was second with a 4.040 at 317.19 in a Dodge Charger, and defending series champion Jack Beckman qualified third in a Charger with a 4.043 at 313.15.
Tony Schumacher led the Top Fuel field, Mike Edwards topped the Pro Stock order, and Scotty Pollacheck led in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Schumacher, from nearby Long Grove, had a run of 3.772 at 325.45, edging Doug Kalitta for the spot by virtue of his faster speed. Kalitta had an identical time at a slower speed of 322.34.
In Pro Stock, series leader Edwards moved into position for his 10th No. 1 of the season and 51st of his career with pass of 6.602 at 208.68 in a Chevy Camaro.
Pollacheck had a 6.929 at 191.24 on a Buell.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.