A torrential downpour and a tornado warning pushed backed the final round of Top Fuel qualifying by more than three hours, but racers, fans, and staff persevered to complete Saturday's activities at the 11th annual Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago. Those who waited were awarded with milestone No. 1 finishes by Melanie Troxel in Funny Car and Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel.
Troxel became the first woman to qualify No. 1 in Funny Car history during an incredible final qualifying session, and Schumacher took the pole position for the 50th time in his career. Prior to the rain, qualifying was completed in the gasoline-powered Professional classes with Jeg Coughlin taking the top seed in Pro Stock and Chris Rivas earning his first No. 1 spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle...
Read Brad Littlefield's full Saturday Recap at NHRA