70-year-old John Force leads NHRA Funny Car qualifying

Published Jun. 14, 2019 9:33 p.m. ET

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — John Force topped Funny Car qualifying Friday night in the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

The 70-year-old Force had a 3.911-second run at 326.95 mph in a Chevrolet Camaro SS in the second session.

"We're learning and I really thought that there would be a number of cars that would step up," the 16-time season champion said. "Especially Jimmy Prock (Robert Hight's crew chief) and I thought he would run an .88 or something. Our car went though, and it was really hunting down there. Tomorrow is a new day but I'm excited for my guys. It's a good race car and I'm proud to drive it. I'm learning about it and at my age I thought I knew everything about it."

Doug Kalitta led in Top Fuel with a 3.755 at 324.67 during the second round.