LAS VEGAS (AP) Erica Enders-Stevens became the first female winner in K&N Horsepower Challenge history, beating Dave Connolly in the Pro Stock bonus event Saturday in the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals.
In the field as a replacement for the sidelined Mike Edwards, Enders-Stevens edged fan-vote winner Connolly with a 6.646-second run at 208.39 mph in her Chevy Camaro. She earned $50,000.
''We've had a great hot rod all year and it really came together for us two weeks ago in Gainesville,'' Enders-Stevens said. ''We set the national record but lost in the final round on a holeshot, so it was great to give something back to my guys.''
In the regular event, Antron Brown earned the top qualifying spot in Top Fuel, Courtney Force led the Funny Car field, and Jeg Coughlin was the fastest in Pro Stock.
Brown secured his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 35th of his career with his 3.768 at 325.14. The Don Schumacher Racing driver took the top position from series points leader Doug Kalitta on the last pass of the final session.
Force set track records in both elapsed time and speed with her run of 4.006 at 325.37 in a Ford Mustang. Coughlin topped the leaderboard after the first day of qualifying with his 6.625 pass at 208.78 in a Dodge Dart and the run held up, giving him his 20th career No. 1 qualifying position and first of the season.
