John Force raced to victory in Funny Car on Monday at the rain-delayed finals of the inaugural NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway
Force's second victory of the season came in the first four-lane — instead of the traditional two — event in NHRA history.
He powered his Ford Mustang to a 4.036 second run at a top speed of 316.23 mph to finish ahead of his daughter, Ashley Force Hood, Ron Capps and Matt Hagan. It was Force's 128th career victory.
Cory McClenathan (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were winners in an event that was postponed Sunday because of rain.
The 60-year-old Force, who had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2009, leads the points race by 89.
"This was special, like beating the dragsters at Bristol,'' Force said. "I'm proud of Ashley. She's learned the game.''
McClenathan finished in front of runner-up Doug Kalitta and semifinalists Antron Brown and Doug Herbert. McClenathan, who regained the series points lead with the effort, finished in 3.820 at 319.60 to earn his 33rd career victory and second of the season.
Edwards raced to his third victory of the season and 23rd overall in Pro Stock, holding off Jason Line, Greg Stanfield and Bob Yonke. Edwards finished in 6.596 at 210.05 in a Pontiac GXP.
Local-favorite Smith of nearby King, N.C., raced to his first Pro Stock Motorcycle victory of the season and 11th of his career. He rode his Buell to a 6.973 at 189.84 to finish in front of defending champ Hector Arana, past Charlotte winner Steve Johnson and Michael Phillips.
