Torrence takes Top Fuel qualifying lead in NHRA son opener

Published Feb. 8, 2019 8:48 p.m. ET

POMONA, Calif. (AP) — Defending season champion Steve Torrence took the Top Fuel qualifying lead Friday in the season-opening Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway.

Torrence had a run of 3.716 seconds at 330.07 mph in the first qualifying session.

"Really good run to come out of the trailer," Torrence said. "We had a really good test session out in Phoenix and to come out here and pick up where we left off last year was the plan. Being able to come out and do it is a whole different thing and so far, we are doing well. We are just trying to keep with the momentum."

Robert Hight topped the Funny Car field, and Erica Enders was the fastest in Pro Stock. Hight had a 3.871 at 329.67 in a Chevrolet Camaro SS in his second pass of the day, and Enders ran a 6.528 at 212.09 in a Camaro in her first pass.