IHRA: Northern Nationals damp, but underway

Despite intermittent rain that cut Friday's two Pro qualifying sessions to one, that single session at the IHRA Northern Nationals suggested that Saturday's racing is going to be a suitable season finale for the IHRA Drag Racing Series.

Billy Harper has already locked up the Pro Modified championship, which is good because he is facing some tough competition here at U.S. 131 Motorsports Complex in Martin, Michigan. Harper qualified third behind Rickie Smith and Billy Glidden, a pair of drag racing legends. Smith set a blistering time of 5.83313 at 247.25 mph.

In Pro Stock, Trevor Eman set fast time at 6.3835 at 219.19 mph. In Nitro Funny Car, Jason Rupert was fastest at 5.5783 at 259.22 mph. And in Nitro Motorcycle, Tracy Kile was fastest at 6.4121 at 219.08 mph.

There's a genuine possibility of a record-setting Saturday. Stay tuned for updates.