Langdon tops qualifying in NHRA playoff opener

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Shawn Langdon earned the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel on Saturday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, the first event in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Langdon had a run of 3.807 seconds at 324.12 mph to take his second consecutive No. 1 qualifying position, third of the season and fourth of his career.

“We made a pretty good run on Friday night and got acclimated to a hotter racing surface today,” said Langdon, winless in his Top Fuel career. “I think tomorrow will be a lot like it was today. We have some work to do to run better in the warmer weather.”

Tim Wilkerson topped the Funny Car field, Vincent Nobile took the Pro Stock lead, and Andrew Hines led the Pro Stock Motorcycle class.

Wilkerson had a run of 4.048 at 309.70 for his first top qualifying position of the season and 17th overall. Nobile claimed his first career No. 1 qualifying position with a 6.548 at 211.03, and Hines earned his third No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 33rd overall with a run of 6.851 at 195.82.