Kalitta leads Top Fuel qualifying

Sunday, Oct. 24, 1999 | 11:41 a.m.

Tony Schumacher posted the top speed of the second session, earning the Budweiser Qualifying bonus of $2,500, which will be donated to the charity of the team's choice. Schumacher was second in the qualifying order with a 4.557 at 326.91.

Tommy Johnson Jr., Tom Martino and Mark Osborne also were qualifying leaders in their respective pro categories at the $1.8 million race, the 20th of 22 events in the $40 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

Johnson, driver of the Interstate Batteries Pontiac Firebird, covered the distance in 4.857 at 316.45 to pace the Funny Car order.

Martino powered his Pontiac Firebird to the front of the Pro Stock lineup, running 6.900 at 199.29, just edging local favorite Bruce Allen, who was a tick off the pace, running 6.906 at 199.51.

Osborne earned his third No. 1 qualifying award of the season and led Pro Stock Truck competitors into two rounds of eliminations on Saturday. Osborne claimed the top spot with a track record elapsed time of 7.574 at 177.86.

Qualifying continued Saturday for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock competitors.

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