Bernstein fastest in NHRA qualifying

August 3, 2002

SONOMA, Calif. The AP reported that defending champion Kenny Bernstein christened the newly renovated drag strip at Infineon Raceway by leading Top Fuel qualifying Friday at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals.

Bernstein drove his dragster to a leading run of 4.610 seconds at 318.47 mph. Three-time Infineon Raceway Top Fuel winner Doug Kalitta was second with a 4.615 at 314.75 in the Mac Tools dragster.

John Force, Jeg Coughlin and Matt Hines also were the top qualifiers.

Force powered to the top spot in Funny Car, driving his Ford Mustang to a 4.898 at 309.20. Del Worsham was a close second in the lineup, covering the distance in 4.899 at 306.40 in a Pontiac Firebird.

Coughlin was quickest in Pro Stock, clocking a track record performance of 6.802 at 201.37 in a Chevy Cavalier.

Hines paced the order in Pro Stock Motorcycle, covering the distance in 7.183 at 186.43 on a Suzuki.