NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The 2016 Countdown to the Championship kicked off with an action-packed weekend of racing at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock), and Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle) got their Countdowns started off on a high note, going the distance on Sunday and earning the Wally in their respective classes, but what was the highlight of the event? Pick your favorite:

• Several Countdown players make early exits in big upsets by non-Countdown players Wayne Newby, Cameron Ferre, Pat Dakin, John Bojec, Karen Stoffer, Jim Underdahl, and Steve Johnson.
• Antron Brown extends his Top Fuel points lead when he beats No. 2 points player Doug Kalitta in the Top Fuel final.
• After smashing the track speed record with a 331.04-mph shot, John Force wins Funny Car, moving from eighth to third in points.
• Jason Line defeats Greg Anderson as KB Racing returns to early-season form, qualifying No. 1 and recording a win and runner-up finish.
• Chip Ellis wins his first Pro Stock Motorcycle Wally since 2008, outrunning points leader Andrew Hines in the final round.