NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

They didn’t reach the winner’s circle at the Countdown to the Championship opener in Charlotte, but Ron Capps, Tommy Johnson Jr., and Andrew Hines were still winners as far as the points were concerned as each improved their position in the battle for season championships.

Johnson Jr., runner-up in Funny car, picked up three spots, from seventh to fourth, while incoming points leader Ron Capps used a semifinal finish to increase is points lead over the challengers. Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Hines also was a runner-up in Charlotte, but thanks to a load of upsets behind him, nonetheless strengthened his hold on the points lead.

From the Wally Parks NHRA Studio, Lewis Bloom and Amanda Busick checked in with Indy bureau chief John Kernan for the behind-the-numbers stories.