NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Mike Castellana locked down the second qualifying position before earning a first round win against Khalid Al Balooshi, extending his day longer than No. 1 qualifier Shane Molinari who dropped his initial match against Pete Farber during the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series portion of the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Points leader Castellana powered to a 6.000-second pass at 246.84 mph in his Al-Anabi Racing Chevrolet Camaro to earn the victory and extend his lead over second place Troy Coughlin, who dropped his first-round matchup. Castellana is set to go up against Jonathan Gray in the quarterfinals.

"We're just happy to get by first round,” Castellana said. “We'll take it one round at a time. Obviously [Troy] went out which is good for us. We'll just keep plugging away. Hopefully we'll build up a bigger lead and go from there."

Danny Rowe will face off with Mike Janis in the quarterfinals, Pete Farber takes on Steve Jackson and Jim Whiteley opposes Chuck Little when eliminations continue on Sunday.

Castellana is currently leading the Pro Mod points standings and has two victories on the year.

J&A Service Pro Mod Series eliminations continue Sunday at 1:50 p.m.