NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

T.J. Zizzo stunned everyone by powering his Rust-Oleum dragster to the No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Fuel with a sizzling pass of 3.762.

Zizzo, a part-time campaigner in the Mello Yello Series, followed his strong 3.872 opening pass Friday with a field topper. Zizzo, of Lincolnshire, Ill., has never been the No. 1 qualifier in his career.

Winternationals champ Doug Kalitta joined Zizzo in the 3.7-second zone with a run of 3.776 in his Mac Tools dragster while Brittany Force had the round’s third-best run with a 3.800.

Eighteen drivers tried to make the field today with Cameron Ferre’s 4.084 ending up in the 16th spot and Lex Joon and Pat Dakin on the outside looking in with two qualifying sessions to go Saturday.

[Q1 recap]