NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Todd Tutterow walked away from a crash at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals in Topeka, but his car was not so lucky. He’s driving a car formerly driven by Mike Castellana at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and made the most of it on his first qualifying pass. The machine went to the quarter mile in 5.774-seconds at 248.66 mph to lead the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by J&A Services field. 

That was an incredible accomplish regardless of context. Adding in five-day turnaround makes it even more spectacular, and the crew showed their emotion after the number flashed on the scoreboard. Tutterow is in first after the first of four qualifying sessions by .032-second over Castellana. The second session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and can be watched live on NHRA.tv. 

RELATED: Pro Mod Q1 Detailed Results

Bob Rahaim sits on the bump spot with an 8.710-second hit. Despite great conditions, particularly given how swampy it can be in Bristol, many cars failed to make successful passes. 11 cars are in the 5-second zone, with Harry Hruska’s unique car holding down that end of the bargain with a 5.991. Clint Satterfield is on the other end with a 6.165. 

Brandon Snider, Sidnei Frigo and Stevie “Fast” Jackson all made strong runs in the 5.80s. Jackson’s run in particular, as a blown car, is impressive as those machines have struggled to make power in the high-altitude environment of Bristol.  
Jose Gonzalez, Mike Janis, Steve Matusek, Eric Latino and Alex Laughlin still have work to do in order to get into the show with three sessions left to go. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday morning following Top Fuel and Funny Car.