Langdon, Kalitta Pace Toyota in Brainerd NHRA Qualifying; Brown, Todd Clinch Playoff Berths

BRAINERD, MN – Shawn Langdon qualified sixth in Funny Car, while Doug Kalitta was seventh in Top Fuel to lead Toyota in preparation for Sunday’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

In addition, both Antron Brown and J.R. Todd clinched their berths for the Countdown to the Playoffs by qualifying for Sunday’s event. Brown will be looking for his fourth Top Fuel world title, while Todd is the reigning Funny Car world champ.

Langdon ran a 3.935-second pass at 318.02 mph to earn the sixth spot. It marks the fourth time in the last five races that he’s qualified in the top six. The 2013 Top Fuel world champ will open eliminations up with Paul Lee on Sunday.

Todd qualified tenth with a 3.963 to clinch his playoff berth. He will face Ron Capps in eliminations.

In Top Fuel, Kalitta registered a 3.768-second run on Friday night to secure the seventh spot. He will be looking for his second victory of the season on Sunday, beginning match-up against Terry McMillen. A first-round victory would cement his position into the playoffs.

Brown placed 12th in qualifying and will face Billy Torrence in round one. He enters Sunday’s action second in the Top Fuel point standings.

Richie Crampton qualified 11th and is set to square off with Clay Millican in eliminations. Crampton began the weekend eighth in points and continues to fight for a top-10 points finish and a playoff berth in a battle that will go down to the season-ending U.S. Nationals.

Sunday’s Mello Yello Drag Racing Series eliminations will be televised on FS1 beginning at 2:00 p.m. (EDT)