Hagan, Schumacher lead DSR in Friday qualifying at inaugural New England NHRA Nationals in Epping

EPPING, NH – Matt Hagan in Funny Car and Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel led Don Schumacher Racing during the first day of qualifying at the inaugural New England NHRA Nationals at New England Dragway.

Matt Hagan was best for the DSR Funny Car foursome in both sessions. On his opening pass, Hagan posted a 4.139-second lap in the Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Funny Car. Crew chief Dickie Venables and assistant Michael Knudsen followed that up with an impressive 4.057-second pass with the top speed of 317.49.

“I think it was an awesome day,” Hagan said. “We are right there in number two. The car is running great, Dickie and Newt (Knudsen) are doing a great job. Everything is coming together. The guys are doing a great job.”

Ron Capps ended Friday qualifying in the fourth spot in the NAPA AUTO PARTS Funny Car followed by Pitch Energy’s Johnny Gray in sixth. Jack Beckman’s Valvoline NextGen/MTS Funny Car struggled in both qualifying sessions and sits in the 15th slot with two Saturday sessions to improve.

In Top Fuel, Schumacher ended Friday’s qualifying in fourth with a 3.817-second pass at 321 mph. Massey’s Battery Extender Powered by Schumacher dragster is seventh and Matco Tools’ Antron Brown is eleventh.

“It was slow early, but it turned out to be a good run,” Schumacher said. “Even though there are only 16 cars, you sure don’t want to be 16th. You’ve got to go down the track and we’ve done exactly that. Good solid runs. Overall, it’s been a phenomenal day. The fans, the people are so good here. The stands are packed on a Friday.”