Wilkerson leads Funny Car qualifying in playoffs

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Tim Wilkerson raced to the Funny Car qualifying lead Friday in the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, the first of six NHRA playoff events.

Wilkerson had a run of 4.048 seconds at 309.70 mph in his Ford Mustang at zMAX Dragway.

"We've had a good car the last two or three races, and we're trying to capitalize on it starting in qualifying," Wilkerson said. "I think qualifying points will play a big part of this. Bonus points got me into the Countdown when you look at Brainerd and Indianapolis."

Shawn Langdon led the Top Fuel field, Vincent Nobile topped the Pro Stock competition, and Andrew Hines led in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Langdon powered his dragster to a 3.807 at 324.12, Nobile finished in 6.548 at 211.03, and Hines had a run of 6.851 at 195.82.

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