Duncan Micallef, Ari Pietilä, Michael Gullqvist and Bengt Ljungdahl leaders after Friday qualifying for the Scandinavian Internationals
Duncan Micallef was the big surprise in Top Fuel at the first day of qualifying for the Scandinavian Internationals at Tierp Arena, as the Maltese driver stormed to a stunning 3.91 seconds in his first run of the 2016 season. In Top Methanol Funny Car Ari Pietilä is the number one qualifier with 5.74 seconds. In Pro Modified reigning champion Michael Gullqvist was the only driver to break the 6-second barrier and leads the field with two more qualifying sessions to go. In Pro Stock Bengt Ljungdahl is the number one qualifier after day one.
After some delays in the morning, the weather improved dramatically at Tierp Arena and so the first day of qualifying for the Scandinavian Internationals, round five of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, ended with bright sunshine and nice temperatures. The Tierp Arena track crew once again did a great job as impressive numbers were recorded.
In Top Fuel, Duncan Micallef surprised with a stunning 3.91 seconds at 489 km/u in his first run of the day. This was even more impressive as the Scandinavian Internationals is the first race of the year for the Maltese driver. Anita Mäkelä needed her second run to jump into the number two qualifying position. The current championship leader recorded 3.96 seconds.
Stig Neergaard was the third driver to break the 4-second barrier with 3.97 seconds and so the Scandinavian Internationals might see a record breaking field after tomorrows second day of qualifying.
In Top Methanol Funny Car, Ari Pietilä proved his great form and with 5.74 seconds the Finnish driver is the number one qualifier after two runs. Championship leader Johnny Oksa is close behind in second position with 5.78 seconds. Local hero Mikael Larsson is third with 6.70 seconds.
In Pro Modified, Michael Gullqvist from Sweden was quickest, and with 5.93 seconds the reigning champion was the only driver to break the 6-second barrier.
Ake Persson was close to a 5-second run with 6.00 seconds and is in second position after day one. Mats Eriksson is third with 6.04 seconds and Johan Lindberg fourth with 6.07 seconds.
In Pro Stock, Bengt Ljungdahl leads the field after day one with 6.59 seconds, while Jimmy Alund is second with 6.62 seconds. Reigning champion Thomas Lindström is the number three qualifier with 6.67 seconds and Stefan Ernryd fourth with 6.73 seconds.
In Top Methanol Dragster, Jonny Lagg is the only competitor this weekend. The Swedish driver recorded 5.57 seconds.
Qualifying for the Scandinavian Internationals continues Saturday with another two runs.
Link to the results: http://dragracing.eu/results.asp