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Gahm, who finished second in World Championship points in 2004, was unimpressive in eliminations. He won with a 7.043 against Doug Kirk in the first round. In the second round Gahm ran a 7.02 in the "bad" right lane, and opponent Jerry Haas broke.

In the semi-finals Gahm ran his best lap of eliminations, a 6.575 that trailered  John Nobile, who recorded a troubled 12.442. Gahm was again relegated to the "bad" right lane in the finals. He gave it his best, cutting a great .016 light but his mountain-motored 'Stang overpowered the track, spinning and shaking the tires early.  He had no chance of cathing Seamon, who ran straight down the track to 6.454/216.97 win.

Heading into the April 22-24 Rockingham event Seamon will have a 14 point lead over Gahm for the IHRA championship.

FUNNY CAR

Canadian Rob Atchison began the defense of his World Championship by dominating the class. He re-set the Funny Car track record at5.749/242.41, qualified in the number one position and won the race. But he couldn't have done what he did without a little -- no, make that a lot -- of help from his friends and fellow competitors.