Mopar team owner Allen Johnson tapped Mopar Sport Compact tuner/driver Shaun Carlson for his first Hemi Pro Stock drive after some Vegas testing laps. Carlson needs to improve on his 6.872 to make the field. His afternoon pass was next to Rickie Smith (below) who ended up fourth in Dick Maskin's Chevy Cavalier.

Tony Schumacher driving the U.S. Army-backed machine hasn't lost a step from the 2003 season, laying down the quickest pass of the day, a dazzling 4.514-second run at 326.32 mph. The Sarge, 1999 Top Fuel Champ, was pleased with his good start, but added, "We're after the world championship, and so this race is just as important as the next 22." The Wayne Dupuy-tuned fueler of Joe Amato holds the second qualifying position after Darrell Russell clocked his career best 4.520 charge at 321.73 mph.

Scott Weis brought the new Race Girl-sponsored top fueler from his Ashland, VA home with a new Chuck Lett-built chassis from Attac Race Cars. Scott had a strong tune-up helped by shared crewmembers, parts and technology with John Mitchell Racing. Weiss hooked-up with the Pomona starting line cranking out a 4.806, however the car fell off to a 291.32 mph holding down the 12th slot after the first session.