Auto Club Finals: First round

And here we go for the first round. We'll concentrate more on Top Fuel, where Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Cory McClenathan and Antron Brown are still in the running for the title, with Dixon and Shoe separated by two points. But we will have notes from the classes.
Top Fuel
McClenathan, from Sonora High, gets the first shot, facing Bob Vandergriff, who is from rival La Habra. Vandy smokes the tires and the Mac Attack blows it up just past half and runs a 4.43 to win the round, which puts the pressure back on Tony Schumacher and Larry Dixon, who are first and second points. "We're just trying to get down track and just when it looks like it's going to haul the mail - boom! But we turned the win light on, now (Schumacher and Dixon) have to do it," McClenathan said. ... That puts the ball in Schumacher and Dixon's court, and they both respond, winning with 3.83 and 3.82, respectively, which virtually eliminates Antron Brown, who came into the event 80 points back. But for the big three, the chase for the title will go at least one more round. The first round also included Brandon Bernstein, who is losing long-time sponsor Budweiser after the race. But Big Red will continue with a win over Chris Karamesines. The next round should be interesting as Cory Mac faces Dixon in a battle that can help himself and his teammate. Shoe gets Lucas. Stay tuned.
Funny Car
The championship race is over after Robert Hight clinched earlier. But this should still be a good race. It's also John Force's last chance to win a race this season, who has won at least one race every season since 1987. He stays in the hunt as he runs a 4.14 to beat veteran Gary Densham, who runs a stout .416 and loses. Densham's losing time is better than four of the eight winners.