Auto Club Finals: Reaching a new Hight

Above: Robert Hight clinched his first Funny Car title on Saturday.

Robert Hight, who had to slither his way into the Countdown to the Championship, sewed up his first Funny Car title by qualifying No. 3 for Sunday's Auto Club Finals.
It capped a great day for Team Force, which also saw Ashley Force Hood take the top qualifying spot with a 4.059-second pass, just beat her pops, John Force, who also ran a 4.059, but was edged on speed. Force Hood was faster at 310.20 compare to John Force's 309.20.
"I'm never going to get use to hear (being the champion)," Hight said. "And almost not making the Countdown, and coming so close the past few years, that's what makes this thing extra special.
"This was not about me, but about the team. This is not golf, or even baseball, but its about the whole team, and getting the breaks and John put me with the best people.
"(Crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) is my best friend. I can't believe I'm up here. We all worked so hard to get this. It's about John Force giving me this opportunity. He sold me on the sponsors. They all stood behind me...Eric Medlen. Eric and I used to dream about this. I just wish he was here. I still can't believe it's happened."
Ashley Force Hood: "We're so excited, you'd think we won the championship. But our car has not been running good, so to finally get it back, it was a great feeling.
"We missed it and we're glad we got it back."