Oregon’s own Dennis Radford qualified his nitrous-injected ’70 Duster safely in the field and went two rounds before bowing out to fellow nitrous racer Burton Auxier. (Chris Haverly photo)

Also currently in the top eight with just two races remaining to set the field are Joe Baker, Raymond Commisso, Jay Payne and Tim Tindle.

Rowe also claimed the B&J Transmissions $500 Bonus by defeating Kirk Wilmes in the first round. B&J's co-owner, Top Fuel racer Mike Strasberg, selected the number 16 from a hat during the drivers meeting before the event, signifying that whoever was paired with the No. 16 driver would compete for the B&J Bonus.

Next on the schedule is the NHRA Nationals Sept 18-20 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joe Baker left the U.S. Nationals fifth in points and solidly in the field for the season ending shootout at Las Vegas.  (Ron Lewis photo)