The US Street Nationals are in full swing, and after the first round of qualifying (Q1), it's clear that the competition is already heating up. Some of the top Street Outlaws racers have delivered jaw-dropping performances, setting the tone for an intense battle ahead. Let’s dive into the highlights from Q1.
Photo by Bradenton Motorsports Park
Kye Kelley Shocks the Field
Kye Kelley once again proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with. In his first qualifier, he laid down an impressive 3.60-second pass at 209 mph. This performance places him in the top five, likely holding the fourth or fifth spot. Notably, Kai went head-to-head with Kye Kelley in a rematch of their previous finals, showcasing his consistency and skill.
Meanwhile, Canero lit up the scoreboard with a blazing 3.57-second pass at 212 mph, which currently holds the number one spot. Following closely behind are Jason Scruggs, Mark Micke with a 3.59, and then Kai Kelly. It’s shaping up to be an incredibly competitive field. With air conditions being near-perfect, the bump spot might end up as low as 3.62 or 3.61—an indication of just how fast everyone is running.
Photo by Kye Kelley Racing
Murder Nova Makes Waves
Shawn Ellington, piloting the Murder Nova, impressed everyone with his first full pass. Clocking a 0.986 60-foot time, a 2.55 to the 330, and ultimately a 3.70 at 215 mph, this initial outing shows the car’s immense potential. Considering this was the first complete pass for the Murder Nova, fans can expect even faster times in Q2 and Q3. Don’t be surprised if Sean breaks into the 3.50s soon.
Scott Taylor's Consistency Pays Off
Scott Taylor also had a solid run, clocking a 3.66 at 204 mph. After relentless days of testing, he’s dialing in his setup and finally seeing results. Having missed the field at the Snowbird Nationals, Scott’s determination is evident. With more improvements likely in Q2 and Q3, Scott could break into the 3.50s or low 3.60s, securing his spot in the field.
Photo by Scott Taylor Motorsports
Robin Roberts and Larry Larson: Untapped Potential
Robin Roberts, in his newly debuted Hard Charger, didn’t make a full pass but managed a 0.984 60-foot time. This car, with its untested setup and power combination, shows promise. Similarly, Larry Larson’s first outing ended with a 3.98 at 194 mph, likely aborted due to tire shake or another issue. Both racers have untapped potential that could come to fruition in the next rounds.
Mike Bowman and Jimmy Taylor
Mike Bowman switched back to a twin-turbo setup and delivered a respectable 3.72 at 216 mph. The adjustment from ProCharger to twin turbo seems to be working well. On the other hand, Jimmy Taylor struggled with his pass, but there’s still time to make adjustments for Q2 and Q3.
What to Expect in Q2 and Q3
As Q2 and Q3 approach, expect racers to push their limits. With near-perfect air conditions, the times are only going to get faster. The competition is fierce, and every racer will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the field.
Stay tuned to StreetOutlawsTalks.com for the latest updates and insights from the US Street Nationals. It’s clear this year’s event is already shaping up to be one for the books!
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