Saugus’ Lombardo Falls Into Second at U.S. Nationals

Rick Johnson raced into the top spot in the Funny Car division Friday, surpassing ‘Lil’ John Lombardo of Saugus in the second day of qualifying for the National Hot Rod Association’s 31st annual U.S. Nationals drag races.

Johnson, 34, of Crowley, Tex., drove his Dodge to a time of 5.74 seconds at 256.41 m.p.h. to move past Lombardo, the first-day leader. Lombardo remained second at 5.753 seconds, 253.52 m.p.h.

Two more days of qualifying precede Monday’s single-elimination finals at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

“We changed a few things from yesterday’s run,” Johnson said. “The car ran better off the (starting) line. We are very pleased because we not only have the quickest car out here, but the most consistent.”