Hawley Top Qualifier in Gwynn’s Car

Frank Hawley, driving Darrell Gwynn’s top-fuel dragster, was the No. 1 qualifier Thursday in the opening round of time trials at the Pomona Fairplex for Sunday’s Winston Finals.

Hawley covered the quarter mile in 5.114 seconds. If he remains top qualifier, it will be the fourth time the former funny car champion has gained the No. 1 position since replacing the paralyzed Gwynn in June.

John Force all but clinched the funny-car championship when he qualified third behind K.C. Spurlock, winner of the Winternationals at Pomona, and Ed McCulloch. All Force needs to win is make the 16-car field.