Drag Racing

Cory McClenathan of Anaheim drove the fastest quarter-mile in drag racing history during qualifying for today’s finals of the $937,750 Sunoco Keystone Nationals at Mohnton, Pa.

McClenathan, 29, had an elapsed time of 4.799 seconds and a speed of 295.46 m.p.h. to lead a Top Fuel field of 16.

The 4.799 surpassed the previous mark of 4.801, set by Eddie Hill earlier this year at Gainesville, Fla.

Should no other driver lower the record today, McClenathan will collect 250 bonus points, which could prove valuable in his quest for the Winston Top Fuel championship. He trailed leader Joe Amato by 556 points coming into the event.

“We’ve accomplished a lot this year, but the 4.799 is a milestone,” McClenathan said.

In Pro Stock qualifying, Scott Geoffrion of Huntington Beach had a run of 7.099 seconds with a speed of 193.44 m.p.h., becoming to first pro-stock drag racer under 7.10.

John Force of Yorba Linda edged Cruz Pedregon by four-thousandths of a second in the Funny Car competition. Force had a 5.112 at 286.25 m.p.h. Pedregon had a 5.116 at 286.71.