Del Worsham, driver of the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, earned his first win of the season and took over the points lead following the conclusion of NHRA’s Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway – Concord NC.

Worsham proved as the car to beat throughout qualifying. He earned four bonus points and was the only driver in the class to make it down the track in all four qualifying sessions. His best, a 3.993, earned him the second starting spot and a date with Dave Richards in the first round.

Richards defeated Alexis DeJoria in this race last year, but Worsham would not fall to the same fate. Worsham streaked straight down the track and picked up the round win. Worsham’s slowest run was the next effort, but Matt Hagan was no match for the DHL tune-up of Nicky Boninfante and Jon Oberhofer.
The semi-finals meant John Force. Worsham was ready. He left on Force with his best light of the day, and just beat Force to the line.
A final round against Tommy Johnson Jr. awaited. Johnson Jr. was the number one qualifier, and then one who got just past Worsham in Seattle. This time would not be the same. Worsham ran his best lap of the day, a 4.086 second run, and defeated Johnson Jr.’s 4.119.
With the victory, Worsham retook the points lead. It is the first time he has lead since Charlotte’s spring race. He is the only driver in zMax Dragway history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes.
“It was amazing to win, especially now that we are in the running for the Championship,” said Worsham. “I think all those losses during the season really set the tone for this final round. We wanted to set the tone of the final and we did. I am so proud of this entire DHL Toyota Camry team. Jon O, Nicky, the TRD support all came together for greatness today.”

Posted by: Cody Poor

Tommy Johnson Jr set low ET of the event while qualifying #1 (3.971 secs)

(The 10 remaining Funny Car contenders for the 2015 Mello Yello World Championship)

Event Essentials:   NHRA Carolina Nationals (Sept. 18-20th, 2015) 

(John Force raced this special Jeff Gordon themed car to the semi-final round)

Photos by: Gary Nastase and NHRA