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John Force takes qualifying lead

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MORRISON, Colo. (AP) Funny Car's John Force raced to the quickest run in track history to take the qualifying lead at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway on Friday.

Force set the pace in his Ford Mustang, setting both ends of the track record with a time of 4.049-seconds at 318.39 mph.

If the pass stands after the final two qualifying sessions, it will be the 16-time world champ's fifth career No. 1 qualifier at Denver and third of the season.

''I made today with confidence early,'' Force said. ''I think everybody was programmed how to run today. We stepped up and started getting there.''

Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were qualifying leaders at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event near Denver.

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