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Matt Hagan wins NHRA Nationals, takes points lead

MOHNTON, Pa. (AP) Matt Hagan won the NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway to take the Funny Car points lead, his engine exploding as he crossed the finish line.

Hagan had a 4.333-second pass at 215.00 mph in a Dodge Charger to beat Tommy Johnson Jr. Hagan raced to his third victory of the season and second in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. He opened a 36-point advantage over 16-time series champion John Force with two events left.

Tony Schumacher won in Top Fuel, Rodger Brogdon in Pro Stock, and Eddie Krawiec in Pro Stock Motorcycle in the fourth Countdown event.

Seven-time world champ Schumacher extended his points lead with his fifth Maple Grove victory, holding off Brittany Force in a final round where both cars lost traction early. Schumacher has five victories this season, three in the Countdown, and 77 overall. He has a 134-point lead over Doug Kalitta.