Kalitta takes Top Fuel qualifying lead at Atlanta Dragway

COMMERCE, Ga. (AP) Doug Kalitta raced to the Top Fuel qualifying lead Friday in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Coming off a victory two weeks ago in Texas, Kalitta powered his dragster to a 3.731-second pass at 328.70 mph to break both Atlanta Dragway track records.

''That was a great run,'' said Kalitta, who took the Top Fuel points lead with his qualifying effort. ''(Crew chief) Jim (Oberhofer) and my whole team were really serious about making a good run tonight. That thing left really hard. I was glad there were only two cars left after I made my run because the conditions were really good. They let the sun go down and let everything cool off a little bit more. We're all hungry to do good out here. We'll see what tomorrow brings but definitely a good start for us today.''

Jack Beckman led in Funny Car, Greg Anderson in Pro Stock and Angelle Sampey in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Two-time Atlanta winner Jack Beckman had a track-record 3.939 at 326.32 in his Dodge Charger R/T. Beckman has three No. 1 qualifiers already this season but is still chasing his first victory of the year.

Greg Anderson posted a 6.610 at 210.14 in a Chevy Camaro. Anderson, a four-time Atlanta event winner, has three No. 1 qualifiers so far this season and has also won three of the first six races of the year.

Sampey had a 6.865 at 193.32.