Force fastest in qualifying

Top fuel title contender Brittany Force ran the quickest pass in the history of Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Friday during qualifying for the seasonending Auto Club NHRA Finals.

Force, who entered the event only 20 points behind season leader Steve Torrence, had a 3.667-second pass at 330.31 mph in the second qualifying session to take over the top fuel lead.

“Obviously, we’re trying to push the car,” Force said. “To jump up to the No. 1 spot was huge for us but that’s where we need to be. We’re chasing down that No. 1 spot and to have a killer run like that sets us up good for tomorrow and gets us ready for race day.

“It’s not just a confidence builder for me but for my entire team. It pushes us forward and gives us that momentum.”

Jack Beckman took the funny car lead, Greg Anderson topped pro stock, and Chip Ellis was the fastest in pro stock motorcycle.

Beckman had a 3.835 at 334.98 in a Dodge Charger R/T during the second session. Anderson, the pro stock points leader, powered his Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.561 pass at 210.67 in the first qualifying session. Ellis rode to a 6.805 pass at 196.53.

Blaney wins pole

Ryan Blaney won the pole in his final chance to qualify for NASCAR’s championship race.

Blaney turned a lap at 137.942 mph around Phoenix Raceway in a Ford fielded by The Wood Brothers to take the top starting spot for Sunday’s penultimate race of the playoffs. There is one slot available in the field of four that will race for the championship next week, and Blaney is one of five drivers chasing that spot, as is seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson.

Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. already have locked up spots in the finale.

Brad Keselowski was the lowest-qualifying playoff driver at 16th. He has the advantage in the point standings over the other four drivers trying to make it into the championship.