MADISON, Ill. -- Robert Hight's Funny Car engine exploded after he crossed the finish line Sunday in a winning final-round pass in the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.
The defending season champion secured the points lead with a 4.036-second run at 276.29 mph against Tim Wilkerson. Hight got out the car on his own and has taken to a hospital for evaluation. He won for the third time this season and 44th overall.
Steve Torrence raced to his second consecutive Top Fuel victory, topping Clay Millican with a 3.770 at 323.66 in the second of six playoff events during the Countdown to the Championship.