CLEREMONT, Ind. (September 4, 2009) - Roger Burgess led all Pro Mod racers in thrilling day one action in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge presented by ProCare Rx at the Mac Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. Burgess' 5.960 at 242.45 mph was the top of three cars in the fives, with seven more in the 6.0's.

Burgess said, "The track was in great shape, and I was fortunate enough to lay down a better-than-average run. I'm really excited about the first day. It's the U.S. Nationals - and everyone came to win."

Just behind Burgess was Jay Payne in his Brad Anderson Enterprises '68 Camaro at 5.966. "It was a great way to start the weekend, but we really have to stay on it. We have a little breathing room, but we want to move up. The thing is, we really didn't work a lot on my car since the break, because the guys spent a lot of time getting (his teammate) Rick Stivers' car together - so to come out of the box and run a '96 - that's great," Payne said.

Joe Baker sits No. 3 with a 5.983, Mike Knowles is fourth at 6.013 and Tim Tindle sits fifth at 6.051.

Rickie Smith led the nitrous cars taking the provisional No. 6 spot at 6.053 with his Al Anabi teammate just behind him at 6.073. Newcomer Ike Maier from Ontario made a statement with a 6.079 out of the box to take No. 8.

Brad Personett ran top speed in his Big 3 Turbo '68 Camaro at 247.88 mph and landed No. 9 after the first day (6.099).

Qualifying continues Saturday with two rounds scheduled at 2:45 pm and 5:15 p.m., and one final qualifier scheduled for Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday evening and conclude Monday.

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