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Shane Westerfield, the 2017 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Funny Car champion, began his title defense with a final-round win over Sweden’s Ulf Leanders. Westerfield turned on the win light with a 5.425, 269.67 mph lap to Leanders’ 5.508, 268.33 mph. The win was No. 7 for Westerfield in his career. In qualifying, Chris Marshall made the second quickest run in the class’ history with a 5.365, but he lost a close race against Westerfield in the semifinals. Leanders earned his spot in the final by beating Doug Gordon, 5.525 to 5.558.