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MADISON, Ill. (AP) — Shawn Langdon raced to his third Top Fuel victory of the year Sunday in the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Langdon powered to a 3.798-second pass at 323.66 mph to beat eight-time season champion Tony Schumacher for his 14th career victory and first at Gateway. The 2013 season champion moved to fourth in the standings after two events in the six-race NHRA Mello Yello Countdown.
"We didn't really have a dominant car in qualifying, but we just kept picking away at it," said Langdon, also the winner at Bristol, Tennessee, and Norwalk, Ohio. "That's what we've been doing since we got those two victories (earlier this year). The car has just responded well. All in all, this was a great team effort. The whole team did a great job and gave me a great racecar today."
Jack Beckman won in Funny Car, Alex Laughlin in Pro Stock, and Jerry Savoie in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Beckman had a 3.928 at 324.51 in a Dodge Charger R/T to edge Tommy Johnson Jr. Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car champion, claimed his 24th career victory and second at Gateway. He's third in the standings.
Laughlin sprinted to his first final-round appearance and victory by powering his Chevy Camaro to a 6.611 at 208.68 to outlast Bo Butner. Laughlin failed to qualify for the Countdown.
Savoie raced to first victory of the year with a 6.933 at 189.36 on his Suzuki and against Angelle Sampey. Savoie is fourth in the standings.
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