Beckman tops Funny Car qualifying at Atlanta

COMMERCE, Ga. -- Jack Beckman topped Funny Car qualifying Saturday in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

The two-time Atlanta winner used his track-record 3.939-second run at 326.32 mph from Friday night in his Dodge Charger R/T night to earn his fourth No. 1 of the season and 19th of his career.

"I'm happy where we are, qualifying No. 1," said Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car season champion. "It's nice for a little bit of prestige, you get some bonus points that go with it, and it's maybe even nicer because you get a more favorable matchup first round. The whole idea behind that is to play it smart and strategic and win four rounds on Sunday. I think I'll…