Kurt Busch makes elimination rounds at NHRA event

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch has advanced to the elimination rounds in his professional drag-racing debut.

The 2004 Sprint Cup champion bounced back from two error-filled qualifying runs Friday with two solid passes Saturday at the NHRA Gatornationals. He covered the quarter-mile strip in 6.532 seconds and reached 211.46 mph in the Pro Stock division.

Busch will face Erica Enders in the first round of the 16-car field Sunday. The winner will advance to the next round, and the loser will go home.

Making the eliminations was exactly what Busch had hoped for after months of preparation for his pro debut. He spent 10 days testing and made more than 50 practice runs before coming to Gainesville, where he raced in the Sportsman class last year.