2023 NHRA IN-N-OUT FINALS - EVENT RESULTS
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SUNDAY FINAL - KALITTA SEALS THE DEAL; GREEN, STANFIELD AND HERRERA CLOSE OUT THE CAMPING WORLD ERA
It was just the way drag racing fans loved it. A final round to determine the Top Fuel championship was won by Doug Kalitta as he beat Leah Pruett in a winner-take-all championship moment to close out the 2023 season at the NHRA In-N-Out Finals in Pomona, CA.
Chad Green (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also scored national event titles in the last race of the Camping World Drag Racing Series era.
History has a way of making things right. It was 17 years ago that Kalitta's tuner Alan Johnson guided Tony Schumacher to a heartbreaking victory over the Mac Tools-sponsored driver. On a Sunday afternoon at In-N-Out Dragstrip, Kalitta got his championship with Johnson as his crew chief.
Kalitta entered the event second in points, 12 behind Steve Torrence and 27 ahead of Leah Pruett. When Torrence fell in the semis to Pruett, it opened the door for the showdown.
Kalitta secured his championship with wins over Dan Mercier, Josh Hart, and Justin Ashley to reach the final round.
"It's hard to believe," Kalitta said following his monumental victory. "I dreamed about this opportunity, and now we're here. So, just really hat's off to Alan [Johnson], and Brian [Husen], and everybody on my team, and obviously, all the fans and support that I've gotten. We're taking this baby back to Ypsilanti with Scott's. He won this thing a couple of times, so I'll be wearing [the No. 1] proud."
For her part, Pruett scored wins over former champions Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, and Steve Torrence.
Green joined a select group of drag racers who have won a race alongside their children. In his 50th career race, he scored his first national event victory beating Tim Wilkerson on a holeshot. His son, Hunter Green, won the Top Alcohol Dragster title.
Green was .059 quicker than Wilkerson out of the gate and held on for a 3.916 to 3.900 win.
"This has been an amazing weekend," Green said. "It has been an amazing season. This has been a dream season, to be honest. I couldn't be more proud of my guys. They have really come a long way in the last few years. They stuck with me and we have been trying to get this Wally. We've been close a few times. I cannot think of a better way to end it."
Green entered eliminations as the No. 8 qualifier and scored wins over J.R. Todd and then played championship spoiler by stopping Robert Hight in the semi-finals, effectively allowing Matt Hagan to clinch the championship. He took out Blake Alexander to reach the final round.
Stanfield faced all kinds of pressure heading into the weekend, and when it was all said and done, faced it head-on with a victory over friendly rival Matt Hartford in the final round. He and his wife Jolie are expecting their second child any day now.
"She told me if you are going to go, you had better win," Stanfield said. "We fumbled a little bit this season and have waited for this win to come. To get this win at the last race of the season is awesome. With everything going on in my life, it is perfect timing."
The win marked his first of the season and eighth of his career in Pro Stock.
Stanfield came from the No. 5 qualifying position to beat Deric Kramer, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Greg Anderson before facing Hartford.
Hartford, the No. 7 qualifier, stopped Dallas Glen, Kyle Koretsky and newly crowned champion Erica Enders.
Herrera ended the 2023 season in the same fashion he started, with a dominating win. Coming from the No. 1 qualifying position, the newly christened Pro Stock Motorcycle champion extended his winning record over teammate Eddie Krawiec to 7-0 after capping a season where he qualified No. 1 a whopping 14 times and won 11 races.
Hererra, who was in a league of his own in qualifying after running a 6.661, 203.80, left on Krawiec and led him to the stripe, running a 6.721, 201.46 to easily run away with the win.
"It's very surreal. The whole championship thing is this whole team', especially Andrew Hines.' He deserved this. He was ready to get here and win before the race was here. He's always excited about this event, though he no longer rides. I don't think it all has set in."
Herrera worked his way to the final with victories over Blaine Hale, L.E. Tonglet, and Steve Johnson.
SATURDAY QUALIFYING - HIGHT LEADS JOHN FORCE RACING CHARGE ATOP NITRO QUALIFYING LIST; HERRERA CLINCHES TITLE
Robert Hight ensured the Funny Car championship will go down to the final day of the season as he stormed to the No. 1 qualifying position at the NHRA In-N-Out Finals in Pomona, CA.
Hight was joined atop the nitro qualifying grid by teammate Austin Prock (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and newly christened Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gaige Herrera.
Hight narrowed the gap between him and point leader Matt Hagan to just 12 points by thundering down the 1,000-foot course at In-N-Out Dragstrip in 3.844 seconds at 331.61 miles per hour in his Automobile Club of Southern California/Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. Saturday’s top spot marked the seventh No. 1 of the season for the three-time world champ and the 84th in his career and propelled him past Bob Tasca III into second place in the process. With No. 6 qualifier Tasca only 17 points out of first – promises one of the most thrilling finishes in class history on Sunday.
Hight and Hagan, who is the No. 5 qualifier, could meet in the semifinals, while Tasca, who qualified sixth, is on the other side of the bracket.
“That’s big [going around Tasca],” Hight said. “Let’s say it comes down to Tasca and I, and we lose the same round; you want to go ahead of him in qualifying, so this was big for us today. I was a little nervous yesterday after screwing up the first run and then we had to make a safe run last night. We knew what we had to do, but you have to execute, too. This is a tricky place; no matter what anybody tells you, this place is tricky. Two separately different lanes, and when it’s good, it’s really good, and you have to be aggressive and get after it. I’m really proud of the whole Auto Club team.
“It’s exactly what we needed to do and it might have a little effect going into Sunday. We’ve got a little momentum and we’re running well but we have to race smart tomorrow. Probably not going to sleep tonight, but at least we’re qualified.”
John Force qualified second with a 3.862 at 328.14 and defending event winner Cruz Pedregon took third after a run of 3.865 at 330.15.
Prock, who is not in championship contention, continued his streak of good fortunes in Pomona, taking the No. 1 spot with a run of 3.636 at 332.92 in his Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster. It’s the second top qualifier this season for Prock and the third in his career, as he made a career-best pass to close out the session.
“I love it anytime I come here,” Prock said. “As a kid growing up, ditching school and flying out here to come watch my dad race and race for championships and Wallys, it was always a treat to me. It’s got a special place in my heart and it just seems like we’ve a little mojo going here. If we go to the final round tomorrow, that’s five consecutive final rounds for me here in Pomona, so I hope I can make that a fact.
“Our focus every weekend is ‘Go for a Wally,’ and I feel like we finally have a racecar that can do it. We’ve been picking at it slowly throughout the year and the last two or three races, the thing has really come around. The first run today, that was the first time we’ve smoked the tires in like eight runs. We just lowered the boom a little bit there and hopefully we can keep that up tomorrow. It would be huge to win the last race of the year here and get to enjoy it for a few months.”
Prock’s run bumped point leader Steve Torrence and his 3.641 at 335.65 to second, with Antron Brown taking third with a 3.663 at 335.82. Torrence takes the points lead into Sunday, holding a 12-point advantage over Doug Kalitta, 39 points over Leah Pruett, 76 points over Mike Salinas, and 88 points over Justin Ashley. Torrence and Pruett could potentially meet in the semifinals, while Kalitta, Ashley and Salinas are all on the other side of the bracket.
Anderson has a glimmer of hope to win the 2023 NHRA Pro Stock, albeit a last-ditch opportunity. He picked up the maximum amount of bonus qualifying points by making the quickest run in all four sessions, including a 6.492 at 211.69 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro to close out the day. It’s his third No. 1 spot this season and the 124th in his standout career.
Anderson trails Enders by 104 points, and she needs only to win in the opening round against Fernando Cuadra to clinch her sixth world championship. A first-round loss by Enders would require Anderson to win the race to clinch a sixth title. He also has a chance to pick up his 15th career win at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Sunday.
“Super pumped with the job these guys have done this weekend,” Anderson said. “I love this racetrack; I love racing here. Just the atmosphere, it’s the perfect time to go down that racetrack and it’s a great feeling. The cars just love it and the drivers love it. You saw it today, a lot of great runs in the class and I had two of them. I’m extremely pleased with my racecar this weekend. It’s made four as-close-to-perfect runs you can make and you don’t get that very often. It set the table to do the best job we can do tomorrow.
“We don’t have any clue how it’ll turn out, but I’ve got a great horse, I’ve got a great racecar and if nothing else, I have a great chance to win. We’ll give it all we’ve got tomorrow and let the cards fall where they may.”
Kyle Koretsky qualified second with a 6.497 at 211.00, and Enders’ 6.500 at 210.31 puts her third heading into raceday.
The inevitable finally transpired as Herrera clinched the 2024 Pro Stock Motorcycle World Championship by earning his 14th No. 1 qualifier thanks to a track-record run of 6.661 seconds at 203.80 mph on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. A win on Sunday will mark his 11th of the season and also set a single-season record in the class.
Herrera’s championship in his first season with the Vance & Hines team culminates one of the most incredible seasons in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, as Herrera dominated from start to finish. He won the first three races of the season, added another three-race winning streak during the year and then has won the last four races during the Countdown to the Championship. Add in a multitude of track records, the quickest run in class history and a sweep of the Western Swing, and Herrera enjoyed a simply spectacular season.
“This is very special; it doesn’t feel real to be honest,” Herrera said. “The amount of stuff we’ve accomplished this year and then wrapping it up getting the championship and then making a run like that the last qualifier, it’s been an incredible season. I’m living the dream. Last year, I was just out here trying to have a little fun and to get the opportunity to ride for the legends that I grew up watching race and looked up to. To be able to race with them and accomplish what we have, it’s very surreal.
“Wrapping up the championship here in my hometown, this is something I’ll never forget, winning the championship in my first full season. There is a lot that has been accomplished this year, but this definitely tops it all. This is something I’ll always cherish and remember. You never can take anything for granted. The bike has been flawless all year. We set a lot of records, and it just goes on and on. It’s crazy.”
Eliminations for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 58th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. Austin Prock, 3.636 seconds, 332.92 mph vs. 16. Ron August, 3.858, 312.64; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.641, 335.65 vs. 15. Spencer Hyde, 3.778, 323.27; 3. Antron Brown, 3.663, 335.82 vs. 14. Clay Millican, 3.758, 306.19; 4. Mike Salinas, 3.663, 332.26 vs. 13. Josh Hart, 3.742, 329.50; 5. Doug Kalitta, 3.666, 333.25 vs. 12. Dan Mercier, 3.716, 328.14; 6. Leah Pruett, 3.674, 336.40 vs. 11. Tony Schumacher, 3.703, 331.20; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.682, 336.74 vs. 10. Shawn Langdon, 3.693, 330.07; 8. Justin Ashley, 3.682, 334.73 vs. 9. Brittany Force, 3.682, 328.14.
Funny Car -- 1. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.844, 331.61 vs. 16. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.025, 306.74; 2. John Force, Camaro, 3.862, 328.14 vs. 15. Terry Haddock, Ford Mustang, 4.019, 306.95; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.865, 330.15 vs. 14. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.995, 283.25; 4. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.869, 328.46 vs. 13. Alex Laughlin, Charger, 3.993, 320.36; 5. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.869, 327.03 vs. 12. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.981, 319.52; 6. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.880, 336.99 vs. 11. Steven Densham, Mustang, 3.949, 318.02; 7. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.882, 332.02 vs. 10. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.928, 328.22; 8. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.893, 325.06 vs. 9. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.904, 326.08.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Del Worsham, 4.062, 312.78; 18. Jason Rupert, 4.066, 317.42; 19. Alexis DeJoria, 5.365, 139.91.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.492, 211.30 vs. 16. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.540, 210.64; 2. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.497, 211.00 vs. 15. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.538, 210.67; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.500, 210.31 vs. 14. Fernando Cuadra, Mustang, 6.535, 206.45; 4. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.500, 210.01 vs. 13. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Mustang, 6.525, 211.30; 5. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.501, 211.10 vs. 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.522, 211.49; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.507, 209.20 vs. 11. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.521, 210.24; 7. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.510, 211.03 vs. 10. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.519, 209.85; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.510, 210.08 vs. 9. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.517, 211.33.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Eric Latino, 6.547, 209.79; 18. Kenny Delco, 6.548, 210.21; 19. Chris McGaha, 6.550, 209.62; 20. Steve Graham, 6.594, 208.59; 21. Val Smeland, 6.597, 205.54; 22. Joey Grose, 6.616, 207.24; 23. Alan Prusiensky, 6.629, 206.54.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.661, 203.80 vs. 16. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 6.983, 192.17; 2. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.729, 201.28 vs. 15. Katie Justice, Suzuki, 6.972, 189.90; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.734, 201.94 vs. 14. Chris Bostick, EBR, 6.952, 193.96; 4. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.751, 200.26 vs. 13. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.944, 166.91; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.765, 197.59 vs. 12. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.929, 195.19; 6. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.776, 199.55 vs. 11. John Hall, EBR, 6.825, 198.47; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.784, 197.77 vs. 10. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.810, 198.32; 8. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.791, 199.20 vs. 9. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.797, 197.25.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Lance Bonham, 7.070, 186.77.
FRIDAY QUALIFYING - HAGAN, TORRENCE, HERERRA EXERT DOMINANCE WHILE ANDERSON HOLDS ON IN NHRA FINALS FRIDAY QUALIFYING
There’s making hay while the sun is up, and then there’s what cattle rancher extraordinaire/Funny Car point leader Matt Hagan did on Friday at the NHRA In-N-Out Finals in Pomona. Ca. He made a pair of strong runs to secure the provisional pole in Friday's qualifying.
Joining Hagan atop their respective divisions were Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) at the 21st race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the sixth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Hagan saved his best for last on Friday, thundering to a 3.869-second elapsed time at 328.46 mph in his Dodge Direct Connection Charger SRT Hellcat. If the run holds, it will mark his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 51st of his career. He's got the advantage in a three-way championship battle against Bob Tasca III and Robert Hight. Only 17 points separate the trio of aspiring champions.
“This is what I worked for all year long – to be able to do this, go down that racetrack, and have a fast racecar underneath me,” Hagan said. “That’s what excites me and keeps me coming back every year. I keep crawling back in this racecar because I get to create these moments. I truly wake up every morning going damn this is my job and I get to do this, and I’m right here in this fight.
“I truly love pulling the helmet on and having an opponent that makes me rise to the occasion. I don’t care if it’s on me. For me, it’s turning it into something that’s exciting energy instead of nervous energy. It’s taken me a long time to learn how to do that as a competitor.”
Paul Lee took the second spot with a run of 3.875 at 322.58, and Tasca is currently third thanks to his run of 3.880 at 336.99. Hight is fourth with a 3.898.
Torrence came into Pomona as the Top Fuel driver to beat and ended the first day of qualifying as the one to beat by going 3.641 at 335.65 in his Capco Contractors/Toyota dragster. If the run holds through both of Saturday's sessions, the four-time world champion will earn his fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season and the 38th in his career. He's logically in a three-way championship battle with Doug Kalitta and Leah Pruett.
“That’s a huge boost for us,” Torrence said. “The last four, five, six races, the car has been really good and getting better. We took a year and developed what we’re doing, maybe a year and a half. We were always the car that ran well in mediocre, hot conditions and tricky racetracks but not powerful or strong enough to go .64, .65, .63. It took a lot of time and effort to get there and I feel very confident that when conditions are like they are now, we’ve got one of the strongest cars if not the strongest.
“That’s big for me. Not that it boosts your head up, but it definitely gives you a mental confidence and somewhat of an advantage going into a round where, hey we’ve got to throw down and we can throw down more than they can. I would dare to say that I have the best racecar I’ve had in a long time, probably the quickest and fastest I’ve ever had. If not the best at the racetrack, one of the best.”
Kalitta is currently in second with a 3.671 at 336.99 and Pruett’s 3.676 at 332.84 puts her third.
Anderson came into Pomona with a slim chance to derail Erica Enders championship chances and after one day of qualifying stands in good shape to do that. He made a stellar run to close out Friday, going 6.495 at 211.69 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. He entered the weekend trailing Erica Enders by 114 points but closed the gap a little with two strong runs to open qualifying.
Enders can still clinch the title on Saturday if she gains seven or more qualifying points than Anderson. If not, the championship would be decided the next day and Anderson hopes he can stay in the mix for at least a couple more days as both standouts race for their sixth world championship.
“The points deal is not exactly playing in my favor right now, but it’s like the old line from ‘Dumb and Dumber, ‘So you’re saying there’s a chance,’” Anderson said. “Until they tell me there’s not a chance, I’m not leaving. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. I need to find a way to have a great run in qualifying and score bonus points and not lose bonus points to Erica. That would put her another round ahead and make it to where it’s locked up.
“That’s the No. 1 goal: qualify ahead of her and not lose bonus points. Day one in the books, mission accomplished. We did great today; we did all we could do today. I’ve got all the confidence in the world that this team will do all we can possibly do. You just never know what’s going to happen. It’s not over until it’s over. We’re going to keep swinging until they tell us it’s over.”
Troy Coughlin’s 6.500 at 210.01 puts him in the second spot, while Enders moved to third in the final session after going 6.500 at 210.31.
Hererra is poised to put an exclamation point on a stellar season that has witnessed him qualify No. 1 at 14 of 15 races. After hurting an engine in Q1, it was business as usual as he went to the provisional No. 1 spot on his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki with a run of 6.721 at 200.59. Herrera will wrap up his world title at the conclusion of qualifying on Saturday on the strength of 10 wins during his record-setting season.
“It’s really starting to set in what all has been accomplished,” Herrera said. “We’re basically wrapping up the championship tomorrow, and it’s a lot to take in. I was talking to a good friend of mine and he was like a year ago at this time, did you think you’d be in the position you’re in? That’s a definite no. Even though I joined one of the best teams out here, you can’t expect to have a season like this. It’s just, it’s remarkable. It’s incredible. I’m literally living the dream I had as a little kid and I’m just having fun with it. I don’t think it can get any better than this.
“I’m definitely thinking about the championship, but I’m not even nervous about this; I’m more worried about the banquet on Monday.”
Hector Arana Jr. is currently in the second spot after going 6.729 at 201.28 and Eddie Krawiec, who is seeking his 50th career win, is third thanks to a 6.742 at 201.52.
Qualifying continues at 12:00 p.m. PT on Saturday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 58th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, final of 21 events in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Steve Torrence, 3.641 seconds, 335.65 mph; 2. Doug Kalitta, 3.671, 336.99; 3. Leah Pruett, 3.676, 332.84; 4. Billy Torrence, 3.682, 336.74; 5. Justin Ashley, 3.682, 334.73; 6. Brittany Force, 3.682, 328.14; 7. Antron Brown, 3.689, 332.02; 8. Austin Prock, 3.696, 329.34; 9. Tony Schumacher, 3.703, 331.20; 10. Shawn Langdon, 3.713, 325.37; 11. Dan Mercier, 3.716, 328.14; 12. Clay Millican, 3.758, 306.19; 13. Spencer Hyde, 3.921, 254.18; 14. Ron August, 3.964, 298.73; 15. Mike Salinas, 4.825, 148.30; 16. Josh Hart, 4.873, 150.58.
Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.869, 328.46; 2. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.875, 322.88; 3. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.880, 336.99; 4. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.898, 332.02; 5. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.904, 326.08; 6. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.908, 332.43; 7. Steven Densham, Mustang, 3.949, 318.02; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.961, 317.64; 9. John Force, Camaro, 3.967, 323.66; 10. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.981, 319.52; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.995, 283.25; 12. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.019, 306.95; 13. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.025, 306.74; 14. Jason Rupert, Mustang, 4.066, 317.42; 15. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.148, 316.82; 16. Del Worsham, Toyota Supra, 5.090, 147.28.
Not Qualified: 17. Alexis DeJoria, 5.365, 139.91; 18. Alex Laughlin, 6.537, 99.91; 19. Chad
Green, 7.669, 84.38.
Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.495, 211.69; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.500, 210.31; 3. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.500, 210.01; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.501, 211.10; 5. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.510, 210.08; 6. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.511, 209.69; 7. Kyle Koretsky, Camaro, 6.515, 210.11; 8. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.518, 210.54; 9. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.521, 210.24; 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Ford Mustang, 6.526, 209.49; 11. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.528, 210.21; 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.532, 209.82; 13. Fernando Cuadra, Mustang, 6.535, 206.45; 14. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.538, 210.67; 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.540, 210.64; 16. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.546, 209.98.
Not Qualified: 17. Chris McGaha, 6.550, 209.56; 18. Eric Latino, 6.557, 208.17; 19. Kenny Delco, 6.569, 209.88; 20. Steve Graham, 6.594, 208.59; 21. Val Smeland, 6.597, 205.54; 22. Alan Prusiensky, 6.629, 206.35; 23. Joey Grose, 6.630, 205.51.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.721, 200.59; 2. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.729, 201.28; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Suzuki, 6.742, 201.52; 4. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.751, 200.26; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.765, 197.59; 6. Jianna Evaristo, Suzuki, 6.784, 197.77; 7. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.793, 197.28; 8. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.797, 197.25; 9. John Hall, EBR, 6.825, 196.87; 10. Matt Smith, Suzuki, 6.828, 198.38; 11. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.832, 198.82; 12. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.941, 194.38; 13. Chris Bostick, EBR, 6.952, 193.96; 14. Katie Justice, Suzuki, 6.972, 189.90; 15. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.007, 191.40; 16. Angie Smith, Buell, 7.027, 156.52.
Not Qualified: 17. Lance Bonham, 7.070, 186.77.
THURSDAY RESULTS - NEFF, VETTER, HOUGH SET THE PACE IN POMONA FINAL SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING
The beginning of the end began for the NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series as sportsman entries hit the track during the 8th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca., for the final event of the season.
Clint Neff thundered to the front of the Comp Eliminator qualifying list as his A/Econo Dragster reeled a 6.509 second elapsed time to run -.751 under the index. Slipping into second, running a whopping -.710 under the B/Altered index was former Aussie Pro Stock racer Jason Grima with a 6.920. Third was Brandon Huhtala, whose C/Atered was 7.228, -0.692 under the index. The top half of the field was .637 under or better.
Taylor Vetter has the early edge on an incredible Top Alcohol Dragster field, which is only five spots away from being the quickest ever for the category. Vetter turned in a 5.198 elapsed time to lead Thursday's lone session over Tony Stewart, who is second with a 5.218. There are 24 cars on the qualifying list with a who's who of competitors on the outside looking in.
Brian Hough leads the Funny Car field with a 5.435, edging out newly christened series champion Doug Gordon, who sits second with a 5.448. Annie Whiteley is third with a 5.448, losing the speed tiebreaker.
Brad Burton's Super Stock GT/GA topped the Super Stockers with a -1.170, 9.230. Wyatt Wagner, Larry Zavala, Tim Seymour, and Larry McLanahan rounded out the top five.
Richie Pauley's, C/Stock Automatic '68 Mustang was the top runner in Stock with a 10.348, -1.052, edging out a contingent of Camaros including
Leo Glasbrenner, Evan Kowalski, Justin Lamb, and Mike Williams.
Florentino M Rodriguez (6.279. 226.92) was No. 1 in Top Sportsman, while Steve Will's 6.113, 234.74 set the pace for Top Dragster.
THURSDAY SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER (Q1)
1 9 TA/D Taylor Vetter, Las Vegas NV, Copeland-H 5.198 279.21 279.21
2 314 TA/D Tony Stewart, Columbus IN, Indy Speed-H 5.218 276.92 276.92
3 491 TA/D Angelle Sampey, Mathews LA, Copeland-No 5.234 274.05 274.05
4 6 TA/D Julie Nataas, Brownsburg IN, Copeland-B 5.252 271.41 271.41
5 2 TA/D Matthew Cummings, Delray Beach FL, Hadm 5.269 266.06 266.06
6 1 TA/D Joey Severance, Woodburn OR, Hadman-NOON 5.296 236.09 236.09
7 628 TA/D Kim Parker, Graham WA, Bounty Hunter-CH 5.306 266.79 266.79
8 611 TA/D Garrett Bateman, Albany OR, Hadman-DODGE 5.311 274.22 274.22
9 54 TA/D James Stevens, Gothenburg NE, Copeland- 5.331 267.91 267.91
10 725K A/FD Krista Baldwin, Pittsboro IN, Dragster- 5.331 267.59 267.59
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TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (Q1)
1 7 Brian Hough, Junction OR, '20 Camaro 5.435 269.24 269.24
2 1 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '22 Camaro 5.448 269.83 269.83
3 584 Annie Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '22 Camaro 5.448 268.81 268.81
4 64 Chris Marshall, McMinnville OR, '20 Camaro 5.452 264.65 264.65
5 2 Shane Westerfield, Fullerton CA, '18 Camaro 5.464 267.11 267.11
6 5087 Jim Whiteley, Gand Junction CO, '22 Camaro 5.485 265.22 265.22
7 711 Will Martin, Nuevo CA, '22 Camaro 5.555 261.32 261.32
8 67 Ray Martin, Anchorage AK, '18 Camaro 5.580 260.41 260.41
9 757 Mike Doushgounian, San Jose CA, '22 Camaro 6.365 164.27 164.27
10 7071 Hunter Jones, Tucson AZ, '16 Camaro 9.083 94.31 94.31
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COMP (FINAL)
1 590 A/ED Clint Neff, Arvada CO, Clack-Ford 6.509 7.26 -0.751
2 800 B/A Jason Grima, Moscow Mills MO, '07 Mustang 6.920 7.63 -0.710
3 654 C/A Brandon Huhtala, Lake Tapos WA, '10 GPX 7.228 7.92 -0.692
4 769Y H/EA Joshua Lee, Lancaster CA, '32 Bantam 8.837 9.52 -0.683
5 5 E/SMA Cody Lane, Seattle WA, '05 Cavalier 8.278 8.96 -0.682
6 5008 H/A Travis Gusso, Souix Falls SD, '10 Cobalt 8.565 9.24 -0.675
7 7235 C/ED Scott McClay, Tehachapi CA, BOS-Dodge 7.185 7.84 -0.655
8 211 J/DA Glen Treadwell, Eustis FL, Elite 7.647 8.29 -0.643
9 75 PST Kurt Hugger, Fremont CA, '01 Dakota 7.373 8.01 -0.637
10 1 A/AA Ryan Priddy, Chino CA, '18 Camaro 6.512 7.11 -0.598
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SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 5820 GT/GA Brad Burton, Snohomish WA, '91 Firebird 9.230 10.40 -1.170
2 4 SS/GA Wyatt Wagner, Bonner Springs KS, '68 Cama 9.458 10.55 -1.092
3 74 SS/JA Larry Zavala, Montebello CA, '89 Camaro 9.935 11.00 -1.065
4 T733 FSS/D Tim Seymour, San Dimas CA, '16 Chevy 8.916 9.90 -0.984
5 10 FSS/B Larry McLanahan, Kennewick WA, '19 Mustang 8.250 9.20 -0.950
6 7680 FSS/G Tom Ferruggia, Menifee CA, '13 Camaro 9.310 10.25 -0.940
7 7171 SS/GA Fred Moreno, La Verne CA, '69 Mustang 9.618 10.55 -0.932
8 7696 GT/JA Len Schneider, Grass Valley CA, '84 Thund 9.882 10.80 -0.918
9 7304 SS/GA Tom Armanino, San Mateo CA, '68 Camaro 9.645 10.55 -0.905
10 718 SS/FA Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth CA, '69 Road Ru 9.547 10.45 -0.903
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STOCK (FINAL)
1 7593 C/SA Richie Pauley, Saugus CA, '68 Mustang 10.348 11.40 -1.052
2 7155 FS/C Leo Glasbrenner, Murrieta CA, '14 Camaro 9.251 10.30 -1.049
3 A701 FS/E Evan Kowalski, Riverside CA, '14 Camaro 9.907 10.95 -1.043
4 7474 FS/D Justin Lamb, Henderson NV, '23 Camaro 9.565 10.60 -1.035
5 767 D/SA Mike Williams, Hesperia CA, '67 Camaro 10.522 11.55 -1.028
6 2426 C/SA Mitch Kight, Rougemont NC, '10 Challenger 10.384 11.40 -1.016
7 5737 FS/AA Chris Vang, Sterling CO, '17 Camaro 8.384 9.40 -1.016
8 7981 D/SA Michael Wann, Modesto CA, '69 Barracuda 10.549 11.55 -1.001
9 7801 F/SA Pete Lanciers, Spring Valley CA, '73 Dust 10.858 11.85 -0.992
10 2 D/SA Brad Burton, Snohomish WA, '72 Firebird 10.558 11.55 -0.992
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TOP SPORTSMAN (FINAL)
1 46 Florentino M Rodriguez, Villa Hidalgo MX, '15 6.279 226.92 226.92
2 9 Paul Mitsos, Eastvale CA, '23 Camaro 6.563 212.43 212.43
3 263 Doug Crumlich, Douglasville GA, '63 Corvette 6.577 210.64 210.64
4 6502 Will Yakimetz, Vegreville AB, '69 Camaro 6.598 214.31 214.31
5 749 Justin Linares, Grantsville UT, '69 Camaro 6.688 205.35 205.35
6 780 David Cook, Novato CA, '67 Mustang 6.689 206.67 206.67
7 518 Monte Green, Mesa AZ, '07 Status 6.693 208.78 208.78
8 4 Don Meziere, Escondido CA, '09 Cobalt 6.740 204.63 204.63
9 7134 Bryan Warr, Riverton UT, '69 Camaro 6.754 204.51 204.51
10 6921 Joe Mellof, Maple Ridge BC, '08 GXP 6.762 204.88 204.88
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TOP DRAGSTER (FINAL)
1 7237 Steve Will, Fortuna CA, Sarmento-BAEE 6.113 234.74 234.74
2 79 John Richardson, Santa Clarita CA, Sarmento-Ch 6.114 203.55 208.91
3 7711 Don London, Lake Havasu City AZ, M&M-Chevy 6.119 229.16 229.16
4 7613 Kevin Kleineweber, Miracopa AZ, TNT-Chevy 6.125 194.91 225.26
5 503A Jeff Koron, Hays KS, Undercover-Chevy 6.126 231.12 231.12
6 2 Alan Kenny, Kutztown PA, Dan Page-Stinnet 6.133 225.37 225.37
7 7638 Mark Yeager, Hollister CA, Danny Nelson-Chevy 6.152 233.12 233.12
8 7091 Reed Taylor, Las Vegas NV, '23 Altered 6.167 222.66 222.66
9 77 Taylor Vetter, Las Vegas NV, Race Tech-Chevy 6.169 225.33 225.33
10 7911 Summer Richardson, Acton CA, M & M-Chevy 6.178 222.88 222.88
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