The NHRA intends to move forward with plans for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, not only for this season but many in the future.

A City Council meeting for the City of Pomona made clear in many aspects, a cloudy picture which was painted earlier in the week regarding the Fairplex and future drag races. 

NHRA VP of Operations Graham attended and spoke at Monday's meeting on behalf of the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. 

"The City Council and the Mayor basically assured us that they aren’t targeting anybody really," Light confirmed. "There’s some issues that go back many years on their agreement with the Fairplex, but as far as drag racing’s concerned, it’s been there since 1960 and run national events since 1961. Basically gave us assurance that they want us to stay."

The source of the issue, which been brewing ever since the adoption of zoning regulations in 2004, which neighbors allege have affected the quality of their lives by increasing traffic, trash and noise among some of the complaints. 

Light said NHRA and the Fairplex have always tried to be good neighbors when it comes to drag racing. 

"We are surrounded by houses, and you’ve got to exist with your neighbors and be good neighbors," Light said. "The sport offers a whole lot of benefits for the neighborhood, not only financial benefit through taxation and even the street legal programs. Not that we run that anymore at Pomona, but we do promote at Pomona for racing at Irwindale and Fontana and other local race tracks." 

There were as many as 50 people at Monday's meeting, which last up until midnight. 

"There was a combination of people supporting racing, the fair, and some opposing concerts and a variety of different things. It wasn’t solely, by any means it wasn’t targeted solely at drag racing. It was all of the activities that run at the Fairplex."

And for Light, it was refreshing to see drag racing wasn't at the forefront of the complaints. 

"Very pleasantly refreshing that there was very little public outcry or complaints about the two national events," Light confirmed.  

NHRA has raced at the Fairplex consistently since 1961.