2018 NHRA AUTO CLUB FINALS - EVENT RESULTS
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SUNDAY - TODD AND M. SMITH SECURE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES; TORRENCE, TODD, GRAY AND M. SMITH WINNERS AT SEASON ENDING AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS
J.R. Todd clinched his first career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car world championship title during the first round of eliminations Sunday at the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
Matt Smith also won his third Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship at the final 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event during eliminations on Sunday.
The race winners at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona were Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Todd (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and M. Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For the first time in NHRA history, all of the event winners were also the world champions in their respective categories.
Robert Hight, the defending category champion, was second in points in the category and smoked the tires against Bob Tasca III during the opening round of eliminations which guaranteed the title crown to Todd.
“People kept asking, ‘what do you need to do to clinch?’,” Todd stated. “I’m like, we need to win the race. We need to not worry about what we need to clinch it. Seeing Robert smoke the tires first round was instant relief. My crew was racing smart and the Yella Fellas do an awesome job preparing the thing today. They stayed focused all day long because there were a lot of distractions around our pit area and they did their job. The other teams at Kalitta Motorsports came over to help and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a huge family over there and we’ve all got each other’s backs and it’s awesome to have that kind of support.”
Todd went on to dominate the season ending event with a run of 3.872 at 329.10 taking down the defending two-time event champion Tommy Johnson Jr.’s Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T. He finishes the season with six race wins, the first coming at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. Todd also won the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals for the second year in a row and three events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship, two runner-up finishes and a solo No. 1 qualifier.
M. Smith secured his third NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship in the final round of eliminations. He powered his Elite Motorsports DENSO Auto Parts EBR to a 6.765 at 201.22 national speed record pass to defeat defending world champion Eddie Krawiec, who was the nearest championship contender. M. Smith defeated Angie Smith, Hector Arana and LE Tonglet en route to the finals to secure the championship and event title. This is his first world championship title since 2013.
“Man, we went through a lot today,” M. Smith said. “With the airline breaking in the first round and in the second round the transmission broke on us going through the lights. My guys did their job and we fixed all of the stuff that broke and ended up putting up three 200 mph runs today. We are having the time of our life right now though.”
M. Smith’s championship season had four race victories with three wins during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. He secured five No. 1 qualifiers and had a single runner-up finish.
In Top Fuel, Torrence made NHRA history by sweeping all six playoff races during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. He raced his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster to a holeshot win of 3.702 at 330.07 against NHRA’s winningest Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher’s run of 3.700 at 331.61 in the final round. This Torrence’s 11th win of the season, 27th of his career and first at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
“It has truly been unbelievable,” Torrence stated. “To go out and do what those Capco Boys have accomplished is solely by the grace of the good Lord. We’ve won some rounds that we probably should not have won. We are truly blessed to be able to do what we’re doing. We’re going to be in the history books. Nobody can beat us; they can only tie us. That’s a pretty cool stat to put behind your name.”
Torrence’s path to victory included wins Cameron Ferre, teammate and father Billy Torrence and 2017 world champion Brittany Force. Schumacher took out Scott Palmer, Bill Litton and Blake Alexander before falling to Torrence in the finals.
Gray won the Pro Stock portion of the race in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro with a run of 6.519 at 211.86 to defeat Drew Skillman’s pass of 6.524 at 211.03. The 2018 world champion notched his eighth victory of the season, 13th of his two-year career and first at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.
“This was probably the most relaxed Sunday I’ve had ever,” Gray said. “For me, I just wanted to enjoy the moment. That was the last time I was going to race with a lot of those guys. We wrapped up the championship during qualifying and I just wanted to enjoy it. We had already won seven races and that’s really good and obviously I wanted to win more but at the same time I wanted to enjoy the time I had with the guys and make the most out of it.”
Gray drove past his father Shane Gray, Erica Enders and Jason Line before entering his second consecutive final round appearance at the event. Skillman defeated Alan Prusiensky, veteran Greg Anderson and No. 1 qualifier Jeg Coughlin Jr. before falling in the finals.
The 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will kick off with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Feb. 7-10 at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
SATURDAY - GRAY SECURES PRO STOCK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE; PRITCHETT, CAPPS, COUGHLIN JR. AND M. SMITH NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS
Pro Stock racer Tanner Gray became the youngest NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world champion by qualifying Saturday at the season ending Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
During his championship season Gray notched seven victories including securing his first career win at the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals win in Indianapolis. In the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship, Gray cemented his first crown with two wins and maintained the points lead throughout the entire playoffs.
“It has been a heck of a year,” Gray stated. “It started out pretty slow and I wasn’t quite sure it would end up here. About midseason we were able to find something, and everything seemed like it started clicking from there. We did so much testing at the beginning of the season and it really paid off. It was like a light flipped and everything started coming together. We had a strong running going there for a little bit and came into the Countdown and executed on race day really well.”
In other racing, Leah Pritchett (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the final race of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Pritchett remained atop of the Top Fuel category for all four qualifying sessions in her Mopar Dodge dragster at her hometown race. Her final qualifying run of 3.631-seconds at 332.84 mph secured her fourth No. 1 qualifier of the season and 11th of her career. Pritchett will square off against Bill Litton Sunday morning as she seeks to secure her third win of the season.
“The car is finally communicating in a proper way,” Pritchett said. “We found out our window is a lot bigger for making these fast passes. I’m most excited for Todd Okuhara (crew chief) because he finally has his race car back. For the history that has been laid on this track and for us to chase putting down our own history makes me feel like our team is on our way.”
Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence is second with his pass of 3.661 at 330.96 in his Capco Contractors/Torrence Racing dragster and 2017 world champion Brittany Force is third overall.
Don Schumacher Racing swept the top three qualifying positions in Funny Car as Capps powered his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T to the top of the class with his fourth qualifying pass of 3.848 at 331.53. Teammates Jack Beckman and Tommy Johnson Jr. were second and third, respectively.
“The fans are going to be in for unbelievable racing tomorrow,” Capps stated. “It will be a nice warm Southern California day but it is going to be good track conditions and it won’t be messy or greasy. I can’t think of a better place to race.”
Capps will see Ray Martin in the first round of eliminations. Beckman’s speed of 330.96 at 3.867 in his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T surpassed Johnson Jr.’s 326.40 at 3.867 during their side-by-side fourth qualifying run. Points leader J.R. Todd is qualified fourth and defending world champion and championship contender Robert Hight follows in fifth.
Pro Stock veteran Coughlin Jr. locked-in his sixth No. 1 qualifier of the season in his JEGS.com/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro with his final qualifying pass of 6.510 at 211.49. He will face-off against Kenny Delco during the first round of eliminations as he chases his fourth win of the season.
“Rickie Jones (crew chief) was going for it,” Coughlin Jr. stated. “From the time I let the clutch out this thing was just singing. It was singing through every one of the four gear changes and fifth gear was great and just hummed it down through there. I could tell by the tone on his voice on the radio that not only did we run well but kept the No. 1 qualifier.”
Jason Line moved up to the No. 2 spot during the final round of qualifying with his run of 6.529 at 212.06 in his Summit Racing Chevrolet Equipment and will see Vincent Nobile for the first round of eliminations. Erica Enders rounds out to the top three for qualifying and will start eliminations against Deric Kramer.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, M. Smith, the points leader, secured his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season, 31st of his career and second during the Countdown to the Championship by racing his Elite Motorsports DENSO Auto Parts EBR to a 6.754 at 201.10.
“Our Q3 run was a phenomenal pass,” M. Smith said. “We did 60-foot well like we did in Q1 and Q2 but as everybody sees we have a real good tune-up, we have a lot of power, and the 201.10 is pretty hateful out here. We ran big speed at eighth mile, changed some gear ratios and made a nice pass.”
M. Smith will open eliminations against his wife, Angie Smith. Hector Arana Jr. is qualified second after a 6.781 at 197.57 on his Lucas Oil Racing TV EBR and he’ll line up against Freddie Camarena. Defending world champion Eddie Krawiec is in qualified third and in contention for his fifth world championship.
Eliminations begin at 11 a.m. at the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals.
Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the final of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.
Top Fuel -- 1. Leah Pritchett, 3.631 seconds, 332.84 mph vs. 16. Bill Litton, 3.985, 270.43; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.661, 330.96 vs. 15. Cameron Ferre, 3.929, 287.41; 3. Brittany Force, 3.667, 333.58 vs. 14. Shawn Reed, 3.807, 323.12; 4. Clay Millican, 3.681, 325.14 vs. 13. Terry McMillen, 3.792, 324.05; 5. Blake Alexander, 3.692, 331.45 vs. 12. Mike Salinas, 3.762, 294.50; 6. Antron Brown, 3.704, 329.50 vs. 11. Doug Kalitta, 3.740, 319.29; 7. Billy Torrence, 3.711, 328.86 vs. 10. Richie Crampton, 3.726, 325.22; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.722, 329.75 vs. 9. Scott Palmer, 3.726, 326.95.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Audrey Worm, 4.005, 254.47.
Funny Car -- 1. Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 3.848, 331.53 vs. 16. Ray Martin, Toyota Camry, 4.183, 259.31; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.867, 330.96 vs. 15. Jeff Arend, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.116, 303.37; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., Charger, 3.867, 326.40 vs. 14. Cruz Pedregon, Camry, 4.065, 300.20; 4. J.R. Todd, Camry, 3.897, 327.82 vs. 13. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.000, 309.70; 5. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.915, 327.98 vs. 12. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.991, 320.20; 6. Courtney Force, Camaro, 3.920, 313.58 vs. 11. Bob Bode, Mustang, 3.981, 318.24; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.931, 321.81 vs. 10. John Force, Camaro, 3.975, 320.36; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.946, 323.50 vs. 9. Shawn Langdon, Camry, 3.950, 320.97.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Terry Haddock, 4.253, 260.56; 18. Jonnie Lindberg, 4.452, 286.01; 19. Jeff Diehl, 4.632, 190.35.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.510, 211.49 vs. 16. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.597, 209.36; 2. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.529, 212.06 vs. 15. Vincent Nobile, Camaro, 6.584, 209.95; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.530, 211.39 vs. 14. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.570, 210.50; 4. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.532, 211.16 vs. 13. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.569, 209.49; 5. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.533, 211.66 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.568, 209.85; 6. Tanner Gray, Camaro, 6.534, 211.33 vs. 11. Shane Gray, Camaro, 6.564, 210.08; 7. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.541, 210.87 vs. 10. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.560, 211.89; 8. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.543, 211.20 vs. 9. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.553, 211.39.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Steve Graham, 6.622, 210.05; 18. Val Smeland, 6.640, 207.43; 19. Tom Huggins, 6.713, 207.24; 20. Joey Grose, 6.738, 196.36.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.754, 201.10 vs. 16. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.969, 192.60; 2. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.781, 197.57 vs. 15. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 6.953, 194.86; 3. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.789, 198.38 vs. 14. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.952, 191.40; 4.
Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.826, 196.16 vs. 13. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.898, 191.29; 5. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.828, 196.39 vs. 12. Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.893, 196.64; 6. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.835, 195.93 vs. 11. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.880, 196.30; 7. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.838, 194.88 vs. 10. Scotty Pollacheck, Suzuki, 6.879, 194.66; 8. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.862, 197.48 vs. 9. Chip Ellis, Harley-Davidson, 6.862, 193.79.
Did Not Qualify: 17. Kelly Clontz, 6.972, 192.85; 18. Katie Sullivan, 6.978, 193.99; 19. Melissa Surber, 7.052, 187.57; 20. Maurice Allen, 7.070, 185.10; 21. Anthony Vanetti, 7.074, 188.94.
FRIDAY - PRITCHETT, JOHNSON JR., COUGHLIN JR. AND M. SMITH CURRENT NO. 1 QUALIFIERS AT SEASON ENDING AUTO CLUB FINALS
Leah Pritchett lit the candles on her Top Fuel dragster Friday evening and piloted to the top of the category for both qualifying sessions at the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway.
Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also preliminary qualifiers in their respective categories at the final event of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Southern California native Pritchett raced to the top of the Top Fuel class with her 3.649-second pass at 329.34 mph in her Mopar Dodge dragster during the second session. She is seeking to secure her fourth No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 11th of her career.
“When you have this horsepower weather and this time of day you can just feel the energy,” Pritchett stated. “The reason why there’s a smile on our faces is that we were able to execute what we wanted to do. Tomorrow we’re not going to have these same conditions so that’s why we’re excited we were able to capitalize on it tonight.”
Clay Millican is qualified second with his pass of 3.702 at 327.19 in his Great Clips / Parts Plus dragster and three-time world champion Antron Brown is third with his run of 3.704 at 329.50. 2018 Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence is qualified fourth as he seeks to make history by sweeping the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship events.
Two-time defending event champion Johnson Jr.’s second qualifying run of 3.881 at 328.54 in his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T locked-in the top spot. He is seeking to secure his fourth consecutive No. 1 qualifying position this season.
“It’s incredible they have had such a handle on the car,” said Johnson. “I wish we could get that handle on Sunday but we are pretty close. I’m disappointed we didn’t get it done quick enough in the Countdown but at the same time I’m excited because it is such a good car now. If we can carry that on to next year I would love it.”
Teammate Jack Beckman is in the second spot with his pass of 3.901 at 323.35 while reigning Funny Car world champion Robert Hight sits in the third position. Current points leader J.R. Todd is in the No. 11 spot.
Coughlin Jr., who is currently No. 2 in the Pro Stock points standings, raced his JEGS.com/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to a 6.527 pass at 211.39 in the second round of qualifying.
“We made two really nice runs today,” Coughlin Jr. stated. “After Q1 we were on the poll and seeing some of our competitors bettering that mark ahead of us during the last three pair of Pro Stock were lower in the boom. I was concerned with the right lane because a lot of cars were getting loose out there and thought it was going to be tough to improve. When I let the clutch out the car just went singing down the track and it felt great.”
Teammate Erica Enders is currently in the second spot after racing a 6.530 at 211.39 in her Melling Performance/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro. Championship points leader Tanner Gray is currently qualified fourth.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Smith rode to a track record speed at 200.65 at 6.774 to lead the field on his Elite Motorsports DENSO Auto Parts EBR. Smith was the quickest in both qualifying sessions. Smith is the current category points leader and seeking to extend his lead.
“All in all, it was a good day for us,” Smith said. “We made two passes and were No. 1 for both runs. I got eight bonus points. We just have to go and win the race now and win the championship; no matter what anybody else tell us.”
Hector Arana Jr. qualified second with his pass of 6.824 at 198.96 on his Lucas Oil TV EBR and LE Tonglet is third with his run of 6.828 at 196.39.
Qualifying at the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals continues Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, final of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.
Top Fuel -- 1. Leah Pritchett, 3.649 seconds, 329.34 mph; 2. Clay Millican, 3.702, 327.19; 3. Antron Brown, 3.704, 329.50; 4. Steve Torrence, 3.704, 327.35; 5. Blake Alexander, 3.711, 330.88; 6. Billy Torrence, 3.711, 328.86; 7. Doug Kalitta, 3.740, 319.29; 8. Richie Crampton, 3.756, 319.52; 9. Scott Palmer, 3.767, 328.38; 10. Brittany Force, 3.772, 324.28; 11. Tony Schumacher, 3.792, 326.24; 12. Terry McMillen, 3.794, 325.61; 13. Shawn Reed, 3.858, 312.35; 14. Mike Salinas, 4.211, 208.20; 15. Cameron Ferre, 4.946, 144.75; 16. Audrey Worm, 7.731, 92.70.
Funny Car -- 1. Tommy Johnson Jr., Dodge Charger, 3.881, 328.54; 2. Jack Beckman, Charger, 3.901, 323.35; 3. Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.936, 325.69; 4. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.936, 305.29; 5. Ron Capps, Charger, 3.948, 320.66; 6. Shawn Langdon, Toyota Camry, 3.950, 320.97; 7. Courtney Force, Camaro, 3.965, 316.15; 8. Jim Campbell, Charger, 4.029, 307.30; 9. Ray Martin, Camry, 4.183, 259.31; 10. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 4.217, 230.06; 11. J.R. Todd, Camry, 4.220, 310.13; 12. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.253, 260.56; 13. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.256, 214.62; 14. Jeff Arend, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.276, 255.15; 15. Bob Bode, Mustang, 4.346, 205.76; 16. John Force, Camaro, 4.386, 206.54.
Not Qualified: 17. Cruz Pedregon, 4.396, 204.14; 18. Jeff Diehl, 4.632, 190.35; 19. Jonnie Lindberg, 5.639, 122.74.
Pro Stock -- 1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.527, 211.39; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.530, 211.39; 3. Jason Line, Camaro, 6.531, 211.56; 4. Tanner Gray, Camaro, 6.537, 209.59; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.550, 211.39; 6. Alex Laughlin, Camaro, 6.550, 210.18; 7. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.557, 212.09; 8. Bo Butner, Camaro, 6.558, 211.03; 9. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.560, 211.89; 10. Drew Skillman, Camaro, 6.562, 211.43; 11. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.570, 210.50; 12. Alan Prusiensky, Dodge Dart, 6.590, 209.20; 13. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.612, 208.55; 14. Fernando Cuadra, Camaro, 6.615, 209.88; 15. Val Smeland, Camaro, 6.697, 207.27; 16. Joey Grose, Camaro, 6.738, 196.36.
Not Qualified: 17. Steve Graham, 7.091, 157.19; 18. Tom Huggins, 7.481, 142.03; 19. Vincent Nobile, 12.494, 71.25.
Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Matt Smith, EBR, 6.774, 200.65; 2. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.824, 198.96; 3. LE Tonglet, Suzuki, 6.828, 196.39; 4. Jerry Savoie, Suzuki, 6.848, 194.74; 5. Eddie Krawiec, Harley-Davidson, 6.864, 197.77; 6. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.880, 196.30; 7. Chip Ellis, Harley-Davidson, 6.880, 194.80; 8. Hector Arana, EBR, 6.885, 197.57; 9. Scotty Pollacheck, Suzuki, 6.885, 194.49; 10. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 6.886, 194.60; 11. Ryan Oehler, Buell, 6.893, 196.64; 12. Angelle Sampey, Buell, 6.895, 193.40; 13. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.898, 191.29; 14. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 6.952, 191.40; 15. Freddie Camarena, Suzuki, 6.953, 194.86; 16. Katie Sullivan, Suzuki, 6.978, 193.99.
Not Qualified: 17. Kelly Clontz, 7.013, 191.57; 18. Anthony Vanetti, 7.074, 188.94; 19. Angie Smith, 7.081, 163.63; 20. Maurice Allen, 7.114, 186.64; 21. Melissa Surber, broke.
FRIDAY SPORTSMAN - BELLEMEUR CONTINUES HIS DOMINATION IN FRIDAY QUALIFYING
Sean Bellemuer, who has won seven Top Alcohol Funny Car events in 2018, set himself up for eighth after dominating Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying during second-day qualifying at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca.
Bellemeur's quickest run came in Friday afternoon's Q-2 session 5with a 5.411, 271.79 to leapfrog both Annie Whiteley and Ulf Leanders.
Whitely replaced Leanders briefly atop the qualifying list during the Q-2 session with a 5.455, 272.23 pass.
Thursday's leader Leanders concluded qualifying with a 5.461 best, at 268.17 miles per hour.
Top Alcohol Dragster standout Shawn Cowie replaced Thursday's top runner Joey Severance atop the qualifying list after two sessions with a 5.203, 280.54 best.
The third and final session was rescheduled until Saturday morning when the race schedule fell behind because of a day filled with oildowns and other moments of mayhem.
Friday's leader Severance fell to second with a 5.204, 277.83 followed by Julie Nataas with a 5.232, 279.79.
All remaining NHRA sportsman began eliminations on Friday.
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FRIDAY SPORTSMAN -
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (FINAL)
1 5 Sean Bellemeur, Placentia CA, '17 Camaro 5.411 271.79 271.79
2 4 Annie Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '15 Camaro 5.455 272.23 272.23
3 800 Ulf Leanders, Viksjofors SW, '18 Camaro 5.461 268.17 268.17
4 1 Shane Westerfield, Anaheim CA, '16 Camaro 5.486 265.90 265.90
5 66 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '15 Camaro 5.499 266.95 266.95
6 10 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '18 Camaro 5.507 267.27 267.27
7 7 Kris Hool, Evansville WY, '16 Camaro 5.539 265.22 265.22
8 3 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '15 Camaro 5.664 268.65 268.65
9 7238 Bret Williamson, Gilroy CA, '01 Corvette 5.833 252.24 252.24
10 6260 Tyson Parker, Salem OR, '05 Camaro 5.916 247.66 247.66
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER (SESSION TWO)
1 2 B/AD Shawn Cowie, Surrey BC, Hadman-BAE 5.203 280.54 281.36
2 1 B/AD Joey Severance, Woodburn OR, Hadman-NRE 5.204 277.83 277.83
3 8002 A/FD Julie Nataas, Santa Barbara CA, Meyer-B 5.232 279.79 279.79
4 611 TA/D Garrett Bateman, Albany OR, Hadman-BAE 5.266 277.37 277.37
5 628 TA/D Kim Parker, Graham WA, Attac-BAE 5.296 271.79 271.79
6 17 A/FD Dan Mercier, Saint-Michel PQ, Page-BAE 5.298 277.37 277.37
7 765 TA/D Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman- 5.319 273.00 273.94
8 4824 A/FD Shane Conway, Spring TX, McKinney-CRE 5.353 267.32 267.32
9 6067 A/FD Don St. Arnaud, Edmonton AB, Hadman-BAE 5.373 276.01 276.01
10 7610 A/FD Derik Milanesio, Strathmore CA, Crossbo 5.374 270.27 270.27
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (SESSION TWO)
1 5 Sean Bellemeur, Placentia CA, '17 Camaro 5.411 271.79 271.79
2 4 Annie Whiteley, Grand Junction CO, '15 Camaro 5.455 272.23 272.23
3 800 Ulf Leanders, Viksjofors SW, '18 Camaro 5.461 268.17 268.17
4 1 Shane Westerfield, Anaheim CA, '16 Camaro 5.486 265.90 265.90
5 66 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '15 Camaro 5.499 266.95 266.95
6 7 Kris Hool, Evansville WY, '16 Camaro 5.539 265.22 265.22
7 3 Doug Gordon, Paso Robles CA, '15 Camaro 5.664 268.65 268.65
8 10 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '18 Camaro 5.845 233.44 233.44
9 6260 Tyson Parker, Salem OR, '05 Camaro 5.916 247.66 247.66
10 2 John Lombardo Jr., Brea CA, '18 Camaro 6.230 169.59 169.59
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER COMP (ROUND ONE WINNERS)
1 6173 S/C Ken Mostowich, Calgary AB, '68 Camaro 8.901 8.90 0.001
2 7019 S/C Parker Theobald, Saint George UT, Mullis- 8.904 8.90 0.004
3 5396 S/C Bradley Johnson, Morrison CO, M&M-Chevy 8.904 8.90 0.004
4 7687 S/C Tanner Theobald, Saint George UT, Trick-C 8.905 8.90 0.005
5 7002 S/C Allison McKoane, Clovis CA, Undercover-Ch 8.905 8.90 0.005
6 7192 S/C Ryan Herem, Canyon Country CA, Mullis-Che 8.906 8.90 0.006
7 2771 S/C Ray Miller III, Spring City TN, Miller-Ch 8.906 8.90 0.006
8 7209 S/C Chad Webber, Kingman AZ, RaceTech-Chevy 8.907 8.90 0.007
9 71 S/C Thomas Bayer, Alta Loma CA, Mullis-Chevy 8.907 8.90 0.007
10 7212 S/C Peyton Januik, Las Vegas NV, RaceTech-Che 8.908 8.90 0.008
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS
SUPER GAS (ROUND ONE WINNERS)
1 7117 S/G Roger Kato, N. Las Vegas NV, '05 Cavalier 9.901 9.90 0.001
2 4175 S/G Travis Salter, Baytown TX, '67 Camaro 9.901 9.90 0.001
3 7851 S/G Robert Naber, Ontario CA, '63 Corvette 9.908 9.90 0.008
4 569 S/G Michael Miller, Moriarty NM, '27-T Ford 9.914 9.90 0.014
5 7867 S/G Dean Hall, Guerneville CA, '63 Corvette 9.915 9.90 0.015
6 729 S/G Greg Ventura, Corona CA, '66 Nova 9.916 9.90 0.016
7 4934 S/G Steve Collier, Benton LA, '72 Vega 9.918 9.90 0.018
8 7061 S/G Matt Blodgett, Signal Hill CA, '72 Vega 9.926 9.90 0.026
9 7890 S/G Randy Fabbro, Glendora CA, '78 Pinto 9.928 9.90 0.028
10 3172 S/G Leo Zynda, Clinton Twp MI, '90 Cavalier 9.931 9.90 0.031
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THURSDAY SPORTSMAN - HODGES, STEPHENSON AND FLETCHER PACE POMONA-2 SPORTSMAN QUALIFYING
Art Hodges was the top runner in Competition Eliminator during first-day qualifying at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca, the final national event of the 2018 season.
Hodges, who runs D/Altered in his 2014 Camaro, stopped the clocks with a 7.628 elapsed time, -.722 under the index. Todd Miller was second with his alcohol-burning roadster with a 6.352, 6.352 under the AA/AM index. Travis Gusso's G/Altered Cobalt was third with an 8.324, -.656.
Over in Super Stock, Mario Stephenson's GT/HA entry was the top runner, -1.050 under at 9.450 seconds. Slipping into the second spot was the Pontiac Sunfire of Jim Grossi, who was -1.035 under with an 8.665. Fred Allen's SS/Truck B was third with an 8.941, -1.009 performance.
Dan Fletcher's FS/E 2015 Camaro was No. 1 in Stock running -1.098 under with a 9.852 elapsed time. He finished just ahead of the classic C/Stock Automatic Mustang of Don Keen, whose 10.395 was second at -1.005. Angela Bushmaker's Mopar was third with a -1.00 under the K/SA index, 11.650.
The alcohol cars had one session on Thursday and Joey Severance (Top Alcohol Dragster) and Ulf Leanders (Top Alcohol Funny Car).
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER (FIRST SESSION)
1 1 B/AD Joey Severance, Woodburn OR, Hadman-NRE 5.204 277.83 277.83
2 2 B/AD Shawn Cowie, Surrey BC, Hadman-BAE 5.226 281.36 281.36
3 8002 A/FD Julie Nataas, Santa Barbara CA, Meyer-B 5.232 279.79 279.79
4 611 TA/D Garrett Bateman, Albany OR, Hadman-BAE 5.266 277.37 277.37
5 765 TA/D Duane Shields, Boulder City NV, Hadman- 5.327 273.94 273.94
6 17 A/FD Dan Mercier, Saint-Michel PQ, Page-BAE 5.333 274.83 274.83
7 7610 A/FD Derik Milanesio, Strathmore CA, Crossbo 5.374 270.27 270.27
8 7402 A/FD Randy Eakins, Carson City NV, Monden-TFX 5.404 262.90 262.90
9 724 TA/D Casey Grisel, Orangevale CA, McKinney-B 5.466 258.96 258.96
10 628 TA/D Kim Parker, Graham WA, Attac-BAE 5.542 263.72 263.72
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TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR (FIRST SESSION)
1 800 Ulf Leanders, Viksjofors SW, '18 Camaro 5.461 268.17 268.17
2 7 Kris Hool, Evansville WY, '16 Camaro 5.662 250.83 250.83
3 10 Jay Payne, Claremont CA, '18 Camaro 6.092 179.21 179.21
4 66 Brian Hough, Junction City OR, '15 Camaro 6.241 165.48 165.48
5 810 Robert Turner, Northamptonshire UK, '07 Monte 6.745 150.85 150.85
6 686 Todd Swinford, Keizer OR, '17 Camaro 6.849 166.52 166.52
7 63 Chris Marshall, McMinnville OR, '17 Camaro 6.980 151.60 151.60
8 1 Shane Westerfield, Anaheim CA, '16 Camaro 7.007 135.82 135.82
9 7238 Bret Williamson, Gilroy CA, '01 Corvette 7.020 172.08 172.08
10 636 Ray Martin, Anchorage AK, '14 Monte Carlo 8.704 102.64 102.64
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COMPETITION (FINAL)
1 233 D/A Art Hodges, Olin NC, '14 Camaro 7.628 8.35 -0.722
2 6570 AA/AM Todd Miller, Boring OR, '23 Ford T 6.352 7.04 -0.688
3 5008 G/A Travis Gusso, Sioux Falls SD, '10 Cobalt 8.324 8.98 -0.656
4 710 D/SMA Doug Lambeck, Northridge CA, '08 Sunfire 8.291 8.94 -0.649
5 769Y H/EA Josh Lee, Lancaster CA, '32 Bantam 8.847 9.49 -0.643
6 358 D/EA David Billingsley, Decatur IL, '14 Camaro 8.079 8.72 -0.641
7 7771 C/SR Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth CA, '34 Chevrolet 8.394 9.03 -0.636
8 2 E/DA Frank Aragona, Freehold NJ, N&P 7.274 7.90 -0.626
9 9 F/SM Ryan Warter, Olalla WA, '92 Camaro 8.676 9.30 -0.624
10 5212 D/ED Doug Engels, Watertown SD, Plant-Chevy 7.288 7.91 -0.622
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SUPER STOCK (FINAL)
1 332 GT/HA Marion Stephenson, Williamsport IN, '06 C 9.450 10.50 -1.050
2 7856 GT/AA Jim Grossi, Brentwood CA, '05 Sunfire 8.665 9.70 -1.035
3 368 SS/TB Fred Allen, Winamac IN, '05 S-10 8.941 9.95 -1.009
4 62 FGT/C Darrell Dietz, Medicine Hat AB, '12 Musta 8.806 9.80 -0.994
5 601 SS/BS Cody Lane, North Bend WA, '05 Cavalier 8.668 9.65 -0.982
6 7171 SS/GA Fred Moreno, La Verne CA, '69 Mustang 9.584 10.55 -0.966
7 540 FSS/L Curtis Hieb, Chamberlain SD, '10 Mustang 9.857 10.80 -0.943
8 3 GT/LA David Rampy, Piedmont AL, '87 Camaro 10.107 11.05 -0.943
9 7405 GT/EA Eric Bell, Chandler AZ, '68 Barracuda 9.178 10.10 -0.922
10 7420 SS/JA Eddie Leabo, Alta Loma CA, '98 Firebird 10.093 11.00 -0.907
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STOCK (FINAL)
1 1781 FS/E Dan Fletcher, Churchville NY, '15 Camaro 9.852 10.95 -1.098
2 7797 C/SA Don Keen, Palmdale CA, '68 Mustang 10.395 11.40 -1.005
3 6273 K/SA Angela Bushmaker, Buckley WA, '65 Valiant 11.650 12.65 -1.000
4 5400 B/SA Al Corda, Elk Mound WI, '15 Camaro 10.257 11.25 -0.993
5 7022 O/SA Nanette Stein, Brentwood CA, '86 Thunderb 12.191 13.15 -0.959
6 795 AA/SA Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma CA, '69 Camaro 9.741 10.70 -0.959
7 5016 H/SA Steve Scherschligt, Tea SD, '73 Satellite 11.192 12.15 -0.958
8 7947 EF/S Bill O'Connor, Huntington Beach CA, '80 H 16.511 17.45 -0.939
9 800 A/S Markus Svensson, Enanger SW, '69 Camaro 10.022 10.95 -0.928
10 7575 F/SA Mark Kirby, Bakersfield CA, '73 Duster 10.937 11.85 -0.913
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