Taylor Chomiski captured his second consecutive NHRA Four-Wide Nationals victory in the Comp Eliminator category at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Driving the Blind Frog Ranch/CIP1.com Chevrolet Cobalt, the second-generation racer turned on five win lights to secure the 25th anniversary commemorative trophy.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Chomiski, whose previous win in Las Vegas marked his first career national event victory. “I still don’t think it’s set in yet; this is just amazing.”
Chomiski began his path to victory on Saturday against seasoned racer Joe Mozeris. He got off the starting line first with a .016 reaction time and won the round with an 8.318-second pass at 155.27 mph, finishing -.592 under the C/SM index.
“I didn’t do a very good job in the first round, I took way too much stripe… even though I knew I had him covered, I wanted to turn the win light on,” Chomiski admitted.
In the second round, Chomiski faced No. 1 qualifier Ryan Priddy. He again launched with a sharp .016 reaction time while Priddy fouled out, illuminating the red light.
Another red light from Mike Dahl in the third round sent Chomiski to the semifinals against Brooke Heckel. Chomiski’s launch was .023 to Heckel’s .048, and he advanced to the final after making the right calls at the finish line.
“I was ecstatic to be going to back-to-back finals in Las Vegas,” Chomiski said after the semifinal.
Chomiski was set to face Jeff Lane in the final when Lane’s car leaked fluid during a burnout, preventing him from taking the stage.
“In Dallas a couple of years ago, I was the No. 1 qualifier. Second round, the same thing happened to me on a bye run – oil and I couldn’t stage,” Chomiski shared. “I know how it feels, but I’m happy to be on the other side of that today.”
With a single in the final round, all Chomiski had to do was stage his car. Family and friends surrounded him afterward, celebrating his latest victory alongside fiancée Ally, stepmom Shavon, dad and crew chief Gary, and car chief David “Chief” Trujillo.
“What a great weekend,” he said. “My guys give me the opportunity to win before we leave the pit area… I just try to do the best I can every time.” Chomiski expressed confidence about his potential for future success. “I think we can contend for a championship, and I think we’re well on our way to doing that.”
