Terry Haddock knows how hard it is to land a sponsor in today’s NHRA Funny Car world, especially when you’re an independent racer trying to keep up with the big-money teams. He’s landed AMPCO Contracting for the season-ending NHRA Finals at Pomona, and this time, a children’s charity is getting a piece of the action.
The new partnership will put Haddock Racing alongside AMPCO Contracting in supporting the Stars and Stripes Children’s Foundation, with a Saturday fundraising event bringing company clients and supporters into the pits at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
“This is a great opportunity to really help an amazing cause, the Stars and Stripes Children’s Foundation, with the support of AMPCO Contracting,” Haddock said. “Our race team has been working hard all season to entertain fans across the country and coming into Pomona we have high expectations both on and off the track. I am excited to introduce a whole new audience to NHRA and also raise some funds for a great charity.”
AMPCO Contracting specializes in environmental remediation, demolition, heavy civil construction and disaster recovery. The company has supported the foundation through financial contributions, fundraising events and community outreach benefiting children and families facing difficult circumstances.
Saturday’s Day at the Races program will bring AMPCO clients, industry associates and supporters into the pits for a closer look at NHRA drag racing. The fundraising packages include VIP access, trackside hospitality, team tours and opportunities to spend time with Haddock and his crew.
“At AMPCO Contracting, we believe our responsibility extends beyond the work we do,” CEO Andrew Pennor said. “It’s about making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work and supporting organizations that positively impact the lives of children and families.”
Haddock’s Funny Car will carry Stars and Stripes Children’s Foundation identification throughout the weekend. Friday’s qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m., with Saturday’s final two sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., ahead of Sunday’s 11 a.m. eliminations.
Haddock hasn’t exactly had an easy road through the Countdown. At Dallas, he needed his final qualifying shot just to make the show, and Las Vegas followed with the quickest Funny Car field in NHRA history.
Pomona could offer more of the same if the weather and track conditions cooperate. For an independent team trying to crack a 16-car field, qualifying is never a formality.
Haddock’s crew has been working on the Funny Car since the Las Vegas event, and the veteran driver believes his operation is as prepared as it has ever been. He also hopes the new relationship with AMPCO Contracting can continue beyond this weekend.
“We are blessed to be able to race at the highest level against the best teams in the country,” Haddock said. “Being able to work with AMPCO Contracting to support the Stars and Stripes Children’s Foundation is a huge honor. We are hoping this leads to bigger and better opportunities for everyone in 2027 but right now we are concentrating on racing in Pomona and hosting a great event on Saturday. The whole team has been working on getting everything ready since the Las Vegas national event ended. I don’t know if we have ever been more prepared for a race than we are for the In-N-Out Finals this weekend.”
