Tensions were high headed into the final day of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and after a first-round matchup in Top Fuel, tempers flared.

Usually, the No. 1 versus No. 16 qualifier doesn't create much controversy, but on Sunday at the AAA NHRA Finals, the action got physical in the shutdown area between defending series champion Steve Torrence and Cameron Ferre.

It's full steam ahead for Jordan Vandergriff. Or, at least that's how he sees it.

The loss of his primary sponsor for 2020 isn't a good enough reason for the rookie Top Fuel driver to shelve his anticipation of racing next year.

"We don't have anything right now," Vandergriff said. "Of course, I plan to run next year. So, hopefully, we can find the right partner for next year and possibly even get a full deal next year, so that's what my plan is.

"But I do want to thank D-A for giving me a shot. They got a rookie out here for his rookie year, and they gave me a chance to go to three semifinals and a final. So, I do thank them. I thank them for what they did, and they helped me start my career, so I'm very thankful for that."

Point standings (top 10) following the 55th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, the final of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series -

Steve Torrence didn’t need any additional motivation entering this weekend’s NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season finale.

With a chance to earn his second Top Fuel world championship and put a period on one of the most dominating seasons in the history of the NHRA, Torrence is already set to kill this weekend. Add in a few choice comments from his closest competitor following the completion of the most recent race in Las Vegas, and Torrence is ready to let his team do the talking this weekend.

Jeg Coughlin knew that his championship hopes were slim coming into this weekend’s NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season finale at Auto Club Raceway.

But he also knew what he had to do to keep himself alive in the hunt for a seventh Pro Stock world championship.

Matt Smith can't help it; he's got too much of his daddy in him.

Smith, the son of outspoken and relentless doorslammer icon Rickie Smith, isn't about to concede jack-squat.

Smith, who came into the AAA NHRA Finals with a remote shot of defending his title, wasn't about to settle for second place as he rode his Denso-sponsored Buell to the quickest pass of the two-wheelers at Pomona. His 6.815 elapsed time at 197.33 miles per hour put him in the number one position.

Defending world champ and Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence made an impressive statement during the final qualifying session on Saturday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, vaulting to the No. 1 spot at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are all No. 1 qualifiers in their respective categories at the last of six races in the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The race also serves as the finale of the 24-race 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series championships will be determined this weekend. In our ARP Question of the week, we asked you, the reader who will be champion. Here are the results.