Dylan Winefsky will make his third NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series appearance of the season this weekend, hoping continued seat time translates into his first-round victory in Funny Car competition.
The El Mirage, Ariz., driver enters the 38th DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge after qualifying for both events he has contested this season, a streak he hopes to continue at one of the fastest tracks on the tour.
Winefsky opened the year by qualifying No. 14 at the Arizona Nationals before facing Chad Green in the opening round. A week later at the historic Winternationals, he secured the No. 15 spot and squared off against world champion Ron Capps, with both cars losing traction before Capps advanced.
For Winefsky, simply making race-day appearances against the sport’s elite has provided valuable experience as he and his father, Robert, continue building their family-owned Nitro Moose Funny Car operation.
“We did our home race the Arizona Nationals and then the Winternationals in Pomona, California, back-to-back and that was a new experience for our team,” Winefsky said. “We qualified for both of those races so we want to keep that streak alive in Sonoma. For our team getting to make qualifying runs and race day runs that’s what it is all about. I get more comfortable in the Funny Car every run and we get more data for Johnny [West].”
Crew chief Johnny West has continued refining the team’s combination as Winefsky gains confidence behind the wheel.
“Everyone out here is the best and getting to line up against them on race day is a great experience,” Winefsky said. “I know we are getting closer to our first round win with every pass. It would be great to go rounds in Sonoma and see what this Nitro Moose Funny Car can do. Johnny West has really been working on our tune-up and I know the conditions will be great at Sonoma Raceway.”
Sonoma Raceway has earned a reputation for producing standout performances, particularly during Friday night’s qualifying session when cooler temperatures often create ideal racing conditions.
Last season, Brittany Force recorded a then-record 343.16-mph Top Fuel run, while Austin Prock posted the second-fastest speed in Funny Car history during eliminations.
“You see those speeds, and it gets you pumped up,” Winefsky said. “I know we won’t be running 340 mph, but I feel like we could definitely set some career best numbers. Every run we just try to race smart and move our program forward. I want to be out here full-time eventually, and you have to race within your means.”
Winefsky’s Funny Car is backed by Robert’s Car Care, Stith Printing and Bob Jackson Auto Body, while Sterling Homes joins the team as a sponsor for the Sonoma event.
Away from the racetrack, Winefsky will participate in Friday’s Kids Only Autograph Session before taking part in a fan event in the Launch Pad hospitality area.
“We are always looking to promote our sponsors throughout the weekend,” Winefsky said. “I love doing the autograph sessions and we have done the NHRA stage several times. I want to be able to talk with fans about how I got into racing and why they should support our sponsors.”
