(Photos by Wes Allison) – It is the beginning of the end of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season with the kick off of the 2018 NHRA Auto Club World finals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. It was the traditional “hardcore Thursday” that sportsman racers own yesterday and boy did they own it. Every class in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series has been decided save for one, Super Comp. It’ll be a horse race right down to the end on Sunday we hope as the championship hangs in the balance.
The photos you’ll see below capture some of the neatest cars on the ground hanging the hoops as they leave a starting line that had bite for days. Stockers and super stockers primarily make up this gallery but there are some nice little surprises in there as well. While qualifying is fun and relatively low key in many respects, the action heats up hard on Friday with sportsman eliminations and professional qualifying kicking off as well.
The weather is going to be great, the cars will be fast and the NHRA season will draw to a close on Sunday afternoon. If you are around SoCal this weekend BE HERE! Enjoy these photos to get your weekend started.
Click the images below to expand them and then scroll on to see every photo!
Awesome! I’ve been threatening to go to Pomona on Thursday just to watch the sportsman class for years. I think I may do it for the Winternationals 2019.
Have always loved the Winternationals. And while all these cars pictured are undeniably fast, well prepared, consistent, and expertly driven machines, the lack of stick shift cars in the field lets me stay at home rather than attend. Something about super sticky track, awesome tires with unlimited hook, ultra-consistent ET’s, but no clutch to work or handles to pull just gives me the impression that it’s “stab and steer” racing. Not the owners or drivers’ faults, it’s the way classifications are handled by NHRA. Just MHO.
I thought my old 64 Corvette was still setting in some dusty garage in Indiana.But I come on here and see it at the top of the page!! WOW.Glad somebody is racing it and its still looks like it did in 1981 when I painted red and gold.Nice car Larry! If ya get tired of it I have room in my shop!
Very helpful article, Thank you for sharing. I love you
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