PRO STOCK Q1
A year has passed since a Pro Stock car last entered the water box at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, and this weekend, former ace-turned-crew chief Dave Connolly filled in for KB Titan’s Cody Coughlin. Connolly showcased his skills with a 6.07, marking the first competitive run of the weekend and maintaining the fastest time for four additional pairs, ultimately finishing in fifth.
Greg Anderson clocked in at 6.583 for the top spot, followed by his KB Titan teammate Eric Latino, who achieved an impressive 6.588. Reigning champion Dallas Glenn secured third place with a 6.603, just edging out Freg Stanfield, who drove the quickest Elite Performance car at 6.605, and Connolly’s run at 6.607.
Local favorite Joey Grose is clinging to the 16-car bump position with a time of 6.669, while top contenders Mason McGaha, Matt Hartford, and Jeg Coughlin Jr. are currently outside the competitive field.
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FUNNY CAR Q1
As expected after a year without a nitro run, Funny Cars found it challenging during Q1, with many failing to make it halfway down the track under power. However, local favorite Jason Rupert thrilled the crowd as he seized the provisional pole with a time of 4.247.
Reigning Rookie of the Year, Spencer Hyde, claimed the No. 2 position with a 4.337 in Jim Head’s car. Two-time champion Austin Prock, after a challenging start to the season with his new Tasca Racing team, took the third spot with a 4.593 but felt optimistic following a successful test run at Firebird Motorsports Park.
Currently, Dave Richards holds the bump position with a 6.452 early shutoff in his Bluebird Turf Ford, as 18 competitors vie for 16 available spots.
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TOP FUEL Q1
Will Smith and the Bluebird Turf crew were the first to master the Pomona dragstrip, clocking in at 3.879, which opened the door for impressive runs from others. Phoenix victor Shawn Langdon maintained his momentum, powering the Kalitta Air dragster to the provisional No. 1 spot with a run of 3.798.
Langdon’s teammate and former champion Doug Kalitta had an unusual pit stop, needing to change a tire after picking up a nail, yet still managed a strong second position with a 3.799. With 15 cars in the competition, the low qualifier after the fourth round will receive a bye in the first round, focusing attention on the leaderboard.
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PRO STOCK Q2
In cooler afternoon conditions, the Pro Stock drivers found their rhythm, with 15 out of 19 making improvements from their first runs. Q1 leader Greg Anderson reclaimed the top spot with a time of 6.544, surpassing teammate Dallas Glenn’s 6.553, as well as the consistent runs from Elite team members Greg and Aaron Stanfield.
The following six positions were dominated by KB Titan cars, with Matt Latino, Matt Hartford, Eric Latino, Cody Anderson, Dave Connolly, and Deric Kramer rounding out the top contenders. Erica Enders, a key figure in the Elite fleet, sits in 11th place with a time of 6.590.
Despite his eight prior victories at Pomona, Jeg Coughlin Jr. struggled yet again in Q2 and remains outside the qualifying bracket as he looks to improve in the coming sessions.
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FUNNY CAR Q2
Jason Rupert’s leading time of 4.24 from Q1 didn’t hold up, as 10 drivers improved their performances. Mike Neff and Jonnie Lindberg set the standard, tuning Alexis DeJoria to a 3.989, but it was newcomer Jordan Vandergiff who clinched the pole with a time of 3.951.
Ron Capps secured third with a solid 4.00, while reigning champion Austin Prock followed closely with a 4.01, marking significant improvements across the board as nine cars surpassed the 4.0 mark.
Fans were disappointed when Daniel Wilkerson’s machine experienced a mechanical failure just off the line, but he remained optimistic, indicating it was one of those unpredictable moments in racing.
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TOP FUEL Q2
As the sun set and the track cooled, anticipation built for a thrilling session, and expectations were met. Leah Pruett took the lead with a remarkable 3.724, outpacing Gainesville winner Josh Hart’s 3.733 during his debut with Speedmaster.
Shawn Langdon improved his earlier time to 3.745, securing third ahead of Shawn Reed’s 3.755 and teammate Doug Kalitta, who recorded an impressive top speed of 338.34 mph.
Pruett’s husband, Tony Stewart, kept consistent with a time of 3.817, while dark horse Will Smith backed up his Q1 performance with a 3.870.
