News from the Winternationals in Pomona

All right race fans. I am righting this Sunday! Pomona has just finished and the first winners of the 2000 season have been established. There were a few surprises so hang on to your hats.

First the Sportsman categories: Stock-Toby Lang in an A/SA Super Stock-Bill Bennett in GT/EA Super Comp-Keil Sipel Super Gas Bob Herr Comp-Bryan Morrison B/SM

In Federal Mogul Funny Car Larry Miner edged Jay Payne with a 5.68 at 256.02 over 5.721 at 234.25. Federal Mogul Dragster was a true drag race as Rick Santos powered by Dale Carlson's hole shot. The result was Santos 5.365 @262.74 and Carlson at 5.446 @260.41.

In Pro Stock Truck Bob Panella, Jr. ran 7.544 at 178.52 to beat Greg Stanfield in the battle of the Chevy S-10's. By the way there was 1 Dodge and no Fords in the qualifying group. These S-10's only competition seems to be GMC Sonomas.

Pro Stock saw an upset as Jeggie Coughlin beat the "Professor", Warren Johnson 6.894 to 6.953. Pro Stock is already interesting.

Funny Car saw "Mr. Personality", John Force get beat out in the early rounds by his team mate Tony Pedregon. Tony went on to the finals but was beat off the line by Jerry Toliver. In a close one Toliver won by .010 seconds with an ET of 4.97 seconds.

In top fuel it came down to Gary Scelzi (Mr. Winston) and Tony Schumacher last years champ with the off and on sponsor Exide Batteries. Scelzi pulled it off with a 4.613 to Schumacher's 4.712.

For exciting news of the day, Ron Krisher is sore tonight both physically and emotionally after totaling his ride. It flipped several times and his competition for the round was none other than Kurt Johnson. Although KJ had a lot of damage, they put a band aid on and sent him out in hopes of a red light from his next round opponent but no such luck. Krisher will have a checkup when he gets home but the car was DOA.

Events I will photograph this season will include the AMA/Star Nationals at Atlanta Dragway and the Grits Blitz Jr. drags at Silver Dollar in Reynolds, GA. Wanted to make the Div. 2 run at Silver Dollar but it looks like a conflict. Will give full report.

Final note: The 90% fuel mix has so far had little effect on the fuel cars. Records will be broken this year and hopefully fewer engines will be. Kudos to the NHRA for their innovative thoughts on stopping the dangerous explosions that have cropped up in the last few years.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic