47th Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals - 11/11
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47th Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals
at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, CA
Nov. 11-14, 2011
Traditionally the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season concludes at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, CA. On November 10 thru 14, 2011 the 47th annual NHRA Finals were contested. Over 500 racers came from 7 geographical divisions around the United States. They represented the best in 16 classes competing not only for a “Finals” event win, but also the Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champions were determined. The racing action included a few pauses due to rain, so the Lucas Oil Series drag racers finished their season on Monday. At the end of this NHRA event, Chief Starter Rick Stewart hung up his proverbial hat. Rick, a Bakersfield native, has been only the second Chief Starter in NHRA history.
“Nitro Alley” was packed with rows and rows of vendors showing their wares. Rows and rows of stands served all kinds of food. The John Force “Roadshow” was on display with over 30 of his historic race cars. A huge flat screen featured John in a great video biography of his racing career. Next to the “Roadshow” was a vintage corral full of 20 restored historic front engined dragsters and beautiful funny cars. As though that wasn’t enough to satisfy your “Gearhead” needs, the pits had hundreds of amazing racecars to check out. You could also get the autograph of your favorite driver.
This year the NHRA has also been celebrating its 60th Anniversary. Wally Parks founded the National Hot Rod Association in 1951 to get hot rodders off the streets and on to legal drag strips. Until his passing in 2007, “Wally” guided the now 80,000 member NHRA to improved safety and its position of leader in the world of motorsports. Drag Racing‘s most coveted trophy is called “The Wally” in honor of this most dedicated man.
The winners of this 47th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals were,
*Top Fuel – Del Worsham, 3.796et & 318.02mph defeated Tony Schumacher’s, 3.799et & 321.50mph.
*Funny Car – Matt Hagan, 4.009et & 317.79mph beat Robert Hight’s, 4.031et & 318.92mph.
Pro Stock – Greg Stanfield, 6.597 & 209.59mph defeated Kurt Johnson’s, 19.88et & 44.02mph.
Pro Motorcycle – Andrew Hines, 6.814et & 196.39mph beat Eddie Krawiec’s, foul.
Top Alcohol Dragster – Jim Whiteley, 5.30et & 269.62mph beats, Ray Martin’s, 5.676et & 265.80mph.
Top Alcohol Funny Car – Jay Payne, 5.575et & 258.36mph defeated Sean Bellemeur’s 6.055et & 255.73mph.
Comp Eliminator – Scott McClay, 7.306et & 180.02mph beat Doug Lambeck’s 8.369et & 160.37mph.
Super Gas – Peter Biondo, 9.915et defeated, Dana Keniry’s, 9.914et.
Super Comp – Val Torres, 8.903et, defeated Craig Anderson’s, 8.949et.
Super Stock – Jody Lang, 11.47et defeated Abe Loewen, who fouled.
Stock Eliminator – Michael Iacono, 11.128et defeated Brad Plourd’s, 11.134et.
*Top Fuel & Funny Car are winners of a 1000 foot race, not a quarter mile.
Del Worsham, Matt Hagan, Larry Dixon, John Force, Tony Schumacher and Robert Hight are the only NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series champions at the current 1000 foot distance.
Thanks for the Show!!
When you see this, you know your at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, CA |
Auto Club NHRA Finals sign. |
The Auto Club Raceway at Pomona has “The Prudhomme Grandstands” |
The 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Champions are: Del Worsham, 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel Champion. After this event Del retired |
Matt Hagan, 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Funny Car Champion |
(l-r) Del Worsham and teammate Larry Dixon standing with Antron Brown and teammate Spencer Massey |
Jason Line, 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Champion. |
Eddie Krawiec, 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion |
The Auto Club NHRA Finals Champions are: Jim Whiteley from Grand Junction, CO. wins the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Top Alcohol Dragster. |
Jay Payne took his Ford Mustang to a win the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Top Alcohol Funny Car. |
Sean Bellemeur drove his Camaro to finish second in the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Top Alcohol Funny Car. |
Greg Stanfield took his Pontiac GXP to victory in the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pro Stock. |
Andrew Hines takes the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pro Stock Motorcycle. |
Competition Elimination winner Scott McClay tests for altitude. |
Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammates Eddie Krawiec (near lane) and Andrew Hines. |
At the end of this event, Chief Starter Rick Stewart hung up his proverbial hat. Rick, a Bakersfield native, has been only the second Chief Starter in NHRA history |
“The Greek” Chris Karamesines competes in Top Fuel in his mid 80’s! |
Larry Dixon finished 5th in points. |
“Nitro Alley” was packed with rows and rows of vendors showing their wares. |
Scenes from around the event |
Chevy’s at the Finals. |
Mopar’s at the Finals |