NMCA West Coast Shootout Aug. 18, 2012

NMCA West Coast Shootout
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, CA
8-18,19-2012
Story & Photos by: Roger Rohrdanz

 It’s been at least 7 years since a non-NHRA drag race has been held at the legendary Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.  The 2nd annual Lucas Oil NMCA West Coast Shootout presented by JE Pistons was held at the track August 18 & 19, 2012.  NMCA WEST racers had the rare opportunity to tackle the same strip as many other drag racing legends.  Because the NMCA is an NHRA-approved alternative sanctioning body that took over the NHRA Unleashed Series a few years ago, participants will be competing for a “Wally”, symbolic of a NHRA national event victory.  Over 400 competitors raced in 11 classes to win a NHRA “Wally”.  The Pomona weather was hot (103) and humid, perfect for driver suits!   The event also included a car show, manufacturers midway, and a swap meet.

During Saturday qualifing, Terry Barkley had a serious collision with the wall. Barkley's front-mounted fuel tank instantly exploded and turned the Nova into a rolling fireball.  Luckily, Barkley managed to walk away from the incident with minor injuries to his left leg.  After reviewing the track damage and for safety reasons the track was reduced to 1/8 mile (660ft).  The 50+ True Street Class cars began their competition on Saturday by making a 30-mile cruise on the public roadways. Once the cars return to the track, they make multiple runs down the track and the passes are averaged with the overall winner crowned.  The winner was Ed Crowe in his Corvette.

Sunday’s results were as follows,

Open Comp Winner …………….. Dustin Lee, ’53 Ford Ranch Wagon

Quick Street Winner …………….. Mark Whynaught, ’84 Buick Regal

Super Quick Winner …………….. Mark Simonian, ’89 Firebird

Nostalgia Street Car Winner …… Mike Nordahl, ’64 Nova

Mustang Madness Winner ……… KJ Jones,’91 Mustang

Outlaw 8.5 Winner ………………. Mark Washington, ’65 Mustang

NA 10.5 Winner …………………. Tony Aneian, ’68 Camaro

275 Drag Radial Winner ……….. Kevin Young, ’86 Camaro

TT 10.5 Winner ………………….. Al Jimenez, ’72 Camaro

Pro Street Winner ……………….. John Scialpi, ’57 Chevy Bel Air

Thanks for the Show!!