2019 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by Protect the Harvest Pomona, CA February 7 – 11

2019 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals presented by Protect the Harvest

The first race of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing season was a mix of eye popping performances and inclement weather.  Qualifying took place under near perfect conditions leading to spectacular performances but unfortunately mother nature reigned supreme on Sunday, forcing final eliminations to be contested on Monday.  A small contingent of racers from Louisiana made the trek to California.  Jarrod Granier of Labadieville, qualified his 2008 Chevy Colbalt in Competition Eliminator, losing in round one to eventual winner Scott McClay.  Morgan City’s Randal Andras cracked into the tough 8 bike Top Fuel Harley field, falling to eventual winner Doug Vancil in round number one.

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Former Pro Stock champ and New Orleans resident Erica Enders heading back from the scales in preparation for a qualifying run. Enders would record a semi-final finish after qualifying #2 in the 16 car field.
Former Pro Stock champ and New Orleans resident Erica Enders heading back from the scales in preparation for a qualifying run. Enders would record a semi-final finish after qualifying #2 in the 16 car field.
For the second year in a row, Doug Kalitta took home the Top Fuel title on the strength of three holeshot wins during eliminations.
For the second year in a row, Doug Kalitta took home the Top Fuel title on the strength of three holeshot wins during eliminations.
2017 Top Fuel champ Brittany Force unveiled her new sponsor, Advanced Auto Parts at the 2019 Winternationals. Force qualified 4th with an outstanding 3.69 second run at 325 mph.
2017 Top Fuel champ Brittany Force unveiled her new sponsor, Advanced Auto Parts at the 2019 Winternationals. Force qualified 4th with an outstanding 3.69 second run at 325 mph.
Former Funny Car champ Matt Hagan qualified well in the number four spot, but fell in round one to John Force
Former Funny Car champ Matt Hagan qualified well in the number four spot, but fell in round one to John Force
Bo Butner claimed the first Pro Stock crown of the 2019 season.
Bo Butner claimed the first Pro Stock crown of the 2019 season.
Morgan City resident Randal Andras qualified his Top Fuel Harley for the tough, eight bike field.
Morgan City resident Randal Andras qualified his Top Fuel Harley for the tough, eight bike field.
Car owner, driver and turner Tim Wilkerson struggled throughout the weekend, qualifying 14th and bowing out in round one.
Car owner, driver and turner Tim Wilkerson struggled throughout the weekend, qualifying 14th and bowing out in round one.
Clay Millican drove his Top Fuel dragster to the number 10 qualifying position with a best of 3.759 at 320 mph.
Clay Millican drove his Top Fuel dragster to the number 10 qualifying position with a best of 3.759 at 320 mph.
Jarrod Granier of Labadieville, LA suffered a round one loss in Competition Eliminator in his 2008 Chevy Colbalt .
Jarrod Granier of Labadieville, LA suffered a round one loss in Competition Eliminator in his 2008 Chevy Colbalt .
Cruz Pedergon lost a close second round matchup with eventual runner up Jack Beckman.
Cruz Pedergon lost a close second round matchup with eventual runner up Jack Beckman.
Luling native Angelle Sampey surveys the track conditions with new teammate and eventual Top Fuel Harley winner Doug Vancil. Sampey will get her season started when Pro Stock Motorcycle competes at the Gatornationals later this year.
Luling native Angelle Sampey surveys the track conditions with new teammate and eventual Top Fuel Harley winner Doug Vancil. Sampey will get her season started when Pro Stock Motorcycle competes at the Gatornationals later this year.
The newest member of John Force Racing, Austin Prock, got his career off to a good start by qualifying number 11 and winning his first round matchup with teammate Brittany Force.
The newest member of John Force Racing, Austin Prock, got his career off to a good start by qualifying number 11 and winning his first round matchup with teammate Brittany Force.
16 time Funny Car World Champion John Force got his season off to a good start with a semi-final finish.
16 time Funny Car World Champion John Force got his season off to a good start with a semi-final finish.
Former Top Fuel champ and fan favorite Antron Brown fuels up his Matco dragster. Brown would lose a close first round matchup with teammate Leah Pritchett.
Former Top Fuel champ and fan favorite Antron Brown fuels up his Matco dragster. Brown would lose a close first round matchup with teammate Leah Pritchett.
  • All photos by Mike Corn

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