Category: Other Series Racing

• Brown gets fourth TF title, first since 2016
• Anderson gets title in PS winner-take-all final
• Herrera rolls to second straight PSM title

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – For the fourth time in his Top Fuel career and for the first time as a team owner, Antron Brown is a world champion in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, clinching an emotional title following his semifinal round win on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip at the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) clinched 2024 NHRA world Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championships on Sunday in Pomona.

Brown qualified just 12th in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster, but as he’s done all year, the standout was in prime form during eliminations. He knocked off Justin Ashley, who entered the weekend with the points lead, with a run of 3.696-seconds at 331.53 mph in an incredible matchup to open eliminations and then faced off with another title contender in Shawn Langdon. Both drivers ran into trouble, but Brown recovered and advanced to the semifinals against Force.

In the championship-clinching round, Brown rolled to one of the biggest round wins in his career, going 3.693 at 330.88 to defeat Force and pick up his fourth career championship and first since he started AB Motorsports in 2022. He followed that up with a final-round victory against Doug Kalitta, going 3.681 at 330.55 to pick up his sixth win of his season and the 80th in his incredible career

“This is super special. I’ve been dreaming about this day since I shared my vision with [late team owner] Don Schumacher about being a team owner,” Brown said. “This team has been resilient. We never quit and we never stop. When we lined up this weekend and we saw our matchup, it was like doomsday. To get this win, I tell you what, it’s been incredible. It’s truly a blessing and I can’t believe we did it.”

“We found something special in testing after Las Vegas and then we came in here and shot ourselves in the foot during qualifying. We ended up No. 12 and had to race Justin Ashley in round one. I just thought, ‘This is what I have to do. I have to beat Justin.’ And I found the Antron Brown of old form.”

Brown enjoyed a spectacular season, but one also filled with adversity. He won three times during the regular season (Chicago, Norwalk and Sonoma) and entered the playoffs in second. He won the first two races of the Countdown to the Championship, but then won just two rounds over the next three races. That presented a tough challenge in Pomona, but Brown and his team rose to the occasion to score the championship, joining Tony Schumacher, Joe Amato and Steve Torrence as the only Top Fuel drivers with four or more championships.

“We beat Justin and got to the semis, and I knew we just had to get down the track against Brittany [Force],” Brown said. “We got the job done and then in the final I was so calm. I was fine all day. I just let the chips fall where they fell.”

A spectacular season in Pro Stock came down to a thrilling winner-take-all final round, with Greg Anderson defeating KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.501 at 211.13 to slip past Glenn’s run of 6.516. It hands Anderson a remarkable sixth world championship, tying him with Erica Enders and Warren Johnson for the second-most in Pro Stock history.

The victory is Anderson’s 106th in his career and he rose to the occasion when it mattered most in the Countdown to the Championship in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. On Sunday in Pomona, Anderson, who hadn’t won since April prior to this weekend, delivered a classic performance, going 6.492 at 211.66 in the opening round against Kenny Delco. He stayed in the 6.40s against Cory Reed and then went an incredible 6.488 at 211.43 to end Aaron Stanfield’s title chances.

That set up an epic winner-take-all final round against Glenn, the 2021 NHRA Rookie of the Year. He left first on Anderson, but the veteran tracked him down to pick up what he called the most meaningful championship of his career.

“We struggled the last three or four months,” Anderson said. “I had a great car but crazy things would happen and every time I’d lose it was like a slug to the gut. I knew I had to figured it out and today we did. Today was like a dream. The sun shined on me and we had a flawless day. Nothing crazy happened. I just hoped and prayed and wished it was me.

“This is my sixth and I think it means the most. These young kids are trying to push me out the door but I keep dragging my feet because I don’t want to go yet.”

Anderson finished the year with three wins and Sunday marked the 15th time he’s picked up a victory at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. It also continued the recent dominance for Anderson and Enders, who still have won every title in the class since 2018, even with a huge collection of young standouts.

“Today’s kids are relentless. They can be .00 to teen on the tree like there’s nothing to it. I can do that but it’s like an out of body experience,” Anderson said. “This place is special, especially when the sun goes down. In 2015, Jason Line raced Erica Enders in the final for the championship and I thought it was the coolest atmosphere I’d ever seen, and I always wanted to be in that spot.”

Another dominant season meant another world championship in Pro Stock Motorcycle for Gaige Herrera, who wrapped up his second straight world title after winning in the first round on Sunday.

Herrera entered eliminations with a commanding 119-point lead on the strength of three straight playoff wins and cruised to another championship to open raceday. Herrera, who qualified third, went 6.779 to dispatch Clayton Howey, leading to another memorable moment for the class phenom. It culminates another incredible season for the rider of the RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, one that included 10 wins.

“This is very special,” Herrera said. “When I won the title in 2023, it didn’t seem real. It just sort of happened. That wasn’t the case this year. We had to go out and fight for it every weekend. When Matt [Smith] went back to a Buell we knew he’d be tough and I have to hand it to him for all his hard work. He also forced us to work harder.

In his second season, Herrera has made NHRA history by winning 21 out of 29 events. No NHRA pro in any class has ever delivered more victories in a shorter time frame.

This season, Herrera picked up where 2023 left off, winning the first six races of the season, setting the all-time NHRA record with 11 straight wins and 46 consecutive round wins. After defeats in Seattle and Sonoma, Herrera won the U.S. Nationals for the first time in his career and after a slow start in the Countdown to the Championship, Herrera returned to his dominant self to close out the championship. He’s now 50-5 this season and 100-8 over the last two years.

“I think the first round for the championship was the most nervous I’ve ever been,” Herrera said. “It’s what you dream about as a little kid, but win or lose, I still love this sport. At Indy two years ago I made my debut and at the time I thought it was a one race deal. Now, here we are two years and two championships later. I still can’t believe it.”

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

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POMONA, Calif. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. The race is the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Antron Brown; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Tony Stewart; 4. Brittany Force; 5. Clay Millican; 6. Gary Pritchett; 7. Jasmine Salinas; 8. Shawn Langdon; 9. Shawn Reed; 10. Justin Ashley; 11. Tony Schumacher; 12. Josh Hart; 13. Krista Baldwin; 14. Billy Torrence; 15. Steve Torrence; 16. Ida Zetterstrom.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Jack Beckman; 2. Austin Prock; 3. Matt Hagan; 4. Ron Capps; 5. J.R. Todd; 6. Daniel Wilkerson; 7. Blake Alexander; 8. Chad Green; 9. Jason Rupert; 10. Terry Haddock; 11. Cruz Pedregon; 12. Bob Tasca III; 13. Alexis DeJoria; 14. Paul Lee; 15. Steven Densham; 16. Jeff Diehl.

PRO STOCK:

1. Greg Anderson; 2. Dallas Glenn; 3. Aaron Stanfield; 4. Erica Enders; 5. Camrie Caruso; 6. Cristian Cuadra; 7. Cory Reed; 8. Matt Hartford; 9. Jeg Coughlin; 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 11. Jerry Tucker; 12. Derrick Reese; 13. Chris McGaha; 14. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 15. Kenny Delco; 16. Eric Latino.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Matt Smith; 2. Gaige Herrera; 3. Angie Smith; 4. Steve Johnson; 5. Chase Van Sant; 6. Marc Ingwersen; 7. Richard Gadson; 8. Geno Scali; 9. John Hall; 10. Jianna Evaristo; 11. Chris Bostick; 12. Ryan Oehler; 13. Clayton Howey; 14. Lance Bonham; 15. Hector Arana Jr; 16. Aaron Pine.

POMONA, Calif. — Sunday’s final results from the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. The race is the final of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Antron Brown, 3.681 seconds, 330.55 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.710 seconds, 331.94 mph.

Funny Car — Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.812, 327.35 def. Austin Prock, Camaro, 5.028, 165.42.

Pro Stock — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.501, 211.30 def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.516, 210.50.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Matt Smith, Buell, 6.705, 202.12 def. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.722, 201.91.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Julie Nataas, 5.180, 275.62 def. Shawn Cowie, 13.582, 54.61.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Shane Westerfield, Chevy Camaro, 5.423, 267.69 def. Ray Martin, Camaro, 5.973, 155.44.

Competition Eliminator — Travis Gusso, Chevy Cobalt, 10.377, 93.93 def. Jason Grima, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light.

Super Stock — Justin Jerome, Plymouth Duster, 10.616, 120.67 def. Shelby Williams, Chevy Camaro, 9.718, 134.66.

Stock Eliminator — John McLaughlin, Plymouth Road Runner, 10.565, 126.35 def. Michael Wann, Plymouth Barracuda, 10.794, 121.25.

Super Comp — Bob Van Popering, Dragster, 8.879, 182.08 def. Nick Alejamdre, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Super Gas — Val Torres, Chevy Corvette, 9.919, 154.88 def. Kris Whitfield, ’27-T Ford, 9.887, 155.27.

Top Sportsman — Joe Mellof, Pontiac GXP, 9.158, 94.33 def. Robert Strohm, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light.

Top Dragster — Ed Olpin, Dragster, 7.058, 187.55 def. Kevin Wright, Dragster, 6.274, 202.82.

Junior Dragster Shootout — Makenzie Higgins, Motivational, 11.249, 56.24 def. Jenna Chesleigh, Halfscale, 11.156, 57.38.

POMONA, Calif. — Final round-by-round results from the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Clay Millican, 3.654, 336.49 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.714, 332.02; Jasmine Salinas, 3.691, 330.07 def. Shawn Reed, 3.679, 330.96; Antron Brown, 3.966, 331.53 def. Justin Ashley, 3.704, 330.31; Doug Kalitta, 3.688, 336.23 def. Ida Zetterstrom, 8.458, 73.26; Brittany Force, 3.697, 335.65 def. Krista Baldwin, 3.822, 273.44; Gary Pritchett, 3.715, 333.91 def. Steve Torrence, 5.414, 175.09; Shawn Langdon, 3.690, 332.92 def. Josh Hart, 3.733, 327.90; Tony Stewart, 3.742, 320.74 def. Billy Torrence, 3.949, 260.16;

QUARTERFINALS — Stewart, 3.712, 334.15 def. Pritchett, 3.761, 330.39; Brown, 5.031, 184.57 def. Langdon, 21.385, 67.35; Kalitta, 3.640, 333.82 def. Salinas, 8.758, 83.26; Force, 3.698, 331.94 def. Millican, 3.689, 331.85;

SEMIFINALS — Brown, 3.693, 330.88 def. Force, 8.740, 71.38; Kalitta, 3.678, 334.90 def. Stewart, 3.738, 319.37;

FINAL — Brown, 3.681, 330.55 def. Kalitta, 3.710, 331.94.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.910, 333.08 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 5.774, 125.85; Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.874, 329.18 def. Steven Densham, Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.828, 341.68 def. Jason Rupert, Mustang, 3.913, 313.00; Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.842, 332.18 def. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 10.993, 82.06; Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.847, 336.23 def. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 3.981, 306.26; Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.876, 329.18 def. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 6.305, 106.16; Chad Green, Mustang, 3.998, 315.86 def. Paul Lee, Charger, 6.784, 101.85; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.858, 330.07 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.794, 164.01;

QUARTERFINALS — Beckman, 3.831, 332.10 def. Alexander, 9.955, 60.34; Prock, 3.850, 332.26 def. Todd, 3.900, 332.84; Capps, No Time Recorded def. Green, Foul – Centerline; Hagan, 3.856, 333.66 def. Wilkerson, 3.926, 306.88;

SEMIFINALS — Prock, 3.812, 331.04 def. Hagan, 3.866, 324.44; Beckman, 3.845, 330.39 def. Capps, 6.885, 103.87;

FINAL — Beckman, 3.812, 327.35 def. Prock, 5.028, 165.42.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Cory Reed, Chevy Camaro, 6.558, 209.95 def. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.560, 210.24; Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.555, 210.60 def. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.532, 210.08; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.523, 210.08 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.628, 209.23; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.526, 210.64 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.542, 209.33; Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.522, 210.05 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.579, 210.14; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.544, 210.08 def. Derrick Reese, Mustang, 6.565, 209.52; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.492, 211.66 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.600, 207.98; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.500, 210.18 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.591, 210.50;

QUARTERFINALS — Enders, 6.543, 211.20 def. Caruso, Foul – Red Light; Glenn, 6.533, 210.31 def. C. Cuadra, 6.548, 210.31; Stanfield, 6.513, 210.24 def. Hartford, 8.243, 132.41; Anderson, 6.492, 211.63 def. Reed, 6.564, 209.56;

SEMIFINALS — Glenn, 6.518, 209.82 def. Enders, 12.169, 75.57; Anderson, 6.488, 211.43 def. Stanfield, 6.510, 211.03;

FINAL — Anderson, 6.501, 211.30 def. Glenn, 6.516, 210.50.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE — Marc Ingwersen, 6.821, 197.77 def. John Hall, 6.808, 199.67; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.810, 197.74 def. Hector Arana Jr, 7.194, 153.26; Angie Smith, Buell, 6.787, 200.47 def. Lance Bonham, Buell, 7.158, 186.56; Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.769, 199.43 def. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.846, 195.96; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.803, 195.31 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.838, 199.94; Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.839, 198.26 def. Ryan Oehler, Foul – Red Light; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.746, 201.46 def. Aaron Pine, Suzuki, 7.247, 189.23; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.779, 200.00 def. Clayton Howey, Suzuki, 7.014, 184.04;

QUARTERFINALS — Johnson, 6.831, 195.11 def. Gadson, 6.873, 197.02; A. Smith, 6.768, 200.80 def. Scali, 6.932, 195.17; Herrera, 6.779, 200.08 def. Van Sant, 6.815, 197.77; M. Smith, 6.738, 201.46 def. Ingwersen, 6.850, 196.13;

SEMIFINALS — Herrera, 6.765, 199.85 def. A. Smith, 6.762, 201.31; M. Smith, 6.747, 201.85 def. Johnson, 6.780, 196.42;

FINAL — M. Smith, 6.705, 202.12 def. Herrera, 6.722, 201.91.

POMONA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

1. Antron Brown, 2,600; 2. Doug Kalitta, 2,538; 3. Justin Ashley, 2,526; 4. Shawn Langdon, 2,513; 5. Brittany Force, 2,478; 6. Clay Millican, 2,461; 7. Steve Torrence, 2,447; 8. Tony Schumacher, 2,399; 9. Tony Stewart, 2,325; 10. Shawn Reed, 2,270.

Funny Car

1. Austin Prock, 2,817; 2. John Force, 2,651; 3. Ron Capps, 2,529; 4. Matt Hagan, 2,519; 5. Bob Tasca III, 2,435; 6. Blake Alexander, 2,394; 7. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,369; 8. J.R. Todd, 2,336; 9. Chad Green, 2,300; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 2,262.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 2,714; 2. Dallas Glenn, 2,703; 3. Aaron Stanfield, 2,702; 4. Erica Enders, 2,570; 5. Jeg Coughlin, 2,425; 6. Matt Hartford, 2,355; 7. Cristian Cuadra, 2,339; 8. Jerry Tucker, 2,263; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,254; 10. Eric Latino, 2,238.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Gaige Herrera, 2,804; 2. Matt Smith, 2,715; 3. Richard Gadson, 2,511; 4. Angie Smith, 2,481; 5. Hector Arana Jr, 2,473; 6. Chase Van Sant, 2,457; 7. John Hall, 2,341; 8. Jianna Evaristo, 2,331; 9. Steve Johnson, 2,328; 10. Chris Bostick, 2,209.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS
IN-N-OUT BURGER POMONA DRAGSTRIP
POMONA, CALIFORNIA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP | NOTES & STATS
NOVEMBER 17, 2024

JACK BECKMAN WINS IN AN ALL-JOHN FORCE RACING FINAL AGAINST WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN PROCK WITH CHEVROLET AT POMONA

Greg Anderson Captured his Sixth Pro Stock World Championship in a Winner-Take-All Final Round Against Teammate Dallas Glenn

Notes:

• It was an all-John Force Racing final round at Pomona on Sunday, with Jack Beckman facing off against the newly crowned Funny Car World Champion Austin Prock for the NHRA Finals Wally. Capitalizing on Prock hazing the tires mid-track, Beckman captured his second win of the season competing on behalf of team owner John Force, and his 35th NHRA career victory at his home track of Pomona.
• Prock and the AAA Chevrolet team continued their blistering pace, setting a new world speed record Sunday, and became the first driver in NHRA competition to break the 340-mph threshold with his run of 341.68 mph at 3.828 seconds E.T in Round 1.
• Securing his first championship in style, Prock and the AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team at John Force Racing went No. 1 Saturday in Q3 with his Q3 run of 3.804 seconds E.T. at 334.57 mph, the quickest run in nitro funny car since the elimination of laid-back headers. The No. 1 qualifier Saturday is Prock’s 15th in 20 events, a record, and the 18th of his career.
• Resetting the season’s quickest run of the season and capturing the top speed of the weekend in Q3 Saturday, Brittany Force, driving the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, captured her 52nd career No. 1 qualifier and sixth of 2024 with her strong pass of 3.643 seconds E.T.
• Force raced to the semifinal round on Sunday where she faced Antron Brown but fell after hazing the tires early on her run and falling to Brown. Force (unofficially) finished the 2024 season fifth in the championship standings.
• In a winner-take-all final round that saw Greg Anderson, driving the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, facing off against KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, driving the RAD Torque Chevrolet, Anderson defeated Glenn to capture the event win and his sixth Pro Stock World Championship. Glenn finished second in the championship standings behind Anderson for a first and second-place finish for KB Titan Racing.
• Anderson’s victory in Pomona was his third in 2024 and 106th in his career, the 401st in Pro Stock for Chevrolet, and the 282nd in the Camaro.
• Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, secured his 137th career No. 1 qualifier and eighth this year, after securing the top spot on the leaderboard with his fastest run of 6.505 seconds E.T. at 211.20 MPH.

Quotes:

JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR FOR JOHN FORCE RACING:

“Just amazing. You have a job to do. These are the guys. PEAK made it happen, Chevy made it happen, Cornwell Tools made it happen, but these sets of hands, these minds, these attitudes made it happen, and John (Force), for having the trust in me to do this. He gave me a pep talk before the final. I’m pretty sure we didn’t need a pep talk going against Austin (Prock) and company. If you haven’t been following drag racing, they’ve had a pretty decent year. But for everybody on the car, on the firesuit, on our hearts, it’s awesome. We’re back.”

Incredible day. Talk about it…

“Unbelievable. I have spent so much time here (at Pomona). I stood at the starting line for ten years at the Frank Hawley School. Our class was up there, we came down here, 7,000 students over the years. I’ve stood and looked down that race track a whole bunch. There’s so much history that’s happened here. Just the people that have won here. Tonight, to see that with Dallas (Glenn) and Greg (Anderson) in the final round and going up against (Austin) Prock. That car has set a standard for Funny Car we haven’t seen in 30 years. Their year has been absolutely off the charts. When I came in to fill in for John (Force) for the rest of the year, the goal was those two cars were supposed to finish first and second. When the dust cleared, it happened. I thought I was done four years ago, and I got two more of these (Wally trophies).”

AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE AAA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR FOR JOHN FORCE RACING:

“As a competitor, you always believe you can win and go out there and win championships. To go from losing a ride to understanding Robert (Hight) had to step out, and those were some unfortunate circumstances. But it was a dream come true for me. I never wanted it to happen that way, but always wanted to drive a Funny Car, always wanted to race with my family. Man, I got in this thing, and I just felt so comfortable, I felt at home. I knew the capability of this team. I’ve watched my dad (Jimmy Prock) my entire life, and man this ‘Prock Rocket’ just flies. I knew if I could at least do a decent job, we could turn on some win lights, win some races. Things just went much better than that. This thing was on kill all year long. I think that there in the final, that was the third time it didn’t make it past the Christmas Tree after Bradenton. Outstanding weekend, outstanding year.”

On becoming the first driver to cross the 340-mph threshold in NHRA competition…

“How about that Chevrolet? That was awesome. It caught me off guard, honestly. We were just really trying to go from A to B. To go 341 mph and some change in a Chevrolet Camaro, that’s something to be proud of. I just can’t thank Chevrolet enough for everything they’ve done for us over the years. I’m proud to race for them.

To run 3.80 last night in this Chevrolet Camaro and then back it up with 341 (mph), it just is a testament to how great this team is. Right when you think we’re done, we just keep one-upping everyone. It’s such a fun racecar to drive. I’m so proud of my family, so proud of this team. What a great opportunity. Yeah, I’m getting pretty comfortable in this Chevrolet. I saw the scoreboard the last two runs, and definitely catching up to this Funny Car. Definitely going to keep on getting better and better.”

The dynamic of your team, with your dad, your brother, and crew chief, it seems you don’t have to talk. Everybody just understands what needs to be done, what you have to do…

“These guys gel so well. A lot of the team has been together for so long, and I’ve known them for a long time but never got the chance to really work with some of them. I did do the superchargers on this car in 2021 when I lost my ride, so had some familiarity with it. But racing with my family, and Nate (Hildahl), I mean, Nate’s known me since I was 10 or 12 years old. I’ve been around him a long time. Every one of these guys are a close friend. We have a lot of fun, and we had a lot of success this year. I’m really looking forward to next year. I can’t thank them enough for all of the hard work they put in to give me an opportunity to go up there and stand on the gas and showcase my talent. I think we turned some heads this year.”

BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER FOR JOHN FORCE RACING:

“To cap off the year, we entered race day with our sixth No. 1, and the fastest Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel car all weekend. Settled for a semifinal finish today, but happy for our teammates winning as well. It was definitely a unique season for this Monster Energy Chevrolet, HendrickCars.com, GHX, Auto Club, Cornwell Tools team. It was a difficult season at the start, but we really turned things around in the Countdown and ended with a strong finish. To win Las Vegas, to be the No. 1 qualifier in Vegas and win the event, then come here and make a semifinal round appearance and end up fifth in points, that’s something I’m very proud of. These guys have worked incredibly hard all season long. They never gave up. They kept fighting. They kept digging. They kept pushing. David Grubnic and John Collins are two of the baddest co-crew chiefs in the business, and I’m proud to be teamed up with them. I’m proud of our season. The day finished how it was supposed to.”

JOHN FORCE, TEAM OWNER OF JOHN FORCE RACING AND 16-TIME FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPION:

“Austin (Prock) is a World Champion, Jack (Beckman) and the PEAK Chevy won for the fourth time this year, and my daughter (Brittany Force) finished fifth in the points. Yeah, we’re excited about that. Everybody performed. Austin Prock, his dad (Jimmy Prock), his brother (Thomas Prock), all of them, at the end of the day, they won the championship. They were in the final. Beckman won the final. But Brittany’s car moved up to fifth. It’s unbelievable. I just want to thank PEAK, Chevrolet, Cornwell Tools, Auto Club. That’s their hot rod, and Robert Hight’s hot rod. Prock has done a great job with it this year, and to have Cornwell Tools with us, for all they’ve invested this year, and we’re heading into next year. I’m happy to see all the sponsors. I’m really proud of our drivers, our team. I want to thank Robert (Hight) for all for the help he’s given me putting back deals. I just want to say thank you to everybody. We had a good closeout here in Pomona, and next we’ll go to the banquet to celebrate.”

GREG ANDERSON, DRIVER OF THE HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS PRO STOCK FOR KB TITAN RACING:

“I can’t even explain it. That’s incredible. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined. All these young guys are so bad to the bone. They’re so good. It’s so hard to win out here. I haven’t been able to win for the last three months. I’ve had a great car, but haven’t been able to win. I had a rocket ship today. My boys did it for me, I didn’t screw it up. They did it for me. We’re World Champions again. It feels so good. Thank you, Mr. (Hendrick). I told you to make room in that trophy case, and I’m bringing you something home this week. Thank you, Summit, all of our great sponsors. Thank this great race team. KB Titan (Racing) is one and two in the world this year. That’s beyond belief. That’s too cool.”

When you first started out, did you think you’d win six championships and over 100 races?

“Absolutely not. I still can’t believe it. But you know? I thank you all so much. You get me up on the tire. I’ve got to do whatever I can to race these young guns. They’re bad to the bone. It’s the future of our sport. Thank God, we’ve got them, but holy crap. It’s a handful.”

When you put it in high gear, did you look?

“(Heck) no. I was scared to look over. I didn’t want to see (Dallas Glenn) ahead of me.”

For you to have this season, how does this feel after the past few seasons?

“It definitely makes you work harder. They’re (Elite Motorsports) are a great bunch over there, great bunch of races. Man, they drive the wheels of those racecars. We have had a heck of a battle all year long, and we came out on top today. The future of the sport is just fantastic, the great depth we’ve got, all of the young guns. It’s fun, it’s cool. I had a blast. The good Lord shined on me.”

Up Next:

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla., March 7-9. Coverage airs throughout the weekend with NHRA on FOX and NHRA.tv, streaming available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

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POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2024) – Jack Beckman closed out the 2024 season NHRA season with a thrilling Funny Car victory on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, defeating John Force Racing teammate and world champion Austin Prock in the final round to close out the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the last of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the sixth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

In the teammate versus teammate final round, Beckman went a career-best 3.812-seocnds at 327.35 mph in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS to defeat Prock and pick up his second win of the season since taking over driving duties for John Force in August. It’s been a magical ride for Beckman, a former world champion, who won his 35th career race on Sunday.

To get to the final round on Sunday, Beckman knocked off Terry Haddock, Blake Alexander and Ron Capps, ensuring Prock and Force/Beckman finished first and second in the loaded Funny Car ranks.

“It doesn’t get any higher than this,” Beckman said. “It’s just magical at your home track. It’s special when it’s the Winternationals when the Winternationals was the first race of the year, but the Finals is finals, right? Whoever wins here gets a couple months to say we were the baddest on race day.

“This season has just been just pinch-me moment after pinch-me moment. The way John went out was terrible, but he’s still with us, and I think he’s just as valuable standing on the starting line as he is strapped in the car at the starting line. Having John here doesn’t make us want to win more. We want to win every time we go out there. It just made winning that much more special. To see Brittany [Force] win after a two-year winless drought the weekend her dad comes back and then Austin double up with her, was just great (in Las Vegas). We’re right back in another final against Austin, and this time we won it.”

Prock advanced to his 12th final round in his dazzling championship season in Funny Car.

Top Fuel’s Antron Brown qualified just 12th in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster, but as he’s done all year, the standout was in prime form during eliminations. He knocked off Justin Ashley, who entered the weekend with the points lead, with a run of 3.696-seconds at 331.53 mph in an incredible matchup to open eliminations and then faced off with another title contender in Shawn Langdon. Both drivers ran into trouble, but Brown recovered and advanced to the semifinals against Force.

A spectacular season in Pro Stock came down to a thrilling winner-take-all final round, with Greg Anderson defeating KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn with a run of 6.501 at 211.13 to slip past Glenn’s run of 6.516. It hands Anderson a remarkable sixth world championship, tying him with Erica Enders and Warren Johnson for the second-most in Pro Stock history.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith ended his year with a strong statement on his Denso Auto Parts/Matt Smith Racing Buell, defeating world champion Gaige Herrera in the final round with a run of 6.702 at 202.12. It is Smith’s second win this season and the 41st in his career, enabling the six-time world champion to finish second to Herrera for the first time in his career.

Smith, who also qualified No. 1, took down Aaron Pine, Marc Ingwersen and Steve Johnson to reach the final round, setting up another marquee matchup with Herrera. This time, Smith had enough to get past the two-time defending champion,

“We came in knowing we probably couldn’t get three hats, but we knew we could get two and we did,” said Smith, getting the No. 1 qualifier and winner’s hat. “We got the low qualifier hat and the winner’s hat, just not the champion’s hat. Still, we were able to put pressure on Gaige [Herrera]. He’s a deserving champ, and we just made too many mistakes.

“I love doing this, but I’ve thought about getting off and putting some young kid on the bike. I’m 52 and it’s hard to keep up but I still love it. Actually, our sponsor, Denso told me to stop talking about retirement. I still have a job, so I plan to come back and push hard to get that seventh championship next year. “

Herrera advanced to his 12th final round of the season in just 15 races.

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

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POMONA, Calif. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. The race is the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Antron Brown; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Tony Stewart; 4. Brittany Force; 5. Clay Millican; 6. Gary Pritchett; 7. Jasmine Salinas; 8. Shawn Langdon; 9. Shawn Reed; 10. Justin Ashley; 11. Tony Schumacher; 12. Josh Hart; 13. Krista Baldwin; 14. Billy Torrence; 15. Steve Torrence; 16. Ida Zetterstrom.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Jack Beckman; 2. Austin Prock; 3. Matt Hagan; 4. Ron Capps; 5. J.R. Todd; 6. Daniel Wilkerson; 7. Blake Alexander; 8. Chad Green; 9. Jason Rupert; 10. Terry Haddock; 11. Cruz Pedregon; 12. Bob Tasca III; 13. Alexis DeJoria; 14. Paul Lee; 15. Steven Densham; 16. Jeff Diehl.

PRO STOCK:

1. Greg Anderson; 2. Dallas Glenn; 3. Aaron Stanfield; 4. Erica Enders; 5. Camrie Caruso; 6. Cristian Cuadra; 7. Cory Reed; 8. Matt Hartford; 9. Jeg Coughlin; 10. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 11. Jerry Tucker; 12. Derrick Reese; 13. Chris McGaha; 14. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 15. Kenny Delco; 16. Eric Latino.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Matt Smith; 2. Gaige Herrera; 3. Angie Smith; 4. Steve Johnson; 5. Chase Van Sant; 6. Marc Ingwersen; 7. Richard Gadson; 8. Geno Scali; 9. John Hall; 10. Jianna Evaristo; 11. Chris Bostick; 12. Ryan Oehler; 13. Clayton Howey; 14. Lance Bonham; 15. Hector Arana Jr; 16. Aaron Pine.

POMONA, Calif. — Sunday’s final results from the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. The race is the final of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Antron Brown, 3.681 seconds, 330.55 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.710 seconds, 331.94 mph.

Funny Car — Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.812, 327.35 def. Austin Prock, Camaro, 5.028, 165.42.

Pro Stock — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.501, 211.30 def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.516, 210.50.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — Matt Smith, Buell, 6.705, 202.12 def. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.722, 201.91.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Julie Nataas, 5.180, 275.62 def. Shawn Cowie, 13.582, 54.61.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Shane Westerfield, Chevy Camaro, 5.423, 267.69 def. Ray Martin, Camaro, 5.973, 155.44.

Competition Eliminator — Travis Gusso, Chevy Cobalt, 10.377, 93.93 def. Jason Grima, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light.

Super Stock — Justin Jerome, Plymouth Duster, 10.616, 120.67 def. Shelby Williams, Chevy Camaro, 9.718, 134.66.

Stock Eliminator — John McLaughlin, Plymouth Road Runner, 10.565, 126.35 def. Michael Wann, Plymouth Barracuda, 10.794, 121.25.

Super Comp — Bob Van Popering, Dragster, 8.879, 182.08 def. Nick Alejamdre, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Super Gas — Val Torres, Chevy Corvette, 9.919, 154.88 def. Kris Whitfield, ’27-T Ford, 9.887, 155.27.

Top Sportsman — Joe Mellof, Pontiac GXP, 9.158, 94.33 def. Robert Strohm, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light.

Top Dragster — Ed Olpin, Dragster, 7.058, 187.55 def. Kevin Wright, Dragster, 6.274, 202.82.

Junior Dragster Shootout — Makenzie Higgins, Motivational, 11.249, 56.24 def. Jenna Chesleigh, Halfscale, 11.156, 57.38.

POMONA, Calif. — Final round-by-round results from the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Clay Millican, 3.654, 336.49 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.714, 332.02; Jasmine Salinas, 3.691, 330.07 def. Shawn Reed, 3.679, 330.96; Antron Brown, 3.966, 331.53 def. Justin Ashley, 3.704, 330.31; Doug Kalitta, 3.688, 336.23 def. Ida Zetterstrom, 8.458, 73.26; Brittany Force, 3.697, 335.65 def. Krista Baldwin, 3.822, 273.44; Gary Pritchett, 3.715, 333.91 def. Steve Torrence, 5.414, 175.09; Shawn Langdon, 3.690, 332.92 def. Josh Hart, 3.733, 327.90; Tony Stewart, 3.742, 320.74 def. Billy Torrence, 3.949, 260.16;

QUARTERFINALS — Stewart, 3.712, 334.15 def. Pritchett, 3.761, 330.39; Brown, 5.031, 184.57 def. Langdon, 21.385, 67.35; Kalitta, 3.640, 333.82 def. Salinas, 8.758, 83.26; Force, 3.698, 331.94 def. Millican, 3.689, 331.85;

SEMIFINALS — Brown, 3.693, 330.88 def. Force, 8.740, 71.38; Kalitta, 3.678, 334.90 def. Stewart, 3.738, 319.37;

FINAL — Brown, 3.681, 330.55 def. Kalitta, 3.710, 331.94.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Daniel Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 3.910, 333.08 def. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 5.774, 125.85; Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.874, 329.18 def. Steven Densham, Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.828, 341.68 def. Jason Rupert, Mustang, 3.913, 313.00; Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.842, 332.18 def. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 10.993, 82.06; Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.847, 336.23 def. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 3.981, 306.26; Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.876, 329.18 def. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 6.305, 106.16; Chad Green, Mustang, 3.998, 315.86 def. Paul Lee, Charger, 6.784, 101.85; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.858, 330.07 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.794, 164.01;

QUARTERFINALS — Beckman, 3.831, 332.10 def. Alexander, 9.955, 60.34; Prock, 3.850, 332.26 def. Todd, 3.900, 332.84; Capps, No Time Recorded def. Green, Foul – Centerline; Hagan, 3.856, 333.66 def. Wilkerson, 3.926, 306.88;

SEMIFINALS — Prock, 3.812, 331.04 def. Hagan, 3.866, 324.44; Beckman, 3.845, 330.39 def. Capps, 6.885, 103.87;

FINAL — Beckman, 3.812, 327.35 def. Prock, 5.028, 165.42.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Cory Reed, Chevy Camaro, 6.558, 209.95 def. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.560, 210.24; Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.555, 210.60 def. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.532, 210.08; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.523, 210.08 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.628, 209.23; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.526, 210.64 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.542, 209.33; Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.522, 210.05 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.579, 210.14; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.544, 210.08 def. Derrick Reese, Mustang, 6.565, 209.52; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.492, 211.66 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.600, 207.98; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.500, 210.18 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.591, 210.50;

QUARTERFINALS — Enders, 6.543, 211.20 def. Caruso, Foul – Red Light; Glenn, 6.533, 210.31 def. C. Cuadra, 6.548, 210.31; Stanfield, 6.513, 210.24 def. Hartford, 8.243, 132.41; Anderson, 6.492, 211.63 def. Reed, 6.564, 209.56;

SEMIFINALS — Glenn, 6.518, 209.82 def. Enders, 12.169, 75.57; Anderson, 6.488, 211.43 def. Stanfield, 6.510, 211.03;

FINAL — Anderson, 6.501, 211.30 def. Glenn, 6.516, 210.50.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

ROUND ONE — Marc Ingwersen, 6.821, 197.77 def. John Hall, 6.808, 199.67; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.810, 197.74 def. Hector Arana Jr, 7.194, 153.26; Angie Smith, Buell, 6.787, 200.47 def. Lance Bonham, Buell, 7.158, 186.56; Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.769, 199.43 def. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.846, 195.96; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.803, 195.31 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.838, 199.94; Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.839, 198.26 def. Ryan Oehler, Foul – Red Light; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.746, 201.46 def. Aaron Pine, Suzuki, 7.247, 189.23; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.779, 200.00 def. Clayton Howey, Suzuki, 7.014, 184.04;

QUARTERFINALS — Johnson, 6.831, 195.11 def. Gadson, 6.873, 197.02; A. Smith, 6.768, 200.80 def. Scali, 6.932, 195.17; Herrera, 6.779, 200.08 def. Van Sant, 6.815, 197.77; M. Smith, 6.738, 201.46 def. Ingwersen, 6.850, 196.13;

SEMIFINALS — Herrera, 6.765, 199.85 def. A. Smith, 6.762, 201.31; M. Smith, 6.747, 201.85 def. Johnson, 6.780, 196.42;

FINAL — M. Smith, 6.705, 202.12 def. Herrera, 6.722, 201.91.

POMONA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

1. Antron Brown, 2,600; 2. Doug Kalitta, 2,538; 3. Justin Ashley, 2,526; 4. Shawn Langdon, 2,513; 5. Brittany Force, 2,478; 6. Clay Millican, 2,461; 7. Steve Torrence, 2,447; 8. Tony Schumacher, 2,399; 9. Tony Stewart, 2,325; 10. Shawn Reed, 2,270.

Funny Car

1. Austin Prock, 2,817; 2. John Force, 2,651; 3. Ron Capps, 2,529; 4. Matt Hagan, 2,519; 5. Bob Tasca III, 2,435; 6. Blake Alexander, 2,394; 7. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,369; 8. J.R. Todd, 2,336; 9. Chad Green, 2,300; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 2,262.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 2,714; 2. Dallas Glenn, 2,703; 3. Aaron Stanfield, 2,702; 4. Erica Enders, 2,570; 5. Jeg Coughlin, 2,425; 6. Matt Hartford, 2,355; 7. Cristian Cuadra, 2,339; 8. Jerry Tucker, 2,263; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,254; 10. Eric Latino, 2,238.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Gaige Herrera, 2,804; 2. Matt Smith, 2,715; 3. Richard Gadson, 2,511; 4. Angie Smith, 2,481; 5. Hector Arana Jr, 2,473; 6. Chase Van Sant, 2,457; 7. John Hall, 2,341; 8. Jianna Evaristo, 2,331; 9. Steve Johnson, 2,328; 10. Chris Bostick, 2,209.

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Brittany Force made the quickest Top Fuel run of the 2024 season on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, qualifying No. 1 for the fourth time in the past five races at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the last of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the sixth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Force, who won the most recent race in Las Vegas, went an impressive 3.643-seconds at 336.65 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Monster Energy/Chevrolet dragster, collecting her sixth No. 1 of the season. After enduring her share of struggles this season, Force and her team have come on strong to close out the season as she looks to end the year with a second straight win. She’s 108 points out of first, giving her an outside shot at a championship as well, but Force is thrilled with how her team has persevered to get back on track.

Steve Torrence went 3.644 just moments earlier on Saturday, but Force and her team laid down an incredible run to close out qualifying.

“We ran a 3.64 and that’s huge. I’m very proud of [crew chief] David Grubnic and John Collins, and the whole Monster Energy team. I wanted as many bonus points as we could get,” Force said. “[The number of cars in the 3.6s] says the competition is fierce. It’s killer out there. I didn’t know how quick I ran but when I pulled off the track there were cameras in my face so I thought it might be better than it felt.

“I’m not disappointed [in being a championship longshot]. Everything happens for a reason and it all helps pull our team together. We win as a team and we lose as a team.”

Torrence’s 3.644 at 334.90 puts him second, while defending world champion Doug Kalitta is third after a 3.650 at 334.98. Shawn Langdon took fourth with a 3.653 at 331.45, jumping into second in points.

He’s currently 43 behind points leader Justin Ashley, who is looking for his first world championship. Ashley will open eliminations in an epic first-round matchup against Antron Brown, who is only 46 points behind the young standout. Kalitta and Torrence are 78 and 79 points behind, respectively, while Clay Millican also remains in contention at 95 points out of first heading into the opening round of eliminations.

In Funny Car, Austin Prock closed out qualifying with an incredible track-record run of 3.804 at 334.57 in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS. Prock clinched his first career world championship in qualifying, making the quickest Funny Car run in seven years and the fourth-quickest in Funny Car history. It is his 15th No. 1 qualifier in 2024, the most in Funny Car history.

Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson stayed alive in the championship chase, making two strong runs of 6.50 on Saturday, including a category-best 6.505 at 211.20 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. It is the eighth No. 1 qualifier of the season for the five-time world champion, who also remained in contention for the world title. He’s currently 48 points behind leader Aaron Stanfield, with a potential semifinal matchup looming between the contenders.

He could also meet KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn in the championship round in what would be a winner-take-all final round. It’s a scenario that has the veteran and the all-time wins leader in the category excited for Sunday, as an epic championship finale could be in store at Pomona.

“Qualifying means everything. To be able to control our own destiny on Sunday is all you can ask for,” Anderson said. “The way the ladder is set up is a prayer answered. I can’t remember a time when we had three cars within two rounds of the championship going into Sunday.

“Win the race and win the championship. If I can pull that off, it might be the biggest thing I’ve done in this sport. We’ve got it all set up. I just hope I wake up on the right side of the bed. For the last dozen races I’ve had the strongest horse out here but I just haven’t closed the deal. Tomorrow, I hope the sun shines on me and if it doesn’t, I hope it shines on my teammate, Dallas Glenn.”

Glenn is 29 points behind Stanfield, qualifying second with a run of 6.512 at 209.82, pulling to within a round of Stanfield heading into eliminations. He could potentially meet Stanfield in a winner-take-all final round as well, while Stanfield qualified fourth with a 6.517 at 209.98.

Matt Smith kept Gaige Herrera from his second straight championship on Saturday, securing enough qualifying bonus – as well as the No. 1 spot – to extend the championship race into Sunday. He qualified in the top spot for the sixth time this year, going 6.721 at 202.64 on his Denso Auto Parts/Matt Smith Racing Buell. With that, he closed the gap to 119 points against Herrera, though Smith will need plenty of help to secure a seventh world championship on Sunday.

If Herrera knocks off Clayton Howey in the opening round of eliminations, Herrera will claim his second straight world title. Smith’s only path to a championship is if Herrera loses in the first round and Smith wins the race. If that doesn’t happen, Smith would at least like to end the year with a victory.

“We came here to try and get the win and we’re in a spot to do that,” Smith said. “We’re still alive [for the championship] but we made too many mistakes during the Countdown to battle Gaige [Herrera] for the championship.

“Funny, but I’m going to finish No. 2 in the championship and I’ve never been No. 2 in my career. I’ve either won the championship or been third or fourth or lower. It would be huge for us to win the race tomorrow or for Angie [Smith], John Hall or Jianna [Evaristo] to win it. I’d love to see one of them win it. It would be a great way to end the season.”

A. Smith qualified second with a 6.758 at 201.43 and Herrera is third after going 6.765 at 201.22.

Eliminations for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

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POMONA, Calif. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.643 seconds, 336.65 mph vs. 16. Krista Baldwin, 3.801, 302.28; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.644, 334.90 vs. 15. Gary Pritchett, 3.750, 329.91; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.650, 334.98 vs. 14. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.738, 323.89; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.653, 331.45 vs. 13. Josh Hart, 3.729, 327.90; 5. Justin Ashley, 3.670, 332.59 vs. 12. Antron Brown, 3.725, 318.09; 6. Shawn Reed, 3.678, 331.69 vs. 11. Jasmine Salinas, 3.723, 332.43; 7. Tony Stewart, 3.694, 333.91 vs. 10. Billy Torrence, 3.712, 330.96; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.694, 331.77 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.700, 331.36.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Scott Palmer, 3.818, 301.47; 18. Ron August, 4.121, 229.27.

Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.804, 334.57 vs. 16. Jason Rupert, Ford Mustang, 5.413, 132.13; 2. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.821, 332.75 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.544, 191.81; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.828, 334.82 vs. 14. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.041, 305.84; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.838, 331.94 vs. 13. Steven Densham, Mustang, 3.983, 313.66; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.867, 334.82 vs. 12. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.903, 308.92; 6. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.870, 336.40 vs. 11. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 3.890, 308.43; 7. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.875, 328.46 vs. 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.889, 327.98; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.875, 324.59 vs. 9. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.878, 326.71.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Alex Miladinovich, 7.085, 91.17; 18. Dave Richards, 7.543, 85.50; 19. Buddy Hull, 8.320, 79.11.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.505, 211.20 vs. 16. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.620, 208.78; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.512, 209.82 vs. 15. Derrick Reese, Ford Mustang, 6.562, 210.34; 3. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.515, 209.07 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.548, 209.26; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.517, 209.98 vs. 13. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.546, 210.70; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.520, 210.77 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.541, 209.36; 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.527, 209.98 vs. 11. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.539, 209.17; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.530, 210.44 vs. 10. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.536, 208.94; 8. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.532, 210.11 vs. 9. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.534, 209.95.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Joey Grose, 6.628, 208.14; 18. Mason McGaha, 6.884, 205.47; 19. David Cuadra, 26.403, 31.61.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.721, 202.64 vs. 16. Aaron Pine, Suzuki, 17.388, 72.97; 2. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.758, 201.43 vs. 15. Lance Bonham, Buell, 7.248, 187.78; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.765, 201.22 vs. 14. Clayton Howey, Suzuki, 7.001, 193.35; 4. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.767, 199.82 vs. 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.885, 196.82; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.771, 196.44 vs. 12. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.834, 202.09; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.783, 198.96 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.815, 198.29; 7. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.788, 198.55 vs. 10. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.796, 199.14; 8. John Hall, Beull, 6.792, 200.53 vs. 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.792, 197.62.

In His First Season Driving the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, Prock Amassed Eight Victories and 15 No. 1 Qualifiers So Far on His Way to Claiming the Coveted Title

POMONA, California (November 16, 2024) – In his first season competing behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevy for John Force Racing, clinched his first NHRA Funny Car World Championship at the famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif.

“Congratulations to Austin Prock and everyone at John Force Racing on winning the 2024 NHRA Funny Car World Championship,” said Mark Stielow, Director, Motorsports Competition Programs. “To win his first NHRA World Championship, in his first season behind the wheel of the Camaro SS Funny Car, shows the talent, preparation, and execution Austin and his team delivered all season.”

Amassing eight victories, three runner-up finishes, and 15 No. 1 qualifiers, surpassing team owner John Force for the most Funny Car No. 1 qualifiers in a single season, in addition to a win-loss record of 46-11 so far this season, Prock defeated teammate Jack Beckman, racing on behalf of team owner and 16-time World Champion Force, to give JFR and Chevrolet a one-two finish in the final standings. The title is John Force Racing’s 23rd World Championship title and Chevrolet’s eighth driver championship in the category.

The team’s performance during the 2024 season not only showcased Prock’s natural ability piloting the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, but also the dedication and focus of his team to claim wins at Phoenix, Bristol, Richmond, Seattle, the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Reading, Charlotte 2, and Las Vegas 2. Prock still has one more race day left, with Pomona’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals victory up for grabs Sunday.

“It’s been an amazing year,” said Prock. “This team has done an outstanding job all year long and they deserve this championship. It’s been an honor to drive this Cornwell Tools Camaro, and proud to deliver a championship to Chevrolet.”

Prock clinched the championship after Q3 Saturday that saw the team run 3.804 seconds E.T. at 334.57 mph, the quickest run in nitro Funny Car since the elimination of laid-back headers. “Everyone at John Force Racing, we’re surrounded by such great people, such great sponsors. (This team) gives you so much confidence to go after something like this. This is 19 years in the making. I started racing when I was 10 years old and all I wanted to do was be a professional race car driver. I’m so proud to drive this Chevrolet with AAA Auto Club, Cornwell Tools, and everyone that’s a part of this.”

Formerly competing with John Force Racing in Top Fuel, Prock got his opportunity this season after teammate Robert Hight had to step out of the car for medical reasons. During the season, Prock raced to multiple track records with his father Jimmy Prock, brother Thomas Prock, and Nate Hildahl serving as co-crew chiefs, as well as capturing low elapsed times of sessions and events. Overall, Prock holds 12 wins during his NHRA career in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, as well as 18 No. 1 qualifiers heading into tomorrow’s eliminations.

A Notes and Quotes recap will follow the race on Sunday.

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POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Funny Car’s Austin Prock clinched his first career world championship on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, securing the world title for John Force Racing during qualifying at the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

Prock finished as the No. 1 qualifier with a track-record run of 3.804-seconds at 334.57 mph to close out the day in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS, making the quickest run in Funny Car since 2017 and the fourth-quickest in class history. It’s another magical moment in what has been an incredible and dominant first year in Funny Car for the young standout.

He has put together one of the most impressive Funny Car seasons in history, winning eight races thus far and clinching his 15th No. 1 qualifier, the most in a single season in Funny Car history. Prock has been just as terrific in the Countdown to the Championship, culminating in his first world title and a magical moment in his young career.

“I’ve been working towards this for 19 years,” Prock said. “I started driving race cars when I was 10 years old and all I could think of was being a professional race car driver in any manner and winning the world championship, and we got it done this year. The main job is finished, finally, but we want nine wins before we end this 2024 season, and we definitely have the hot rod to do it right now.

“This thing’s been on kill this weekend, and in the last few years, this race car hasn’t performed all that well here in Pomona, but all the stars are aligning right now. We made three really, really quick runs and I’m doing a good job keeping it in the middle of the groove here.”

Prock, who had previously raced in Top Fuel, winning four times and being named Rookie of the Year in 2019, got the opportunity to join his father, multi-time championship crew chief Jimmy Prock, and his brother, Thomas, on the John Force Racing Cornwell Tools Funny Car team after its normal driver, thee-time world champ Robert Hight, was sidelined for medical reasons before the season started.

A. Prock made his presence known almost immediately, scoring a runner-up in Gainesville and collecting his first Funny Car victory in Phoenix.

He held the points lead for the bulk of the season, taking the lead for good after finishing as runner-up to Force in Epping. Prock was the near-perfect driver to match a fast hot rod, ranking second in class average for reaction times while completing nearly 80 percent of all runs under power.

Prock enjoyed success in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge and ran well in almost any weather conditions, picking up victories in Bristol, Richmond and Seattle in the regular season. He also won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals for the first time in his career this year, rolling to playoff wins in Reading and Charlotte following that.

He enjoyed 14 straight round wins at that point in the season, taking a commanding lead down the stretch of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Prock followed with a victory in Las Vegas – part of a JFR double-up with Brittany Force – and finished the job in qualifying in Pomona.

Now, Prock has a chance to cement his year as arguably the best in recent history. Only five drivers in NHRA history have won eight or more events before this season and Prock still has the opportunity to win a ninth national event, a feat that hasn’t been done since Force did it in 2000 with 11.

“I was nervous coming into this weekend, but everything’s just working right, just like it has all year,” Prock said. “We’re looking forward to tomorrow. We’re going to do a little bit of celebrating tonight, but we’ll all be ready to go in the morning and try and go for that ninth Wally.”

Eliminations for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.