57th Annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, CA

The drag racing season kicks off every year at the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series, 57th Annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals, held at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, CA. On February 9 thru 12, 2017 the premier NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series began its 24 event season with the Winternationals. Competitors come from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to make this an international event.  Racers came from the 7 NHRA divisions in the United States to participate.

The weekend weather included a brief rain Saturday morning, other than that, the temperatures were in the mid 70’s. The track was ready for some good times. The wheel standing Stock Eliminator’s & Super Stock’s were, as usual, very entertaining. Top Fuel Harley’s were an interesting addition.

In year 2016, Pro Stock champion Jason Line made it 2 in a row by outrunning his Summit Racing teammate Greg Anderson. In Funny Cars, Matt Hagan’s 3.875et & 330.07mph Dodge Charger R/T edged out Courtney Force and her Chevy Camaro. In Top Fuel, #1 qualifier Leah Pritchett and the Papa John’s Pizza dragster left Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools dragster struggling at the start.

In the pits, a classic car show, celebrity autographs, Nitto Alley, and food vendors were packed with families enjoying the show.

There are 23 more races to go in the 2017 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series!

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Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the June 2017 print issue of the Drive Magazine.