Weather Forces Conclusion Of NHRA Winternationals Till Phoenix Event, Next Month

The thrilling conclusion of the 64th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals hit a speed bump on Sunday as heavy rain and hail forced the postponement of the final rounds at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. This unfortunate turn of events left fans eagerly awaiting the crowning of champions in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock.

However, there’s good news for drag racing enthusiasts: The final showdowns will now take place at the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals. The event, slated for April 5-7 at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix, will host the completion of the Winternationals finals, ensuring that the weather doesn’t dampen the excitement.

In the Top Fuel category, the stage is set for an epic battle between Tony Schumacher and defending event winner Justin Ashley. Meanwhile, in Funny Car, veteran John Force will face off against reigning world champion Matt Hagan to determine who will emerge victorious.

Low qualifier and defending event champ Matt Hagan marches on with a 3.909 after Buddy Hull’s Mooneyes machine loses a cylinder early. Although it wasn’t evident on the replay, the hood-mounted burst panels on Hagan’s Dodge are open as he slows on the parachutes, indicating a possible backfire during shutdown. Hagan’s advancement to the final round sets the stage for a thrilling showdown against Force in Arizona.

On the other hand, Hagan’s teammate Tony Stewart suffered a first-round loss against Steve Torrence in Top Fuel. Stewart’s Mobil 1 dragster spun the tires taking him out of the competition.

Despite the delay, fans can expect nothing short of adrenaline-pumping action when these titans of drag racing go head-to-head to claim victory. With drivers like Hagan and Force at the top of their game, spectators are in for a treat as they witness the culmination of the Winternationals at the NHRA Arizona Nationals.