NHRA Winternationals: Vandergriff and DeJoria Lead Funny Car, Earlier Sunday Start

2 months agoUS
NHRA Winternationals: Vandergriff and DeJoria Lead Funny Car, Earlier Sunday StartSource: nhra.com
The 66th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip saw exciting action on the first day of qualifying, with Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria taking the top two spots in Funny Car. NHRA also announced an earlier start time for Sunday's eliminations.

Key Insights

Jordan Vandergriff clocked the fastest Funny Car time of the day at 3.951 seconds at 327.90 mph.

Alexis DeJoria closely followed with a 3.989-second run at a top speed of 328.30 mph in Funny Car.

Josh Hart secured the provisional top spot in Top Fuel with a 3.733-second run at 336.15 mph, later surpassed by Leah Pruett.

Sunday eliminations will now begin at 10 a.m. PT, an hour earlier than previously scheduled. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. PT, with pre-race ceremonies at 9 a.m. PT.

Why this matters: The Winternationals is a significant event in the NHRA calendar, and these initial results set the stage for intense competition. The earlier start time allows fans to experience more racing action throughout the day. The strong performances from Vandergriff and DeJoria highlight John Force Racing's presence.

In-Depth Analysis

Funny Car Standings

Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria dominated the Funny Car qualifying runs, showcasing the capabilities of their Chevrolet SS Funny Cars. Vandergriff's performance marked a career highlight, expressing his excitement about racing at his home track with family present.

Top Fuel Competition

Josh Hart initially led the Top Fuel category, demonstrating the Speedmaster Top Fuel team's ability to perform under pressure. Leah Pruett ultimately eclipsed his time, setting up a competitive eliminations round.

Beckman's Close Call

Jack Beckman experienced a near-collision when Todd Lesenko crossed the centerline. Fortunately, Beckman's early tire smoke allowed him to avoid contact, emphasizing the importance of safety in drag racing.

FAQs

Q: What time do the Sunday eliminations start at the Winternationals?

Eliminations now start at 10 a.m. PT.

Q: Who were the top performers in Funny Car qualifying?

Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets for the Winternationals?

Tickets are available at www.nhra.com/tickets?ref=yanuki.com.

Key Takeaways

Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria are the drivers to watch in Funny Car.

The earlier start time on Sunday means you can catch more racing action.

Safety remains a crucial aspect of NHRA events, as highlighted by Jack Beckman's near miss.

Discussion

What are your predictions for the Winternationals eliminations? Which driver are you rooting for? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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