Oliver beat out fellow Southern California local Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., in the final of Top Alcohol Funny Car. Payne won the 2011 season final at Pomona but did not have enough for Oliver this time, who covered the quarter mile in 5.531 seconds at 258.67 mph to Payne’s 5.548, 260.36. 

The win put Oliver’s owner Randy Goodwin in his first Pomona winner’s circle after attending one of his first drag races here 42 years ago. Here Goodwin is helped up after falling to the ground in excitement.

In addition to Payne who finished No. 3 last year, Oliver beat the No. 2 finisher in 2011 Tony Bartone in his semifinal match up.