There were 480 cars entered for the Pomona NMCA West event.  (Tim Marshall photo)

Hot in more ways than one

Words by Greg Acosta
Photos by Tim Marshall, Paul Schmitz, Scott Sparrow and Ron Ogilvie

The 2nd Annual Lucas Oil NMCA WEST Coast Shootout was held at the historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., on Aug. 17-19. This was a rare opportunity for sportsman drag racers to make passes on what is arguably the most hallowed 1,320 feet of asphalt in all of drag racing, as well as the second stop on the Flowmaster NMCA WEST Street Car Series. The event was jam-packed with both participants and spectators who braved the heat and put on an incredible show.

Terry Barkley hit the wall in his Nova during the first round of qualifying on Saturday. The track was slick, as evidenced by other competitors having issues as well, so the NMCA decided to drop the Pro Street cars to eighth-mile competition.  (Scott Sparrow photos)