Ron Lewis photos

NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Force kicks butt

Results compiled by Kay Burk / Photos by Tim Marshall, Ron Lewis and James Drew

John Force picked up where he left off in Pomona with a dominating performance at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals to start the 2014 season. It was Force’s sixth consecutive final round appearance dating back to last season and an NHRA record 139th victory.

FUNNY CAR

Force was No. 1 qualifier, won the race, and set the national elapsed time record (3.965 seconds) and speed record (324.12 mph). Force collected another Wally and 20 extra bonus points for the ET record, leaving Pomona with a 50-point lead over second place Matt Hagan.

The final round at the Winternationals was the same match-up as at the conclusion of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello season. During the Auto Club Finals Force and Hagan squared off against each other with John coming up on the losing end.  

Sunday’s outcome was much different when Force defeated Hagan with an earth shattering time of 3.965 seconds at over 323 MPH to Hagan’s tire smoking time of 6.61 seconds.  

“I’ve got a good race car. It is amazing. We are out here trying to run good for the fans. (Crew chief) Jimmy Prock and the whole brain trust are working together. I am back in the game and we are excited. Everything is just going right. I just don’t get it. There is a lot going on and we are excited that PEAK antifreeze joined us. What a good time to flex your muscles,” said Force, who won the Winternationals for the seventh time.