SoCal Association at Fontana, Calif.

Kinard dominates action at Auto Club Dragway

Words and photos by Bob Johnson

Super Gas winner Aaron Kinard.

January storms in Southern California forced the SoCal associations to run three races in two days (April 23-24) at its normally scheduled April events at Auto Club Dragway. Aaron Kinard dominated the Pro Gas action, winning the first two events and going to the quarterfinals of the third race—winning thirteen straight rounds—before losing on a .007 breakout.

The Pro Gas action began with continuation of the annual Russ Harris Memorial Race, which was delayed by storms in January. Aaron Kinard, the 2012 NHRA Pacific Division Super Gas champion paired up with 2015 Division 7 champion Dave Meziere in the final round. Meziere got a .013 advantage at the start, but broke out by .017. Kinard took the win with a 9.897, 153.81.

The scheduled Mountain View Performance Pro Gas race saw Kinard continue his winning, combing through the 32-car field with his ’63 Corvette roadster. In the semifinals, Aaron beat Vince Campa, while Kevin McClelland denied Dave Meziere a re-match final round with Kinard. In the final, both drivers recorded identical 9.903 times, but Kinard’s .016 better light was the deciding factor.