The long marathon of the American drag racing series comprising 23 events is coming to an end. During the upcoming weekend, the season-ending race will be held right where it all began in February — on the legendary drag strip in Pomona, California, which will host the finals for the 50th time. Who is going to win NHRA championship titles in each of four classes?
Everything is quite settled in Top Fuel — Tony Schumacher (on top photo) leads his teammate and closest rival Spencer Massey by 109 points before the final race of the season. It means that only an improbable turn of events, like a meteoric rain, for instance, might prevent Schumacher from clinching the long-anticipated eighth Top Fuel championship title, which he has been chasing since 2010. Tony may start celebrating the title officially after the end of qualifying runs.
Sure enough, Schumacher would like to end the season on a winning note, while all his competitors dream of a “consolation goal”, which can be scored by clinching victory in the prestigious final race. It means that even though there is no real intrigue in the battle for the title, it is still going to be a fascinating race.
The situation in two automobile classes is much more complicated. In Funny Car, we should expect a thrilling duel between Matt Hagan and John Force. The most highly awarded racer in the NHRA history is 21 points behind the 2011 Champion. Will the legendary and unfading Force be able to clinch the title for the second year in a row and earn the 17th win of his career? This is definitely going to be an epic duel.
By the way, John’s daughter, Courtney Force currently ranks third in the Funny Car points standings (though the championship title is already unachievable for her); however, she is determined to defend her No. 3 spot.
In Pro Stock, where the current points leader is Erica Enders-Stevens, the competition is even fiercer. She is only 17 points ahead of Jason Line. The one who wins in Pomona will clinch the champion title. Dave Connolly also has a vague chance of becoming the winner — he is 84 points behind the leader and what he needs is a victory in the finals and poor performance of two other contenders.
One shouldn’t forget about the pro-stock motorcycle class. Then again, like in Top Fuel, everything is quite settled in the two-wheeled category — Andrew Hines holds a 92-point lead over his Harley-Davidson teammate Ed Krawiec.
In Russia, the final NHRA race will be available via Viasat Sport TV channel. Qualifying sessions will air on Sunday morning at 11:00, while the elimination round will be broadcast live on Monday at 3:30 a.m.
