Record Quickness Shines at 2025 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona

POMONA, Calif. — The 65th Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals kicked off this weekend at the celebrated In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, where racers competed in the third event of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Under ideal weather conditions, competitors showcased thrilling performances throughout the first day of qualifying on March 28.

The KB Titan team continued its impressive display of dominance in Pro Stock, claiming the top five spots in the first qualifying session. Cory Reed led the pack with a time of 6.516 seconds, followed closely by Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson, who both clocked in at 6.524 seconds. Despite struggles with some vehicles, the Elite Performance team is expected to find its footing as the competition progresses.

Aaron Stanfield was the fastest of the Elite team members with a 6.533 seconds, while six-time world champion Erica Enders faced difficulties due to an electrical issue that left her struggling at the starting line.

In the Funny Car category, Ron Capps rebounded from an unfortunate engine explosion in Phoenix, setting a best run of 3.852 seconds. “There was a lot of emotion in that run,” Capps shared. “My guys built two cars in two days and haven’t had much sleep,” reflecting on the rapid turnaround his team executed after the prior event.

Capps found himself in the top position with seven other drivers accomplishing runs in the three-second range, an early indication of the potential for an all-three-second Funny Car field. Jack Beckman and Phoenix winner Paul Lee trailed closely behind with times of 3.868 seconds and 3.913 seconds, respectively.

Brittany Force made headlines by defeating Justin Ashley in the first-round Callout, clocking in a remarkable 3.646 seconds with a halftrack speed of 301.67 mph. This notable accomplishment places her amongst an elite group of drivers who have reached such speeds. “It was a miracle my car didn’t blow up out there because it had a hole out the whole way,” Kalitta remarked post-competition.

The semi-finals of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout also boasted tight competition. Antron Brown faced off against Doug Kalitta, who ultimately ran a 3.736 seconds while actively shedding one of his cylinders. Kalitta will replace Brittany Force as the contender in the final round after Force recorded another impressive 3.641-second run.

Meanwhile, the Pro Stock spectrum is witnessing record-breaking times as Greg Anderson logged a stellar 6.495 seconds, marking the quickest No. 1 qualifying time in history for the Winternationals. The previous record held by Erica Enders for her 6.516-second run was eclipsed.

With only two qualifying sessions conducted, teams eagerly anticipated further chances to solidify themselves before eliminations commence. The race organizers expect a thrilling lineup as competitors push for record-breaking runs in the days ahead, beginning with additional qualifying rounds scheduled through the weekend.

As the excitement builds, fans reminisce about last year’s nail-biting finale involving Anderson and Dallas Glenn, eager to see if history can repeat itself amidst the fierce rivalry between KB Titan and Elite Motorsports teams.

The event continues through March 30, with eliminations taking place on the final day, culminating a memorable show of speed and skill.