23/12/2024

NHRA: Winternationals get underway with little drama

Sábado 10 de Febrero del 2018

NHRA: Winternationals get underway with little drama

Less than 90 days ago, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series wrapped up the 2017 season Auto Club Raceway at the L.A. County Fairgrounds.

Less than 90 days ago, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series wrapped up the 2017 season Auto Club Raceway at the L.A. County Fairgrounds.

  • Funny Car driver John Force tries to bring his car to a stop after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force tries to bring his car to a stop after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force is checked by the NHRA Safety Safari after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force is checked by the NHRA Safety Safari after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Brittany Force drives through the shutdown area during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Brittany Force drives through the shutdown area during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force tries to bring his car to a stop after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force tries to bring his car to a stop after exploding his engine and shredding the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine during the second round of qualifying as he qualifies against James Campbell on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine during the second round of qualifying as he qualifies against James Campbell on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence (right) hugs and congratulates Brittany Force (left) on her first championship, which she won in November, prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel Brittany Force (left) sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel Brittany Force (left) sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel drivers Steve Torrence (front) and Brittany Force (rear) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel drivers Steve Torrence (front) and Brittany Force (rear) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Brittany Force puts her gloves on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Brittany Force puts her gloves on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Brittany Force does her burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Brittany Force does her burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Jack Beckman (left) races to the top qualifying position as he qualifies against Matt Hagan (right) during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Jack Beckman (left) races to the top qualifying position as he qualifies against Matt Hagan (right) during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Clay Millican (left) races to the top qualifying position as he qualifies against Richie Crampton (right) during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Clay Millican (left) races to the top qualifying position as he qualifies against Richie Crampton (right) during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown (front) and Doug Kalitta (rear) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown (front) and Doug Kalitta (rear) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon climbs into his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon climbs into his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Ron Capps puts his helmet on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Ron Capps puts his helmet on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Robert Hight sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Robert Hight sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Matt Hagan does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Matt Hagan does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car drivers Robert Hight (left) and Ron Capps (right) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car drivers Robert Hight (left) and Ron Capps (right) head down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett sits in her dragster prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Robert Hight does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Robert Hight does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Antron Brown waits in the staging lanes prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Antron Brown waits in the staging lanes prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Clay Millican heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Clay Millican heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Johnny Lindberg waits in his hot rod in the staging lanes prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Johnny Lindberg waits in his hot rod in the staging lanes prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon prepares for the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon prepares for the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Jack Beckman puts his gloves on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Jack Beckman puts his gloves on prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Jack Beckman heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Jack Beckman heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. heads down track during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Brandon Welch does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Brandon Welch does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon does his burnout during the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Scott Palmer acknowledges race fans after warming up his nitro powered dragster in the pits on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Scott Palmer acknowledges race fans after warming up his nitro powered dragster in the pits on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Del Worsham warms up his hot rod in the pits as he speaks with his father Chuck (right) on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Del Worsham warms up his hot rod in the pits as he speaks with his father Chuck (right) on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Top Fuel driver Steve Faria warms up his dragster in the pits on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Top Fuel driver Steve Faria warms up his dragster in the pits on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver John Force explodes his engine and shreds the body off his hot rod during the second round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. Force was not injured Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Drew Skillman (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead qualifying with two more additional rounds scheduled for Saturday. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

  • Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

    Funny Car driver Shawn Langdon sits in his hot rod prior to the first round of qualifying on the opening day of the 2018 season at the 58th annual NHRA Winternationals Friday morning February 9, 2018 in Pomona, Calif. (Photo by Will Lester-Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)