9th Pomona Nitro Nationals - Part 1

By Robert Briggs

Brett Harris dominated Top Fuel but almost slept his way to defeat in the Final Round against Brad Thompson. Brett qualified #1 with a 5.828 sec 260.26 mph run. Round One, 5.873 sec 260.26 mph (new speed record!), Round Two 5.874 sec 258.52 mph, Round Three 5.889 sec 259.91 mph. Final Round Brett had a terrible 0.302 RT but his 5.866 sec 258.71 mph overcame Thompson's 6.230 sec 216.06 mph who was all over the track.

Kin Bates set a new A/Fuel low E.T. record at 6.219 sec and then won the event against teammate Claude Lavoie when Claude couldn't find reverse after the burnout.

C/Gas Ernie McAllister wins the event with consistent times around the 9.60 Index.

Ed Iskenderian was honored by Goodguys for his legendary cams and support of drag racing. Goodguy's John Drummond and Ed "Isky" prior to the beginning of Eliminations on Sunday.

Top Fuel Brendan Murry in his beautiful full bodied rail qualified 13th with a 6.054 sec 240.29 mph run. Brendan lost a tough Round One race to Jason Richey.

Top Fuel Denver Shutz produced 5.9s & 240s mph much of the weekend but ran up against event winner Brett Harris in Round Three.

A beautiful Funny Car! Chris Kabill was the #1 qualifier at 6.026 sec 226.47 mph. After that he marched through the field to take the event in convincing fashion with a Final Round win against Jim Broome.

NE1 Tommy Osborne didn't make the show but the Dragmaster chassis looked fantastic!

NE3 Sparky Horachko had no problem with traction Saturday during qualifications.

Top Fuel Jason Richey ran 5.881 sec 259.16 mph which was good enough for the #4 position. Something let go around mid track in Round Two to end his weekend.

B/Gas John Vilchis' beautiful '33 Willys didn't qualify but his beautiful car was fun to watch.

After qualifying 7th Top Fuel Mendy Fry lost to eventual runner-up Brad Thompson in Round Two.

Robert Briggs
rbriggs6@charter.net