Pre-Race Report Event 01: NHRA Winternationals Auto Club Raceway of Pomona Pomona, Calif.

After solid test session, Kalitta looks to start season strong

Pomona Highlights: Two wins (Fall 2016, Spring 2009); Seven finals (Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2010, Spring 2004, Fall 1999); Six no. 1 qualifiers (Spring 2014, Fall 2006, Spring 2004, Fall 2004, Spring 2003, Spring 2001)

Last Event Recap (2017 Auto Club Finals): Qualified seventh; Semifinalist (Defeated Wayne Newby in the first round and Clay Millican in the quarterfinals, lost to Shawn Langdon in the semifinals)

2017 NHRA Winternationals Recap: Qualified second; Finalist (Defeated Steve Faria in the first round, Terry McMillen in the quarterfinals and Antron Brown in the semifinals, lost to Leah Pritchett in the final round)

Quotable: “We just had a very successful test with the Mac Tools team. I am excited for the new season. Pomona has always been a good track for me, and I hope that run of success continues this weekend.”

Career Stats: 458 starts; 623 round wins (ninth all-time); 43 wins (fifth all-time in Top Fuel); 91 finals; 49 no.1 qualifiers (tied 14th all-time)

2017 Season Recap: One win (Charlotte-II); Four finals (Pomona-I, Norwalk, Charlotte-II, St. Louis); Two no.1 qualifiers (Norwalk, Charlotte-II); 34 round wins; third in the standings

Pomona Highlights: One no. 1 qualifier (Fall 2014)

Last Event Recap (2017 Auto Club Finals): Qualified eighth; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Terry McMillen in the first round, lost to Brittany Force in the quarterfinals)

2017 NHRA Winternationals Recap: Did not compete

Quotable: “I am really excited to be able to have a full time ride with a team that is the caliber of Kalitta Motorsports. I am thrilled to be working with Connie, Rob and the entire Kalitta Air team. We are ready for Pomona, and we plan on kicking off the season strong.” 

Career Stats: 79 starts; 75 round wins; Seven wins; Nine finals; Five no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: Seven starts; One final (Charlotte-II); Five round wins

Pomona Highlights: Four wins (Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2013, Fall 2013); Three finals (Fall 2017, Spring 2011, Fall 2010); Two no.1 qualifiers (Spring 2015, Fall 2012)

Last Event Recap (Auto Club Finals): Qualified 11th; Finalist (Defeated Tony Schumacher in the first round, Leah Pritchett in the quarterfinals and Doug Kalitta in the semifinals, lost to Brittany Force in the final round)

2017 NHRA Winternationals (Top Fuel): Did not compete

Quotable: “Coming out of testing, I am really excited about Pomona. I really learned a lot as a Funny Car driver. This is my home track, and the home track for Global Electronic Technology, so we are looking for some success like I have had here in the past. We are looking for a good start to the season.”

Career Stats: 205 starts; 247 round wins; 14 wins; 30 finals; 18 no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: 20 starts; Two finals (Dallas, Pomona II); 17 round wins; seventh in the point standings

Noteworthy: Langdon will earn his 250th career round win with a final round appearance

Back for his second season in Funny Car, Todd looks for even more success

Pomona Highlights: One win (Spring 2007); One final (Fall 2016); One no.1 qualifier (Fall 2016)

Last Event Recap (Auto Club Finals): Qualified ninth; First round loss (Lost to John Force in the first round)

2017 NHRA Winternationals: Qualified 11th; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Tim Wilkerson in the first round, lost to Courtney Force in the quarterfinals)

Quotable: “We had a good test session last week and we’re hoping to carry that over to Pomona. I am more confident going into this season and I am ready to run for the Wally at one of my favorite tracks.”

Career Stats: 172 starts; 167 round wins; 11 wins; 21 finals; 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 24 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 18 round wins)

2017 Season Stats: 24 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 18 round wins; ninth in the point standings