Pre-Race Report Event 24: Auto Club Finals Auto Club Raceway of Pomona

Kalitta looks for second straight Auto Club Finals trophy

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

Last Event Recap (Las Vegas): Qualified fifth; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Scott Palmer in the first round, lost to Brittany Force in the quarter finals)

2016 Auto Club Finals Recap: Qualified third; Race winner (Defeated Shawn Reed in the first round, Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals, Shawn Langdon in the semifinals and J.R. Todd in the finals)

Quotable: “Pomona has been a very good track for myself and the Mac Tools team. We picked up the win there last season, and our goal is to finish the season strong again with a win at the Auto Club Finals.”

Career Stats: 457 starts; 621 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 Stats: One win (Charlotte-II); Four finals (Pomona-I, Norwalk, Charlotte-II, St. Louis); Two no.1 qualifiers (Norwalk, Charlotte-II); 32 round wins; third in the standings

Langdon wants to finish Top Fuel run with a win

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

Last Event Recap (Las Vegas): Qualified seventh; Semifinalist (Defeated Antron Brown in the first round and Steve Torrence in the quarterfinals, lost to Terry McMillen in the semifinals)

2016 Auto Club Finals Recap (w/ DSR): Qualified third; Semifinalist (Defeated Tripp Tatum in the first round and Steve Torrence in the quarterfinals, lost to Doug Kalitta in the semifinals)

Quotable: “I am absolutely excited to be headed to Pomona. It is a bit of a homecoming and the place where I got my start racing juniors so you definitely have extra butterflies coming in. It is a great track for me. Some tracks you just roll in with extra confidence and Pomona is that place for me. I have had a lot of success there in the past and we are focused on ending my last race in Top Fuel for the time being on a strong note. It is bittersweet as it is the last time with me with this team. They have worked hard and it has been a pleasure to be their driver. We have come so close to a win and we want to get it done this weekend. They deserve it.” 

Career Stats: 204 starts; 244 round wins; 14 wins; 29 finals; 18 no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: 19 starts; One final (Dallas); 14 round wins; eighth in the point standings

Crampton plans on finishing 2017 with a strong effort in Pomona

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

Last Event Recap (Las Vegas): Qualified 11th; First round defeat (Lost to Terry McMillen in the first round)

2016 Auto Club Finals Recap (w/ MLR): Qualified ninth; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Brittany Force in the first round, lost to J.R. Todd in the quarterfinals)

Quotable: “I love racing in Pomona; it is one of the first tracks I ever went to. I am hoping to finish the year strong with the SealMaster Toyota team and doing whatever I can to help Doug win the title.”

Career Stats: 78 starts; 74 round wins; Seven wins; Nine finals; Five no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: Six starts; One final (Charlotte-II); Four round wins

Todd desires great finish to stellar debut Funny Car season

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

Last Event Recap (Las Vegas): Qualified fifth; First round loss (Lost to Del Worsham in the first round)

2016 Auto Club Finals Recap (Top Fuel): Qualified first; Finalist (Defeated Troy Buff in the first round, Richie Crampton in the quarterfinals and Antron Brown in the semifinals, lost to Doug Kalitta in the final)

Quotable: “We really want to finish the season on a high note. Pomona is one of my favorite places on earth and this race is always bittersweet. I am already looking forward to 2018.”

Career Stats: 171 starts; 167 round wins; 11 wins; 21 finals; 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 23 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 18 round wins)

2017 Season Stats: 23 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 18 round wins; ninth in the point standings

DeJoria Pomona pre-race notes

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

Last Event Recap (Las Vegas): Qualified 10th; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Cruz Pedregon in the first round, lost to Courtney Force in the quarterfinals)

2016 Auto Club Finals Recap: Did not compete

Career Stats: 133 starts; 97 round wins; Five wins; Eight finals; Four no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: 20 starts; One win (Brainerd); 15 round wins; 11th in the point standings