Future of NHRA or Pomona

[X-rated]

And if you dont like pro stock you can certainly watch super stock or just stock or even factory stock! There really is something for everyone there, just because Pro stock isnt like it used to be doesnt mean you should hate on it! Super Stock is pretty much what Pro Stock was 35 years ago!

 

[oldschool]

The manufacturers don’t go any more because people don’t buy shit at the races.

 

[oldman]

The 1000' was after Scott Kalitta and others died around 2008. Also it was to try and keep top fuel at or below the 300 MPH number.

You can see how that worked.

Most everyone knows Pomona is great for speed, the natural conditions and low altitude always brings the speed. But none of that is a surprise. It will be a sad day when we lose Pomona, I'm shocked they still get to race with all the population,

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

The 1000' was after Scott Kalitta and others died around 2008. Also it was to try and keep top fuel at or below the 300 MPH number.

You can see how that worked.

Most everyone knows Pomona is great for speed, the natural conditions and low altitude always brings the speed. But none of that is a surprise. It will be a sad day when we lose Pomona, I'm shocked they still get to race with all the population,

There was clearly concessions made this year for the nitro scheduling. This is the first time where nitro Q4 ran prior to even prostock. They had a quick turnaround between Q3 and Q4. Then did all the lower classes after.

 

[oldman]

There was clearly concessions made this year for the nitro scheduling. This is the first time where nitro Q4 ran prior to even prostock. They had a quick turnaround between Q3 and Q4. Then did all the lower classes after.

Was it possibly a noise concession? They may have made a back door deal with the city about not running the loud classes past a certain time to continue to keep the track open.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

The car culture is dying I think.

As for SO Cal being the heart of the car enthusiasts days are long gone. SoCal Sucks

With all due respect, I think you guys are dead wrong on what I’ve left showing of your posts.

I roll pretty much every weekend year round, as well as research where to shoot for my youtube channel and just 2 days ago I was racing against one of my high school boys at Street Legal Dragway in Perris. If there’s anywhere else with 200+ car events every month and year round please do tell.

I also post regularly on this site under a thread I started called SoCal Car shows.

 

[boatnam2]

With all due respect, I think you guys are dead wrong on what I’ve left showing of your posts.

I roll pretty much every weekend year round, as well as research where to shoot for my youtube channel and just 2 days ago I was racing against one of my high school boys at Street Legal Dragway in Perris. If there’s anywhere else with 200+ car events every month and year round please do tell.

I also post regularly on this site under a thread I started called SoCal Car shows.


View attachment 1491932

Man didn't even know Perris had a track.

 

[mjc]

If you are not happy here try the March Meet and the other races at Famoso Raceway. Nostalgia racing is more like it used to be and there can be up to 300 cars there.

 

[JM21]

I was there Friday through Sunday and camped at the Fairplex. My 6 year of exactly that for both Pomona events each year. My takeaways...

They need to spend some money and asphalt their grounds. If I had to drive my race car through there I would not attend
Pro stock is one of the best classes to watch, don't care about manufacture or engine builder.
Bring your own beer and be creative
Safety Safari does an amazing job
The crowds were def down on Sunday but I think the looming rain didn't help
Holley was there, talked with a rep myself
Mfg row was smaller this year but still existed

 

[HTTP404]

With all due respect, I think you guys are dead wrong on what I’ve left showing of your posts.

I roll pretty much every weekend year round, as well as research where to shoot for my youtube channel and just 2 days ago I was racing against one of my high school boys at Street Legal Dragway in Perris. If there’s anywhere else with 200+ car events every month and year round please do tell.

I also post regularly on this site under a thread I started called SoCal Car shows.


View attachment 1491932

I've been meaning to hit this up. Very close to my place.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Man didn't even know Perris had a track.

I've been meaning to hit this up. Very close to my place.

I was a skeptic due to how short the track is but we had a great time!

 

[mjc]

I was a skeptic due to how short the track is but we had a great time!

How long is it? 330 ft?

 

[oldschool]

I was there Friday through Sunday and camped at the Fairplex. My 6 year of exactly that for both Pomona events each year. My takeaways...

They need to spend some money and asphalt their grounds. If I had to drive my race car through there I would not attend
Pro stock is one of the best classes to watch, don't care about manufacture or engine builder.
Bring your own beer and be creative
Safety Safari does an amazing job
The crowds were def down on Sunday but I think the looming rain didn't help
Holley was there, talked with a rep myself
Mfg row was smaller this year but still existed

Where can I find info on camping? We camped at the 2nd Vegas race last year and it was a blast.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

How long is it? 330 ft?

Correct. And it’s not prepped so you gotta put some cement bags in the back.

 

[4Waters]

Correct. And it’s not prepped so you gotta put some cement bags in the back.

330

 

[PRORACER7474]

Simpson, that lawnmower Wilkerson sponsor, the Jr. Dragster and VP, that's all that was in that row, no Holley

Holley was there they share a trailer with Lincoln welders

 

[PRORACER7474]

We were there. lost in the final by .0014 of a second, 14 ten thousand of a second, or 2inches at 160 mph

 

[PRORACER7474]

But that was ok we won Phoenix the week before

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Was it possibly a noise concession? They may have made a back door deal with the city about not running the loud classes past a certain time to continue to keep the track open.

Absolutely. Despite NHRA having a curfew hour for the loud classes (nitro and to an extent TAD/TAFC), they would frequently go past it due to delays for accidents, weather, etc.

I'm pretty sure someone laid down the law this time. They were done with the loud classes by 4. (at least on Saturday)

 

[Pelon]

Not sure how it is going to affect the NHRA portion of Fairplex, but they are developing plans to develop the 500 acre fairplex site.

Fairplex plan includes 10,500 housing units, 200 acres open space in Pomona

Officials shared details of the future of the site at a community meeting Wednesday, Aug. 31.

www.dailybulletin.com

Fairplex Specific Plan — Somos Group

The Fairplex Specific Plan is a multi-year planning study to envision the future for the 487 acre Pomona Fairplex. The Fairplex serves a vital role as a cultural destination within Southern California as host to the LA County Fair and multiple large scale festivals and celebrations throughout the ye

www.somosgroup.org

 

[Sharp Shooter]

330

I initially thought the same but we had a good time. Perfect setting to teach a newbie the basics, plus the Outlaw Shootout winner took home well over a grand.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Not sure how it is going to affect the NHRA portion of Fairplex, but they are developing plans to develop the 500 acre fairplex site.

Fairplex plan includes 10,500 housing units, 200 acres open space in Pomona

Officials shared details of the future of the site at a community meeting Wednesday, Aug. 31.

www.dailybulletin.com

Fairplex Specific Plan — Somos Group

The Fairplex Specific Plan is a multi-year planning study to envision the future for the 487 acre Pomona Fairplex. The Fairplex serves a vital role as a cultural destination within Southern California as host to the LA County Fair and multiple large scale festivals and celebrations throughout the ye

www.somosgroup.org

That will end it. No way these new homeowners want nitro powered earthquakes for three days straight twice a year in much closer proximity than most other dwellings.

 

[4Waters]

Holley was there they share a trailer with Lincoln welders

Ok, where? I didn't see Lincoln either. The area around the nitro teams was really small and walked up to every nitro pit. Were they out in the boonies? How about edlebrock or MW, Strange... all people I wanted to talk to so I can decide what direction I want to go.

I talked to marketing today and they said this is the new norm for Pomona as well as a few other events unfortunately. According to him if you want to go to a good event like all the events used to be go to Epping, Gators, Dallas, US Nats, Vegas...., those haven't changed much and the State of Texas Tourism actually puts money into the Dallas event. The guy I talked to didn't say anything bad but what I gathered is they are struggling with continued low attendance at the Pomona race more so with Pomona 1. I personally don't think Pomona will be hosting races for very much longer, California doesn't want it. This sucks all around but isn't surprising it's happening in California the most.

 

[PRORACER7474]

Ok, where? I didn't see Lincoln either. The area around the nitro teams was really small and walked up to every nitro pit. Were they out in the boonies? How about edlebrock or MW, Strange... all people I wanted to talk to so I can decide what direction I want to go.

I talked to marketing today and they said this is the new norm for Pomona as well as a few other events unfortunately. According to him if you want to go to a good event like all the events used to be go to Epping, Gators, Dallas, US Nats, Vegas...., those haven't changed much and the State of Texas Tourism actually puts money into the Dallas event. The guy I talked to didn't say anything bad but what I gathered is they are struggling with continued low attendance at the Pomona race more so with Pomona 1. I personally don't think Pomona will be hosting races for very much longer, California doesn't want it. This sucks all around but isn't surprising it's happening in California the mos

Mark Williams has not been on the midway in 10 plus years, Edelbrock was in the same trailer as Holley they are owned by the same company, I do not know about Strange. The trailer was on the staging lane side of the main road

 

[oldboatsrule]

Holley was there they share a trailer with Lincoln welders

The tractor that hauls the Lincoln trailer has 600hp (twin turbos)

 

[PRORACER7474]

The tractor that hauls the Lincoln trailer has 600hp (twin turbos)

we have a Detroit Series 60 in out toter it makes 575 and I have a 605 X15 Cummins in my MH

 

[4Waters]

We were there. lost in the final by .0014 of a second, 14 ten thousand of a second, or 2inches at 160 mph

That was a stupid close race BTW, it was the definition of drag racing

 

[4Waters]

Mark Williams has not been on the midway in 10 plus years, Edelbrock was in the same trailer as Holley they are owned by the same company, I do not know about Strange. The trailer was on the staging lane side of the main road

Well, what you're tell me is totally different than what was said earlier in this thread, their marketing departments need to do better. If they were some where to the right of the Top Eliminator Club then that's why I didn't see them and it was a terrible location to be but that's an NHRA decision as to where they are put.

 

[oldboatsrule]

Ok, where? I didn't see Lincoln either.

The pic you took of the black Pete. In that pic you see the Lescure trailer of Dunns. Standing at the back of Jim's truck looking towards the camera Lincoln would have been at your 2 o'clock.

The " midway " was basically the whole row in front of the TE club back to about the 800 foot mark

 

[OCMerrill]

The 1000' was after Scott Kalitta and others died around 2008. Also it was to try and keep top fuel at or below the 300 MPH number.

You can see how that worked.

Most everyone knows Pomona is great for speed, the natural conditions and low altitude always brings the speed. But none of that is a surprise. It will be a sad day when we lose Pomona, I'm shocked they still get to race with all the population,

Thanks to In and Out Burger and owner Lynsi at least the place is cared for.

 

[Willie B]

Was it possibly a noise concession? They may have made a back door deal with the city about not running the loud classes past a certain time to continue to keep the track open.

… Way way back when… At San Fernando… At 3:30 PM it was put your mufflers back on boys… You’ve got to cork them back up… top eliminator would have already run… There was no top gas eliminator… There was no top fuel eliminator… It was just top.eliminator… it was whoever was left undefeated. on the property…,

 

[ltbaney1]

330

better than nothing!

 

[kurtis500]

I went to the Phoenix race on Friday after probably 15-20 years of not being at an NHRA event. It seemed well attended by racers but the manufacturers midway was mostly local type stuff and food items. Looks like a lot fewer big name sponsors that normal non-NHRA people would recognize. I talked to a Pro Stock crew guy who said they all run chevys and it sucks. Along with no hole in the hood. TF is all chrysler and I dont mind that but Pro Stock should be unique to each model. I lost interest in NHRA and NASCAR when all the foreign cars started racing, they just arent my thing.

Half the reason for the trip was to see the lake and find out if its opening again(So I can buy another hydro) The answer is nobody knows regardless of what anyone says.

 

[Tom Slick]

Sadly, motorsports in California is dead. California has seen a mass exodus over the past decade and a good amount of those ex-Californians were gear-heads. NHRA Pomona events have been on the decline for many years. California Speedway is gone, as is Irwindale. Perris Auto Speedway can't draw a crowd to save its life. Motocross tracks are dropping like flies.

But look just outside of the state. Arizona, Idaho, places that Californians are fleeing to and you will see packed houses for motorsport events. Two weeks ago Perris Auto Speedway hosted a High Limits Sprint Car event and the stands were empty. A week later the High Limits tour raced a double header in Arizona and the place was sold out both nights. Our tracks up here in Idaho are packed and the hot rod culture is huge. People still like motorsports, they just don't live in Cali anymore.

And I agree, the "Big Show" NHRA events have lost their way. Gone are the days of long smokey burnouts, dry hops, jet cars, wheel standers and $5 beers. The corporate machine of the NHRA has taken the fun out of the sport. And until they realize this, they too will continue to see a decline in viewership.

PS - Jet cars and wheel standers still exist. They just aren't part of the "Big Show" anymore.

 

[dave29]

Have you never experienced a Top Fuel car pass?

I was lucky enough to stand behind the starter at Pomona years ago for Top fuel and Funny cars. It shakes your bones!!!! Later you realize that you are covered in powdered rubber from the tires. Almost impossible to remove from your cars interior for the ride home.

 

[TrollerDave]

I was lucky enough to stand behind the starter at Pomona years ago for Top fuel and Funny cars. It shakes your bones!!!! Later you realize that you are covered in powdered rubber from the tires. Almost impossible to remove from your cars interior for the ride home.

“It shakes you to your bones!” Even in the stands you feel it.
That was my point, everyone should experience that.
You can keep the tire rubber.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

I'm really disappointed to hear Car culture and motorsports in California are dead. 3 days ago we had 160 cars attend the tiny Street legal Dragway shootout, I was looking forward to Twilight Cruise at the NHRA museum tomorrow, Via Verde Car Cruise on Friday, Bonelli Bluffs show on Saturday and Wings and Wheelz on SUnday. I guess I'd be better served living in Boise where it's 43 degrees right now. Clearly I'm doing it wrong....

When I travelled to Burley Idaho from 1994 to 2007 the people who lived there loved telling me the largest motorsports events in the state were the Idaho regatta and the Monster trucks at the fairgrounds around the corner. I guess the motorsports and Car culture must have exploded in the last 18 years. Weather must have changed too.

I better cancel my plans for May too. It's a shame because I was looking forward to the 1000 car Riverside Show N go on the 3rd, El Mirage Land Speed racing on the 17th and Benedict Castle and Mopars in May on the 18th.

 

[oldschool]

I'm really disappointed to hear Car culture and motorsports in California are dead. 3 days ago we had 160 cars attend the tiny Street legal Dragway shootout, I was looking forward to Twilight Cruise at the NHRA museum tomorrow, Via Verde Car Cruise on Friday, Bonelli Bluffs show on Saturday and Wings and Wheelz on SUnday. I guess I'd be better served living in Boise where it's 43 degrees right now. Clearly I'm doing it wrong....

When I travelled to Burley Idaho from 1994 to 2007 the people who lived there loved telling me the largest motorsports events in the state were the Idaho regatta and the Monster trucks at the fairgrounds around the corner. I guess the motorsports and Car culture must have exploded in the last 18 years. Weather must have changed too.

I better cancel my plans for May too. It's a shame because I was looking forward to the 1000 car Riverside Show N go on the 3rd, El Mirage Land Speed racing on the 17th and Benedict Castle and Mopars in May on the 18th.

If RDP says it’s so it MUST be so.

 

[Tom Slick]

I'm really disappointed to hear Car culture and motorsports in California are dead. 3 days ago we had 160 cars attend the tiny Street legal Dragway shootout, I was looking forward to Twilight Cruise at the NHRA museum tomorrow, Via Verde Car Cruise on Friday, Bonelli Bluffs show on Saturday and Wings and Wheelz on SUnday. I guess I'd be better served living in Boise where it's 43 degrees right now. Clearly I'm doing it wrong....

When I travelled to Burley Idaho from 1994 to 2007 the people who lived there loved telling me the largest motorsports events in the state were the Idaho regatta and the Monster trucks at the fairgrounds around the corner. I guess the motorsports and Car culture must have exploded in the last 18 years. Weather must have changed too.

I better cancel my plans for May too. It's a shame because I was looking forward to the 1000 car Riverside Show N go on the 3rd, El Mirage Land Speed racing on the 17th and Benedict Castle and Mopars in May on the 18th.

Holy smokes, never thought my post would be taken so personally, as I was simply stating my opinion about California motorsports based on my observations as a participant and fan who grew up just a few miles from the Fairplex. I also wasn't boasting about Boise, nor asking you or anyone else to throw on a parka and come up here. I used Idaho as a comparison, as many neighboring states have seen an influx of motorsport enthusiast in recent years and events are very well attended.

I'm glad to hear that the events that you enjoy are booming. That said, do you care to give your opinion as to why other events are not, Pomona being one of them?

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Holy smokes, never thought my post would be taken so personally, as I was simply stating my opinion about California motorsports based on my observations as a participant and fan who grew up just a few miles from the Fairplex. I also wasn't boasting about Boise, nor asking you or anyone else to throw on a parka and come up here. I used Idaho as a comparison, as many neighboring states have seen an influx of motorsport enthusiast in recent years and events are very well attended.

I'm glad to hear that the events that you enjoy are booming. That said, do you care to give your opinion as to why other events are not, Pomona being one of them?

I agree with much of what’s been said about the Pomona event. Like most everyone else here I’ve had a front row seat to the changes. I went to a lot of races especially when my sis worked for NHRA for 18 years and I’ve always had many friends competing.

Many of you know my sister as she’s married to Billy B.

IMO, NHRA has turned into a money driven corporate machine fueled by the Nitro classes. I wish they gave all the lower classes much more love especially Alcohol dragster and F/C.

We probably would’ve already lost the Pomona event without Lynsi Snyders
Support.

 

[77charger]

Use to watch it often but havent in years since they went to 1000ft.Might get soome prostock action here and there but for most part not interested as much.

Wont bother going to and event due to the cost fo the little interest i have in nhra now.

 

[76sanger]

Just go and enjoy the show! Drag racing and the technical side to make one of these clutches on a 10 to 12 thousand horsepower machine go and not go up in smoke is amazing. Yes, it's changed from years past, but it's still cars, it's still racing, and it's still cool to watch! I literally watch everything all through the weekend! Slow to fast and everything in-between. Comp eliminator is crazy, 4 cylinders to V-8's and every make and model, not to mention fast as hell! But I love drag racing, drinking beer, and talking with (whoever that might be) next seat over in the stand's fellow enthusiasts.

 

[oldschool]

Just go and enjoy the show! Drag racing and the technical side to make one of these clutches on a 10 to 12 thousand horsepower machine go and not go up in smoke is amazing. Yes, it's changed from years past, but it's still cars, it's still racing, and it's still cool to watch! I literally watch everything all through the weekend! Slow to fast and everything in-between. Comp eliminator is crazy, 4 cylinders to V-8's and every make and model, not to mention fast as hell! But I love drag racing, drinking beer, and talking with (whoever that might be) next seat over in the stand's fellow enthusiasts.

This.
Some of you guys probably think SX and MX was more exciting when bikes had 2 rear shocks.

 

[4Waters]

I went to the Phoenix race on Friday after probably 15-20 years of not being at an NHRA event. It seemed well attended by racers but the manufacturers midway was mostly local type stuff and food items. Looks like a lot fewer big name sponsors that normal non-NHRA people would recognize. I talked to a Pro Stock crew guy who said they all run chevys and it sucks. Along with no hole in the hood. TF is all chrysler and I dont mind that but Pro Stock should be unique to each model. I lost interest in NHRA and NASCAR when all the foreign cars started racing, they just arent my thing.

Half the reason for the trip was to see the lake and find out if its opening again(So I can buy another hydro) The answer is nobody knows regardless of what anyone says.

Even the pro stock guys hate pro stock

 

[oldboatsrule]

Im suprised nobody has put these two together. The decline started when the TV coverage was the big push. Cars were limited in an attempt to stop the oil downs(which make live TV impossible).

Billet blocks (not forged or cast) Titanium valve covers with spark plug retention covers. Aluminium blower studs, multiple giant burst panels on both the intakes and the bodies themselves,. Oil pan pressure sensors that disconnect throttle and shut off fuel. Carbon fiber oil catch pans and diapers These were all implemented in an attempt to stop oil downs.

The exhibition cars stopped (no time for the TV show)

As for the prostock cars. Well people bitched that they were not powered like the cars they represent. No plug over coils no electrical injection. They destroys the fan base trying to appeal to a younger crowd.

I vote they dump PS back to a sportsman class and bring up Pro Mod to the big show!.

It's nice to see the legends FC class (NFC) making an appearance at an nhra national event

To be honest, if the sponsorships paid the same I would be totally ok with running a single mag and limited fuel (gpm)

Fun fact: big show super teams run 97gpm (gallons per minute) thru the car.

 

[4Waters]

Im suprised nobody has put these two together. The decline started when the TV coverage was the big push. Cars were limited in an attempt to stop the oil downs(which make live TV impossible).

Billet blocks (not forged or cast) Titanium valve covers with spark plug retention covers. Aluminium blower studs, multiple giant burst panels on both the intakes and the bodies themselves,. Oil pan pressure sensors that disconnect throttle and shut off fuel. Carbon fiber oil catch pans and diapers These were all implemented in an attempt to stop oil downs.

The exhibition cars stopped (no time for the TV show)

As for the prostock cars. Well people bitched that they were not powered like the cars they represent. No plug over coils no electrical injection. They destroys the fan base trying to appeal to a younger crowd.

I vote they dump PS back to a sportsman class and bring up Pro Mod to the big show!.

It's nice to see the legends FC class (NFC) making an appearance at an nhra national event

To be honest, if the sponsorships paid the same I would be totally ok with running a single mag and limited fuel (gpm)

Fun fact: big show super teams run 97gpm (gallons per minute) thru the car.

I for one was ok with carburetors, I love carbs on racecars

 

[rrrr]

To be honest, if the sponsorships paid the same I would be totally ok with running a single mag and limited fuel (gpm)

Fun fact: big show super teams run 97gpm (gallons per minute) thru the car.

I've been saying that for at least 15 years.

 

[76sanger]

I've been saying that for at least 15 years.

Oh ya, theres a place for that, right? Nostalgia! It's cool as well! The "big show" should never go backwards, they should always be advancing the sport of drag racing! Now, NHRA has pretty much put the kibosh on almost any advancements as to "fuel motors". But they do let the clutch advancements proceed on.
Now on the nostalgia side, this year they are letting the teams run the 44 amp mag. Still small pumps but more fire.
All I know is that there is a place for both sides, big show and nostalgia and both are "FREAKING" cool!