Rain Forces NHRA To Move Winternational Finals To Phoenix

As the NHRA's Lucas Oil Winternationals crowd was anticipating the final rounds in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, rain returned to the Southern California event mid-Sunday afternoon. Scattered raindrops turned to a thunder-and-lightning rainstorm, complete with hail.

With no respite from the weather radar in sight, officials decided to finish this second of 21 races on the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the April 5-7 Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, near Phoenix.

Tony Schumacher and Justin Ashley are set to meet in the final round. Schumacher will be looking to extend his class-best victory total to 87, while Ashley will be going for the 12th victory of his career. Schumacher's last victory was at Seattle in 2022. Ashley is pursuing his third straight Winternationals victory.

In the Funny Car class, John Force and No. 1 qualifier Matt Hagan will battle for the Wally trophy. At stake are 16-time champion Force's NHRA-record-extending 156th victory and reigning and four-time champ Hagan's 50th.

Erica Enders, who won the Pro Stock final Gatornationals earlier this month at Gainesville, Fla., seeks back-to-back triumphs. Challenging her will be Dallas Glenn, who is pursuing his ninth victory in 18th final rounds.