NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Even though the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals is not part of the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship – a six-race playoff that decides the champions of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series – it has major championship implications. The winners of the event held at Sonoma Raceway, which will be televised by the FOX national broadcast network, often go on to be crowned champions of the series, or very close to it, and fans should expect nothing less than championship-worthy performances this year.
 
The 29th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 29-31, is the second stop of NHRA’s Western Swing, a treacherous three-race stretch in the western United States and the fourth-to-last race of the regular season. Only the top-10 drivers in each category earn a spot in the Countdown, and with limited points remaining, a lot more is on the line than a victory. 

 

At the 2015 Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, five of the eight event finalists went on to finish the season in the top three. In Top Fuel, Antron Brown raced to the winner’s circle for his fourth victory of the year. After winning in Sonoma, Brown won three of four final rounds in the Countdown to secure his second Top Fuel world championship. In Funny Car, Jack Beckman outlasted Tommy Johnson Jr. to help set himself up for one of the most exciting Funny Car championship battles in recent memory. Beckman won two more races after the Sonoma event last year and made a strong push for the world championship but came up short by just 56 points. Beckman finished second on the season, and Johnson finished third.

 

Last year’s excitement at the Sonoma Nationals wasn’t limited only to the nitro classes. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Eddie Krawiec defeated Jerry Savoie in the final round. In Dallas during the Countdown, Krawiec and Savoie met again with the championship on the line. Krawiec once more raced past Savoie, which in turn secured the world championship for his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammate Andrew Hines. Krawiec finished second in points, and Savoie placed third.

 

Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle racers are gearing up for an exciting finish to the regular season and know they will have to be on top of their game at Sonoma Raceway.

 

The Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where the future stars of the sport earn their racing stripes.

 

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand how the highly skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

 

As part of NHRA’s ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Funny Car class, one legendary Funny Car driver will be honored during the pre-race ceremony.

 

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

 

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Friday, July 29, and the final two rounds of qualifying Saturday, July 30, at 1:10 and 5 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, July 31.

 

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or log on to www.racesonoma.com/tickets. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.