NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Following a Cinderella run at last year’s Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals during which Top Fuel dragster pilot Ron August Jr. made his first semifinal appearance in dramatic fashion, the privateer racer is set to make his 2025 season debut at his home track of Sonoma Raceway July 25-27 with backing from Fire Protection Management Inc.

Drama ensued at last year’s event when August scored his second career round-win at the expense of top qualifier Doug Kalitta in a wild 3.98 to 4.03 decision. The victory gave him a competition single in round two, but making the necessary repairs between rounds just to fire the dragster and idle down the track was a down-to-the-wire affair that was executed in the water box with no time to spare. He met Tony Stewart in the semifinal round and fell short in a 3.97 to 3.99 race to cap off his best outing in the Professional ranks.

“It was one of those days where we ran into problems no matter what we did, but the guys were so resilient and so fired up that it didn’t faze anybody,” August recalled. “We were running on adrenaline. I still think back about the light I had in the semifinals. Even if the result had been different, we wouldn’t have had enough parts to put it back together, so it was for the best that they actually had a final.

“I didn’t realize until later how many people were backing us. You are so in the moment as the race is happening. The response from everybody watching being happy for us was a pleasant surprise.”

Fortunate to begin his nitro career without experiencing significant carnage, an engine explosion at the season-ending event in Pomona left August facing uncertainty. Enter Fire Protection Management Inc. 

Fire Protection Management Inc. is a full-service fire sprinkler company. The Concord, Calif.-based company provides the full spectrum of services — including new installation and tenant improvements — to the entire Bay Area. FPM also performs repairs to fire sprinkler systems, including overhead piping, sprinkler risers, bells, and underground. FPM is available 24 hours a day for emergency repairs.

"Ron is a longtime friend," said Larry Antaya, owner of Fire Protection Management Inc. "I recently got out of sprint car racing, and here we are back in drag racing. We really enjoy racing Top Fuel. Last year was good. We have some more new parts this year, which will hopefully help us hit it full."

Additionally, Pleasanton Ready Mix will support August’s efforts. The volunteer team led by Rick Wilkinson will once again embrace the spoiler role as the Pleasanton, Calif.-based outfit takes on the touring teams.

“I knew we’d miss Pomona while we were getting our stuff back together, and having Larry and everybody get on board provided the motivation and the backing to make this happen,” said August, a national event winner in Top Alcohol Funny Car. “Our team is made up of people who have been friends for a long time. They’re super knowledgeable and fun to be around. We’re ready to get back out there.”