From Autoweek · Susan Wade · · 1m 50s
NHRA Las Vegas Results: Championship Battles Head to Pomona
NHRA Las Vegas results set championship battles for Pomona finals with tight points races.
In brief
NHRA Las Vegas results set championship battles for Pomona finals with tight points races. NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car champions face Pomona finals with narrow point margins after Las Vegas Nationals. Originally reported by Autoweek.
NHRA Top Fuel Championship Chase
Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta compete for Top Fuel championship with points-and-a-half format returning to Pomona finals.
“The NHRA Top Fuel championship chase will be decided in two weeks at the In-N-Out Burger Finals at Pomona, California, with Shawn Langdon and teammate Doug Kalitta duking it out with a points-and-a-half format returning to the season finale.”
Funny Car Points Leader Hagan Faces Challenge
Matt Hagan’s second-round loss to J.R. Todd makes his fifth title quest much tougher with only 39-point advantage over Jordan Vandergriff.
“And for Funny Car points leader Matt Hagan, his second-round loss Sunday at the Mopar Las Vegas Nationals to third-ranked J.R. Todd, of Kalitta Motorsports, is making his quest for a fifth title much tougher.”
Pro Stock Champion Glenn Confirmed
Dallas Glenn wins third consecutive Las Vegas Pro Stock title with fourth overall victory this season.
“Dallas Glenn confirmed his control of the Pro Stock class with his third consecutive and fourth overall Las Vegas triumph, his sixth this season.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle Final Postponed
Pro Stock Motorcycle final round postponed due to treacherous winds until Pomona race two Saturdays later.
“Because of treacherous winds that plagued racers all day Sunday, the NHRA decided to postpone the Pro Stock Motorcycle class final round featuring Vance & Hines teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera until the Pomona race.”
Kalitta Wins Key Top Fuel Matchup
Doug Kalitta defeats Shawn Langdon in semifinal with 32-point lead reduction after Langdon struck tires.
“In Top Fuel, Kalitta won a crucial but surprisingly easy semifinal clash Sunday at the Mopar Las Vegas Nationals with his points-leader teammate Langdon, who launched first but immediately struck the tires on his Kalitta Air Dragster.”
Kalitta's Championship Strategy
Kalitta's team has deep hole to dig out of Countdown but championship feels like long shot with points-and-a-half format.
“We’ve had a tough time in the Countdown,” Kalitta’s 14-time-champion tuner Alan Johnson said after the victory, referring to early exits at the past two events. “We’ve got a deep hole to dig out of. But it ain’t over yet.””
Vandergriff Wins Funny Car Championship
Jordan Vandergriff wins Funny Car title after second-round victory over J.R. Todd with strong team support.
“In Funny Car, after eliminating closest competitor Todd in the semifinals and recording his fourth victory of his rookie year in the class, Vandergriff, who had been feeling slightly ill all day, whipped off his helmet and screamed, “Yesssss!””
Vandergriff's Championship Motivation
Vandergriff credits John Force for believing in him to achieve Funny Car championship.
“I’ve wanted these opportunities for so long in my life, and I find myself in them now. Thank you, John Force. Thank you for believing in me. Without you, none of this is possible.”
Justin Bond Wins Pro Modified
Justin Bond claims first Pro Modified championship after winning final round against Mike Stavrinos.
“Justin Bond earns Pro Mod championship”
Pro Modified Championship Details
Bond dedicated his Pro Modified championship to late friend Shane Molinari who died in racing accident.
“I’m trying to keep my composure. This one’s for my buddy Shane”
Top Fuel Track Speed Record
Maddi Gordon, Billy Torrence and Tony Stewart each set Top Fuel track speed records at Las Vegas.
“The first round of Top Fuel eliminations saw the Las Vegas track speed record rewritten twice.”
The big picture
NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car champions face Pomona finals with narrow point margins after Las Vegas Nationals.
