Mon, 22 Oct 2018, 11:13 AM Dramatic Conclusion to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Season Coming to Auto

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2018 NHRA/National Dragster

POMONA, Calif. - Club NHRA Finals With world championships on the line, the intense action of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will come to a thrilling, must-see conclusion at the birthplace of NHRA drag racing, the 54th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals, Nov. 8-11, at historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

The race is the final event of the year and the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, bringing the exciting championship showdowns with them. The top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will look to etch their names in history and everyone will leave it all on the line as they chase championship glory in the fastest motorsport on the planet.

The race will be high on action and drama, as the Auto Club NHRA Finals have an increased amount of points in play via the point-and-a-half system. The winner earns 150 points and can earn up to 191 points at the race, setting the stage for what will be incredible on-track performances.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year's winners of the race that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), including live finals coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Steve Torrence has dominated the start of the Countdown to the Championship, winning the first four playoff races to continue his standout season. Torrence finished second a year ago to Force in the standings and having already surpassed his eight wins from a year ago, the Texan will look to finish the job this season in Pomona. He currently sits 169 points ahead of Clay Millican, while others to watch include Tony Schumacher, Leah Pritchett, Antron Brown, Terry McMillen, Doug Kalitta, and Mike Salinas.

Andrew Hines, Tommy Johnson Jr., Bo Butner and Brittany Force celebrate last year's win at the Auto Club NHRA Finals

Tommy Johnson Jr. has two straight Auto Club NHRA Finals victories in Funny Car and he is looking for a late-season push to stay in contention in the talented class. Defending world champ Robert Hight has won events in the Countdown, as he's gotten hot at the perfect time for a second straight year. Hight will again look to race for a title in Pomona, holding a 11-point lead on J.R. Todd, who won the playoff opener. Ron Capps won the most recent event in Charlotte, N.C. and Tim Wilkerson, Courtney Force, and Matt Hagan will aim for end of the season success.

Bo Butner claimed his first career Pro Stock title a year ago thanks to his season-ending victory at Pomona, but this postseason has been about second-year star Tanner Gray thus far. Last year's top rookie has seven wins this season, including back-to-back wins in the Countdown to the Championship and has a 130 point lead over Jeg Coughlin Jr. Drew Skillman, Greg Anderson, Jason Line and Erica Enders will look to close their season in style.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader has shuffled at the end of the first four Countdown events, meaning the hotly-contested title will come down to who performs best under pressure at Pomona. Matt Smith won the most recent event in Charlotte, N.C. and LE Tonglet has also had success in the Countdown. Smith has a 41 point lead over Tonglet while defending world champ Eddie Krawiec is third, 56 behind the points leader. Others still in contention for the title include Hector Arana Jr., 2016 world champ Jerry Savoie, and defending event winner Andrew Hines.

The Auto Club NHRA Finals will also feature thrilling competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where the future stars of the sport earn their racing stripes. After Nitro qualifying, stick around to see the spectacular Cacklefests during the weekend.

Those in attendance will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This includes meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the Auto Club NHRA Finals include Kenny Bernstein, Wayne Jessel, Greg Sharp and more.

Along with the exciting on-track action, the Auto Club NHRA Finals will honor first responders with NHRA's "Salute to First Responders" celebration.

As always, fans can 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 gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

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 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-884-6472. Tickets also are available online at www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. All students can save 50 percent on general admission at the gate with a student ID. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate.

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