Sun, 15 Nov 2009, 11:52 PM 45th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals Special Awards

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

POMONA, Calif. -- Special Awards from the 45th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals.

K&N Filters Horsepower Challenge award ($3,000 to the No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock) - Mike Edwards, Broken Arrow, Okla., ART Pontiac GXP, 6.562 seconds, 210.64 mph.

Best Engineered Vehicle - Michael Piraino Super Comp entry. Driver: Michael Piraino, Yorba Linda, Calif.

NHRA Best Appearing Car - Chris Krajewski Summit Super Pro entry. Driver: Chris Krajewski, Baltimore, Md.

NHRA Best Appearing Crew - Lescure Co. Inc. Ford Mustang Top Alcohol Funny Car entry. Driver: Ron August Jr., Pleasanton, Calif.

Quest for the Full Throttle Moment Award ($3,000 each to Top Fuel and Funny Car, $1,500 to Pro Stock and $750 to Pro Stock Motorcycle for the top moment in each category during the event):
Top Fuel: Tony Schumacher for getting the No. 1 qualifier in the fourth and final session of qualifying to gain the three bonus points and move up two-points ahead of Larry Dixon.
Funny Car: Mike Neff defeats Ashley Force Hood to get his first career win as a driver at a race dominated by John Force Racing.
Pro Stock: Greg Anderson defeats Mike Edwards in the semifinal round of eliminations in what should be a preview of the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Eddie Krawiec defeats Doug Horne to win the event after doing everything he could to win his second NHRA world championship.