Fri, 04 Nov 2022, 14:09 PM It All Comes Down to This

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2022 Auto Imagery, Inc. World Titles to Be Crowned at Historic Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona

POMONA, Calif. - A thrilling, record-breaking 2022 season in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series is set for one unbelievable final race, as world champions will be crowned at the 57th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at legendary Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Nov. 10-13.

It is the final of 22 races during the 2022 season and the sixth race in what has been a memorable Countdown to the Championship playoffs. But championship dreams only become a reality for one driver in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle, setting the stage for one of the biggest weekends of the year.

The Auto Club NHRA Finals is also a points-and-a-half race, meaning just about anything can happen and drivers will undoubtedly leave it all on the line for a chance at championship glory. With four rounds of qualifying taking place over Friday and Saturday, and eliminations on Sunday at the famed Auto Club Raceway, fans will be treated to all the thrills and emotion of 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph action during a historic, championship-themed weekend.

Matt Smith, Bob Tasca III, Greg Anderson and Steve Torrence celebrate Auto Club NHRA Finals wins last year. Photo by NHRA/National Dragster

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year's race, while Torrence, Ron Capps (Funny Car), Anderson and Matt Smith all claimed world titles in Pomona as well. This season's event will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including eliminations at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 as a terrific 2022 campaign will end in style at Pomona.

Brittany Force celebrates Las Vegas win.

Torrence continued his impressive late-season track record at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona a year ago, picking up the victory en route to his fourth straight world championship. The Texan is aiming for a fifth and currently trails points leader Brittany Force, who won the most recent race in Las Vegas, by 267 points heading to the final race of the season. But the class is absolutely loaded with contenders, including Justin Ashley, who is in second place trailing Force by seven points. Mike Salinas, who is in third place, he was the runner-up to Force at Las Vegas. Antron Brown, a three-time world champ, is fourth, trailing Force by 258 points.

Robert Hight celebrates St. Louis win

In Funny Car, Robert Hight would like nothing more than to clinch a fourth world championship at a track that means a great deal to him. He's won five times in Pomona and boasts a remarkable eight victories in 2022 and could earn his first-ever sweep of both races at the prestigious track. It's been the best season in his standout career, but his lead remains a just 61 points against defending world champion Ron Capps, who recently won in Dallas. Others to watch include Matt Hagan, who won Las Vegas, is 63 points back of Hight, 16-time world champ John Force, defending event winner Bob Tasca III, Alexis DeJoria, J.R. Todd, Tim Wilkerson, and Cruz Pedregon.

Erica Enders clinched her fifth Pro Stock title in Las Vegas.

Pro Stock's Erica Enders has delivered a dominant 2022 season, rolling to nine victories and clinching her fifth Pro Stock Championship with her win in Las Vegas. There is still a battle for second place, Elite Motorsports teammate Aaron Stanfield is in second with 2460 points and Troy Coughlin Jr. in third 20 points behind Stanfield. Kyle Koretsky in in third position, 54 points behind Stainfield.

Matt Smith celebrates St. Louis win.

Matt Smith closed out his fifth world championship with a Pomona triumph, something he would love to replicate as the Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader inches toward a sixth world title. His five wins at the race are also tied for the most in class history, but competition is at an all-time high in the two-wheeled category. Smith leads Joey Gladstone by 104 points. Others to watch include Jerry Savoie, third place 136 points back, Angie Smith, as well as multi-time champ Eddie Krawiec, veteran Steve Johnson, Angelle Sampey.

"Nitro Mike"

The Auto Club NHRA Finals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport's top drivers, and a special Jr. Dragster Shootout. After nitro qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the "Walking Tall" P.T. Cruiser Wheelstander exhibition featuring "Nitro Mike" will put on a show to close out the day. Fans can also attend Nitro School on Saturday to learn more about how the cars operate and reach their thrilling speeds, while an autograph session will take place on Friday at the Toyota Display with Toyota-sponsored drivers.

Race fans at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can't-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner's circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Auto Club NHRA Finals event winners and world champions.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Pomona. This unique opportunity gives fans a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family. The new Pep Boys midway display includes tire change challenges, oil change challenges, a slot car track, and much more, adding even more excitement to the midway.

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:00 and 3:15 p.m. PT on Friday, Nov. 11, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 13. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2:00 p.m. ET. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 4:00 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas with a paid adult.