Sonoma Raceway’s world-famous quarter-mile drag strip comes alive for a weekend of hot action as the National Hot Rod Association's 27th annual Sonoma Nationals start today and roar through Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27.
As the second stop of the grueling three-race Western Swing – a fixture on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit since 1989 – which includes three consecutive weekends in Denver, Sonoma and Seattle, the Sonoma Nationals feature competition in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
There have only been seven drivers who have swept the Western Swing, and the most recent driver to accomplish the feat is Antron Brown in Top Fuel in 2009.
Last year’s Sonoma Nationals defending champions are Shawn Langdon, Vincent Nobile Jr. and Hector Arana Jr., with Ron Capps capturing his third Funny Car title in four years (2010, ’11, ’13).
The 2013 NHRA series champions were Langdon (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
Five track records were also set in 2013 – Top Fuel and Funny Car race distance is 1,000 feet, while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle is 1,320 feet – including a 3.743-second burst by Langdon in Top Fuel; Mike Edwards’ 6.512 seconds in Pro Stock; Matt Hagan’s 3.986 seconds in Funny Car; and Hector Arana Sr.’s 6.785 seconds in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Other NHRA Sonoma Raceway record holders include Doug Kalitta, who has won five Top Fuel championships (1998-2000, 2004-’05); John Force’s seven pro wins, all in Funny Car (1990-92, ’94, 2000, ’02, ’07); Greg Anderson’s four Sonoma Pro Stock wins; Andrew Hines as the only repeat Pro Stock Motorcycle winner over 10 events (2005, ’09); and Don Prudhomme as the only driver to win in two pro categories – Funny Car (1989) and Top Fuel (1992).
•••
Adding to the on-track action at Sonoma Raceway is a standout line-up of West Coast Outlaw Pro Mods, featuring five-second door slammers ranging from highly modified Shelbys to supercharged Camaros, will take place today, Saturday and Sunday.
Also, two jet dragsters – fire-breathing machines that reach speeds of more than 300 mph – have been added to the weekend line-up and will follow the final nitro qualifying sessions today and Saturday.
•••
The weekend NHRA schedule includes today's sportsman qualifying at 8:15 a.m., and professional qualifying sessions at 4:15 and 6:15 p.m.; followed tomorrow, Saturday, July 26, by the sportsman eliminations at 8:15 a.m., and professional qualifying sessions at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m., with ESPN broadcasting at 4 p.m.
Then Sunday, July 27, the Sonoma Nationals finale begins with pre-race ceremonies at 10 a.m., and final eliminations starting at 11 a.m., with ESPN2 broadcasting at 6 p.m.
NHRA Sonoma Nationals ticket prices have reserved seats (includes pit pass) for today and Saturday ranging from $52 to $60 for adults, and $20 for juniors (12 years and under); while Sunday’s adult cost ranging from $57 to $67, and juniors (12 years and under), $25. Weekend passes cost $135 for adults, and $65 for juniors (12 years and under).
.•••
For NHRA Sonoma Nationals tickets, packages and programs, for details on the Wednesday Night Drags, or for general Sonoma Raceway information, call 800-870-RACE (7223), or visit racesonoma.com, racesonoma.com/nhra or ticketmaster.com. Camping is also available around the facility.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: