Cover image credit: NAPA

2018 NHRA Winternationals – WOODIE STYLE

I was very fortunate to join Jim Vickery on his 39th straight visit to Pomona and the 58th running of the NHRA Winternationals Drag Races at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds January 8-12, 2018.

Jim joins a group of friends annually that have been doing this for many years. There were 16 guys in this year’s group. It also included Roy Brizio for Saturday and Sunday.  All good guys who have a fun time.
 
I have been to the Winternationals over the years but Jim’s group really does it right. Great premium seating with food included daily in a private tent. And to add to the experience we met up with NHRA’s John Siragusa, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for the NHRA. We all know John from the woodie world but he is significantly involved in the NHRA’s success. As busy as he was he met up with us a few times over the four day event.
 
John and Jim with factory rep from DENSO Spark Plugs
 
John hosted us one day in a suite where we joined up with Mick Carolan and his buddy. Unbelievable view of the track. I was able to get a photo of Mick with his grandmother, the famous first lady of drag racing, Linda Vaughn.
 
Linda Vaughn & Mick
 
Mike Salinas, Top Fuel owner and driver from San Jose & Jim Alves

 

Ron Capps, 2017 Funny Car World Champion & Jim Vickery
 
The racing was great, the setting was great and I even won some money in Vickery’s pool on race day. I hope to be invited back next year.