NEVER BUY YOUR TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME. Every year it rains, they steal your money. They purposely run 1elimination during rain to avoid refunds. This year, they announced the winners of drag racers on Saturday night on social media, even though they had sold out tickets for Sunday. NHRA had no consideration for fans that wanted to say goodbye to Brittany and John force. All nhra cares about is stealing our money every year. read more

Lots of fun to be had at the NHRA Winternationals. It's a great experience roaming the pits, shopping all the merchandise and watching the races. We had a blast! read more

NHRA Winternationals - Races & Competitions Near Me - Pomona, California

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If you haven't been to an NHRA event, you must buy tickets for the next race near you. What an exhilarating feeling to see and hear cars going 300 mph and to see them take it apart and put back together right in front of your eyes. All of the vendors and other perks going on around the racetrack is a great way to spend the day. read more

NHRA Winternationals - Races & Competitions Near Me - Pomona, California

Weather was not in our favor. Long day waiting for some racing to start. Lesson learned, buy tickets last minute. Too much $$$ to not have full experience. read more

Fun time at NHRA. Couldn't get better seating then in the pit area. The roar of the engines, the strong smell of alcohol fuelled vehicles and smoke bellowing from the tires as they burn off the oil with the thrill and adrenaline of excitement and agony of a ready for competition. Tightening those final bolts with one last check. Feeling 1400 horsepower vibrating through your bones as you sit on the trembling seats at the roar of the engines blasting down the track like a mini rocket from Top Fuel and Funny cars. Enjoy the cars of the past and since you are waiting for the crowds to leave venture into the area behind the stands. There you will see cars from the 50s 60s and 70s. All kinds of styles and by the time you're finished looking at these nice hot rods, it only take a couple minutes to get out of the exit. read more

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While I'm a huge fan of the NHRA, I certainly did not appreciate their handling of "rained out" tickets for the 2019 Winternationals. The rain on 2/10/19 ensued a postponement for the next day, Monday, February 11, 2019. Mother Nature. Can't live with her sometimes. Can't live without her either. But it sure is a draaaaaag - and not a cool hot rod DRAGster sort of way - when NHRA races get postponed. The vibe is totally not the same. Even the reruns on TV looked pathetic with only one side of the bleachers partially filled. We waited under the bleachers for over half an hour (I quit noting the time after 30 minutes) for another employee to swap our old tickets for new, resold tickets mainly because "there weren't enough employees working to have the other side open" where our original tickets had us sitting. If there aren't enough employees to work well then guess what? They won't let you sit on that side AT ALL. And we must've walked past 10 different NHRA staff members that saw us heading to the other side and never said a word about this until we reach the bleachers... some lady is chasing us saying we cannot sit on this side. Man alive, y'all gotta get on the same page. We finally get our tickets and each person in our group has a totally different seat number. Good thing there was hardly anyone in our section and no one gave us a hard time about it. And these new seats were no where as nice as the front row seats we purchased. Our ear protection-cladded daughters lost interest in the racing very quickly, not like they did when they didn't have obstructed views the previous day. The cool thing about parking is, though, if you keep your receipt from the previous day they won't charge you again for the makeup day. I'm just a fan writing my slightly disgruntled perspective for you all... It'll be better- much better - next year hopefully! read more

We had a blast again, never gets old! Fast on Fast! Perfect weather with lots to do for all involved... read more

NHRA Winternationals - 2020 Pomona WinterNationals - Races & Competitions Near Me - Pomona, California

The NHRA Winternationals are worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. I came here years ago and I didn't know what to expect. I was more familiar with Nascar but since I have a short attention span, I anticipated being bored. When the funny cars and dragsters actually speed straight down the track, it's over in less than 5 seconds! That's my kind of race! There's so much anticipation as drivers conduct their burnout and reverse their cars for the inevitable! They ease their way up to the start line and wait for the NHRA Christmas Tree to flash the green light. If their reaction time is too quick, a red light will indicate that the driver has been disqualified. Anyway, as both drivers race down the track at over 300 mph, there is a photo finish. Then, you need to see which side of the score board lights up. That's your winner for that round! The first time that I came here, I didn't have earplugs in and I have never heard such a loud sound in my life! It is intense! Don't dare try this because you'll regret it. The nitro in the air can be intense! It might burn your eyes or irritate your throat but this does not deter hardcore race fans! It comes with the territory. Speaking of nitro, if it is late in the evening you'll get a nice view of flames being emitted from the dragsters! It happens often during daylight hours but it's a gorgeous sight when seen at night! You can walk around and meet all of your favorite drivers. They gladly sign autographs and pose for pictures. It's pretty neat to see the pit crew working on the dragsters and funny cars while focusing on the overall safety of the drivers and fans. The Winternationals are held every February so mark your calendars! read more

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The 2020 National Hot Rod Associations annual "Winternationals" competitive drag racing event is the annual classic drag car and motorcycle event held since 1961 at The Auto Club of Southern California Raceway in Pomona,California. This year's event is now featuring the best in drag racing from around the world,car and automotive vendor displays and tons of great food and drink! There's lots of safe parking available and loads of good family fun at this year's NHRA's Winternationals at The Auto Club Raceway in Pomona California! . . . . #winternationals #dragracing #aaa #autoclub #autoclubraceway #socalautoclub #1961 #johnforceracing #pomona #fairplexpomona #fairplex #ilovecars #quartermile #waynesalvatti #photografxworldwide #topfuel #prostock #funnycars #alcohol #nitro #moonewuipped #mopar #tvtommyivo #ford #chevy #dodge #chrysler #toyota #edelbrock #ratfink #ratrods #justgofast #topfueleliminator #nhra #nationalhotrodassociation #lucasoil #napa #melloyello read more

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Fun time tailgating with friends and watching the drags. Party time later at Dukes. Oh yeah. read more

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A day at the races is always a great day. Especially when the weather is as nice as it was on February 8th in Pomona. It rained the night before but for the day of final eliminations, God made it a beautiful day. It was clear and sunny with temperatures in the 70s with some breezes. These are the perfect conditions for some crazy speeds on the track. Like a 330 MPH in the first round of Top Fuel Dragsters. On this opening day of the NHRA season, the many thousands in attendance received their "baptism by nitro" as it was billed. I have experienced this in the past at other tracks but this was a first in Pomona. It is a one of a kind experience to feel the fully immersive event. The nitro methane fuel creates 10,000 HP, one of the loudest sounds on earth that you can feel in your chest, and an exhaust that could just about be weaponized. It burns your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. You love it and hate it at the same time. It gets into your blood and makes you want more. This is baptism by nitro and it is so much more special at Pomona than anywhere else. This is THE race. The first of the season in Southern California where it all began. This may be the pinacle of NHRA races but this is not the best track I've been to. It is older and tightly packed into the Pomona Fairplex. There is only one way in and one way out of the parking lot. A parking lot that is so small that attendees are forced to double park. With no room for expansion this will always be the case. But there are moveable barricades that allow for an easy exit. Inside, the grand stands are confusing. Sections start and end in the middle of a bench. This means seat numbers will go from 12 at the right end of the bench to 1 in the middle. Then next to 1 is 20 and goes to 13 at the left end of the bench. This one bench is in both section 8 and section 9, for example. My dad and I were in the wrong seats at first. We were near the sign for section 9 but were actually sitting in 8. We had to move over a bit. We were not the only ones confused by this. It seems it would make more sense to have each section begin and end at the isles rather than in the middle. If this is the worst part of this track, I guess it isn't so bad. Afterall, once you find your seat and the engines start, nothing else matters. read more

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I am 58 years old and have been going to the drags since I was 5 years old bought 4 reserved seats for Sunday paid over $350 get to the races to find out that they started early what a waste of money I don't think that's right if you say the race starts at 11 it should start at 11 just like it has for 50 years read more

This is the beginning and the end for dragster/funny car racing fans. In February, monster engines come alive and destroy your ears and send thunderous shakes through your body. Inhale the nitrous because you are offically, Baptized by Nitro. Welcome to the first race of any year at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona. Last year's NHRA winner doesn'tt matter, but their Wally Trophy does show they are the person to beat of the year. Everyone starts off fresh on the point system and the Ace of the races can be simply the black sheep of the year. NHRA Winternationals start at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. Parking can be a pain and a long wait from the freeway. Parking prices will vary from General to Pitside Parking. If you decide to use Pitside Parking, come early, they tend to be Sold Out early. If you do park in General Parking, you will be walking a long distance. Admission prices will vary from General Admission to Season Ticket Holders. My girlfriend is a Season Ticket Holder. She loves this stuff! So, she renews every year because she has one of the best seats in the house. You'll see a lot of regulars coming back. Check out the NHRA Website for pricing as it changes as more people get into drag racing. NHRA Winternationals is like a wakeup call for those who were coming out of hibernation during the brief hiatus. People come in and enjoy the many sponsors, food, and more importantly meeting the stars of NHRA, the drivers. If you are there all weekend, its going to be home for you. The drivers will basically be an additional family member since you go to church that's onsite. Well, a mobile church or chapel. Get your autographs from your favorite drivers like: Ron Capps, John Force, Tony Schumaker, and Antron Brown. Meet their crew chiefs and team. You can see how much work it is to put a dragster/funny cartogether with so many moving parts that at anytime could fall apart. When it comes to race, you'll be able to hear the roar of the engines and bright view of the Christmas Tree. If you don't know what an NHRA Christmas Tree is, where have you been?! These monsters go over 300 mph in a few seconds within a small distance. Your car has nothing on these nitro fueled vehicles. Imagine if they were street legal and the light turned green. No one would be able to hear or sleep at home or breathe easy without crying. Vehicles can explode at anytime. Sometimes our seats are too good and I am waiting to take cover. This is just day one of NHRA. You will be wanting more, but you won't be able to see them unless you travel across the nation on their NHRA Tour. When you think of NHRA, you don't usually think of SoCal as the start and end of this motorsport. You think of one of the Southern states. Glad it will stay in SoCal because we burn the most gas in the nation and we love our vehicles. More importantly, you can chat with other fans and have fun. Yelp...My passion is not to write my reviews, but to share my experiences with you. Take that journey and share your story. read more

This is the first place where I found my passion of seeking that feeling of power. When a Top Fuel Dragster launches you can feel the absolute, unadulterated raw power emanating from one of those monster engines. Even when they are just idling you can still feel "IT". I was hooked and I wanted to look for more. I don't know if they still let you stand right behind the dragster prior to the launch but if they do, it's a unique experience. You can feel the powerful rumble from the engines as the ground shakes beneath your feet. Your nose and lungs are stinging from all the unburnt fuel and you can't breath because the air is choked with nitro-methane fuel. When the dragsters take off. Well it's game over from there. read more

Is it inappropriate to leave this review so late after the event? I was brought here by a family friend. It was my first visit. Let me say, this is not for everyone. Half the time I didn't even know what was happening because the cars moved so fast. Still, it's a good experience to try at least once. The cars are powerful and you can get up close and personal to the pit crew, talk to them, and check out the vehicles. Come early otherwise you end up parking a mile away. Stay until nighttime and you get to see flames coming out of the cars. read more

I can hardly believe that no one has ever reviewed the Winternationals? Hey Yelpers, come on to a once a year party that will blow your socks off (even if you don't have socks). Now I have to say I have been watching and going to drag races since the late 60's so I might have a strong opinion. Setting that aside, the races aren't for everyone. So if it is your first time, come on a Thursday or Friday and see qualifying. The crowds are much smaller and the cost is way less! As the Winternationals is the first race of the NHRA season, all the racers are out to show off their new or updated equipment they have been working on in the off season. And what a show qualifying can be. You will get to see all types of cars and contraptions, but be sure to be in the stands for the Professional racers. If you can get down to the fence in front and feel a Top Fueler or Funny car blast by! Incredible. When you see one good run, you will know if you want to come again! For the people who like big power there is NOTHING like this, nothing. 8,000 horsepower is incredible! It is a must see once and then you will know if you want to see it again! For me I love to take someone who is new to the sport to see their eyes buy out as they then accuse me of trying to make them deaf! So with that thought, be sure to have ear plus, you may need them at any time, even in the pits when they warm up one of the top dogs! Now the pits are all full of all kinds of cars and dragsters, and worthy of an elongated walk through, just be sure to be in the stands for the Professional classes. For the people who already like racing, Saturday is great day for multiple Professional Racers sessions and Sunday is the Go for the money day when those who have qualified let it all hang out! The extra exhibition runs and other displays sometimes only come on Sundays. Well that about does for an opinion and I will see you there! read more

the best, watching cars drag down the strip, i like the loud cars kids love it, cant wait wen it comes back this way, love nitro cars read more

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We buy tickets for February and November in the tower such awesome place and Maria has always been there and greets us with a smile and remembers our names she is a keeper for Fairplex NHRA see you in November read more

Nitro-Methane is rocket fuel. You get to watch launch after launch take off with all the explosive noise and rumble that you would get from a well timed visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Only difference is you are close enough for your eyes to water and taste the exhaust. NASCAR might be fun for some but this is explosive speed that amazes. Add a few beers to wash it all down and you have a great day. read more

The drag races, what else do I have to say. Dont go with out some money, the beer is 9 bucks a cup. But loads of fun!!!!

This event is so much fun for everyone! Great venue, very access ready for a wheelchair which my partner uses. Love this place!

Been going for years all my boys have gone since they where 10 (i would not recommend under that age And please leave small babies at home last year no joke saw a 2 month old baby. Does anyone know how to get discounted tickets going tomorrow. Thanx Race mom read more

Short and sweet for you. The Adrenaline Rush is enough to make you want to come back every year. I wanted to go to NASCAR but the Lady said NO, let's do the Winternationals again this year...............SO............See you there for another Rush. read more

Parking a real mess over an hour to park Person in charge should be fired Makes you want to leave early Can't stand to think about it read more

NHRA Championship Drag Racing

I've been living in Pomona all my life. I live about 2 miles away from the drag strip, even at that distance you can still hear the raw power of these top fuelers. Mind you, there's a freeway between my house and the drag strip and it's perfectly audible from a distance! About two years ago I decided to come and watch these monster cars duke it out on the drap strip for the first time. I remember listening to the roar of the engines from my house, wondering what made that ferocious noise. I soon had my chance to experience the chills once again first hand, but not only were there chills, my whole body shook by the power of these engines jetting down the raceway. Let me start by saying that there's nothing that comes close to the 10,000 horsepower, 0-325 mph in less that 5 seconds experience. I could try to compare this to Nascar and monster trucks, but it's a long shot, bar none! I've been coming ever since and it's truly a freak of nature seeing these vehicles haul ass! Vrooom!!!!! read more

You gotta stand behind the top fueler's during warm up !!!!! you will never experience anything else like it. Arrive early if you want to get good parking and if you want to tailgate I would suggest paying extra for the tailgate section so you can really enjoy your beer :-) read more

I went to my first Winternationals back in the early 70's, it was great back then, today there are a lot more changes and improvements to make the experience even better. There's no greater thrill than standing in the pit area next to your favorite car and the driver starts the motor ready to go. The sound of the motor is unbelievable. But I knew my time has past with the muscle car stuff when I didn't have that same thrill at the last event. It's over a $100 to attend the finals now, so would I spend that much to go watch drag racing again? probably not and that's the reason for my three star rating. If you like hgh performance muscle car stuff, the Winternationals is something everyone should go to at least once in a lifetime. read more