The former NASCAR star secures victory in a thrilling Top Fuel final round at Pomona
Category: Sports
In a thrilling culmination of the 66th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, Tony Stewart emerged victorious in the Top Fuel category, defeating Justin Ashley with a run of 3.683 seconds at 332.51 mph on April 12, 2026, at the In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip. Stewart's win marks a notable achievement in his drag racing career and highlights the intense competition among the top drivers in the NHRA series.
The event kicked off under challenging weather conditions, with morning rain showers delaying the start from 10 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Nevertheless, the cool air and overcast skies provided a suitable backdrop for a day packed with high-speed racing. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eager to witness the prowess of their favorite drivers.
In the opening round of Top Fuel, Justin Ashley set the stage with the best reaction time of the year at .025, narrowly defeating rookie Maddi Gordon with a run of 3.714 seconds to Gordon's 3.744. Will Smith showcased his skills with a .029 reaction time but fell short against Stewart, who clocked a winning time of 3.726 seconds. Reigning event champion Clay Millican continued his dominance at Pomona, extending his win streak to five rounds with a victory over Shawn Reed, finishing at 3.758 seconds.
Meanwhile, Josh Hart made headlines by setting the low elapsed time of the meet with a stunning 3.698 seconds, following local favorite Cameron Ferre's unfortunate mechanical failure. Doug Kalitta also made an impression, defeating Ron August in a bye run with a track-record speed of 339.79 mph, breaking the previous record of 338.94 mph set by Brittany Force in 2022.
As the rounds progressed, the competition intensified. In the quarterfinals, Shawn Langdon, Kalitta, Stewart, and Ashley all advanced, setting up an exciting semifinal lineup. Langdon continued his winning streak, defeating Billy Torrence, and Kalitta overcame Millican in a dramatic race. Stewart and Ashley also secured their spots in the semifinals, defeating Hart and Leah Pruett, respectively.
In the semifinals, Ashley faced Kalitta in a nail-biting race, where both drivers clocked identical times of 3.705 seconds, but Ashley edged out Kalitta thanks to a quicker reaction time. Stewart, meanwhile, triumphed over Langdon with a time of 3.701 seconds, setting the stage for the final showdown.
The final round saw Stewart and Ashley go head-to-head, and it was Stewart who claimed the victory, crossing the finish line just ahead of Ashley. This win solidified Stewart's place in the drag racing world and showcased his adaptability as he transitions from NASCAR to NHRA racing.
In the Funny Car division, Matt Hagan captured the championship with a stellar run of 3.876 seconds, defeating Ron Capps, who finished with a time of 3.893 seconds. Hagan's performance throughout the event demonstrated his skill and consistency, making him a formidable contender in the series.
In the Pro Stock category, Greg Anderson emerged victorious, clocking in at 6.505 seconds to defeat Dallas Glenn, who finished at 6.526 seconds. Anderson's win adds to his impressive legacy in the sport, reinforcing his status as one of the top drivers in Pro Stock racing.
The NHRA Winternationals is a premier event, attracting top teams and drivers from across the country. This year's competition highlighted the speed and precision of the vehicles and the strategic elements that come into play during each round. Drivers must adapt to changing track conditions, mechanical issues, and the fierce competition that defines drag racing.
As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues, the results from Pomona will undoubtedly influence standings and strategies moving forward. With the next event on the horizon, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how the season will develop.
In the aftermath of the event, the point standings in Top Fuel show Doug Kalitta leading with 256 points, followed closely by Shawn Langdon at 252 points. Meanwhile, in Funny Car, both Ron Capps and Matt Hagan are tied at 251 points, setting the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming races. In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn leads with 300 points, followed by Greg Anderson at 269 points.
The NHRA Winternationals serves as a showcase of speed and skill and as a reminder of the dedication and passion that drivers bring to the sport. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling races and unforgettable moments on the drag strip.
With the next event approaching, the racing community is buzzing with excitement, and the competitors as they gear up for another round of high-octane action.