SHave fun everyone. While we’re in Australia pulling out magazines and blowing up our cars, Mark Boxer is in America, checking out some of the world’s best automotive events, starting with the SEMA Show.
While in Vegas, he hit the Optima Street Car Challenge Invitationall and the Lucas Oils Drag Racing Series at The Strip.
But that was just a taste! A few weeks later, Mark found himself trackside at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona for the NHRA Finals
60
Located just 30 minutes from downtown LA by car, Pomona has been providing quarter-mile action since 1961 and hosts both the Winternationals and NHRA Finals.
Now, Boxer has had a few big drag meets in his career, but the scale of the final event blew him away.
“For starters it’s amazing to see so many nitro funny cars and top fuel in one place,” says Mark.
60
“But it’s not just the spectacle of these cars, the racing is really intense. Check out the Nitro Funny Car. Robert Hight came into the meeting with eight wins under his belt. But he was eliminated in round two, Ron Capps’ only win of the season. One shot at the title despite five wins.
60
“All Capps had to do was finish the final without a points penalty for crossing the center line in the final. In fact, he could have chosen not to come out and he would have taken the championship. But instead of playing it. Safe, he did. Great burnout and passed completely.
60
“It was something else again to see Britney Force set a new speed record at 338.94 mph in 3.641-seconds on Top Fuel! And get her second championship here. And her two crew chiefs. One of them is Australian, Dave Grubnik.
60
“There were actually a few Aussies around, including Shane Tucker and his dad Rob in Pro Stock. Shane was placed in the top qualifier in the first round, but it was great to see an Aussie competing at this level. was good.
60
“And the pits were crazy. So much cool stuff in one place. After that and SEMA, I think I’m super pumped! If you’re coming to the SEMA show next year, I definitely Would recommend extending our stay to watch the NHRA. Finals too.”
60
Boxer also visited the Goodguys Arizona show, see his coverage here: