Dramatic Duo - NHRA Series Finals

Pomona CA
Bringing the series back to the birthplace of modern sport compact racing, NHRA completed its tour at the Los Angeles-periphery Pomona Raceway. Despite threats of rain, California's sun was able to shine through the clouds and beam its rays on the remaining class victors: Pro RWD and Honda Tuning All Motor.

Battling it out in the ultra-competitive Pro RWD was Brad Personett in his Titan Scion tC. Fending off veteran Vinny Ten and stalwart Steph Papadakis and avoiding the wall (unlike Titan teammate Marx), sophomore Personnett ran a King-Taco-red-sauce-hot 6.61 at 214.45 mph to take the title. His advice to would-be racers: Stick to the green sauce unless you wanna get burned.

Last but definitely not least was the holy grail known as the Honda Tuning All Motor class. With the ability to turn water to race gas and stones into trophies, Jesus Padilla would be resurrected from his second round loss against Tony Shagday to take his third world championship, proving to Kanye West that, yes, Jesus not only walks but can run a mean race as well. Shagday, determined to pull off his own miracle, would later reset the All Motor clock by running a 9.63 and a 9.83 to validate his record-breaking 9.74 run against Padilla.

As for dramatic twists and turns, none had more than the Pro FWD class. With a total of five cars in attendance, only two would take the trek down the 1,320. In the first round of qualifying our own photographer at large, Shaun Carlson, hit the wall in his Mopar SRT-4, ending his effort for the weekend early. Two other Wally trophy hopefuls, Ed Bergenholtz and recent cover model Chris Rado, were prepping to race in the third round of qualifying when it was cancelled at the last minute due to time limitations. The two remaining competitors, Marty Ladwig and Jerrold Rhodes, however, ran a season-ending cliffhanger with Ladwig's Chevy Cobalt knocking on Mr. Six Second's door with a 7.12 at 189 mph pass.

With a total payout of $2.1 million over 11 events spanning the entire country, NHRA never fails to bring the drama (TNT, eat your heart out). If you missed this year's action and want to catch it live next time-the '06 season gets underway at Moroso Motorsports Park, April 1-2 in Jupiter, FL (no, not Jupiter, Jupiter but Jupiter, Earth silly rabbit). For more info check nhrasportcompact.com.