Overview

Fast facts

Year Opened: 1951

Capacity: 40000

City / State: Pomona / California

Biggest Event: NHRA Winternationals

All time Champion: John Force

Recent Winner: Austin Prock

Known for: Quarter-mile dragstrip races.

Last 5 Winners

2019

The winners for the 2019 NHRA Winternationals are Doug Kalitta for "Top Fuel". Robert Hight for "Funny Car" and Bo Butner for "Pro Stock"

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2018

The winners for the 2018 NHRA Winternationals are Doug Kalitta for "Top Fuel". Matt Hagan for "Funny Car" and Bo Butner for "Pro Stock"

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2017

The winners for the 2018 NHRA Winternationals are Leah Pritchett for "Top Fuel". Matt Hagan for "Funny Car" and Jason Line for "Pro Stock".

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2016

The winners for the 2016 NHRA Winternationals are Doug Kalitta for "Top Fuel". Tommy Johnson for "Funny Car" and Greg Anderson for "Pro Stock"

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2015

The winners for the 2015 NHRA Winternationals are Shawn Langdon for "Top Fuel". Del Worsham for "Funny Car" and Erica Enders-Stevens for "Pro Stock"

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Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

You’ll find lots to see and do before the race when visiting the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The tailgating scene is fantastic and everywhere you look you’ll see all kinds of racing memorabilia and events to check out.

Those of you who are looking to tailgate will want to get a spot in the tailgate lot and set up shop early. There is a lot of tailgating to be done over the course of the weekend, and everyone is more than happy to join you for a drink or two. Just break out the cooler and grill and start a fun day of tailgating.

If tailgating isn’t your thing or if you just are more interested in the racing attractions, then you’ll be in luck at Pomona. There is a ton for you to see and do before the race as Every Ticket’s a Pit Pass. You won’t have to worry about buying pit passes for NHRA races as every ticket grants you access to the pits and allows you to see what goes on behind the scenes.

At Pomona, you’ll also have several opportunities to interact with your favorite drivers as the pre-race festivities include autograph sessions, a trackwalk, and driver introductions. All three events offer you incredible access to your favorite drivers, so make sure to take part in all of them before the race.

Finally, make sure to check out the midway if you want to pick up a souvenir or see some race day displays.

The pre-race atmosphere at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is among the most fan-friendly out there, so start planning your trip to Pomona today.

Traditions

Every Ticket’s a Pit Pass

At NHRA races at Pomona every ticket grants you pit access, so take the time to explore the pit before the race. The NHRA gives you access to your favorite racing teams unlike any other major racing circuit making the pits a must-see for any fan.

Midway

Stop by the Midway before the race and see all of the displays. The displays are a must-see for any racing fan, so don’t miss them during your trip to Pomona.

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Autograph Sessions

Check the schedule to find out when your favorite driver is holding an autograph session. Both the Winternationals and Finals feature autograph sessions and are a can’t miss part of race weekend.

Trackwalk

Take part in the trackwalk for your chance to walk the track with several famous drivers. The trackwalk is a great part of any race day, so don’t miss it.

Pre-Race Ceremonies

Don’t miss the pre-race ceremonies that take place at the Fan Zone. The driver introductions are a can’t miss part of any race, so make sure to be in attendance for them.

Where to tailgate

Stadium Guide

In Game

The Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is home to two of the biggest races on the NHRA calendar making a trip to Pomona a must for any drag racing fan. The NHRA Winternationals kick off the season and are an exciting time for any fan who just can’t wait to get the season started. The Winternationals are especially fun for anyone looking to beat the winter doldrums.

Not to be outdone, the NHRA Finals are also an incredible time to attend a race at the Pomona Raceway. The Finals are the biggest event of the year as they determine who is the champion in a variety of categories making them a can’t miss.

No matter when you come to the races at Pomona you’ll be in for a high octane event as nothing beats the thrill of watching a drag race. The high octane and high speed of these races aren’t for the faint of heart, so come prepared for an exhilarating experience.

While here, don’t just take in the race, also take the time to see the NHRA Museum. The museum is an excellent way for any drag racing fan to spend the day as it features all kinds of NHRA memorabilia, pictures, and more.

You’ll have a fantastic time attending the races at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona as it’s one of the premier drag racing facilities in the country.

Things to check out

NHRA Museum

NHRA fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the NHRA Museum at the Pomona Raceway. The museum features all kinds of NHRA memorabilia, so even if you’re not attending a race make the trip out to Pomona to see the NHRA Museum.

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Winner's Circle

After the race, stay around and see the winners crowned. The Winner’s Circle is an especially great time if your favorite driver wins, although you’ll still have fun taking in the festivities if someone else wins.

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Top Eliminator Club

Those of you who want to attend an NHRA race weekend in style will want to get tickets to the Top Eliminator Club. The Top Eliminator Club provides you with some of the best seats in the house while also giving you access to exclusive autograph and Q&A sessions with your favorite drivers.

Bars & Restaurants

  1. Eureka!

    Walter's Restaurant Tacos

    Those that truly appreciate great food, craft beer and small-batch spirits are discovering a better restaurant experience and Eureka! has elevated it to an art form.

    580 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

    909-445-8875

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. NORMS Restaurant Claremont

    NORMS Restaurant Claremont Chicken Tenders

    24/7 chain coffee shop offering generous portions of classic American food in a no-frills setting.

    807 S Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

    909-293-7871

    Bar website

    cafe

  3. Walter’s Restaurant

    Walter's Restaurant Salad

    Eclectic fare from Mexican omelets to pastas & Afghan dishes in a relaxed space with a patio.

    310 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

    909-624-4914

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  4. Aruffo’s Italian Cuisine

    Aruffos Italian Cuisine Sandwich Fries

    Homey Italian bistro offering traditional dishes against the backdrop of hand-painted murals.

    126 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

    909-624-9624

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  5. Pomona Valley Mining Co

    Pomona Valley Mining Co BBQ

    Mountaintop lodge offering hearty portions of American comfort food with sprawling city views.

    1777 Gillette Rd, Pomona, CA 91768, USA

    909-623-3515

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  6. Coco Palm Restaurant

    Coco Palm Restaurant Brunch

    White-linen spot for steak, seafood & mountain views also hosts brunch, music nights & weddings.

    1600 Fairplex Dr, Pomona, CA 91768, USA

    909-469-1965

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Finish Line Sports Grill

    Finish Line Sports Grill Cocktails

    Casual American pub grub served in a sporty space with an outdoor dining area & a variety of drinks.

    2201 N White Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA

    909-865-4154

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  8. House of Wings Sportsbar

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Unpretentious sports bar serving burgers, salads & wings in a variety of flavors & spice levels.

    2317 D St, La Verne, CA 91750, USA

    909-596-4466

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. 3rd Base Sports Bar

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Sports bar, games, snacks, fun,good times

    914 N Central Ave, Upland, CA 91786, USA

    909-920-3338

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Tequila Hoppers Bar & Grill

    Mamas Country Showcase Beer 33 West Ale House and Grill Beer Tequila Hoppers Bar & Grill Beer Dee Fords West Beer Sams Hideaway Beer Augis Sports Grill Beer Tipperarys Pub Beer

    Buzzing bar with multiple TVs showing live sports, plus a menu offering hearty burgers & cocktails.

    60 N Mountain Ave, Upland, CA 91786, USA

    909-985-9114

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  11. Characters

    Characters Whiskey

    Local dive bar and live music venue!

    276 E 1st St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA

    909-622-9070

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. JD Allison’s Bar & Grill

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    Corner eatery & neighborhood watering hole with patio seating serving traditional American fare.

    291 N 2nd Ave, Upland, CA 91786, USA

    909-982-4469

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Limericks Tavern

    Limericks Tavern Whiskey

    Irish & American fare plus craft beers on tap available in a dark-wooded interior with lots of TVs.

    1234 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, USA

    909-920-5630

    Bar website

    american - european - $$