NHRA Goes to the Line at Pomona Celebrating the Nitro Generation

The professional straight-line drivers kicked off the 61st season of NHRA racing at Pomona on Thursday with this year's theme designated the Nitro Generation to honor the many multi-generational racers who fill the pits at NHRA events around the country.

NHRA President Tom Compton said, "It's the history of NHRA racers passing their passion down from generation to generation. The Bernsteins, the Coughlins, the Forces, the Johnsons, the Kalittas. The list goes on."

Prior to introducing two women who will embark on their rookie campaigns this year in the NHRA Funny Car ranks, a spokesperson for Charlotte Motor Speedway described NHRA racing.

Adrian Parker called it, "The Most Visceral Motorsports on the Planet."

Indeed, the Top Fuel cars—that generate some 8,000 horsepower each—will shake the ground beneath you and send vibrations through everyone who witnesses their power and speed.

During the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour sponsored by Charlotte Motor Speedway, we were introduced to Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria.

Force is the youngest daughter of 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion, John Force.  She will pilot the Traxxas Ford Mustang for John Force Racing in 2012.

Force said, "My dad had me start out towing the Funny Car around the back of our shop and sitting in the chassis."

She added, "He (John Force) didn't want me to jump in before I was ready. I did race the past six years, three years in Super Comp and three in Top Alcohol Dragster."

DeJoria made four starts last year in the NHRA Funny Car ranks aboard he Tequila Patron Toyota Camry for Kalitta Racing. She previously raced in the NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car class for five years.

DeJoria said, "I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was a child. So this is the next best thing."

She added, "I've loved racing all my life. I think what really drew me to NHRA drag racing is the fact that these are the fastest cars in the world."

The first day of provisional qualifying found Force sixth fastest with an ET of 4.21 at 303.16. DeJoria was 10th fastest with an ET of 4.438 at 211.00, slowing at the 660-foot marker.

On Thursday, Morgan Lucas, defending winner, captured the top provisional slot with his GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster. Jack Beckman was fastest in Funny Car and Mike Edwards in Pro Stock.

Qualifying for the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA WinterNationals presented by Super Start Batteries will continue today and tomorrow with finals on Sunday.

Final rounds of qualifying will be shown on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. ET with eliminations televised on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 12.

All quotes in this article were obtained in person or from official press releases unless otherwise noted.