NHRA Winternationals 2015: Dates, Race Schedule and Predictions

For hardcore and casual fans of drag racing, the NHRA Winternationals is the first major event on the schedule and one of the largest and most coveted prizes in the sport. The 2015 edition will be no different.

Since the inaugural race in 1961, the Auto Club Raceway has seen major changes, and it now holds over 40,000 fans ready to see the action live and smell the burning fuel. Add in the beautiful Pomona scenery behind the track, and this is one of the most unique and special events of the year.

Here is all the vital viewing information for the 2015 NHRA Winternationals and predictions.

Where: Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, California

When: Thursday, Feb. 5 to Sunday, Feb. 8

Watch: ESPN 2

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Date	Race Type	Times (ET)	Watch
Feb. 7	Qualifying	10 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Feb. 8	Eliminations	7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.	ESPN2

Breaking Down the 2015 Winternationals

The NHRA season is bookended by the two races at Auto Club Raceway, and what better way to start the new season than by picking up where we left off in 2014?

With the most prolific drivers in the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock series all doing battle on the legendary track, the anticipation for the event is through the roof.

Whether you’re a fan who has watched each year or someone just getting interested in the sport, the national broadcast of the Winternationals is the perfect place to begin.

One name you can’t forget is defending NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders-Stevens, the first female titleholder in the series' history. When asked about entering 2015 as the defending champion for the first time, Enders-Stevens spoke honestly with NHRA.com:

"

We're the defending world champions, and it's a pretty awesome place to be. I guess it really hasn't completely sunk in because some days it'll just cross my mind, and I can't believe it. It's pretty cool. I've never been in that situation before, and we're really excited and honored to carry the No. 1 this year. It'll be a memorable year, and we're going to go to Pomona and give it our all and hopefully carry No. 1 into 2016 also. That's everyone's goal.

"

The Pro Stock division is always one of the toughest on the track at Winternationals, and Enders-Stevens will have serious competition in this year’s event. Expect the female star to come out fast and furious and earn an early-season victory.

Another division full of talent is the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel cars.

Last year’s second-place overall finisher, J.R. Todd, is looking to dethrone defending Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, and he will be doing it with Kalitta Motorsports. Racing fans should expect Todd to come out fast and steal the victory at Auto Club Raceway.

During last year’s season opener, Khalid alBalooshi won the Top Fuel event, John Force took home the top prize in the Funny Car division and Jason Line won the Pro Stock race.

In 2015, a deep field of competitors and returning stars will make this one of the most interesting races all season. This is must-watch television for all racing fans.

*Stats via NHRA.com.

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