From the track: The Southern California NHRA Finals

The Top Alcohol dragsters warm up their tires at the starting line during one of the qualifying runs.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Fans cover their ears while they watch the Top Alcohol dragsters.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

One of the super stock competitors gets some air time at the starting line.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Fans watch Top Alcohol Funny Cars during one of the qaulifying runs at the 48th Annual NHRA Auto Club Finals.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Super Comp driver Nichole Stephenson waits in the seat of her dragster during qualifying runs.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The “Safety Safari Crew” sweep and check the starting line area of the drag strip in the smoke cloud left from a driver smoking his tires.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Race fans watch from the bleachers at the starting line during one of the qualifying runs at the 48th Annual NHRA Auto Club Finals underway at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)