Winternationals Delayed by Rain

A light, steady rain washed out the opening round of qualifying Thursday at the 39th annual AutoZone Winternationals at Pomona Raceway, the opening event of the National Hot Rod Assn. drag-racing season.

Qualifying in the pro classes will begin today at 2 p.m., when defending Winston series pro stock champion Warren Johnson debuts the Pontiac Firebird he was ordered to modify extensively at the last minute after NHRA officials ruled this week that it did not comply with the rules.

Two other drivers, Tom Martino and Mike Edwards, also had to make last-minute changes.