Rain Is a Big Drag for Racing, Forces Pomona Postponement

If your neighborhood needs rain, have the National Hot Rod Assn. schedule one of its Powerade drag racing events in the neighborhood. It’s almost a guarantee.

Seventeen of 23 races last year were affected by rain, and the 2004 season is following suit. Rain on Saturday caused NHRA officials to postpone this weekend’s $2-million K&N; Filters Winternationals racing program at Pomona Raceway until next weekend. It is the opening event of a $50-million season.

“The schedule will be the same as planned this week, with qualifying Friday and Saturday and eliminations Sunday,” said Anthony Vestal, NHRA director of media relations.

Rain delays are not new to Pomona. The event lost a day in 1999 and one year the finals were postponed twice before finally being completed. If it rains next weekend, the event will be in trouble, as the second round is scheduled March 5-7 at Phoenix.

Times posted Thursday in the first round will be carried over. Tony Schumacher, rookie Eric Medlen and 2003 champion Greg Anderson were qualifying leaders in top fuel, funny car and pro stock, respectively.

With no cars being permitted to make runs at Pomona until Thursday, many teams are expected to test at Las Vegas and return for Friday’s resumption of qualifying.

-- Shav Glick