GLENDORA, Calif. — Given the significant impact weather and atmospheric conditions have had on qualifying for NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events in past seasons, NHRA has modified its race qualifying procedure.
Beginning with the Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona Feb. 7-10, the top 12 elapsed times in each pro category will be provisionally recorded prior to the last day of qualifying. Those teams who were unable to earn a provisional spot in the top 12 will have an opportunity to make the 16-car starting order during the final day of qualifying.
While the 12 provisional times are officially recorded prior to the last day of qualifying, those positions are not locked-in. All teams will have the opportunity to improve their positions during the final day of qualifying and can bump in or be bumped out of the field.
“There are no guarantees with this system,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA. “If you are one of the 12 quickest cars, you can still be bumped out on the final day of qualifying, or you can improve your position in the order. However, if weather conditions change and become less optimal and as a result the performances are not as good throughout the field, the four quickest cars from outside the provisional 12 on the final day of qualifying will complete the 16-car lineup.”
The field of 16 for each of the four professional categories will be set at the conclusion of the final round of qualifying, using the traditional 16-car race bracket for eliminations.
“We feel this new qualifying format will heighten the intensity for each and every qualifying session throughout the weekend,” Light said. “We’re certain it will make the racing on the track even more entertaining for fans.” 

• Jack Beckman returns to the Don Schumacher Racing team for his second full season, driving the Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car sponsored by Valvoline and Mail Terminal Services.
A DSR major associate sponsor in 2007, Valvoline comes on board for the first time as a primary backer of the car that holds the national top speed record of 333.66 mph. Mail Terminal Services, a primary sponsor in 2007, returns for the second straight season with DSR, this time as a major associate sponsor. Valvoline will also be an associate sponsor on all the DSR team vehicles.

• Three-time NHRA POWERade champion Pro Stock Motorcycle driver Angelle Sampey and six-time champion tuner George Bryce will reunite for a run at the title aboard Karl and Kim Klement’s Rush Racing Products S&S powered V-Twin.
The pair had a run of success starting in 2000 with Winston sponsorship and won the 2002 championship with associate sponsorship from Mohegan Sun casino.
“Angelle and I raced together for seven years,” said Bryce. “We missed four championships in a row by only eight points in 1999, then we won the next three straight. I know it is different out there now than it was when we won so much. So much has changed in our lives and in our sport. But I know we respect each other’s abilities, strength, and passion for winning now more than ever.”