NHRA Sonoma Nationals

Last updated
NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Denso Sonoma Nationals.png
National Hot Rod Association
Venue Sonoma Raceway (1988–2019, 2021–present)
LocationSonoma, California, U.S.
38°09′39″N122°27′18″W / 38.16083°N 122.45500°W / 38.16083; -122.45500
Corporate sponsor Denso
First race1988
Previous namesCalifornia Nationals
Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals
Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals
Circuit information
Length14 mi (0.40 km)

The NHRA Sonoma Nationals is a drag racing event in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, that has been held annually at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California since 1988.

Contents

In 1987, the raceway signed a contract with the National Hot Rod Association for an event that was initially named the California Nationals, set to begin in 1988. [1] NHRA has held National events at Sonoma every year since, with exception for 2020 due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty about weather if the event were to be rescheduled to a date later in the year. [2]

Race history

In 2004, Angelle Sampey became the first woman ever to win at a Sonoma Nationals event, competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. [3]

At the 2015 Sonoma Nationals, all 4 drivers that were the number one qualifiers went on to win the race in their respective categories, the first time in NHRA history that had ever happened at an event. [3]

Also at the 2015 event, Jack Beckman piloted his Funny Car to 323.43 mph, which at the time was the quickest run in NHRA history. [4] Two years later at the 2017 Sonoma Nationals, Robert Hight broke the record again going 339.87 mph. [5] J.R. Todd's win in 2017 marked the first time an African-American won in NHRA Funny Car. [6]

Past winners

Professional Classes

Year Top Fuel
Dragster (TF/D)
Top Fuel
Funny Car (TF/FC)
Pro Stock Pro Stock Motorcycle Source
1988Joe AmatoMark OswaldHarry Scribner [7]
1989Frank BradleyDon PrudhommeBob Glidden [8]
1990Gary OrmsbyJohn ForceDarrell Alderman [8]
1991Joe AmatoJohn ForceDarrell Alderman [8]
1992Don PrudhommeJohn ForceWarren Johnson [8]
1993Eddie HillTom HooverRickie Smith [8]
1994Scott KalittaJohn ForceDarrell Alderman [8]
1995Mike DunnAl HofmannJim Yates [8]
1996Blaine JohnsonCruz PedregonWarren Johnson [8]
1997Cory McClenathanRon CappsJim Yates [8]
1998Doug KalittaCruz PedregonWarren Johnson [8]
1999Doug KalittaWhit BazemoreJim Yates [8]
2000Doug KalittaJohn ForceKurt Johnson [8]
2001Kenny BernsteinDel WorshamTom Martino [8]
2002Doug HerbertJohn ForceLarry MorganCraig Treble [8]
2003Larry DixonGary ScelziJeg CoughlinGeno Scali [8]
2004Doug KalittaTim WilkersonGreg AndersonAngelle Sampey [8]
2005Doug KalittaGary ScelziGreg AndersonAndrew Hines [9]
2006J.R. ToddEric MedlenJason LineChip Ellis [9]
2007Tony SchumacherJohn ForceGreg AndersonMatt Smith [9]
2008Tony SchumacherRobert HightDave ConnollyMatt Guidera [9]
2009Antron BrownTim WilkersonJason LineAndrew Hines [9]
2010Larry DixonRon CappsJeg Coughlin Jr.Michael Phillips [9]
2011Antron BrownRon CappsGreg AndersonL.E. Tonglet [9]
2012Antron BrownJohnny GrayAllen JohnsonEddie Krawiec [9]
2013Shawn LangdonRon CappsVincent NobileHector Arana Jr. [9]
2014Khalid al-BalooshiCourtney ForceJason LineEddie Krawiec [9]
2015Antron BrownJack BeckmanChris McGahaEddie Krawiec [9]
2016J.R. ToddJohn ForceGreg AndersonL.E. Tonglet [9]
2017Steve TorrenceJ.R. ToddTanner GrayL.E. Tonglet [9]
2018Blake AlexanderRobert HightJeg Coughlin Jr.L.E. Tonglet [9]
2019Billy TorrenceRobert HightGreg AndersonAndrew Hines [9]
2020Event not held due to COVID-19 pandemic [10]
2021Steve TorrenceRobert HightAaron StanfieldKaren Stoffer [9]
2022Brittany ForceBob Tasca IIIErica EndersJoey Gladstone [9]
2023Justin AshleyJ.R. ToddN/AGaige Herrera [9]
2024Antron BrownBob Tasca IIIAaron StanfieldMatt Smith [9]
2025Doug KalittaAustin ProckGreg StanfieldRichard Gadson [11]


References

  1. BARBER, PHIL (29 July 2012). "NHRA notebook: Sonoma becomes circuit staple". The Press Democrat. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  2. "NHRA Sonoma Nationals Cancelled". AutoRacing1.com. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  3. 1 2 "NHRA historical highlights in Sonoma". DailyRepublic.com. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  4. Thompson, Richard (5 April 2022). "The Fastest Funny Car Run Ever Just Hit 323 MPH in Under 4 Seconds!". FanBuzz. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  5. "July NHRA drag events line up at Sonoma Raceway". Sonoma Index-Tribune. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  6. "J.R. Todd first black winner in NHRA Funny Car history". SI. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  7. "Historical NHRA Highlights in Sonoma". www.sonomaraceway.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS FACT SHEET" (PDF). Sonoma Raceway. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 "www.ultimateracinghistory.com". www.ultimateracinghistory.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  10. "NHRA Sonoma Nationals Return to Sonoma Raceway in 2021". www.sonomaraceway.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  11. "2025 NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS - EVENT RESULTS | Competition Plus". competitionplus.com. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.