The Western Swing comes to an end at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals with all eyes on Gaige Herrera as he attempts to sweep the swing.
The NHRA closes out its annual “Western Swing” with the Denso Sonoma Nationals. This is the first time since 2009 the final race of the “Swing” comes to Sonoma Raceway, and this year promises to be an exciting race.
The track, nestled in the heart of northern California wine country, opened in 1968. It has been a fixture of the NHRA schedule since 1988.
Only One Has The Chance At History
This year, the only driver with a chance to sweep the Swing is pro stock motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera. Coming off of back-to-back wins in Denver and Seattle, he has opened up a 266-point lead. He looks to make history as the first in his class to ever sweep.
Weekend Schedule
The action gets started on Friday with pro qualifying sessions at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout pairings will be announced Friday evening at 7:45 p.m.
The All-Star race takes place on Saturday, along with two more pro qualifying sessions. Fans will also get to see last week’s semifinalists battle it out in the Mission #2fast2tasty Challenge.
Final eliminations get started on Sunday. Last year’s winners Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock), and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will look to repeat.
Both Steve Torrence and Tim Wilkerson would also like to continue their winning ways from last week. Funny car points leader Matt Hagan, who lost to Wilkerson in the first round last week, also looks to get back on track.
A lot of history has come from Sonoma as well. For example, in 2017, Robert Hight made the fastest pass ever recorded in NHRA history with a run of 339.87 mph.
Points Are Crucial Coming Down The Stretch
With just four races left before the Countdown to the Championship starts, round wins here are more critical than ever. The top two competitors in both Top Fuel and Funny Car are separated by less than 20 points.
Steve Torrence leads Justin Ashley by only four points in Top Fuel, and Hagan’s lead over Ron Capps in Funny Car is only 17. Dallas Glenn has a lead of 202 points in Pro Stock. Gaige Herrera has been absolutely dominant in Pro Stock Motorcycle, coming into the weekend with a points lead of 266 over Hector Arana Jr.
How To Watch
- Qualifying 1: Saturday, July 29 – 12 PM – FS1
- PSM All-Star: Saturday, July 29 – 10 PM – FS1
- Qualifying 2: Sunday, July 30 – 2:30 PM – FS1
- Finals: Sunday, July 30 – 4 PM – FOX
