The NHRA Finals at the In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip were suspended Sunday morning due to an airplane crash.
According to multiple media members on-site, the small plane went down near the end of the dragstrip. It collided with multiple vehicles and a camper. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said that three passengers were transported to local area hospitals with moderate to severe injuries.
Jonathan Torres, public information officer for Los Angeles County Fire, met with media members and said that four people had been transported to the hospital. Two were in critical condition.
#NHRAFinals has been postponed due to a small plane crash into the rv area at the top of the drag strip. pic.twitter.com/p2lulkOhS4
— Zack Berg (@RealZackBerg) November 17, 2024
"We are investigating an apparent small plane crash near the dragstrip in Pomona while it was apparently attempting to land at nearby Brackett Field Airport on Sunday," NHRA said in a statement to media members.
"Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident. More information will be released as it becomes available."
According to Racer's Kelly Crandall, security cleared multiple sections of the grandstands near the RV lot where the crash occurred.
The postponement lasted multiple hours as the post-crash process took place. NHRA ultimately released a statement saying that racing would resume at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Sunday's schedule focused on the championship battles unfolding. Several competitors remained in contention for the title in the respective series as NHRA closed out the 2024 season.
The Top Fuel category featured Justin Ashley leading the way. He was 42 points ahead of Shawn Langdon, 46 points ahead of Antron Brown, and 78 points ahead of reigning champion Doug Kalitta.
The Funny Car category had significantly less drama on Sunday considering that Austin Prock locked up the championship on Saturday evening. However, Ron Capps continued to seek a win that would prevent his first winless season since 2008.
The Pro Stock category, for comparison, had the most drama on Sunday. Aaron Stanfield, Dallas Glenn, and Greg Anderson were all in contention for the championship. They all just needed to win the race.
Gaige Herrera entered Sunday with a proverbial lock on the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship. According to NHRA, he just needed to reach the second round to clinch the title.