Milestone 1,000th Funny Car Race Highlights NHRA Winternationals

Two-time Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon seeks historic victory at his home track in Pomona

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:36pm

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The 1,000th race in NHRA Funny Car history will take place at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California on April 9-12, 2026. Two-time Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon, who has the distinction of winning both NHRA's 1,000th race and the 900th Funny Car race, will be looking to add another milestone victory at his home track. The event will also feature appearances from NHRA legends and celebrations of the series' 75th anniversary.

Why it matters

The 1,000th Funny Car race is a significant milestone in the history of NHRA drag racing, which has featured iconic drivers, intense rivalries, and technological advancements over the past six decades. The event at Pedregon's home track in Pomona adds extra meaning, as the veteran driver seeks to cement his legacy with a victory in this historic race.

The details

The 1,000th Funny Car race will be part of the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, the third of 20 races in NHRA's 75th anniversary season. In addition to the special 1,000th race trophy, drivers will also compete for the 75th anniversary diamond Wally. The event will feature two rounds of qualifying on Friday and Saturday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty bonus race on Saturday, and appearances from NHRA legends like Kenny Bernstein, Bruce Larson, Johnny Gray, Tim Wilkerson, and John Force.

  • The 1,000th Funny Car race will take place on April 9-12, 2026 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California.
  • The first-ever Funny Car race was held at the 1966 World Finals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Eddie Schartman picked up the victory.
  • Cruz Pedregon won the 900th Funny Car race in Norwalk, Ohio in 2021.

The players

Cruz Pedregon

A two-time Funny Car world champion who has the unique distinction of winning both NHRA's 1,000th race and the 900th Funny Car race.

Jack Beckman

The defending Winternationals champion and a strong contender to win the 1,000th Funny Car race at his home track in Pomona.

John Force Racing

The prominent Funny Car team that fields cars for drivers like Jack Beckman.

Kenny Bernstein

An NHRA legend and six-time champion who will make an appearance at the event to honor his historic 310-mph pass at the Pomona track in 1994.

Bruce Larson

A milestone Funny Car winner who is scheduled to appear at the 1,000th race celebration.

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What they’re saying

“The 900th was special, no doubt, but winning the 1000th at Pomona, my home track, would be on another level! It would mean a lot to me, my family and our fans.”

— Cruz Pedregon, Two-time Funny Car world champion

“Pomona happens to be my home track, just happens to be the 1,000th Funny Car race, and I happen to be the defending race champion. I'm hoping the planets are going to line up. It's a nice feeling to be a part of this history. I'm a historian who's also getting to put my thumbprint on some of the history. That's pretty cool.”

— Jack Beckman, Funny Car driver

What’s next

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