Doug Kalitta made Winternationals Top Fuel history with his third straight win at the 2020 NHRA Winternationals, a feat not even accomplished by six-time Pomona Top Fuel great Don Garlits.
The victory, the 48th of his career –- fifth all-time in class history — is another great moment in history for his uncle, team owner Connie Kalitta, who has been part of all 60 Winternationals and collected a Top Fuel win here in 1967 as a driver. Kalitta, who in addition to his win at this event last year also won the 2019 season-ending Auto Club NHRA Finals, is also the first driver in class history to win three straight events at Pomona Raceway and now owns a 12-round win streak at the track.
Counting his runner-ups at the Winternationals in 2016 and 2017, Kalitta has been in the final round of the season opener five straight years.
“To win the 60th Winternationals is pretty special. Connie (Kalitta) was here at the first one and he’s here with us and I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s created an amazing legacy out here and I’m just glad this is one of our better tracks.” said Doug Kalitta
Team Mac Tools qualified number 5 with a 3.717 ET at 330.39 mph to put them into the program on Sunday. First round against Brandon Welch, Kalitta took a decisive win posting a 3.885 ET at 326.87 MPH. In the second round Team Mac Tools took on Justin Ashley coming through with a 3.706 ET against Ashley’s 3.965 ET. In the semi’s Doug faced Brittany Force and made it a real drag race starting with a reaction time of .067 to Forces .072 and then a side-by-side win to the finish line posting a 3.675 ET at 329.26 MPH. For the win, Doug Kalitta ran a 3.698 ET at 330.23 MPH to capture his first win of the 2020 season.
“I have to give all the credit to my crew chiefs, Rob (Flynn) and Troy (Fasching) and everyone that works on my car,” added Kalitta.
The NHRA was celebrating the 60th running of the Winternationals and for Kalitta Motorsports the event has been a mainstay since team owner and NHRA legend Connie Kalitta attended the inaugural event in 1960. Doug Kalitta’s career started over thirty years ago and the veteran driver has been a perennial championship contender for well over the past decade. What a great start to the 2020 season.