POMONA, Calif. – Excitement was in the air as the drivers of the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series competed in elimination rounds Sunday at the Nitto NHRA Sport Compact World Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
Taking home the cherished NHRA Wally were Gary White (Pro RWD), Ed Bergenholtz (Pro FWD), Paul Efantis (Modified), Stephanie Eggum (Hot Rod), and Saul Salceda (Honda Tuning All Motor).
White (New Market, Ala.), in his Toyota Celica was facing his Titan Motorsport teammate Brad Personett in the final round. He got the better of his teammate when Personett had a red light start, but White kept going hard to finish with a time of 6.85 seconds at 202.12 mph. In an unusual twist to the race neither White nor Personett knew who won until they got to the timing booth. This was his second win in 2006.
“I didn’t know I won until I got the (timing) ticket,” White said. No one came on the headset to say anything. The car was hurt during the burnout. I told Bret (White’s son and crew member) the car was hurt. He said screw it and to get up there to the line. It’s cool because I had a lot of family and friends here. I am looking forward to next year.”
Bergenholtz (Tustin, Calif.) was able to cap off a successful season with the event win and his second consecutive NHRA World Championship. He captured his fourth win of 2006 and ninth career win. Bergenholtz, in his Audiobahn/Mazdaspeed 6 defeated Chris Rado in a very close race. Bergenholtz crossed the finish line with a time of 7.60 seconds at 190.00 mph to Rado’s fast charging 7.73 seconds at 185.66 mph.
“I am so tired right now,” Bergenholtz said. “I had to drive my tail off. This was the most intense and hardest year. I won the first two races of the year and the last two races of the year. I have a Wally sandwich.”
Efantis (Frederick, Md.) joined Bergenholtz in winning both the event Wally and the NHRA World Championship. He had to earn both awards, though, as the Modified category had four drivers come into the event within 25 points of the championship. In what was the most exciting race for Modified all year the championship came down to the final race on the final day of the 2006 season. Efantis was battling Jorge Lazcano in the other lane. Whoever won the race won the championship. Efantis driving his Little Dooey Barbeque and Blues Toyota Solara edged out Efantis with a time of 7.39 seconds at 185.59 mph to Lazcano’s 7.44 seconds at 183.89 mph. This was his fourth win in 2006 and ties him with Matt Scranton for most wins on the series with 15.
“It was an emotional win,” Efantis said. “The competition this year made me the driver that I am. We were consistent all year. This win makes me tied as the winningest (NHRA Xpl?d Sport Compact Racing Series) driver. I want to thank NHRA for a great year of racing.”
Justin Humphreys was able to set a new Modified national speed record at 187.73 mph.
Eggum (Elgin, Ill.) fought hard all year to get her Honda Civic to the winners circle all year. She accomplished that goal at Pomona by defeating Hot Rod rival Ron Lummus. Qualifying eighth for the event she had a hard ladder to climb to get the final round against Lummus. She made it and easily defeated him. She powered her unsponsored car to the win with a time of 7.97 seconds at 180.77 mph to Lummus’ 8.29 seconds at 155.72 mph. This was her third win in 2006, and also her third career win.
“I slaughtered him,” Eggum said. “I was on a mission. It was the best race of my career. I had the best light I could have with this car. Next year should be interesting, although we don’t have a next year without a sponsor.”
Salceda (Gardena, Calif.) was able to capture his third win of 2006. He made it to the final round as the No. 1 qualifier, and had to face the No. 2 qualifier Leslie Armendariz. Although Salceda raced Armendariz to a time of 9.57 seconds at 141.28 mph, it was unnecessary since she had red lighted at the start.
“This is great,” Salceda said. “I just want to thank my sponsors who helped me through the year. There’s Clutchmasters, IPS, Omni Power, and Eneos. I also want to thank Norris (Prayoonto – team owner) and my whole crew. It was awesome.”
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