Pomona Raceway is a quarter-mile drag strip in Southern California that hosts NHRA events and test-and-tune nights

Pomona Raceway, officially known as the Fairplex Drag Strip, sits on the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California. It is one of the oldest continuously operating drag strips in the United States and hosts National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) national events, bracket racing, and weekly test-and-tune nights where amateur drivers can race their own vehicles. The strip is a quarter-mile long, which is the standard distance for drag racing.

The raceway operates year-round with different event types on different nights. If you are interested in watching professional NHRA racing, you will need to purchase tickets for scheduled national events. If you want to race your own car, you can enter test-and-tune nights, which require vehicle registration, a valid driver's license, and an entry fee. The raceway also hosts special events like bracket racing tournaments and grudge racing nights.

Key Takeaways

  • Pomona Raceway hosts NHRA national events several times per year, with ticket prices and dates available on the Fairplex website.
  • Test-and-tune nights let amateur drivers race their own street-legal or modified vehicles for an entry fee, usually on Friday or Saturday nights.
  • To race at Pomona, your vehicle must pass a safety inspection, and you must bring a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle registration.
  • Spectators can watch test-and-tune racing for a general admission fee that is lower than NHRA national event tickets.
  • The raceway is located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona and is accessible by car from the 10 and 60 freeways.

NHRA National Events at Pomona

Pomona Raceway hosts NHRA national events, which feature professional drag racing teams competing in multiple classes. These events typically occur twice per year—usually in February and November—though the schedule can change. The February event is called the Winternationals, and the November event is the Finals. Both draw large crowds and feature top-tier professional drivers.

Tickets for NHRA national events are sold through the Fairplex website and third-party vendors. Prices vary depending on the event, the day you attend, and your seating choice. General admission seats are less expensive than reserved or premium seating. You can also purchase pit passes if you want to walk through the pit area and see the teams and vehicles up close. Pit passes cost more than general admission but give you access to areas spectators normally cannot enter.

These events run multiple days, usually Thursday through Sunday. Most spectators attend on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Parking is available on the Fairplex grounds, and the facility has concessions, restrooms, and shade areas. Bring sunscreen and water, as the Southern California sun can be intense, especially in February and November.

Test-and-Tune Racing Nights for Amateur Drivers

Test-and-tune nights are the primary way amateur drivers can race at Pomona Raceway. These events are held on specific nights throughout the year—typically Friday and Saturday evenings—and allow you to bring your own vehicle and race against other amateur drivers in a bracket racing format. Bracket racing means drivers are paired by their predicted elapsed time (ET), so a slower car races against another slow car, and a faster car races against another fast car. This keeps competition fair.

To participate, you need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and an entry fee. The entry fee varies but typically ranges from $50 to $100 per race night, depending on the current schedule. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can race. The inspection checks your brakes, tires, fuel system, and other safety equipment. If your car does not pass, you cannot race that night, so make sure your vehicle is in good working order before you arrive.

Test-and-tune nights are also open to spectators who want to watch. Spectator admission is usually $10 to $20 and is much cheaper than NHRA national event tickets. You can watch from the grandstands and see amateur drivers compete in real time. These nights are less formal than national events but still exciting, especially if you are interested in street racing culture or want to see what it takes to race at a drag strip.

Vehicle Requirements and Safety Inspection

Any vehicle you bring to Pomona for test-and-tune racing must meet basic safety standards. The raceway requires functional brakes, good tires with adequate tread, a find fuel system with no leaks, and working safety equipment. If your vehicle has been modified—a common practice in drag racing—those modifications must not compromise safety. For example, if you have a turbo or supercharger, the fuel system must be upgraded to handle the increased pressure.

The safety inspection happens on the night you race, before you enter the staging area. A raceway official will walk around your car and check the items listed above. If anything fails, you will not be allowed to race that night. You can fix the problem and return on a future test-and-tune night. This inspection exists to protect you and other drivers on the track.

Street-legal vehicles are welcome at test-and-tune nights, but so are heavily modified cars. The only requirement is that the vehicle is safe to drive at high speed in a straight line. You do not need a special license or certification to race, only a valid driver's license. If you are under 18, you may have restrictions depending on the event; check the Fairplex website for age policies.

How to Get to Pomona Raceway and What to Bring

Pomona Raceway is located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona, California, about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. If you are driving from the west, take the 10 freeway east and exit onto McKinley Avenue. If you are coming from the north or south, the 60 freeway also connects to the area. Parking is available on the Fairplex grounds and is usually free for spectators, though parking fees may explore for drivers who are racing.

For test-and-tune nights, arrive early—gates usually open in the late afternoon, and racing starts in the evening. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and payment for the entry fee. If you are a spectator, bring cash or a card for admission and concessions. The facility has food vendors, but prices are higher than outside food, so consider eating before you arrive if you want to save money.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially for daytime events or NHRA nationals. The Fairplex has limited shade in some areas. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. If you are racing, wear long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders—some raceway rules require this for safety. Do not bring glass bottles, weapons, or illegal substances onto the grounds.

Other Events and Bracket Racing Tournaments

Beyond regular test-and-tune nights, Pomona Raceway hosts bracket racing tournaments and special events throughout the year. Bracket racing tournaments are multi-round competitions where drivers compete in a single-elimination format. These events draw more serious amateur racers and often have larger entry fees and prize money. If you are interested in tournament racing, check the Fairplex website for the schedule and entry requirements.

The raceway also occasionally hosts grudge racing nights, where drivers challenge each other to head-to-head races, and special themed events. These vary by season and are announced on the Fairplex website and social media. Some events are invitation-only or require pre-registration, so plan ahead if you want to participate in something beyond the regular test-and-tune schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a racing license to drive at Pomona test-and-tune nights?

No. You only need a valid driver's license. A racing license is not required for amateur test-and-tune events. However, if you want to compete in NHRA national events as a professional driver, you will need an NHRA racing license, which requires training and certification.

Can I bring a modified car with a turbo or supercharger?

Yes, as long as it passes the safety inspection. Modified vehicles are common at test-and-tune nights. The inspection focuses on whether your fuel system, brakes, and other safety equipment can handle the power your engine produces. If you have made significant modifications, have a mechanic check your car before you arrive to avoid failing inspection.

What is the difference between test-and-tune and NHRA national events?

Test-and-tune nights are amateur events where you race your own car for a small entry fee. NHRA national events feature professional drivers and teams competing at the highest level. National events are more expensive to watch, more formal, and happen fewer times per year. Test-and-tune is the entry point for amateur racers.

How much does it cost to watch test-and-tune racing?

Spectator admission to test-and-tune nights is usually $10 to $20. This is much cheaper than NHRA national event tickets, which can range from $30 to $100 or more depending on seating. Check the Fairplex website for current prices, as they vary by event.

Can I race if I am under 18?

Age restrictions vary by event type. Some test-and-tune nights allow drivers as young as 16 with a valid driver's license, while others require you to be 18. Check the Fairplex website or call ahead to confirm the age policy for the specific night you want to attend.