Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California team raced way to their victory at a weather delayed Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, the opening event of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

After persistent rain cancelled racing on Sunday, Hight and his Auto Club team, who were also the No. 1 qualifiers, came out Monday morning on a mission. After having to step off the throttle in his first-round win against Terry Haddock to run 4.026-seconds, Hight strung together a trio of 3.8-second runs in three good side-by-side races for his 46th career victory and fourth Winternationals win.

(Robert Hight won for the 46th time in his FC racing career)

“You know, you look at the Funny Car class and I think its tougher this year than it was last and thats saying something — everybody is stacked up. It’s not going to be You’re going to have to be on your game all year long on the starting line. You’re going to have to have consistency with your car.”

Consistency for Hight began against long-time rival Bob Tasca III. Hight managed an impressive 3.856-second pass at 331.61 mph to outrun Tasca’s 3.932 at 322.58.

The second-round win paired him against John Force Racing owner, CEO and Hight’s mentor, John Force in the semifinals. Despite an impressive race day set up for the 16-time champion, Force’s 3.930-second pass at 321.42 mph wasn’t enough to stop Hight. The Auto Club Camaro had another stealth run at 3.830-seconds and 328.22 mph.

In the finals it was another classic matchup between NHRA standout teams, John Force Racing and Don Schumacher Racing with Jack Beckman in the right lane against Hight and the Auto Club Chevy. It was a crowd pleasing drag race as the hot rods were neck and neck. Hight picked up the victory on a hole shot with his .054 reaction time and 3.881-second pass at 329.75 mph. Beckman was .062 on the light with a 3.880 pass and 329.42 mph.

DSR team driver Jack Beckman narrowly lost out in the FC final round.

“To come out here and be No. 1 qualifier and win the race, it’s quite an accomplishment for this team. Jimmy is really happy with the way this thing runs. How easy it is on parts. I’ve never seen him more confident,” Hight added.

Event Essentials:   NHRA Lucas Oil Winternationals (Feb. 7-10th, 2019) 

John Force advanced to the semi final round and set top speed in FC at 333.74 mph

Cruz Pedregon debuted his new Dodge Charger bodied Snap-On Tools FC

Jim Campbell also debuted a new Dodge Charger for Jim Dunn Racing

Cruz Pedregon’s older brother Frank – returned to FC racing behind the wheel of the Worsham Racing Toyota — he qualified 10th with a 4.012 secs lap

Photos by Bruce Biegler