A fast start to the 2020 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mello Yello Series season was exactly what “Fast Jack” Beckman was looking for.  Then during the final day of the season opening and 60th edition NHRA Lucas Oil Winternationals — he drove his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to a national event win to perfectly kick off the year on the heels of his runner-up finish in the 2019 Mello Mello Funny Car Championship chase.

From his No.2 qualifying position, the Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) driver knew the stage was set for him to have a strong eliminations performance at the historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., and commence his drive for the 2020 Funny Car Championship immediately.

Jack Beckman roared to a impressive start for the 2020 NHRA Mello Mello Championship season — notching career win #31 at Pomona’s Winternationals.

Beckman drove past Alexis DeJoria, DSR teammate Ron Capps, and Steve Densham to earn a berth in the final round versus John Force.

Force had a slight starting line advantage, but Beckman quickly powered his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to an exciting side-by-side battle before steadily making gains and taking the lead in the final stretch.

Beckman garnered his 31^st career Funny Car national title, his second at Pomona after his first came in the 2019 season finale.

“It was just the perfect storm,” said Beckman. “I had never won a Nitro title here at Pomona until November of last year and now I’ve got two in a row. It’s beyond magical. I’ve said it before; you don’t know if your last win is your last win. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this ain’t our last win. The Infinite Hero team is just on it. Our car has been amazing.”

DSR/Mopar Team Driver Matt Hagan qualified his potent 2020 Dodge Hellcat #1 at 3.847 secs.

Event Essentials:   NHRA Lucas Oil Winternationals (Feb. 6-9, 2020) 

Wily John Force had a strong R/UP placement during the 2020 NHRA season opener.

Alexis DeJoria made her return to NHRA fuel FC racing in this impressive new Toyota which she promptly took to the semi final round in it’s first appearance.

Funny car class newcomer – Alex Miladinovich – qualified at this first ever NHRA race with his “Hot For Teacher” Toyota.

Posted with files by Pat Caporali and Bruce Biegler

Photos by Bruce Biegler 

To view more Funny Car class racing photos from Pomona – visit the LMLCMedia event gallery :  HERE