Auto Club NHRA Finals Top Alcohol Funny Car winner Shane Westerfield
Shane Westerfield, the winner in Pomona a year ago, successfully defended his title with a 5.493 to 5.627 win against Mike Doushgounian in the Top Alcohol Funny Car final round. Westerfield, also a winner in Chicago and Brainerd this season, came from the No. 3 qualifying spot to beat Chris Marshall, Steve Gasparrelli, and Ulf Leanders on his way to the final. After clinching his second world title earlier this season, Sean Bellemeur was the low qualifier, but his chances to end the season with a win ended with a narrow loss to Doushgounian in the quarterfinals.