National Hot Rod Association
Photography . NHRA 2026 . The National Hot Rod Association Winternationals . In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip . California
The closest I have ever been to a drag race was watching Wild World of Sports as a kid. When professional photographer, Mark Riker, shooting for DRAGZINE MAGAZINE, extended the offer for me to attend the NHRA Winternationals with full media credentials, I of course changed my plans for riding motocross that Saturday at Glen Helen Raceway and I beelined for Pomona. This is my impassioned note on Instagram following the event and this sentiment stands true:
“My good friend, Mark Riker, of REVCO Photography fame introduced me to the world of the National Hot Rod Association this weekend which was the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals hosted by the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip • Over the years I have seen television specials on the sport of drag racing, yet Saturday was my first live viewing, and of course with my Sony camera system in hand. It is difficult to comprehend, or even describe, the magnitude of power and ferocity that these vessels produce. I literally set my shutter speed at 1/6400 to capture the movement of these cars. Upon launch, the Top Fuel dragsters are producing 12,000 horsepower and within 1/4 mile delivering speeds of 336 miles per hour. As I stood literally within a few short feet of these machines, the energy, sound and vibrato dumped through my entire body and nervous system like no other sensation I have ever encountered. The intensity is as if you are actually strapped to the roof of the race car and you are aboard for a ride on a rocketship.
The rate in which the race cars accelerate and disappear while creating their own heat wave is staggering!! • To the kind folks at the National Hot Rod Association and Mark Riker, thank you so much for sharing your wild world of speed!! • To all you bad-ass men and women that build these cars and drive them, mad respect!! Photographing and witnessing cutting edge technologies and the crews committed to success is truly inspired... every competitor out there is legit, from Top Fuel, to Funny Car, Pro Stock, Sportsmen, and Top Alcohol.”
For 2026, the National Hot Rod Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary, qualifying the fastest drag racers in the world at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip during the NHRA Winternationals, Saturday April 11. With my Sony camera and GM Lenses, my first day live in the world of drag racing was a stellar experience!! Special thanks to Revco Photography’s Mark Riker, photographing for Dragzine Magazine, for hosting me during this spectacular day of wheel to wheel racing with its other worldly horsepower and phenomenal intensity.
NHRA 2026 with its incredible sights and sounds!
NHRA 2026 . Jon Ortner . Photograph: Mark Riker of REVCO Photography
For maximum engine and tire tuning, meticulous track data, air density and temperature is measured by each team prior to their race.
Top Fuel dragsters are producing 12,000 horsepower and within 1/4 mile are reaching speeds of 336 mile per hour!!
The torque delivered by these engines literally deforms the shape of their Goodyear tires.
Please enjoy these images of the pits, race track, cars and the good people of the NHRA. I will add information and details as I learn more about this incredible race craft!!
Autographs for the patient fans.
Family & Friends NHRA style.
Vintage race cars on display.
Mark Riker, shooting for Dragzine Magazine.
Mark Riker and this amazing 51 year veteran of photographing NHRA events strategies on their next best shot.
photography . Mark Riker, second from left, surrounded by a dozen professional NHRA lensmen.
photography . NHRA 2026 . Mark Riker, always on the move.
photography . NHRA 2026 . Track prep.. safety first!!
Mark Riker setting up his shot.
