The largest professional team in NHRA drag racing is geared up for a standout performance at this week’s 63rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at the historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The Elite Motorsports fleet of eight Pro Stock machines will take to the track ready to turn up the heat as they enter the third event of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. 

The talented team made history in Phoenix last week when Cristian Cuadra became the first Mexican-born NHRA driver to qualify No. 1 in a pro category, an achievement that received international recognition including an encouraging message from Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Five-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders earned her first Winternationals title in Pomona last year, a victory that marked the 900th race in category history. This win kicked off the best-performing season of her illustrious career, thus far. After two early exits in eliminations this season, Enders is ready to turn things around this weekend. And this powerful competitor has proven multiple times that her determination knows no bounds.

Troy Coughlin Jr. has a lot of momentum coming into the third race of the season. He emerged victorious at the Gatornationals earlier this month and won the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge in Phoenix last week. He’s not the only guy in yellow vying for a Winternationals win. His teammate C. Cuadra landed his first No. 1 qualifier in Phoenix and the talented young driver is eager for a victory. He and his brother, Fernando Cuadra Jr., will take to the track in their yellow Corral Boots Mustang along with their father, Fernando Cuadra Sr. in his black Corral Boots Mustang. The two younger Cuadras both scored first round wins in Phoenix and they look forward to turning on more win lights this weekend.

2017 Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner gave a stellar performance last week in Phoenix, racing to a runner-up finish in only the second final round of the season. He will participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge at the Winternationals for a rematch of the Arizona Nationals semifinals against Kyle Koretsky. This race-within-a-race format will take place during qualifying on Saturday. 

Aaron Stanfield is looking for his first win of the season in his Janac Brothers / JC3 Energy Camaro and his teammate, rookie Pro Stock driver Jerry Tucker, is seeking the first win of his Pro Stock career in his sleek gray Elite Motorsports Camaro.

Pro Stock action at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals begins with qualifying on Friday, March 31 at 3:00 pm PDT. 

Driver Quotes:

Erica Enders

"When you dream about how you want your season to go, you never imagine starting out the way we have this year. But I’ve learned that each season writes its own story and I’m excited to change the momentum in an aggressive way at Pomona. Last year we won this event for the first time ever and our team loves to get those repeat wins.”

Aaron Stanfield

"We didn’t get the result we wanted in Phoenix, but our team is working hard to get us back in the spot to win. We are ready to try again this weekend in Pomona."

Troy Coughlin Jr.

"I have always loved the history of drag racing and Pomona is where it all began. It’s an honor just to get to compete there and I’ve had a lifelong goal to win there as well. Team Yellow is still hungry and focused and our minds are all set on making great laps. My Uncle Mike is racing in Top Alcohol Dragster this weekend and is the defending event champion from last year, so I’m excited to get to cheer him on as well!"

Bo Butner

"We are going to a track that has been a great track to our race team, in multiple classes. So this team is looking forward to it!"

Fernando Cuadra Sr.

"The Cuadra Boys are getting better and stronger at each event. I’m so proud of my sons as we continue to all learn together.”

Fernando Cuadra Jr.

"After the Phoenix race, we left feeling confident that we have a great race car and it’s continuing to improve. I’m really excited because even though I know that winning may be a big target, I’m confident that we can win some rounds in Pomona."

Cristian Cuadra

"After Phoenix (where C. Cuadra was the No. 1 qualifier), I feel really motivated. I have a good race car and a team that is helping me every single round to reach my goals. Pomona is a new opportunity to show who we are as a team and all of the Elite-Cuadra cars are ready to turn on win lights on Sunday."

Jerry Tucker

"I learned a lot last weekend in Phoenix and I think going into another race without any downtime in between is going to help me apply what I’ve learned and get more successful passes under my belt.”