Sonoma Raceway’s Friday night show on July 17 adds a new layer. Deecell Power Systems’ “After Dark Low Qualifier” bonus targets Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock in prime nighttime conditions.

Low qualifiers in Top Fuel and Funny Car receive $4,000. Pro Stock pays $2,500. The fastest Pro Stock Motorcycle test pass before Saturday’s Callout earns $1,500.

The evening schedule starts with Pro Stock at 6:55 p.m. PT. Top Fuel and Funny Car run at 8:10 p.m. PT, when air and track typically favor performance.

Cooler temperatures, denser air, and improved grip can transform setups. The window suits aggressive tune‑ups and new parts testing, with lane choice and data collection the clear dividends.

Brittany Force underlined that potential last year. Her 3.645s at 343.16 mph reset expectations for what a night session can produce at Sonoma.

Deecell founder Andrew Moeck points to strong engagement from last season’s Seattle trial. The Sonoma rollout leverages that momentum and gives teams a defined, high‑value target.

Qualifying opens Friday at 4:55 and 6:55 p.m. PT, then continues with two rounds Saturday. The GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle All‑Star Callout begins at 11:15 a.m. PT.

Saturday also features the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. FS1’s qualifying coverage starts at 9 p.m. ET, with eliminations live Sunday at 10 p.m. ET.

This is the 11th round of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. NHRA legend Gary Scelzi appears, adding heritage value alongside the current title fights.

Top Fuel features defending champion Doug Kalitta, a six‑time Sonoma winner. Points leader Shawn Langdon provides the benchmark after a consistent opening phase.

Funny Car focus rests on reigning champion Austin Prock and three‑time champion Ron Capps. Their form guides expectations for the night‑session pecking order.

Pro Stock remains tight. Greg Stanfield defeated his son Aaron here last year, while reigning champion Dallas Glenn leads the current standings.

Support comes from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the crowd‑favorite Top the Cops exhibition. Fans also get pre‑race ceremonies and the SealMaster Track Walk.

The Manufacturers Midway and a post‑race celebration close Sunday. The Wally remains the ultimate target, but Friday’s cash bonus sharpens every night‑run decision.

Expect bolder clutch and fuel choices in the prime session, as seen in the PDRA North‑South qualifying. Incentives can reset risk profiles and reorder the ladder.

Visual Summary

Miles Carter

Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.