POMONA, Calif. (AP) — Antron Brown became the first black champion in any NHRA pro series when he won the Top Fuel title on Sunday at the season-ending event.
Brown lost in the opening round of eliminations and had to wait to celebrate until the final, when Tony Schumacher lost in a photo finish to Brandon Bernstein.
When the win light went on in Bernstein’s lane, Brown was mobbed by his teammates, family and friends in a huge celebration at the starting line. He says he feels “so blessed to be in this moment right now and this is a big huge moment.”
Brown earned six victories in 11 final rounds and was top qualifier three times en route to his title.