Racing
Mike Dunn 10y

NHRA Power Rankings: Sonoma

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Before every event of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, ESPN analyst Mike Dunn will rank the top three drivers -- and riders on weekends the Pro Stock Motorcycle crew competes -- in each category. Up this week? The Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway.

With a great race in Denver to kick off the western swing, I put all of the winners No. 1 in this week's rankings. Even though there is next to nothing teams can relate to when it comes to their tuneups, most teams that win in Denver typically do well at the other swing races. And even when they don't get the trophy, they usually win rounds. So here we go!

Top Fuel

1. J.R. Todd
2. Antron Brown
3. Brittany Force

Todd won in Denver, but it could be both Team Kalitta cars at the top in Sonoma, so Doug Kalitta will absolutely be one to watch. Keep an eye on Al-Anabi racing. I know it has been struggling of late, but now is a good time to start getting ready for Indy and the Countdown playoffs, and Alan Johnson has done well there in the past.

Funny Car

1. Robert Hight
2. Ron Capps
3. John Force

I like these three picks. They are all very strong right now, and Force and Capps have very good records at Sonoma. The one to watch will be Tim Wilkerson. Even though he has not won in a while, he always seems to win rounds during the swing.

Pro Stock

1. Allen Johnson
2. Jason Line
3. Dave Connolly

Line ran really well in Denver. I know you can't really count on that at Sonoma, but he also had a very good car in Chicago. And even though he has been hit-or-miss, his car has been getting better throughout the season. Connolly has a decent car but makes up a lot with his driving, so he gets the final spot.

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1. Andrew Hines
2. Hector Arana Jr.
3. Michael Ray

Like Top Fuel, the Harley Davidson team could both be on top, so watch Eddie Krawiec. The other one to watch is Steve Johnson. He has been to two straight semifinals.

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