Simpson NHRA Safety Safari in Action at Pomona
April 14, 2026 — Pomona, CA
The Simpson NHRA Safety Safari sprung into action late on Saturday evening at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip to respond to a wild crash down track involving James Stevens and his Top Alcohol Dragster.
It took 28 seconds from the time Stevens’ dragster was in the air, to the time when the first Safety Safari member arrived on a quad; and within 57 seconds there were 11 members on-scene with two RAM trucks. Paramedics and ambulance were there in another 18 seconds.
Debris from James Steven's Top Alcohol dragster still in the air as he catapulted into the catch fencing
Flames from Stevens’ dragster ignite as Garrett Bateman slows after his run
Stevens’ Performance Truck & Trailer TA Dragster in the catch fence at Pomona Dragstrip
Simpson NHRA Safety Safari swarms the crash site helping Stevens’ emerge from the crash as safely as possible
Salvage and cleanup start after James Stevens is out of the vehicle and off to the hospital to be treated
SIMPSON NHRA Safety Safari
NHRA Safety Safari was established in 1954 under the name “Drag Safari” and consisted of four men who were chosen by Wally Parks to travel to each track and help local organization run safer drag races, and work with local first responders to aid drivers who needed help.
Some of the Simpson NHRA Safety Safari praying before the race day begins
In the 1960’s-1970’s, the cars and drivers performance improved greatly, and NHRA committed to expanding the Safety Safari that we know today. This self contained unit travels to each event, and is responsible for track preparation, operation of the races, and now provided consistent, highly trained first responders to aid drivers when in need.
This crash was the first time I witnessed with my own eyes a crash, and how quickly the Simpson NHRA Safety Safari jumped into action and resolved the situation with speed and care. It was pretty amazing, and left a lasting impression on me.
For a more detailed introspection about the Safety Safari, check out the linked You Tube video that talks about it’s origin and what it has become today.
James Stevens
James Stevens in his Top Alcohol Dragster Saturday afternoon at Pomona Dragstrip
James Stevens is a Husband, Father and Grandfather, and owner of Performance Truck and Trailer Repair based in Gothenburg, NE, but in his spare time, he loves running these 5 second Top Alcohol dragsters! He sports an RFC sticker on is car “Racers For Christ” and so I am sure that he would covet your prayers for him to have strength through this trial, and that God would be glorified through him.
As a result of the crash, his family has made a few statements indicating some of his injuries, as well as updating the general public of his next steps to recovery. They all ask us to pray for him, as he faces the long road ahead. From what I can tell, he suffered broken bones in his arm, wrist and back, along with possible rib fractures and a bruised lung. He’s had a few surgeries since the crash, and planned for more to work on his back.
Competition Plus seems to be updating their story as more details unfold. Continue to uphold the family and James in prayer, as well as the physicians and surgeons that help aid his body to a hopeful full recovery!
Performance Truck and Trailer Top Alcohol Dragster burning out in Pomona, CA
James Stevens Smoking the Tires!!!