Pomona, California February 4, 2015 - Looking to get the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season underway, Pro Stock driver Rodger Brogdon has been putting down test passes in preparation for the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

"It was great getting in my first run of the year yesterday even though it wasn't the best," Brogdon said. "It just felt good to finally get back in the car even though it was only testing. I'm just ready to be in Pomona and start racing.

"I think we're going to have a really fast car. I made one of the fastest passes of the day in testing Tuesday, and it was one of the first passes we made from A to B successfully. Everyone is very excited."

For Brogdon, Pomona is a crucial race because he wants to start the year off moving in the right direction with his Brogdon Racing Chevrolet. Keeping that in mind, though, the veteran racer is still just as satisfied that he can continue to follow his racing passion no matter the results.

"I expect to get off to a fast start this weekend," Brogdon said. "That's what the whole team is hoping for, me especially. We really just need to get momentum going in our direction by going a few rounds in Pomona and hopefully all the races from there on out. The other thing is to try not to beat ourselves on each pass we make.

"We're all ready to get back to racing, but for now it's just waiting and seeing what happens. It's a humbling sport for sure, but I do feel better right now than I did at this time last year."

Qualifying sessions are scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. PT, Friday and Saturday. Eliminations will start at approximately noon, Sunday, with both qualifying and elimination action broadcast on ESPN2 on tape-delay basis.