I think this is the answer.
I think the NHRA is still on the ragged edge financially since the lockdowns of 2020. We are lucky they didn't go bankrupt back then. You don't sell your long-time Coporate headquarters - that was long since paid for - unless the house is on fire financially. And look at how much they have cut back at Pomona: only one Sunoco vision screen instead of two; no NHRA member hospitality area anymore; no seating on the West side grandstands, etc.
By the way, I was there yesterday and I think they did a great job speeding up Eliminations in an effort to get the race in. The weather was actually quite good until the sprinkles started around 2:45pm. Then, we had our usual 3-24-24 hail and light snow about an hour later. I sure didn't see that coming during the Pomona "Springnationals" (3-21-24 first day of spring). And I thought the crowd was about an average Sunday Pomona crowd, especially considering the forecast.
As has been noted, this was one of the oddest Pomona races I can remember, as there were very few actual races in TF and FC. It didn't seem to be a lane issue, either. With most every pair, one car would get down the track with a good run, and one would have some kind of problem. I think the best race of the day may have been the first race of the day when Millican dumped Brown in a very close one.