1998 Autolite Nationals at Sears Point Raceway
Warren "The Professor" Johnson and his Pro Stock Firebird
Photo by author, 1998 Autolite Nationals, Sears Point Raceway
The grass roots nature of NHRA is extremely encouraging for both first-time and veteran motorsport fans. Autolite Nationals featured both local talents and national Big Names like John Force, Warren Johnson, Joe Amato, and the Pedregon brothers. The pit area is very accessible, which allows anyone to appreciate the fundamentals of good drag racing - machinery and preparation. The friend who took me to this event reminded me, "you gotta experience NHRA" and I have to say that this was a great way to enjoy my first ever professional motorsports event.
Dale Creasy's Funny Car taking off (see the flames off the exhaust?)
Photo by author, 1998 Autolite Nationals, Sears Point Raceway
The cars, especially the engine and the drivetrain are stressed to the limit in NHRA events, so there was a fair share of blown engines and malfunctions at Sears Point that day. However, I missed the spectacular accident Shelly Anderson got involved in, where her dragster blew both rear tires, went sideways, hit the barrier, and disintegrated. Although she was helicoptered out to a hospital, she escaped with minor burns.
A Top Fueler staging for start
Photo by author, 1998 Autolite Nationals, Sears Point Raceway
Even though the Federal Mogul (alcohol fuel) dragsters and Pro Stock dragsters are very fast and very loud, I was completely overwhelmed by the explosiveness of Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters. These cars produce such a shockwave that it makes your eyes and chest vibrate no matter how hard you resist. These NHRA cars do more than roar or scream - they literally go boom! It's an experience unmatched by any other form of motorsports.
I only attended the first qualifying day (Friday) for this event. For the next NHRA event, I'll also try to attend race day to enjoy the complete experience...
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