I recently returned to a live NHRA event after 15 years
I grew up watching NHRA on ESPN thanks to satellite TV my family had 20 years ago (I live in Canada). I also used to go to Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington every summer as a yearly trip with my parents from age 5 to 15 until I decided as a teenager I didn't want to go anymore. I fell out of favour with drag racing through the 2010's decade, but over the past 5-7 years have intermittently rekindled interest.
...Until not long ago I've become a fan again and I got to go to the Northwest Nationals with my wife (not a racing fan but she's supportive of me lol). Thankfully there are in-laws that live 15 mins from the track so we got some great family time in and a place to stay.
I got to go on a Friday for the first time (used to do Saturday qualifying when I went) and of course elimination Sunday. The moment I walked into the gate on Friday it was a blast from my past... Half my life has gone by and everything was virtually just as I left it... Merch trailers, Vendor trailers, food stands galore, NitroAlley, the NitroMall, and best of all... The pits!!! I joked with Fast Jack Beckman after getting a picture and said "all these years later Jack... and the nitro still smells the same!" Booming 330mph (well sometimes 340 now!) nitro hot rods going down the track... The wind blowing the burnout fumes into your direction of the stands... Wow, there is nothing like the NHRA, truly.
Can't forget about Pro Stock too, but I missed Joey Grose's flipped car on Saturday! TAD/TAFC and even eliminator class were all awesome. A Doug Gordon win for TAFC was great stuff, he's always been one of my favs since I've really enjoyed alcohol class. There was also a cool story as one driver I believe from British Columbia just across the border won two finals in two different eliminator classes. Younger guy too. Dallas Glenn's brother won in his hometown event in
Shame to not see some old faces like any of the Forces (especially John), Robert Hight, Larry Dixon, etc behind the wheel. Lots of next generation kids are and have begun to take over the winners circles like the Procks, Vandergriffs, and Gordons of the world. Still though, in Seattle the old guard came out as winners across the board where Kalitta Air pulled off victories with Doug's and JR Todd's wins. Greg Anderson wins pro stock and boy, he is one cool old fella. Gave an awesome speech in the winners circle down at the starting line to the fans.
Walked outta there with a 75th anniversary NHRA T-shirt and fridge magnet. This is a happy drag racing fan sharing his long-awaited return to the races! Has anyone here made it to any races yet this season? What are some moments that stood out for you?