This week, the NHRA Full Throttle series makes its annual stop to the newly renamed Auto Plus raceway and the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals. Over the years, this racetrack has shown its knack for history making moments. Alot stand out, but i'd like to share the ones that mean alot and that brought me back to being a drag racing fan. The first one was in 1986.
"Big Daddy" Don Garlits' debut of "Swamp rat 30" was amazing.The sleek black/fully enclosed top fueler was a sight to behold to all in attendance, and in the semi finals against Dan Pastorini blasted to the then fastest speed of 272 mph. The first ever run to 270 mph. Quite a smashing debut for "Big Daddy"
And who could ever forget the breaking of the 300 mph barrier in 1992. For many years, top fuel racers flirted with 300 miles per hour; but in qualifying, Kenny Bernstein in the Dale Armstrong/Wes Erney tuned Budweiser Top Fueler shocked the world with the run of 302 mph trully earning the title "King of Speed"
The Pro Stock Motorcycle class makes its annual start to the season at the Gatornationals, and in 2005 no one knew the history that was about to happen. Andrew Hines aboard his Vance&Hines screamin eagle bike pulled up to the line to make his run and the weather could not have been more perfect. As Andrew made his way down the quarter mile, espn's Lewis Bloom (@Lbstatguy) and Former PSM champ Terry Vance's excitement over the public address system was loud and clear as Andrew Hines shot to the first 6 second run of 6.99.
There are many more moments at Gainsville raceway, but these are moments many drag racing fans will not soon forget. Best of luck to all the teams this weekend in Gainsville, and Godspeed
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