The NHRA Weekend experience

On the weekend of July 27,2012 I decided to take a trip up the west coast to the Napa Valley wine country to Sonoma California, and take in the 25th Annual NHRA Sonoma nationals. But instead of it being just a one day affair it became a three-day weekend, and both the drive and weather couldn't have been more enjoyable. The California country side drizzled with the morning dew gave such a beautiful scent pleasing to the palette, and the livestock dotting the hillsides and and farmland left me with the impression of appreciating life and the blessings that come with being a city boy. These are things, some of which I have never seen.

       I arrived in Sonoma on friday afternoon and as I unpacked my luggage, there came across me this sense of anticipation. This would be my first visit to Infineon Raceway, one of the premiere racing facilities in the world. From the track staff to the ticket takers, all had such a tremendous smile on their faces which made you feel more than welcomed. And they seemed just as excited as the spectators who arrived thru the afternoon to partake of the NHRA experience.

         Making my way thru the garage area on friday afternoon, various race teams went about the business of preparing their cars for the 2 friday evening sessions which is a tremendous experience to watch. Being up close & personal with many of the NHRA's top drivers is another one of the most awesome experiences of the race weekend. I met Ryan Elliott, crewman of the of the Tire Kingdom Dodge Charger Funny Car out of the Don Schumacher Racing Stables and was surprised with a tour of the teams' hauler. Ryan introduced me to each member of the team and their various job duties, and then was surprised with hospitality for the entire weekend for showing my support to the team. Wow, what an experience. So as the weekend went on, Johnny Gray became one driver one driver many fans wanted to see capture the event win. 

        Saturday morning was another picture perfect day in the Napa Valley as the last 2 qualifying sessions were held. I arrived at the track and began walking the garage area with the foreboding grandstands providing a perfect back drop thru the morning haze. Temperatures in the afternoon were a bit warmer than friday which made the track trickier to qualify on. Tony Pedregon, driver of the STP Toyota Camry Funny Car failed to qualify while most of the positions remained unchanged.

            I ran into a friend of mine in Steve Emerson, his wife and 2 children. I converse with Steve quite frequently thru twitter about our affinity for drag racing. Our love for the sport was brought to fruition via LiveOctane and their blog contest just a few months ago, and just the opportunity for those who entered was a great blessing. Me included.

            Sunday came along and the conditions were ideal in every respect. Fast speeds & lightening quick ET's were the order of the day in Funny Car, and Johnny Gray and his team didn't show any signs of slowing in their quest to capture the Sonoma Nationals. Gray ran elapsed times of 4.075, 4.115 , 4.092 and 4.142 in winning the event. What made the weekend especially sweet for Don Schumacher Racing, Antron Brown and his Matco Tools Top Fueler won, completing the "Double Up" for the second consecutive week

      

As the event drew to a close, I made my way to the pit area of Johnny Gray's team to join in the celebration of him and his team winning the Sonoma Nationals. Crew Chief Rob Wendland, assistant chief Rip reynolds, and Mechanics Mathew Archer, James Wingo, Ed Tyler. Jason Hemphill, Levi Brubaker, Ryan Elliott and Kirk Kenaga exchanged high fives with one another & myself. It was such an experience sharing  an fantastic moment with the team. 

           After the racing is complete, one of the 

nicest aspects of the event experience is being able to hang out in the winners circle with the event winners all of the pro classes. Being able to pose with and ask questions of the winners just adds to the weekend excitement that is NHRA Drag Racing.

                                                                                       

 As I left Infineon raceway on a long drive to return home, I reflected back on what a tremendous experience the entire weekend was. As a fan of racing in general, one tends to really grasp the totality of all that the NHRA provides to not only its drivers and teams but to he most important people, its fans. The autographes, pictures with their favorite driver, hero cards, shirts of all colors, die casts , flags as well as tremendous side by side racing mean a lot to the spectator during this time of economic uncertainty. What made the weekend unforgettable for me was seeing Johnny Gray and the Tire Kingdom dodge Charger and the camaraderie of everyone and how we all shared the joy of watching skilled drivers applying their trade. To me that is why the NHRA will always be one of the greatest motorsports on the planet


Photo Credit Courtesy of NHRA and Jay Selig