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Posted: 10/18/2020 8:14:00 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: I went to Ennis, Texas today to watch some NHRA races, a first for me. The alcohol and gas dragsters were impressive, and one gal hit 200 on her motorcycle, but there's a reason the nitromethane cars draw the crowds. It's one thing to watch them on TV and see them top 300. It's quite another thing to feel them as they open the throttles and accelerate down the track. Hell, I thought belt-fed machine guns were loud. The sound pressure wave hits you and doesn't abate until the end of the run. Watching top fuel is something you should try if you get the chance. Bring plugs and muffs! |
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Posted: 10/18/2020 9:24:35 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Were you there during Saturday qualifying? Sunday, they don't shut down. Holy crap, I just watched Alexis just about burn up in her funny car. Wow... Not on you tube yet that I can find... Here it is: fire Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Another thing that surprised me was the number of cars that shut down before completing their runs. I assume most were due to loss of traction at launch, but out of perhaps the 15 or so races I saw, only a couple races had drivers run hammer down to the finish line. Were you there during Saturday qualifying? Sunday, they don't shut down. Holy crap, I just watched Alexis just about burn up in her funny car. Wow... Not on you tube yet that I can find... Here it is: fire I saw that shit today. I kept thinking get her out of that car, get her out of that car, get her out of that fucking car! Her interview after the fire was great though. |
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Posted: 10/18/2020 10:19:28 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I saw that shit today. I kept thinking get her out of that car, get her out of that car, get her out of that fucking car! Her interview after the fire was great though. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Another thing that surprised me was the number of cars that shut down before completing their runs. I assume most were due to loss of traction at launch, but out of perhaps the 15 or so races I saw, only a couple races had drivers run hammer down to the finish line. Were you there during Saturday qualifying? Sunday, they don't shut down. Holy crap, I just watched Alexis just about burn up in her funny car. Wow... Not on you tube yet that I can find... Here it is: fire I saw that shit today. I kept thinking get her out of that car, get her out of that car, get her out of that fucking car! Her interview after the fire was great though. I'm friends with Alexis, I've hung out with her outside of the races and had dinner with her, driven her from track to hotel, etc. I know her (ex-)husband is a banned member here, and a talented man but a complete douche. I plan to see her again this Halloween weekend at the race in Vegas. I've spent time in her pits and she's had a shitshow of a year but her attitude is always positive. She does a good job of keeping the sport active. NHRA has a questionable future but it's people like Alexis that give me hope for its future. (my pics)  
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Posted: 10/18/2020 10:45:31 PM EDT
[#4]
My dad first tool me when i was 8 yrsold or so. Been hooked ever since. Cant wait to have kids and take them, hopefully the sport sticks around.
Ive been to Maple grove dozens of times Z-Max Charolette a few Bandimire in CO a few as well and once to Epping, NH Missed Gator Nats this year woith COVID  Epping was a little disappointing, you can get close on the fence but the cars and track are on a raised "rail road bed" above you. the concrete barrier cuts off half the car so you really need good bleacher seats there. Maple Grove and Bandimire are great. You can get close on the fences there. Ive seen pics and google maps of a few tracks like Kansas and it looks like the spectators are fairly set back.  Its a small goal of mine to make it to some more tracks. My bucket list is : Pomona for the start and end of the season Bristol looks like the best track in the country Vegas for halloween and Phoenix because ive never been to AZ and I think melting in the heat on pavement would be cool. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:36:24 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I’ve been going to Gainesville since the early 70s. For a while, we had seats on the tree since my dad bought them as soon as they offered reserve seating. A friend ran a TF funny car for a while so we got to stand in the staging area and watch a few times. It’s a whole different experience at ground zero. 
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Posted: 10/19/2020 8:13:36 AM EDT
[#6]
Went to a Memphis event in the early 90s. I think the track was new because the pits weren't paved but covered with fine gravel.
Wife and I had just got there. Milling around with the crowd we heard a TF FC car start. A ring of people circled the car as it ran on jack stands with the body off, idling. One of the mechanics grinned like a possum and gapped the throttle which caused the gravel to levitate. It was a stampede getting away from the car. Women and children were squalling. Loud ain't the word. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 8:31:08 AM EDT
[#7]
One of the last true forms of racing in my opinion.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 8:31:08 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm friends with Alexis, I've hung out with her outside of the races and had dinner with her, driven her from track to hotel, etc. I know her (ex-)husband is a banned member here, and a talented man but a complete douche. I plan to see her again this Halloween weekend at the race in Vegas. I've spent time in her pits and she's had a shitshow of a year but her attitude is always positive. She does a good job of keeping the sport active. NHRA has a questionable future but it's people like Alexis that give me hope for its future. (my pics) https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/6FE16247-7EF3-4968-9960-D0BE97EF7463-1643006.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/B6176BB2-0FF4-492F-A80E-ACF2401D40EF-1643008.jpg |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:22:47 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: she has to be tough to be married to her present douche jesse. Ex like 2 years ago. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:40:20 PM EDT
[#10]
Nothing like it. I was fortunate to help out with a nostalgia fuel car some years ago (the Hemi Hunter, miss ya Dale). Old friends of my dad, who also helped tune the car. Being up there on the line for their runs was one of the most awesome things I've experienced.
Some pics of mine from nationals at Maple Grove.  Attached File Attached FileStart 'em early  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:47:24 PM EDT
[#11]
After being behind jet cars and a number of 4-5 second ET vehicles in the staging lanes that wanted to do a test and tune, I have much respect for their owners.
And their bank accounts. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:54:24 PM EDT
[#12]
First time I witnessed it I was almost brought to tears. I really underestimated it. It is truly epic. I wish I could experience that first time feeling again.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:56:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ex like 2 years ago. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: she has to be tough to be married to her present douche jesse. Ex like 2 years ago. She's still dealing with it. Hopefully it'll be done soon. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 1:58:51 PM EDT
[#14]
I've been going to the drags my whole life. I go every year to the NHRA event but I'm sort of ambivalent about modern top fuel. It's cool but it's almost too much like a spaceship and less a car.
Ive found more enjoyment going to the nostalgia drags. Less people, cars that are something I can see myself driving. And I can stand right next to them on the start line. And there's always enough nitro nostalgia cars to scratch that itch. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:19:20 PM EDT
[#15]
Went a few weeks ago on a invite from a friend. Never been in-person before. The display of power is amazing. I can't believe people were there right next to the start line like we were with no hearing protection. Takes balls to do that kind of racing.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:37:35 PM EDT
[#16]
Heck yeah!!!! I was there spectating as well. Our local top fuel driver, Kebin Kinsley, here in Dallas popped his chutes with authority.....lol
 NHRA asked Kebin to change his chutes. The NHRA asked that racers to use political signs that are a certain size. The racers were really going wild with Trump stuff at the start of the season. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:37:43 PM EDT
[#17]
The boats are awesome too
 Put 10,000 Horsepower In A Small Boat and This Is What Happens |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:40:40 PM EDT
[#18]
My Prius goes just as fast.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:44:01 PM EDT
[#19]
Use to go to the nat'l at speedway IN. Bother lived in trailer park next to it. Would get a pit pass and walk around the competitors. Love the smell of nitro fueled dragster. This was the 60's.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:47:08 PM EDT
[#20]
The video a few posts earlier of the first time nitro reactions is mine that I cobbled together....it reach 1 million views yesterday and I reached the 1k sub milestone without realy trying. Guess I'm a youtube nerd now!
Took my son and we did the Super Seats at the Motorplex... Here's the view for anyone considering next year...  Failed To Load Title |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 2:55:52 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: ...The racers were really going wild with Trump stuff at the start of the season. Oh they still are.  
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:02:50 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh they still are. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/59DE884D-4453-40D5-ACDB-067559F9F3BB-1643840.jpg Lol....yeah they are. A lot of cars had some sort of Trump stuff on. Bo Butner had his whole car billboarded with Trump at the start of the season. :^) |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:07:33 PM EDT
[#23]
Never seen blown fuel cars live, yet. Someone brought a NA nitro car to alcohol night locally, though. Can't even hear the blown alcohol car running beside it, idling or under throttle.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:11:15 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh they still are. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/59DE884D-4453-40D5-ACDB-067559F9F3BB-1643840.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: ...The racers were really going wild with Trump stuff at the start of the season. Oh they still are. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/59DE884D-4453-40D5-ACDB-067559F9F3BB-1643840.jpg https://www.dragzine.com/news/nhra-stirs-controversy-by-cracking-down-on-political-advertising/ |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:15:57 PM EDT
[#25]
A similar rush, albeit not as wild, is being close to a good unlimited modified tractor at a pull. 5 big block hemis chained together slinging dirt makes for a good substitute.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:17:09 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ex like 2 years ago. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: she has to be tough to be married to her present douche jesse. Ex like 2 years ago.  Attached File |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:17:09 PM EDT
[#27]
First time o went it was like
 You just have to be there to feel the Earth Shake from 10,000 HP |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:20:25 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: ...The racers were really going wild with Trump stuff at the start of the season. Oh they still are. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/146/59DE884D-4453-40D5-ACDB-067559F9F3BB-1643840.jpg https://www.dragzine.com/news/nhra-stirs-controversy-by-cracking-down-on-political-advertising/ Interesting. I took that pic 2 weeks before that article was written. Curious now how it will be in Vegas in 2 weeks. I'll take more pics if this thread is still active. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:21:50 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Standing on the starting line between two of them at the moment they launch is quite an experience. Yes it is 
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:23:10 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The video a few posts earlier of the first time nitro reactions is mine that I cobbled together....it reach 1 million views yesterday and I reached the 1k sub milestone without realy trying. Guess I'm a youtube nerd now! Took my son and we did the Super Seats at the Motorplex... Here's the view for anyone considering next year...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh-aqyylnxQFunny video, man, and congrats on Nerd status!! |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:28:05 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've wanted to witness a top fuel event of late, just because I'd like to hear that much HP. Folks say: Bring ear plugs. I'm guessing drivers of those things are deaf from being at ground zero all the time? I’ve carried on a normal conversation with John Force, didn’t seem any worse hearing than mine 
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:28:43 PM EDT
[#32]
 WORLD POWER WHEELSTANDERS! CRASHES! ROLLOVERS! 2020 WHEELSTANDING CHAMPIONSHIP! BYRON DRAGWAY! something a little different. world power wheel standing competition |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:35:29 PM EDT
[#33]
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Posted: 10/19/2020 3:54:40 PM EDT
[#34]
Things don't always go as planned . . .
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Posted: 10/19/2020 6:02:36 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh9CZjJta3osomething a little different. world power wheel standing competition That's just down the road from me. Have a friend that currently lives there and another that used to race his V-Rod there. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 6:17:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Were you there during Saturday qualifying? Sunday, they don't shut down. Holy crap, I just watched Alexis just about burn up in her funny car. Wow... Not on you tube yet that I can find... Here it is: fire Ah! Thanks for the explanation. Next year I go on Sunday! |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 6:19:22 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryBoat guys are nuckin futz |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 6:24:16 PM EDT
[#38]
I haven't been to a track yet, I need to see it before they're gone.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 6:30:25 PM EDT
[#39]
Weather should be great for Spring Nationals in Baytown this weekend.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:27:17 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's just down the road from me. Have a friend that currently lives there and another that used to race his V-Rod there. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:34:22 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never got into racing until I worked for Kalitta. Now, I watch when ever I can. Went to the races once in Jackson. Pretty cool, indeed. Same for me, I didn’t know much about it at all until I started there. Got to fly with Connie and Doug both a bunch, the old man’s got some great stories! And is pretty damn deaf. |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:38:25 PM EDT
[#42]
Not to mention the smell and sound.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:39:57 PM EDT
[#43]
I agree with the OP. I never took my children to see them. They've seen jet cars at a monster truck show, but never a top fuel or funny car dragster.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:43:55 PM EDT
[#44]
I can smell the nitro just thinking about it. And when the wind blows just right when they do their burn out and you get dusted with rubber. Watching the weather reports, praying for cool, dry weather so they get the best passes. Yeah, I love drag racing.
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:45:25 PM EDT
[#45]
I live about 35 min from the Gatornationals track.
Every chance I get to go I do. Especially if it is a cooler day in Florida. They are amazing to watch. A great sport where you can get up close and personal. Also very friendly crowds in the pits. Everyone should go at least once! |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:45:36 PM EDT
[#46]
Quoted: I went to Ennis, Texas today to watch some NHRA races, a first for me. The alcohol and gas dragsters were impressive, and one gal hit 200 on her motorcycle, but there's a reason the nitromethane cars draw the crowds. It's one thing to watch them on TV and see them top 300. It's quite another thing to feel them as they open the throttles and accelerate down the track. Hell, I thought belt-fed machine guns were loud. The sound pressure wave hits you and doesn't abate until the end of the run. Watching top fuel is something you should try if you get the chance. Bring plugs and muffs! |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:50:48 PM EDT
[#47]
I go to Bristol every year. I fuckin' love it!
       Top Fuel Explosion - Bristol NHRA |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 7:51:25 PM EDT
[#48]
Quoted: I went to Ennis, Texas today to watch some NHRA races, a first for me. The alcohol and gas dragsters were impressive, and one gal hit 200 on her motorcycle, but there's a reason the nitromethane cars draw the crowds. It's one thing to watch them on TV and see them top 300. It's quite another thing to feel them as they open the throttles and accelerate down the track. Hell, I thought belt-fed machine guns were loud. The sound pressure wave hits you and doesn't abate until the end of the run. Watching top fuel is something you should try if you get the chance. Bring plugs and muffs! Saw my first NHRA National in 1974 at National Trail Raceway. Saw the 1/4 mile speed record set at the same track decades later. The record still stands. A Top Fuel Hydro is pretty damn cool too.  Boat Drag Race - BREAKS Speed Record - Awesomeness |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 8:12:50 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I play golf with a former multi-time NHRA top fuel dragster champion. He's been retired for a while and set several top fuel dragster records in his day. He's not only hard of hearing, but almost blind. He retired because of nearly detached retinas due to the G-forces exerted on his body over the years. edit: spelling Joe Amato? @CoachMike |
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Posted: 10/19/2020 8:30:20 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryHaven't been in a few years but I love Thunder Valley. |
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