2008 Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals

Photography from my weekend spent at the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals held at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona on February 22-24, 2008. I normally attend this race with Roy and Dave. Dave had to bow out this weekend due to family and work committments, so Roy came and brought some of his family and friends. I also brought my niece on one of the days (that was a great time).

NOTE: These photos are 2 to 2.5 megs in size each. You may also view video that I posted at YouTube.

On Friday, I sat mostly alone for about six hours and watched it rain until the very end when they called the race like the die-hard moron that I am. You want pictures? Then look out your window next time it rains.

On Saturday, I brought my niece Jessica to the race. She wasn't sure about it at first (being that she is not into drag racing), but she was willing to give it a go. I was excited about this because I have fun doing things with her and wanted to share one of my favorite experiences - a day at the races. Our exclusive track access helped as well. I got a few shots of Jess sitting near the starting line here, here and here. This is where team members, owners, sponsors and other related race management hang out. Here's the view behind us, which is the staging lanes for the cars. Here's another view of the starting line from the VIP stand. I managed to get Jess on the starting line. We stood behind Robert Hight when he launched. You can see her here and here. Look at that crowd behind her - wow! Jess also got the right leg of her pants signed by John Force and four of the San Fran Giants ball players signed her left leg. Most importantly, we saw the Monster Energy Drink funny car driven by Tommy Johnson, Jr. that Jess and I thought looked pretty wicked. We had a really great time and I can't wait for us to hit another race. Some of my other friends came and they had a great time as well. They got on the starting line too, so that was cool.

On Sunday, I came back with a few friends and this is when I took the majority of my pictures. I won't provide narrative for most and will just leave you to the list below. There's also some vids that I posted to YouTube.

Doug Kalitta v Tony Schumacher, pre-start in front of the waterbox. Zoom in and you can spot Connie Kalitta strolling near the nose of the red Mac Tools rail and Alan Johnson working his magic to the right of Tony's cockpit.

Wide shot of Doug Kalitta v Tony Schumacher, shot from some seats in the reserved section, east side. Here's a shot of Tony backing up and Tony settling behind the beams. Then I got a tight shot of Doug setting up and then a snap of the launch.

Brandon Bernstein backing up here and also here.

Tommy Johnson, Jr. burning out. Also a nice series of him backing up here, here and here. Then here's Tommy getting set up. A close eye will spot Kenny Bernstein standing directly behind the tailfin, looking over to the right.

John Force hoppin' on his scooter to head down to the top end. I'm loving the fat championship ring graphic on the center of the handlebars. I also caught Ashely Force hanging in the VIP stand near the start line from the roof. While up there, I also caught John Force again a few more times here (note Connie Kalitta behind him) and here. That last one is my favorite, of John surveying the track while the sun is reflecting off the burnout area, exposing every groove and making it look like the surface of an old vinyl LP record.

No clue who these guys are but got some tight staging lane and burnout shots here, here and here.

Tight shot of Jason Line in the staging lane. Also, one of his boys airing out his car after he burned out.

"Fast Jack" Beckman getting outfitted in the staging lane.

Here's a guy from Schumacher's team checking the track conditions. I missed a shot where he also pulled out a meter and seemed to be checking the depth or composition of the surface. Fascinating stuff. I'd love to learn more about the science of what he was testing and measuring. You know your team means to win when they got a dude who measures the track thickness and temperature.

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this page last updated 2.26.08