The announcement of NHRA nitro crew chief Rahn Tobler's retirement this week sent waves of nostalgia through the racing community. We don't think it's much of a stretch to say that those who know him, either personally or through his work, were immediately struck with a series of Tobler memories that made you want to pick up the phone and ask him to stay.
Tobler has been a fixture in NHRA drag racing for decades. Well-honed skills, patience, and unwavering determination set him on course to land in the history books as an iconic crew chief, and he retires with four championships and 70 national event wins to his name. More than that, though, Tobler is a fun, intricate, and interesting individual who has reminded us all that there is a time to be buckle down and be serious, but there's also a time to enjoy life.
Here, we've pulled together some of our favorite shots of Tobler through the years. Come with us as we look back at the career of one of the most well-known, respected, and successful tuners in the history of NHRA drag racing. Be sure to keep scrolling to see some true vintage gems from the Tobler photo archives.
For the past decade, Tobler has been an integral part of Don Schumacher Racing. "I’m very fortunate to have worked with so many successful team owners and wonderful people," Tobler said. "I think back on Shirley (Muldowney) and the success we've had, my time with the Kalitta's, and Cruz (Pedregon), but I’d have to say, the best part of my career has been these last 10 years at DSR."
Tobler and Capps have worked together since 2012. "Ron and I had an incredible run," Tobler said. "I’m just so proud of what we were able to accomplish; what a way to go out."
The Tobler-Capps combo produced a plethora of nitro Funny Car victories, and through their trials and tribulations, they formed a friendship that extended well beyond the racetrack. “[I'm] very happy that he’ll be able to go off and enjoy his retirement and spend time with his lovely wife, Ellen," said Capps. "He deserves it. He’s been involved in the sport of drag racing since his teenage years, so this chapter closes, and a new one opens for him.”
In all, there were 33 starting line celebrations for Tobler and the team as Capps crossed the finish line ahead of their final-round opponent, including this one in Bristol on Father's Day in 2018.
He was always a tough draw, but fellow crew chiefs and competitors have – more often than not – shown great respect for Tobler. Here he is on the starting line with Tim Wilkerson in 2019.
This photo is the tale of two legends. Tobler and John Force converse before making their respective passes in Seattle in 2011. With Tobler's tune-up (from 2012-2020), Capps and Force raced one another six times and were evenly split in final-round victories.
With another legend of drag racing, Kenny Bernstein, in 2003.
Kalitta Racing team owner and drag racing icon Connie Kalitta with Tobler in 2004. The association of these two gentlemen stretches back to the beginning, when they were both part of Shirley Muldowney's team. Kalitta originally hired Tobler in 1977.
Tobler with Donnie Couch in 2003. These two crossed paths many times over the years; both laid roots in the racing scene in the 1970s. Couch was 12 years old when he worked on Tom McEwen's car for the first time.
Ed 'The Ace' McCulloch and Tobler, shown in 2004, both contributed to large portions of driver Ron Capps continuously notable career. Ace was crew chief for Capps from the end of 1999 until mid-2010.
As patient and kind as he is focused and determined, Tobler has been a fan-favorite over the years.
Drivers are typically the face of a team, but Tobler's longstanding position in racing has had him in front of the camera many times.
Even after 70 national event victories, winning never got old for Tobler. Here he is after winning Seattle in 2018.
Driver and crew chief prepare to warm up the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge on raceday.
On Sunday morning in 2014 during pre-race ceremonies with DSR teammates Ryan Elliott and John Collins.
“Don Schumacher has given me so many unbelievable opportunities to be successful," said Tobler, shown here with Schumacher in 2017.
Tobler in the pit with fellow DSR crew chief Dickie Venables. In a sense, Tobler and Venables grew up together. "I never thought when I started in 1971 with Dick Venables Sr. working with a local Top Fuel team in Houston, Texas, that I’d still be doing this almost 50 years later," Tobler marveled.
Tobler was crew chief for Shirley Muldowney for two of her three championships, in 1980 and 1982. He joined her team in 1977 (the year of her first championship). The two were married from 1988 until 2006.
Muldowney in the pink dragster that garnered so much attention on the NHRA tour. This was shot the year Tobler joined the team, 1977.
The 1980 season started with a win at the Winternationals for Muldowney and crew chief Tobler. The driver in the other lane for that final? Connie Kalitta.
The 1980 NHRA World Finals took place at Ontario Motor Speedway in front of a gigantic crowd. Under Tobler's tune, Muldowney won the race to win the championship and become the first Top Fuel driver to earn two series titles.
Tobler mixing fuel for Muldowney's rail in 1981. They won Gainesville and Atlanta that year and finished No. 5 in the Top Fuel standings.
The 1982 season saw a return to splendor for Tobler with Muldowney's team. Their four victories equated to another NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series title and marked the first time a Top Fuel driver had claimed a trio of championships.
The No. 1 car at the 1983 World Finals, just before Muldowney and Tobler sealed the deal on the event win.
Tobler and the team in the winner's circle at the World Finals in 1983. It was their second-to-last win together – they would score one final victory as a team, at the Phoenix race in 1989.
An innocuous pair of photos from 1986, but seeing Tobler and Muldowney back at work after her horrific 1984 crash at Sanair Speedway near Montreal was impactful. It showed fortitude of spirit for both driver and crew chief.
Tobler on the starting line with Muldowney's Top Fueler during the "Last Pass" tour in 2003.
Tobler continued to wrench after Muldowney made the 2003 season her "Last Pass." The two are shown here at the top end in Las Vegas in 2004.
Tobler tuned Doug Kalitta's Top Fuel dragster from 2004 and into the beginning of the 2007 season. "I’m very fortunate to have worked with so many successful team owners and wonderful people," said Tobler.
Tobler jumped from Top Fuel to Funny Car when he joined Cruz Pedregon Racing as crew chief in the latter half of 2007. Together, they secured the 2008 NHRA Funny Car world championship in Tobler's first full season as a Funny Car crew chief.
Tobler is as serious as they come when it's time for business, but he could be cajoled into a grin between serious moments at the track.
“We’ve had a great run with Rahn, and while we are sorry to see him go, we understand and support his decision," said DSR team owner Don Schumacher. "He won a lot of races for DSR and NAPA over the years and was an integral part of our organization. He’s a true champion and leaves this sport as one of the most respected names in our industry. We wish him the best of luck as he embarks on a slower-paced lifestyle away from the dragstrip.”
A scene from the championship winner's circle in 2016 with Capps and the team. "Winning aside, what I’ve enjoyed the most and also what I’ll miss the most is the people," Tobler said. "I’ve made so many great friends along the way, but I’m especially going to miss my crew guys. They’ve become family."
With Capps after securing their long-awaited championship in 2016. "I’m heartbroken that our time racing together has come to an end," Capps of Tobler's retirement. "We’ve had such a great amount of fun, and became such great friends away from the race track. In the eight-plus years, the amount of races that we’ve won, and great moments we’ve spent together is just really incredible.
On stage with the team at the 2016 NHRA Award Ceremony.
There's no winner's circle like a Tobler winner's circle.
"Without a crew, a crew chief is nothing. If you don’t have that strong group behind you, you won’t be successful," Tobler stated.
The NAPA team celebrated their fifth win of the season at the 2017 event at Bristol Dragway. Ultimately, they would win eight times that season and just barely miss winning a second-consecutive championship.
John Collins spent five years as assistant crew chief to Tobler on the NAPA Funny Car, learning and growing into the role of crew chief, himself.
In 2014, Collins was promoted to crew chief of the DSR Funny Car entry driven by Tommy Johnson Jr. He moved into the new role with the blessing of a very proud Tobler.
The sudden passing of Eric Lane in 2020 hit Tobler in a very personal way. Lane, known affectionately by all at the racetrack as 'Hop Sing' or simply 'Hop,' had moved into the position of assistant crew chief for Tobler in 2014. The pair made quick time to the championship winner's circle to win the 2016 Funny Car championship.
R.I.P. Eric Lane
In Tobler's career, which spanned from 1971 to 2020, he prepared a variety of racecars for thousands of passes down the dragstrip.
Capps saw Tobler through the windshield many times over the course of their time together. "We set the national record within a first few races together at Englishtown in 2012, won the championship in 2016, and then to run that 339-mph pass in Reading in 2019 was awesome," Capps recalled. "There’ve just been so many great moments."
“I’m very fortunate to have worked in an industry that I’ve enjoyed every single day, but I’m now looking forward to this next chapter in life," expressed Tobler, shown here in the 2016 winner's circle at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown.
Rahn Tobler, thank you for your contributions – not only to the history of drag racing, but also to every individual you've positively influenced along the way. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
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Ed Moore relaxes prior to making a pass in The Mob, color him confident.
Alan Miller in the Pure Heaven AA/FA smokin those tires. Color him excited.
Ed Moore and Phil Miller bring the new Fiat bodied MOB to OCIR for some shake down runs. Color these guys Crazy!
Henry Harrison at the wheel of John Aleman's Sheepherder during a Fuel Altered event held in Irwindale.
Miller and Moore's 23-T, the MOB, Fuel Altered does a great burnout at Irwindale Raceway.
Davey, Nasty Benjamin, in his vicious T-bucket AA/FA waiting for the green light. Color him NASTY!
Probably one of the best known and running Fuel Altereds in the country. Dave and Lynn Hough took the Nanook and other Altered on tour back in the 60's and 70's. Color them Great People.
LOOK for a full blog coming soon, color, black and while, people and cars.
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NHRA National Dragster will use the pause in racing action to focus its content on the cars, parts, people, and technology that fuel the fastest motorsport on earth. Drag racing’s best articles will be distributed in a shareable format to NHRA Members, advertisers, racers, and fans through their computers, smartphones, and social media beginning with the April 10, 2020 issue. Each digital issue of National Dragster will offer a multimedia experience, with clickable links to videos, drivers, advertisers, and bonus content.
To view, click on the cover image or links below. The issue can be viewed in eBook format for a magazine-style experience or you can download a PDF for offline viewing.
Issue 6, April 2, 2020: Clay Millican interview; Ron Capps talks about iRacing experience; 10-second Mustang buildup; Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Sportsman coverage; "How I won the Gatornationals" with David Latino; March Meet coverage; Doorslammer Nationals coverage; Racing Technology: Camshafts
Cody Herron's FS/C Cobra Jet Mustang was built by his father, Darrel.
As per the norm, Stock Eliminator was jam-packed at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in 2019. Although a few of the regular players were missing, many more of the 159 super-cool Stockers probably looked at least a bit familiar.
If the stance of the guy standing behind Cody Herron's orange FS/C Cobra Jet Mustang on the starting line rang a bell, that's because it was his dad, Darrel Herron, who was also crew chief on Bo Butner's Pro Stock Chevy Camaro and Summit Racing-branded Factory Stock Showdown Cobra Jet.
Then 28 years old, the younger Herron was in his element on the dragstrip. He started racing with his dad 20 years ago. Back then, though, it was in a Jr. dragster. 'We started racing Juniors when I was 8 years old out at Ohio Valley Dragway, ' said New Albany, Ind., resident Herron. 'And we used to race here back then, when they would take the points leaders from so many tracks and let them run the Division 3 race.' photo by Kelly Wade
Even though Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis is a racetrack Herron considers home, the magic of Indy wasn't lost on the second-generation drag racer who was racing at the U.S. Nationals for the second time in his life.
'This is a big deal. It's The Big Go,' said Herron in 2019. 'There are a lot of guys who can't even get in; it's the fastest of the fast. These are the baddest cars in the nation, and the guys driving them have a lot of seat-time and knowledge. This is a really big event for us. If you could win one race and never win again, this would be it. I'd take that trade.
Herron saw three win lights at the 2019 U.S. Nationals before a .005-second foul start ended his weekend in the fourth round. It would be a safe bet to think that he'll be back.
Cody's parents, Ginger and Darrel.
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Richard Shute in 1973. I've had many personas during this crazy career, said Auto Imagery President and longtime drag racing photographer Shute. However, my favorite came after C.J. Pappy Hart asked me in the early 70s if I would be interested in being track photographer for OCIR. Of course I said yes, and my life changed right down to my name. I was shooting and supplying publications weekly with images, and I didn't like how 'photo by Richard Shute' sounded when spoken. It just sounded weird to me, so I changed my name to Rick. 'Photo by Rick Shute,' okay, that worked. I stopped shooting for publications and started Auto Imagery in March of '79, and then I went back to Richard. When I walk through the pits and my OCIR family is there, though, they still call me Rick. It always brings me back to a really great period of time in my career.
Kelly DeLuca, left, and Mary Langdon were two of the gals making ensuring dial-ins were recorded correctly and the OCIR clocks kept running.
OCIR's C.J. Pappy Hart changes the bulbs in the Christmas Tree with the help of his son Jerry. The discerning eye may recognize Bob 'Cookie' Cook in the foreground.
On any given weekend, regulars would watch the action from in front of the iconic OCIR tower. From left: Bill Middaugh of M&H Tire; Gary and Audie Christensen, who had a Hilborn Injected '58 Corvette they ran in Bracket 1; bracket racer T.C. Harrell; Gary Christensen's brother, Gene; and Riley Chappelle, another Bracket 1 competitor with his '66 Corvette.
Drag racing veteran Alan Miller has done it all. Driven an AA/FA? Check. Run a race? Check. Worked the starting line, been the starter, announced the race, managed the facility, managed the track? Go ahead and check all those boxes, too.
Bonnie and Clyde Miller (left), along with Gayle and Earl Sorenson, Glen Gailey, and the Sorenson's daughter Katie, exemplify the family atmosphere at OCIR. .
Orange County International Raceway (OCIR) starter Stan Swickey double checks a lane prior to the next racers making a pass.
Vicki and Sigi Mickschi met at Belmont High School in Los Angeles and were married in December of 1963, the same year their Plymouth Belvedere rolled off the assembly line. The couple raced the car they called 'Taurus' beginning in '67 at OCIR. They and their marriage are still going strong.
Miss Drag Scoop Cathy Murphy was more than a trophy girl; she was an outstanding goodwill ambassador for OCIR back in the day.
OCIR regulars Ronnie and Randy Marcum with their cousin, David.
OCIR regulars remember Jessica Hoffmeier as a bright, cheerful, and fun person on any given day at the racetrack.
Here's a classic shot of Mike and Karen English in their Atomic wagon. Some folks know that this is the same Mike English who went on to become an NHRA announcer - and Karen, well, she just went on.
Gordon Pye, Gordon worked staging and tech. and Judy DeLuca, Judy was a track mom of sorts at OCIR, but her role extended well beyond that. Judy ran the timing deck of the tower, and everyone knew that 'What Judy says, goes.'
A young fan gets a guest pass right into the cockpit of the Hawkeye Funny Car thanks to 'Hawkeye' Frank Harris, himself.
Fans perch on the wall above the AHRA logo on the wall at Orange County International Raceway.
Bracket racers Mark and Ginny Brownlee raced a front-motored econo dragster.
An unidentified couple display patriotism and the style of the time while keeping back behind OCIR security.
"Eric was a natural when it came to his riding and roping ability. He loved roping and made it seem so easy but don't get me wrong, he was a competitor. He strived to be at the top, a winner and he worked very hard at every practice session. He was a good listener and applied what he learned. He was also a prankster and even today I can get a good chuckle remembering some of the things he did or said. "- Jerold Camarillo
Eric explains some of the theory behind roping to Candida Benson. Candida was there to write a story on Eric about his roping days for National Dragster.
See the full story in National Dragster.
Champion bareback rider and team roper Ace Berry and Eric visiting and discussing old times.
Eric illustrating the correct way to hold the rope (for roping) for Candida Benson from National Dragster.
Eric warming up on the roping dummy before going to the arena.
Eric looks on as Courtney feeds a rescued baby bird that fell from its nest that Ashley is holding while papa John looks on.
Eric and John enjoy lunch at the House of Beef with Uncle Steve and cousin Butch.
This is Eric and Jerold probably discussing the rules of the bet.
Jerold thinks that this was a bet on how many steers Eric would miss. Jerold and Eric would always say, I bet you a hundred! So, one of them must have pulled the $100 and stabbed it with the knife, for show purposes;who knows? Those guys were always kidding around!
Coach Jerold stands in front of the roping simulator explaining the basics,
Eric and his friend Talya warming up horses before roping.
Eric heading another steer as Talya looks on.
The girls, Courtney and Ashley watching the action.
Riding Gonzo, Eric is looking for his position to throw the loop.
Got him!
Eric heading a steer as World Champion Team Roper and Coach, Jerold Camarillo comes in for the heels.
Hey guys, watch this.
Ashley, Courtney, John and Laurie looking in disbelief that Eric is a real cowboy.
John asked Eric, see if you can rope me. Silly question!
Eric aboard Gonzo, tightening the slack on John, good catch!
The girls, Laurie, Ashley and Courtney, deciding who's up next?
Laurie, John's wife getting in the action and learning the ropes.
Laurie Force has John just where she needs him.
Why settle for one, when you can get all three. Ashley, Courtney and Laurie Force
Eric caught the girls in one big loop! Ashley, Courtney and Laurie were good sports about it.
Eric and Talya having a quiet moment before the roundup.
Eric and Talya bringing up the cattle to the roping chutes.
Eric in his happy place.
John looks plum tuckered out after a day at the ranch.
Calling it a day at Camp Jerold! Eric Medlen, Candida Benson and Jerold Camarillo.
Cord McCoy, Champion Bull rider, and Eric Medlen swap rides for a photo shoot in Las Vegas. Eric appears just as comfortable on a Brahma as in his 10,000 HP Mustang.
Eric trades in his Mustang for a Brahma for a photo op.
As the sun sets on on this blog, take a minute to remember Eric, and go grab a dish of Ice Cream. You can never be sad eating ice cream.
Wave maker, Don Prieto, left, accepted the Founder's Award from noted driver, track official, racing magazine executive, Hall of Fame honcho and all-around good guy Harry Hibler.
Don Prieto thanks Harry Hibler and the selection committee for his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Don Prieto thanks Harry Hibler and the selection committee for his induction into the Hall of Fame.
One of the only highlights of the postponing of the Big Show Gatornationals for me, was my ability to attend Don Prieto's annual Taco Party in Torrance. This was the 30th year and it generally is done the Sunday following the March Meet. Therefore, I'm always in Gainesville. Don told me at the Garlits Hall of Fame banquet to come by and we did. I enjoyed visiting with long time friends. Thank you Don. photo courtesy of Dave Kommel.
When you put a group of older men together with race cars and Nitro, something amazing happens. It's like putting fresh blood in old bodies, kinda building RestBodes so to speak. Either way, tacos, cars and friends were great. photo courtesy of Dave Kommel.
Here is a shot of the newly restored of the Baney, Rapp, Lisa, Rossi car.. Owner/Builder is Frank Baney who also co-owns the Yeakel Bros TF Cackle car that "Goose" drove back in the day. photo courtesy of Dave Kommel.
Jay Carpenter's South Wind cackle car was there to entertain the crowd., photo courtesy of Dave Kommel.
Lots of folks looking on as they cackle the Surfers car. Owner/Builder is Bob Higgensen, with mucho help from Tom Jobe (RIP). photo courtesy of Dave Kommel.
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Former Texas Motorplex and John Force Racing PR maven Elon Werner, left, shares a laugh with Motorplex founder and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Billy Meyer and friends.
Ed and Barbara Rensi were on hand to help celebrate 2 Hall of Fame inductees, Lee Beard and Larry Minor. Ed was CEO of McDonald's USA Corp at the time of their sponsorship of Larry Minors racing operation.
Beauties and the Beast. A beaming Roy Hill reveled in his induction into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2020. Roy is definitely enjoying being with Jessica Read, right and Brenda Walls, left.
2020 inductee Billy Meyer, third from left, enjoyed a wealth of support from family and friends including, from left, son Adam and his wife Clair, wife Deborah, daughter Christy Johnson and her husband Barry.
Meeting of the minds. Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood, left, and Masters Entertainment boss Ted Jones shared stories about Roy Hill, whom the jointly introduced as one of the inductees into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Guests at the Rockingham Dragway table included, from left, Laura Earwood South, track owner and host Steve Earwood, Dave Densmore, Sue Smiley Height, Julie Soltis, and professional driving instructor and former U.S. Nationals Super Stock Champion Terry Earwood.
P.B. Candies, left, and his mother, Rita, widow of the late Paul Candies, attended the banquet in support of inductee Roy Hill.
Funny Car drag racers Bruce Larson and K.C. Spurlock were among the celebrities supporting the 2020 inductees into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Larson was himself inducted into the Hall in 2006. Jessica Read, Bruce Larson, K.C. Spurlock and Brenda Walls pose for a photo during the social hour prior to the banquet.
David Dobson, left, Producer at Masters Entertainment Group and former mainstay of NHRA's drag racing coverage on ESPN, shared a moment with Schumacher Racing executive and 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Mike Lewis, right. David Dobson along with Vicki and Mike Lewis sporting smiles.
Robert, Bones Balough welcomed the support of his granddaughters at his induction into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Fast Jack-Beckman, left, and Harry Hibler share a moment with Hall of Famer Ohio George - Montgomery during the 2020 banquet Montgomery attended in support of new inductee Robert Bones Balough, against whom he competed during drag racing's legendary Gasser Wars of the 1960s.
Rodney Garlits, right, addresses banquet guests on behalf of his grandfather, Big Daddy, Don Garlits, who missed the ceremony due to family issues. At left is first time master of ceremonies Joe Costello.
Native Californian Robert, Bones Balough, inducted into the class of 2020 by Fast Jack Beckman, still races today. He was a mainstay in the Gasser Wars, of the 1960s in a number of cars including the legendary Stone, Woods and Cook car, Woods and, Bones.
New inductee Don Enriquez was one of the dominant performers in Pro Comp when NHRA introduced the category in 1975. In fact, he won the very first Pro Comp title when he beat John Shoemaker in the final round of the 76 Winternationals at Pomona.
Former Founders Award winner Steve Earwood, owner of Rockingham Dragway, introduced Roy Hill as one of the newest inductees into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Roy Hill, who has soared to fame in a new career as the proprietor of Roy Hill's Drag Racing School, was a standout Pro Stock and Pro Modified driver and car owner during the heyday of the IHRA series. He still competes today in Stock and Super Stock.
Donny Couch, left, reminisces with former IHRA series champion, NHRA U.S. Nationals winner and Texas Motorplex owner Billy Meyer for whom he worked as a crewman in the 1980s and whom he inducted into the 2020 class of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Larry Minor, who drove Top Fuel dragsters in the 1980s and won NHRA series championships in Top Fuel and Funny Car as a car owner, the latter with Cruz Pedregon and the McDonalds Oldsmobile, was one of those inducted in the class of 2020. Among those attending in support of the California potato farmer and fellow inductee Lee Beard, was Ed Rensi, who in the 1990s was McDonald's president and CEO.
Sandra Mizell, wife of racer Stanley Mizell, accepted the Pat Garlits Memorial Award on behalf of Etta Glidden, a key member of the Glidden family racing team that won 10 NHRA Ori Stock championships in the 1970s and 1980s.
Wave maker, Don Prieto, left, accepted the Founders Award from noted driver, track official, racing magazine executive, Hall of Fame honcho and all-around good guy, Harry Hibler.
Billy Meyer, who was the Funny Car winner in the last event in which he participated before his 1987 retirement, shared his induction into the 2020 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame with wife Deborah, who was the inspiration for many of the innovations he incorporated into the construction of the Texas Motorplex in 1986.
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing's International Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated on Thursday of the Gatornationals. Back row: Founder's Award recipient Don Prieto, Billy Meyer, Lee Beard, and Sandra Mizell, who accepted the Patricia Garlits Memorial Award on behalf of Etta Glidden. Front row: Larry Minor, Don Enriquez, Robert "Bone" Balogh, and Roy Hill.
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When the postponed Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals reappear on the schedule, the entry list will have a spot reserved for Pro Stock's Kenny Delco.
For engine builder Frank Iaconio and Pro Stock driver Delco, a return to Gainesville is always special. It's where both earned their first career wins as Pro Stock drivers.
Delco, of East Setauket, New York, has been a fixture on the circuit for many years, and he won his first and, so far, only national event at Gainesville Raceway 30 years ago.
Kenny Delco, crew and friends are all smiles after beating Rickie Smith to take home the Pro Stock honors.
Deb Britsen, Miss Winston, looks on as legendary announcer Dave McClelland interviews Kenny Delco after his 1st Pro Stock win at the 1990 Gatornationals.
Mike Lewis interviews Kenny Delco about what it's like to win the Gators.
Along with Kenny winning that weekend, Darrel Gwynn won Top Fuel and Ed McCulloch won Funny Car. Joining them on the podium is Miss Winston, Deb Britsen.
We've always done well here and run fast, and we were hoping to win that day & but no, we didn't expect it, said Delco at the 2019 event. Of course you go to any race and want to win, but the truth is that I just like racing.
Delco beat Rickie Smith in the 1990 Gainesville Pro Stock final.
His first Pro Stock final round was in 1988 in Memphis, where he was runner-up to Tony Christian.
Along with Kenny winning that weekend, Darrel Gwynn won Top Fuel and Ed McCulloch won Funny Car. Joining them on the podium is Miss Winston, Deb Britsen.
Delco, whose crew chief is Jamie Yates , son of two-time Pro Stock champ Jim Yates , has a lot of years in the category. He also has a not-so-secret weapon in his veteran engine builder: Frank Iaconio.
Notably, Iaconio also earned the first win of his Pro Stock career at Gainesville Raceway. In 1978, he beat iconic driver Bob Glidden for the Gatornationals title. 10 more wins would follow in the ultra-competitive class before Iaconio would hang up his driving suit.
There is definitely meaning to it, coming to this race, said Iaconio, who raced in his first final round at the 1976 running of the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Wally Booth got the win that day. I remember our Gainesville win. It was only the second year Ray Allen and I raced. We built the car the year before and only went to a couple of races, and we were runner up at Indy, the second race on the car. We went to Pomona ,Winternationals, and back then Gainesville was the second race. We ran good and won the race. It was memorable. Hopefully, this is still a good track for us.
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In the Sportsman ranks at the 2019 NHRA Sonoma Nationals, then-Pro Stock points leader Bo Butner debuted in the Super Gas category driving a '63 Chevrolet Corvette roadster that he had recently acquired. As he did when he debuted in Super Street at the Columbus Sportsnationals in 2014, Butner won his very first attempt in the class.
I knew coming into this that the car was good. I'm very happy with it, said Butner following the event. But you ask yourself, do you keep racing it, or do you quit at one and done and have been perfect?
Butner, who joined a handful of drivers (seven, to be exact) to have claimed victory in six different categories, did not leave it at one-and-done. He raced Super Gas through the end of the season and made it to two more final rounds – one at the Bowling Green divisional and another at the Brainerd national.
Butner purchased the car from West Coast racer Aaron Kinard. It was the same equipment in which Kinard finished No. 2 in the nation in 2018. Here is a shot of Aaron's Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals from Phoenix 2017
One of my friends, Ron Erks, had this car back in 2000, and I think he won the world championship with it. Aaron Kinard kept it good and maybe even made it better, said the driver who is now a 27-time NHRA national event winner.
Butner defeated Linzi Meserve in the Sonoma final round, 9.949-second at 160.50 to 9.963, 158.76.
Really, I felt like we were very lucky this weekend, he said. But the guys helping me, like Kyle Seipel, Justin Lamb, Pete Biondo and all those guys and they're some of the world's best ever, and I have a lot of faith in them.
Randi Lyn Shipp, fiancŽe and seven-time Stock Eliminator winner, is doing her own math, and she's right there with them on what to dial. I feel very confident with all that help. It's a good feeling. They had it done right.
The Jim Butner Auto Group Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stocker was also on par in Sonoma. Butner qualified No. 4 and went to the semifinals, where he fell to Alex Laughlin.
"It's a lot of fun driving more than one car at a race, and believe it or not it keeps my mind off the other stuff. I always race better with two cars," said Butner, who has won in Pro Stock, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Street, and Super Gas.
At the beginning of the 2020 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Butner was already doubling down on his chances to win as he entered in Top Sportsman for the first time behind the wheel of Jack Hodge's Cobra Jet Mustang.
Look for Butner to race the full SAM Tech Factory Stock Showdown class in 2020 as well, once the NHRA season reignites.
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Coming down from Chester MD in Division 1, Alden Miller made it to Rd 3 where he lost to eventual runner up Anthony Bertozzi.
Despite leaving real hard, Vaughn Cauffield from Lake Placid FL failed to make the cut. Vaughn ended up number 33.
Al Kenny driving a Dan Page Top Dragster lost 1st round, Very unlike for the Kenny family.
Unfortunately for Marverick Palmatier, his Top Dragster was not able to qualify for the show. However it should be in contention for Best Appearing.
Arcadia FL's Richard Mills qualified number 30 in the Top Dragster presented by Vortech Superchargers category. Strong 200 mph entry.
Tony Positano, a strong Canadian entry qualified with a 6.47 at 211 mph. Tony failed to advance past 1st round.
William Brown's, Race Tech-Chevy Top Dragster ran 6.23 to capture the number 12 spot. However William was unable to make Rd 1
Mullis Race Cars Michael Kalin of Niagara Falls NY made it to Rd 3 where he redlighted against Les Feist .
Zach Sackman, Antron Brown crewman, entered Top Dragster at the Gators. However Zach lost in Rd 2 to Al Miller, Right lane, (0.001) 6.60 6.617 0.017, to Zach's (0.018) 6.14 6.161 0.021
Elite Race Cars Larry Strickland from Oxford FL powered his Chevy TD to number 17 spot. Not a good place when you have to run Anthony Bertozzi in Rd 1.
Wayne Landry showed No Fear putting his dragster in the number 10 spot with a fine 6.21 at 224 mph. Wane headed home to St. Bernard LA after a redlight in round 2.
Davis Custom Golf Carts sponsored Angela Travis made it to the semis where she lost to event winner Ross Laris.
Les Feist, past TD winner, took his number 7 qualifier to a semi final finsh. Les lost to Anthony Bertozzi.
Number 8 qualifier Steve Furr smokes the tires hard. Steve lost in round 3 when Travis came up with a triple zip light.
While some might say Anthony Bertozzi had a good weekend with 2 runnerup finishes, I doubt very much that Anthony was happy with it. Bertozzi has doubled up in the past I believe, and I think he was hoping to do it again.
The Top Dragster final was a stand-off between veteran racers Ross Laris, near lane, and Anthony Bertozzi. Laris launched first, .013 to .029, and put a 6.194 on the board that was just .004-second off his 6.19 dial. Bertozzi's 6.119 was too quick for his 6.13 target.
Top Dragster victor Ross Laris, of Raceland, La., reached the eighth final round of his career at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals and picked up his third national event win.
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International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductee, Roy Hill, speaks during the induction ceremony Thursday evening in Gainesville.
Slate Cummings and the Cumming boyz came over from Louisiana to run Super Stock in his 03 Cavalier. Slate redlighted in Rd 1 and stayed to cheer on the rest of the group.
Lucas Oil's Daniel Condon ran .84 under, however that was only good enough for number 27. Daniel's day came to an end in Rd 1
Eddie Longhany came down from Wade NC to run his 74 Duster in SS/KA. Eddie made it to Rd 3 where he lost to event winner David Latino.
Strong running Allen Wade ran his SS/CA 69 Camaro to a great .98 under good for number 7. Allen red-lighted in Rd 2.
Daniel Young, of Palm Harbor FL, took a break from classes to race his '96 Firebird. Daniel would get down to 7 cars before being defeated by race winner, David Latino.
The GT/JA entry of Charles Weber from Fewsburg NY is an absolutely clean looking 82 Camaro. It's a shame Charles went red in Rd 1
Former Pro Stock Driver, Drew Skillman, pilots his Factory Stock Ford Mustang during qualifying. Drew would start eliminations from the number nine spot.
James Caro of Houma LA shows whats underneath his '79 Volare with a high wheel stand during qualifying.
International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductee, Roy Hill, wrinkles the tires on the launch of his Ford Mustang during qualifying.
Anthony Bertozzi pops a wheelie during eliminations on Friday. Bertozzi would race all the way to the finals where he was defeated by event winner, David Latino.
Recently engaged Brittany Boltz launches her Pontiac in eliminations on Friday. She would stay in the hunt for the win all the way to the semi-finals where she was defeated by event winner David Latino.
Latino finalized his first national event double when veteran Sportsman racer Anthony Bertozzi went red by .005-second in the Super Stock final.
Super Stock and Stock winner Latino became the 27th driver in NHRA history to accomplish the feat of earning two trophies in one event.
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1984 Dodge Omni driven by Jay Cepelka came down from Virginia to run the Gators in hopes of bringing home a Wally, however it wasn't to be.
Long time champion Sherman Adcock Jr didn't get the weekend he was looking for after a breakout loss to Greg Slack in Rd 1.
Longmont CO's Tim Parker decided to get out of the cold and come play in Florida. However his day was cut short as a breakout by .003 against David Morris put him on the trailer in Rd 2
Very clean 69 Camero of Rudy Matthews carries the front end each and every pass. Unfortunately, Rudy lost on a double breakout in Rd 1 to Rich Price.
Previous Super Gas World Champ Jim Perry made it to Rd 4 before falling victim to eventual runner up Greg Slack.
John Taylor came ready to fight for the Super Gas win, however getting paired with Jonathan Anderson, the event winner, in Rd 1 was his downfall.
Gainesville resident Gene Quinn borrowed his daughter Lauren's 74 Vega and went right on through to the Semis.
Judi Nuest looks on as Dwight Nuest leaves the line on a Friday time trial. Dwight and Johnny Labbous had identical 9.906 ETs, however Johns better light gave him the win.
Division 2 Champion John Labbous got by Rd 1 with a win, however simi finalist Matt Tankersley took him out in Rd 2
Some crazy graphics on Rich Pica's 84 Corvette. Rich lost in the early rounds.
I've got a thing for 77 Vega Wagons. I've always thought a twin turbo SBC street machine would be great. Ron Orbin has a nice example he brought down from New Jersey. Ron went out in Rd 3
Nearby Naples Fl racer Tommy Turner brought his 63 Corvette to Gainesville to compete in Super Gas. Tommy is a multi event winner in a couple of classes.
Larry Roedel's '27-T Ford is a looker. A breakout pass in Rd 3 sent him home though.
Ford Fairlanes make way cool race cars, be it Stock, Super Stock or Super Gas. Robbie Welch has a very clean example of one running Super Gas.
Randy Shipp's 60 Corvette is a prime example of simplistic excellence. Randy is from Whiteland IN and his car would be as much at home in a car show as on a drag strip.
North Carolina's Johnny Cobb's 27 Ford hikes up the wheels during a time trial.
Matt Tankersley's Super Gas GTO is just as beautiful as his gold Super Comp one. Matt made to the finals where he lost to Jonathan Anderson.
Ohio Crankshaft sponsored Rusty Cook in his 99 Corvette where he lost to his good friend Jim Perry.
The 92 Beretta of Wayne Kelley ran it out in Rd 2 losing to Jim Morrison on a breakout.
John Sikish made to the Quarter Finals where he fell to Jonathan Anderson
Here is another shot of Gene Quinn in the 74 Vega. Gene is a past Super Gas winner in his Corvette at Atlanta a few years back.
The Super Gas final pitted Jonathan Anderson, near lane, against Greg Slack. The two were just .002-second apart as they launched, and when Slack took too much of the finish-line stripe, Anderson snagged the win, 9.910 on the 9.90 to a 9.884.
He wasn't exactly a newbie, but Jonathan Anderson had only been in his '63 Corvette roadster a week before winning the Super Gas title at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. Quick adaptation to his new ride called for a hearty winner's circle celebration.
Arkansas racer Bob Fuller ventured out to Florida only to fall victim to young Dylan Hough from Junction City OR. Bob ran too quick in Rd 2.
David Markle brought the Markle Racing Super Comp car down from Division 1. David did not have the weekend he was looking for.
Last years Super Comp winner Hollis Laris returned to defend his title, only to be turned back in the early rounds.
Chuck Trotter from MacClenny FL, brought his 88 Thunderbird to compete in Super Comp. We had a large selection of full bodied cars this year.
Jeg's sponsored Makenna Brown had her dragster dialed in, running an 8.90 with a 6 to take out Dave Long in Rd 2
Heavy hitter Lauren Freer from Moorseville NC. made it to Rd 4 before losing to event winner Ray Miller III
Dylan Hough ventured down to Gainesville with mom Mindy and dad Bryan. While the Alcohol Cars were postponed, Dylan got to race. Eventual runner up Ken Moses took Dylan out in the Semis.
James and Kathy Woeber paired off together during time trials. Better there than eliminations, unless it's the final.
Dave Dahlem, out of Tremont IL, broke out second round giving the win to Alison Prose.
Multi National event winner John Labbous smokes the hides during time trials.
In what looks like a street car, Joseph Tankersley's GTO carries the front wheels each and every launch. Tankersley lost in Rd 2 to Nichole Stephenson.
Charlie Stewart had to have what was arguably one of the best looking 1958 Corvettes we've seen. Unfortunately it was a long ride back to Texas after a Round 1 loss.
Scot Lamar from hereby Hawthorne FL. did not cut the light he needed to take out David Morris in Rd 1.
Jason Kenny had an off day in round 1 with an unusual redlight.
The Cumming family showed up in mass, to compete in sportsman racing here at Gainesville, Here is Cole Cummings during a time trial.
Michelle Furr from Galax VA came to win, however a breakout in Rd 1 put her on the trailer.
In what was to be his Pro Stock debut, Troy Coughlin Jr had to settle for semi final finish in Super Comp.
Jason Bator takes a breather prior to Rd 1 in Super Comp.
Kathy Woeber in her beautiful Wild Fire dragster got by Rd 1 only to have her weekend spoiled by Dick Morris in Rd 2
Kenneth Moses took on most comers and came out on top. Until he got to the final and Ray Miller III just had a package that Kenneth couldn't beat.
Reigning Super Comp world champion Ray Miller III, near lane, was .007 at the tree and 8.905 on the 8.90 index to defeat Ken Moses, who was a respectable .029 with an 8.927. Miller got the jump after a little bit of a staging duel and put together a .012 package that was right in line with his previous stellar performances of the day.
Millers lined up to run, Ray Miller Jr in front and Ray Miller III behind him. And Ray Miller Sr. on the side lines cheering them on.
Ray Miller III won his eighth national event trophy at the Sportsman-only version of the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. It was his third victory in the Super Comp category.
The '57 Bel Air's of Chad Morrison (left) and Freddy Perkins (right) qualify on Thursday at the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals. Morrison qualified 10th and Perkins qualified 13th going into eliminations.
Tyrone Graham of Sheeills Ford NC wrinkles the tires of his '92 Trans Am during qualifying of the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Curt Fredrich, of Burlington WI, 'qualifies his '68 Camaro during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Greg Lair, of Canyon TX, secures the number 12 qualifying spot during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Dylan Stott of Columbus, NC would qualify 18th at the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals. Stott was a no-show in Round 1 to give Tommy Turner the freebie into Round 2.
Cory Teaster, of Cleveland NC, burns out his '67 Corvette during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Vonnie Mills smokes into the number 3 qualifying spot during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Al Davidowski of Columbus NJ, qualifies his 2010 GXP into the 15th spot during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Jeff Brooks rockets his Kaiser '51 Henry J to the Number 2 position in qualifying for the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Jackie Robison does a long smoky burnout during qualifying at the 51st Amalie Annual Gatornationals. Robison would end up 7th on the ladder going into eliminations on Friday.
David Tatum III, qualifier number 22, takes his FireAde Chevrolet to the semi-finals in the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
David Miller puts his Chevrolet S-10 into the 11th qualifying spot during the 51st Annual Amalie Gatornationals.
Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers No. 1 qualifier Sandy Wilkins, near lane, nabbed the starting-line advantage in the final, defeating Ron Riegel by .0219-second for the trophy.
Sandy Wilkins celebrates his fourth Top Sportsman national event win with his family at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals.
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Randi Lyn Shipp, a seven-time NHRA national event winner in the Stock Eliminator category, was at the 2020 'Sportsman-only' NHRA Gatornationals with her family, including father Randy (shown) and brother Joey. Both her father and brother were racing in Super Gas at the event.
Four-time national event titlist Tex Miller's classic E/SA '72 Mustang looked oh-so-sweet with wheels up in the first round of Stock Eliminator. The Pennsylvania-based Division 1 racer was almost .93-second under the E/SA index in qualifying but just missed victory in a heads-up first round meeting with George Warren.
Charlotte's 2012 NHRA Nationals Super Comp winner Scot Lamar was darn-near perfect at the Tree in Gainesville behind the wheel of his B/SA '95 Camaro, but his .004-second reaction time was nullified by a breakout 10.786 on a 10.87 dial.
Jimmy Hidalgo came from Donaldsonville, La., hoping for a repeat of his first national event win, which came in Stock Eliminator at the 2002 Gatornationals. His hope for a return to the Gainesville winner's circle in his G/SA '01 Corvette were dashed early, but The Country Dog will surely be back for more before too long.
Scott Gove made the trek from Dennysville, Me., with his AA/SA '69 Camaro and reached the second round. We hear he might be working on bringing back his old record-holding '71 Plymouth 340 Duster. Stay tuned; she's sure a beaut!
Randi Lyn Shipp with wheels up in her sleek D/SA '67 Pontiac Firebird. Miss Shipp was hoping to defend the title she earned at the Gatornationals last year, when she doubled-up with fiancee Bo Butner (he won Pro Stock), but she'll have to set her sights on the next national event.
John Gray's AA/SA '69 Camaro can't be missed, particularly as it leaves the starting line in fine form. Gray, of Hudson, Mass., was runner-up at the 2002 Gatornationals.
Can we get an 'amen' for this bad-to-the-bone Ruff n' Ready J/SA '66 Malibu Chevy wagon? Shane Oakes, who picked up his first Stock Eliminator trophy in 2018 at Maple Grove Raceway, was in the mix in Gainesville.
Jim Marshall gives a quick peek at the undercarriage on the launch in his I/SA '77 Nova. Marshall, of Indian Land, S.C., was nice and quick in Gainesville as the No. 3 qualifier.
David Latino, of Donaldsonville, La., locked in the first half of a double-up at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals with a Stock Eliminator triumph over Frank Aragona Jr. Latino, near lane, wheeled his C/SA '00 Corvette to the automatic win after Aragon fouled by .023-second in his A/SA '69 Camaro.
The 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals were an abbreviated affair as restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, known commonly as the "Corona Virus," went into place the very day that Sportsman racers began competing. NHRA moved swiftly to change the structure of the event, delaying the Pro and some Sportsman classes while those who had already begun racing were allowed to finish. After David Latino doubled at the restructured two-day race, he and his group of jesting cohorts demonstrated necessary precautions in the winner's circle.
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The words to a Jimmy Buffet song goes something like this, I took off for a weekend last month, just to try and recall the whole year. Well that was me 2 weeks ago, however I was trying to recall the last 41 years. See, Auto Imagery was born at the March Meet on March 2nd 1979, and to steal another line from a song, What a long, strange trip it's been. Thank you Grateful Dead.
So I needed to return to my roots, regenerate so to speak. Try and remember the fire in me that wanted Drag Racing in my life.
So I packed up some clothes, a toothbrush and a sleeping bag and headed to McFarland CA, home of the infamous March Meet. No assignment, no bosses, no itinerary. Just hang with the spectators, enjoy some adult beverages and see what happens.
Great crowds show up for the March Meet. These are diehard fans. While not a Big Show crowd by any means, however they bring Big Show passion.
Home for a week, they decorate and style their campsites to fit their passions.
As another musical group once sang. It's a family affair. The kids, the grand parents, the strollers and the rest. All there because the love drag racing.
Lil Nate Fuel Altered driven by Nate Bugg. A second generation drag racer following after Big Nate. I've photographed the Bugg family for over 40 years.
Here is Lil Nate's dad, running the original Bugsy Fiat Altered at OCIR in 1978. I told you I had been photographing them for awhile.
Rodney Flournoy now drives an AA/FA. Godzilla is its name and it is a beast. Long Live Fuel Altereds. and if you are looking for a license plate frame that says just that. Contact Dave Kommel.
1979 Rodney Flournoy tried his hand at running a wheelstander. Maybe not intentionally, however the result was the same.
Bonfires and socializing, that's it in a nutshell. Common people with a common passion. Drag Racing.
Long time friends Kami and Tom Priest, on the right, are regulars at both the March Meet and CHRR in the Fall. Red Solo Cup, I fill you up. There's those songs again.
They pack up the kids, the dogs, their flags and their booze and head to The Patch, as it's fondly called. They come from England, Martin and Judy, from Europe, Canada and all points in the US. It's like a migration of sorts. The March Meet. Almost as old as drag racing. And they PARTY!!!
Jim Holtz now a days pilots a AA/FA aptly named Troublemaker. Jim has driven many different cars over the years, however I suspect this is a handful.
Orange County International Raceways own Jim Holtz driving his Rat-ical Roadster in Bracket 1. He has come a long way since this 1973 photo. Note the shoe polish lettering job.
Barb BQ brisket cooked out in the open. The smell alone is enough to get that wallet open
Kettle Corn, a staple at these kind of events. Soul food of sorts.
Food and flavors from across the world. Have some chow mein , Oh, but you must get some spring rolls.
The isle down through the car show and display can get pretty crowded. Don't be in a hurry, stop and smell the Nitro.
Does drag racing get any better than this? Altered vs. Dragster, puffy white clouds, our flag blowing in the breeze. How can you not re-energize the soul when you see this. Far Lane Jeff Follin in the Altered, NE3 over Lindsay Lister in Rd 1
Ryan Hodgson defeated Billy Morris in Rd 2 of Nostalgia Funny Car. Billy Morris qualified the Problem Child FC with a fine 5.55 to grab the number 2 position. Iconic racing scene right there.
Some really cool rat rods come up here to display over on the car show side.
Matt Bynum, a car chief on Alexis's Big Show Funny Car, drove the Matthews Nostalgia Funny Car to the winners circle this year. Matt running career best numbers. Congratulations Matt .
A life long dream, A Bucket List item. Needs versus wants. Ron Capps got his wish. Since childhood, when Betty and John would take their sons to Bakersfield, Ron has wanted to take home a March Meet trophy. This year, driving the Good Times Fuel Altered, it happened. Congratulations Ron Capps.
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2011-01156Joseph Arrowsmith, from Ham Lake MN, drove his 2006 GTO to the #1 qualifying position with a .742 under the index run. Joseph fell to eventual winner Brad Plourd in Rd 3
Joseph Arrowsmith, from Ham Lake MN, drove his 2006 GTO to the #1 qualifying position with a .742 under the index run. Joseph fell to eventual winner Brad Plourd in Rd 3.
2011-01456Georgia's Van Puckett qualified his F/AA 2005 Cavalier in the #6 position, however Van lost in Rd 1 to Jimmy Daniels
Georgia's Van Puckett qualified his F/AA 2005 Cavalier in the #6 position, however Van lost in Rd 1 to Jimmy Daniels.
2011-01528Number 15 qualifier Greg Kamplain ran .577 under the C/DA index, however could only run a .48 under in a loss to John Frech's 4 cyl Pontiac in Round 2
Number 15 qualifier Greg Kamplain ran .577 under the C/DA index, however could only run a .48 under in a loss to John Frech's 4 cyl Pontiac in Round 2.
2011-01557Erica Enders took the Sharp Racing G/A to the #2 qualifying spot. unfortunately
lost to Greg Kamplain in round 1.
Erica Enders took the Sharp Racing G/A to the #2 qualifying spot. unfortunately lost to Greg Kamplain in round 1.
2011-02584C/ED standout Jim Kimbrough from Pace Fl took the number 3 spot in qualifying. It is a beautiful car.
C/ED standout Jim Kimbrough from Pace Fl. took the number 3 spot in qualifying. It is a beautiful car.
2011-03270Jimmy Daniels, in his vintage Hemi-powered '68 Dodge Dart decided to run Comp in Gainesville. Daniels , who generally competes in the Hemi Challenge in Indy,is unbeaten in the special event since his debut in 2016 and now has an unblemished 19-0 record in elimination rounds.
Jimmy Daniels, in his vintage Hemi-powered '68 Dodge Dart decided to run Comp in Gainesville. Daniels, who generally competes in the Hemi Challenge in Indy, is unbeaten in the special event since his debut in 2016 and now has an unblemished 19-0 record in elimination rounds.
2011-03886Jacksonville's Richard Mace was doing some great wheelstands in his 05 Pontiac Grand Am, however he was not able to turn on a win light in Rd 1.
Jacksonville's Richard Mace was doing some great wheelstands in his 05 Pontiac Grand Am, however he was not able to turn on a win light in Rd 1.
2011-04081Holy Pond, Ala., resident Brad Plourd returned to the winner's circle in the wild little AA/AM
roadster at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. Plourd chased down Wes Leopold Jr.'s
A/SMA '05 Stratus to score his second Comp Eliminator win and 21st overall at the national
event level.
Holy Pond, Ala., resident Brad Plourd returned to the winner circle in the wild little AA/AM roadster at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. Plourd chased down Wes Leopold Jr. A/SMA 05 Stratus to score his second Comp Eliminator win and 21st overall at the national event level.
2011-04363Brad Plourd&#39;s first Comp win was in the Harry Schwartz-owened AA/AM roadster in 2017 at the<br/> U.S. Nationals. He hoisted the trophy with his team again at the 2020 Gatornationals, including wife Katie and parents Bernie and Ronna.
Brad Plourd's first Comp win was in the Harry Schwartz-owned AA/AM roadster in 2017 at the U.S. Nationals. He hoisted the trophy with his team again at the 2020 Gatornationals, including wife Katie and parents Bernie and Ronna.
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David Latino, of Donaldsonville, La., locked in the first half of a double-up at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals with a Stock Eliminator triumph over Frank Aragona Jr. Latino, near lane, wheeled his C/SA '00 Corvette to the automatic win after Aragon fouled by .023-second in his A/SA '69 Camaro.
Latino's driving was certainly up to par over the course of the weekend, but his quest for the Stock Eliminator trophy came with a handful of luck. Four of his opponents illuminated the red light, and Latino took a bye run into the semis. There, though, he needed every ounce of skill as he narrowly defeated seasoned competitor Britt Cummings. The .0098-second margin of victory in the semifinals allowed Latino to advance to the seventh national event final of his career.
Latino finalized his first national event double when veteran Sportsman racer Anthony Bertozzi went red by .005-second in the Super Stock final.
Super Stock and Stock winner Latino became the 27th driver in NHRA history to accomplish the feat of earning two trophies in one event.
Latino celebrated big in the winner's circle after earning the 41st double in NHRA national event history at this year's rendition of the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. There he claimed both his third (Stock) and fourth (Super Stock) Wally trophies.
Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers No. 1 qualifier Sandy Wilkins, near lane, nabbed the starting-line advantage in the final, defeating Ron Riegel by .0219-second for the trophy
Sandy Wilkins celebrates his fourth Top Sportsman national event win with his family at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals.
Wilkins was quick in his Top Sportsman '69 Camaro and raced to a 6.436-second pass at 214.25 mph in qualifying, and throughout eliminations he was cool-headed at the starting line. After a bye run in the opening act, he was .006, .011, and .016 at the tree to best his opponents en route to the final.
Reigning Super Comp world champion Ray Miller III, near lane, was .007 at the tree and 8.905 on the 8.90 index to defeat Ken Moses, who was a respectable .029 with an 8.927. Miller got the jump after a little bit of a staging duel and put together a .012 package that was right in line with his previous stellar performances of the day.
Ray Miller III won his eighth national event trophy at the Sportsman-only version of the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. It was his third victory in the Super Comp category.
Super Comp winner Ray Miller III, who hails from Spring City, Tenn., was particularly on his game in Gainesville; he was a perfect triple-zero at the starting line in the quarterfinals before clocking a .007 in the semis.
The Top Dragster final was a stand-off between veteran racers Ross Laris, near lane, and Anthony Bertozzi. Laris launched first, .013 to .029, and put a 6.194 on the board that was just .004-second off his 6.19 dial. Bertozzi's 6.119 was too quick for his 6.13 target.
Top Dragster victor Ross Laris, of Raceland, La., reached the eighth final round of his career at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals and picked up his third national event win.
Ross Laris finally got a spot of revenge over Anthony Bertozzi when he won the Top Dragster trophy in Gainesville. Bertozzi was the guy who put Laris on the trailer in his very first final – at the Dallas national event in 2002 in Super Comp.
Holy Pond, Ala., resident Brad Plourd returned to the winner's circle in the wild little AA/AM roadster at the Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. Plourd chased down Wes Leopold Jr.'s A/SMA '05 Stratus to score his second Comp Eliminator win and 21st overall at the national event level.
Brad Plourd's first Comp win was in the Harry Schwartz-owened AA/AM roadster in 2017 at the U.S. Nationals. He hoisted the trophy with his team again at the 2020 Gatornationals, including wife Katie and parents Bernie and Ronna.
The Gainesville money round was the 33rd career final for Brad Plourd, who owns NHRA national event trophies in Stock, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Comp Eliminator.
He wasn't exactly a newbie, but Jonathan Anderson had only been in his '63 Corvette roadster a week before winning the Super Gas title at the 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals. Quick adaptation to his new ride called for a hearty winner's circle celebration.
The Super Gas final pitted Jonathan Anderson, near lane, against Greg Slack. The two were just .002-second apart as they launched, and when Slack took too much of the finish-line stripe, Anderson snagged the win, 9.910 on the 9.90 to a 9.884.
Williamson, Ga., resident Jonathan Anderson picked up his fifth national event Wally at this year's Gatornationals in his sixth career final round. It was his first win in the Super Gas category; each of his previous victories were in Super Comp.
The 51st annual Amalie Motor Oils NHRA Gatornationals were an abbreviated affair as restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, known commonly as the "Corona Virus," went into place the very day that Sportsman racers began competing. NHRA moved swiftly to change the structure of the event, delaying the Pro and some Sportsman classes while those who had already begun racing were allowed to finish. After David Latino doubled at the restructured two-day race, he and his group of jesting cohorts demonstrated necessary precautions in the winner's circle.
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing's International Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated on Thursday of the Gatornationals. Back row: Founder's Award recipient Don Prieto, Billy Meyer, Lee Beard, and Sandra Mizell, who accepted the Patricia Garlits Memorial Award on behalf of Etta Glidden. Front row: Larry Minor, Don Enriquez, Robert "Bones" Balogh, and Roy Hill.
LOOK at Drag Racing, the premier drag racing photo blog presented by Auto Imagery, will soon return. We're hard at work building a website that you'll want to return to again and again for all kinds of cool content, including our NOS Looking Back series with galleries from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. You're about to discover never-before-seen photos of everything from Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars to Pro Stockers and bracket cars.
Bookmark this page. After the relaunch of LOOK at Drag Racing, you'll want to check back often. We promise.
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