1911-12342Randi 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.

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.
 

2011-00017Four-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.

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.
 

2011-00064Charlotte'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.

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. 
 

2011-00073Jimmy 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.

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.
 

2011-00857Scott 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!

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!
 

2011-01652Randi 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 fiancŽ Bo Butner (he won Pro Stock), but she'll have to set her sights on the next national event.

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.

2011-01960John 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.

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.
 

2011-01964Can 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.

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.
 

2011-02911Jim 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.

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.
 

2011-03403David 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.

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.
 

2011-04343The 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 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.
 

imagejpeg_0 (2)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.

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.

imagejpeg_0 (3)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 needed to return to my roots, regenerate so to speak. Try and remember the fire in me that wanted Drag Racing in my life.
 

imagejpeg_0So 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.

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.
 

2010-00847Great 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.

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.
 

2010-00292fbHome for a week, they decorate and style their campsites to fit their passions.

Home for a week, they decorate and style their campsites to fit their passions.

2010-00838As 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.

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.
 

2010-00459fbLil 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.

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.
8014-2-02fbHere is Lil Nate's dad, running the orginal Bugsy Fiat Altered at OCIR in 1978. I told you I had been photographing them for awhile.

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.
 

2010-00429fbRodney 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 say just that. Contact Dave Kommel.

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.
 

7910-02-181979 Rodney Flournoy tried his hand at running a wheelstander. Maybe not intentionally, however the result was the same.

1979 Rodney Flournoy tried his hand at running a wheelstander. Maybe not intentionally, however the result was the same.

2010-00217fbBonfires and socializing, that's it in a nutshell. Common people with a common passion. Drag Racing.

Bonfires and socializing, that's it in a nutshell. Common people with a common passion. Drag Racing.
 

2010-00281Long 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 up up. There's those songs again.

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.
 

2010-00258fbThey 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!!!

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!!!

2010-00526Jim 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.

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.
 

1974-38-33fbOrange 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.

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.
 

2010-00752Barb BQ brisket cooked out in the open. The smell alone is enough to get that wallet open.

Barb BQ brisket cooked out in the open. The smell alone is enough to get that wallet open
 

2010-00785Kettle Corn, a staple at these kind of events. Soul food of sorts.

Kettle Corn, a staple at these kind of events. Soul food of sorts.
 

2010-00841Food and flavors from across the world. Have some chow mein , Oh, but you must get some spring rolls.

Food and flavors from across the world. Have some chow mein , Oh, but you must get some spring rolls.
 

2010-00855The isle down through the car show and display can get pretty crowded. Don't be in a hurry, stop and smell the Nitro.

The isle down through the car show and display can get pretty crowded. Don't be in a hurry, stop and smell the Nitro.
 

2010-00756Does 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

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
 

2010-00915Ryan 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.

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.
 

2010-01113Some really cool rat rods come up here to display over on the car show side.

Some really cool rat rods come up here to display over on the car show side.
 

2010-00019Matt 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 .

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 .
 

2010-00434fbA 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.

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.
 

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&amp;#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.