NHRA Arizona Nationals Dominates Firebird Motorsports Park
The NHRA Arizona Nationals arrive at Firebird Motorsports Park this weekend. The event marks the NHRA’s 75th anniversary.
Origins and growth of the NHRA
Wally Parks founded the National Hot Rod Association in 1951. He had earlier helped organize the Southern California Timing Association in 1937.
The SCTA’s first Speed Week ran in 1949. That event shifted focus toward quicker acceleration over top speed.
As NHRA president, Parks implemented safety rules and standards. Today the organization lists about 50,000 members.
More than 35,000 licensed competitors race in NHRA events nationwide.
Local contenders and recent results
Scottsdale native Matt Hartford won the Gainesville Nationals last weekend. He returns to Arizona as the points leader.
Hartford aims for his first victory at his home track. More than 200 friends and family plan to attend.
His wife, Amber, will be in the pit supporting him.
Track food and fan experience
Food vendors and trucks will operate throughout the weekend. Offerings include loaded fries, nachos, quesadillas, and tacos.
Dylan Winefsky, a Surprise native making his third career start, sampled track food during media coverage. Drivers stress hydration and nutrition during hot weekend runs.
Top Fuel mechanics and performance
Top Fuel cars require a full engine rebuild after each full pass down the track. Crews rebuild rods, pistons, main bearings, clutch, cylinder head, and supercharger.
Clay Millican, a Top Fuel driver from Memphis, described the rebuild process. His crew can complete necessary work in about 42 minutes when needed.
Millican said drivers feel several Gs during launches. Top Fuel cars can accelerate from zero to 100 mph in less than a second.
Despite the heat, many runs should exceed 320 mph during the event.
Women competing at the highest level
Leah Pruett returns to Top Fuel competition after a one-year hiatus following the birth of her son. She competes against drivers of both genders.
Pruett began racing at age eight and has 18 NHRA wins. She was the 2019 NHRA Factory Stock Champion, the only female to hold that title.
Her career top speed stands at 336.40 mph. Pruett will also publish a children’s book, “Winning Attitudes with Leah,” this summer.
She noted a growing deaf fan base and discussed how nitro racing creates a multi-sensory experience.
Behind the scenes and track layout
“Nitro Alley” hosts pro trailers and team setups for the weekend. Arizona native Travis Shumake guided media through that area.
Schedule adjustments for extreme heat
An unusual heat wave prompted earlier start times. Friday qualifying begins at 9:30 a.m. with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel.
The second Friday qualifying session is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Saturday opens with Top Fuel at 10:00 a.m. followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock.
The final Saturday qualifying session is set for 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel. Sunday eliminations start at 10:00 a.m., moved an hour earlier.
Track gates will open at 7:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday. The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series begins at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday, the Lucas Oil series begins at 8:00 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the weekend through official channels.
Filmogaz.com covered media access and onsite features during the festivities. Expect high speeds, close competition, and intense pit activity at Firebird Motorsports Park.
