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NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Thursday's Winternationals photo blog

Thursday, February 09, 2012

News and views from the O'Reilly Auto Parts
NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries

Last update: 3:45 p.m.
Click for latest post

The 2012 NHRA season is officially underway at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Sportsman qualifying and time trials have center stage this morning before turning over the track to the Full Throttle Pros today at 1:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, work in the pits is ongoing as the Full Throttle teams prepare for their first passes of the season. (Above) Jack Beckman's crew unloads the Valvoline NextGen Charger for the day, and (right) a crewman puts some finishing decal touches on Robert Hight's Automobile Club of Southern California Mustang.

The Pros will make one qualifying run today, one on Friday, and their final two Saturday in anticipation of Sunday's crucial final eliminations.


	The official O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries press conference was held Wednesday at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in nearby Pasadena, Calif. Funny Car rookies Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria (left) were obviously in prime demand, but the panel (below) also included reigning NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car champ Matt Hagan, far right, and leading Top Fuel title contender Antron Brown.


	The Hot Rod Junction display in the pit area has something for everyone, including nostalgic dragsters and Jr. Dragsters. The Jr. Dragster display celebrates the 20th anniversary of the forward-thinking program that gets kids into drag racing as early as 8 and gives them the tools and ability to hone their skills for possible future moves into full NHRA competition.

Remember when umbrellas were a necessary accessory at the Winternationals because of rain? That's not going to be the case this weekend as beautiful, sunny weather is forecast for all four days. A contemplative Chris Demke had it made in the shade prior to his first qualifying run in the Peen-Rite Top Alcohol Dragster.

[2:30 p.m.] Former NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock world champ Mike Edwards (above) is the low qualifier after the first session (and, thus, the de facto first points leader of the season) after piloting his Pontiac to a 6.545 at 211.86 mph (top speed).

Ronnie Humphrey (left) has the quickest of the three KB Racing entries, posting a 6.561 in the Genuine Hotrod Hardware entry, good for the No. 2 spot.


	[3 p.m.] Jack Beckman (above), a two-time Winternationals winner in Super Comp (1998 and 2003) took the early lead in Funny Car qualifying with the Valvoline NextGen Dodge with a 4.139 at 308.14 mph (top speed). (Left) Courtney Force's first official lap in NHRA Funny Car competition in the Traxxas Mustang was a decent one, a 4.21, 303.16, that left her ranked sixth. (Below) Force's teammate and brother-in-law, defending event champ Robert Hight, got off to a much less auspicious start, breaking the blower shaft on the burnout in his Auto Club of Southern California Mustang.


	[3:45 p.m.] Defending event champ Morgan Lucas (above) leads the Top Fuel field after one qualifying session by posting 3.832 in his GEICO dragster. (Left) Tony Schumacher, a two-time Winternationals champ (2004 and 2008) is the No. 2 qualifier with the U.S. Army dragster by clocking a run of 3.838.

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