Championship Drag Racing

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Indianapolis, Ind.
(Sept. 1-6)

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Scott Weis Race Girl Top Fueler

Reports: Pre-race

Indianapolis, pre-race: The air at the Indy dragstrip is electric even before the first car makes a pass. This is it; the one race that can make a career. The 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is drag racing's Super Bowl. Every NHRA POWERade team yearns to win the U.S. Nationals. It is the race, the event. A dream come true if a racer can win.

Can a single car team take the most valued prize in NHRA drag racing? Over the 50- year history of the US Nationals several underdogs have come from nowhere to take the U.S. Nationals title. The RaceGirl Motorsports/Lucas Oil Top Fuel team knows all to well that this is a career-making race. The team is hoping a special U.S. Nationals magic will deliver them their first Wally.

"When you grow up around drag racing like I did, the last week of August isn't Labor Day weekend; it's U.S. Nationals time," said RaceGirl Motorsports pilot Scott Weis. "I don't think you can appreciate what the U.S. Nationals is unless you come to Indy. The place takes on a life all its own. From the thousand plus sportsman racers to the Pro-class cars that come from everywhere, the scene is crazy.

"There's probably going to be 26 Top Fuel cars here at Indy. I don't think there's anybody who's got a Top Fuel car that won't be here. They all want a shot at the 'Big Go.' It's going to make this an unpredictable weekend.

"Qualifying will be a chore for everyone. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some big names sent home early. It's because winning here means that much. If you win the U.S. Nationals, regardless of how the rest of your career goes, you can consider the time you spent racing a success. Add in the fact this is the 50th Mac Tools U.S. Nationals and you've got a real dream come true for any team."