Dodge NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil Friday photo gallery
The team of the Tommy Johnson Jr.-driven Make-A-Wish Dodge put in the hard work for their first of four qualifying passes. T.J. ended up in the Nop. 2 spot Friday.
Pro Stock title hopeful Matt Hartford, left, helped teach fans some Pro Stock basics with NHRA's Brian Lohnes during the popular Pro Stock School segment in the pits.
Pro Stock Motorcycle riders, including Harley teammates Andrew Hines, Angelle Sampey, and Eddie Krawiec, signed autographs for fans prior to the opening qualifying session.
On a more personal basis, Top Fuel champ Steve Torrence signed an autograph for some of his young fans.
Reigning NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car champ J.R. Todd and Top Fuel teammate Richie Crampton are running new paint schemes celebrating the 50th anniversary of sponsor DHL. Todd made 'em look good, racing to the No. 1 spot halfway through qualifying.
Jim Maroney's first qualifying run in Top Fuel was not what he had planned as a brand-new fuel line gave way on the burnout, leading to a nitro Niagara Falls.
Jarrad Scott (top) in his supercharged '62 Ranchero and Mike Finnegan and his Hemi-powered '55 Chevy (above) ran the opening round of their best-of-three gasser match race, which went to Finnegan. [story]
Keeping up their amazing tradition, Bo Butner and Pro Stock team celebrated Halloween (albeit a day late) with a special paint scheme, this one honoring the film Talldaega Knights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
A special celebrity challenge event was held using Dodge vehicles with Mopar and Pennzoil pledging $30,000 to local charities. Five-time NHRA Top Fuel champ Joe Amato, fourth from left, was the winner, helping his charity, the Jack Nicklaus Childrens Hospital.
After taking Bob Tasca III on a supersonic flight om his F-15 fighter Thursday, Brigadier Gen. Robert G. Novotny, 57th Wing Commander at Nellis Air Force Base, was rewarded when Tasca allowed him to fire up the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang prior to Q1.
Funny Car favorite Jack Beckman acknowledged the vocal Vegas fans after his opening pass, then came back to break his own track speed record on the evening run.