NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The NGK NHRA Carolina Nationals kicked off on Friday morning with a huge showing of high school students who took part in the NHRA YES Program.

Reigning Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Matt Smith decided to take on a new challenge this weekend when he made his debut in the Super Comp class. Smith made two competitive time trial passes on Friday in his dragster as he prepares for the first round of eliminations on Saturday morning.

Coming off a runner-up finish in St. Louis, Steve Torrence and his Capco team arrived in Charlotte eyeing a return to the top spot in the Top Fuel standings. 

Three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Angelle Sampey spent some time signing autographs for the large group of fans that made it to zMax Dragway for Friday's opening qualifying sessons.

There is a lot going on in the pit area at zMax Dragway including a special drifting exhibition that has proven to be popular with the Charlotte fans.

Rookie of the year front runner Austin Prock prepares his Montana Brands/Rocky Mountain Twist Top Fuel dragster for another 300-mph run.

NHRA announcer Brian Lohnes was joined by two-time world champion Erica Enders for Pro Stock school on Friday morning. Enders heleped educate the fans on the finer points of driving and racing in NHRA's factory hot rod class.

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Summit-backed Greg Anderson, who is chasing his fifth world championship in Pro Stock, has three wins at his home track.

Leah Pritchett, wearing the colors of Okuma on her Don Schumacher Racing dragster this weekend, has great memories from zMax Dragway from 2011-12 when she won back-to-back Pro Mod titles.

The stars of Hot Rod Magazine's Drag Week are making a special guest appearance at the Carolina Nationals. One of the most popualr entries is Rick Steinke's '67 Chevelle. Fully street legal, the car is capable of 8-second runs at over 165-mph.

Kenny Delco is off to a solid start this weekend with a competitive 6.562 best from his Atrisan Coffee Chevy Camaro Pro Stocker.

Ron Capps NAPA Dodge is carrying a special paint scheme this weekend advertising NAPA's Night Vision LED Lamps. Capps ended Friday in the No. 3 spot with a 3.88 best.

Funny Car points leader Robert Hight took some time out of his busy day to spent some time meeting and signing autographs for the Charlotte fans.

Alan Prusiensky took a wild ride during Friday's second Pro Stock qualifying session. Prusiensky's Dodge was heavily damaged but he was able to climb out of the car under his own power.

Jeg Coughlin Jr., who has raced yellow and black JEGS cars for his entire career, is wearing a special pink paint scheme this month as his team takes part in the annual breast cancer awareness campaign.

As far as dragstrips go, it's hard to top zMax Dragstrip, which has a well-earned reputation as "The Bellagio of Dragstrips."