I had never been to a real drag race until November of this year. I’d been to local drag races in Oregon with my brother and that was a lot of fun, but nothing like the NHRA. In some ways local racing is better because it’s real. Real people drive up in sports cars and crappy cars that they’ve personally worked on. One of the fastest guys was in a mid-60’s Ford truck with a chain holding the hood down. Imagine seeing that truck beat a Viper and you get an idea of what it’s like. The drivers show up because it’s good fun and fun to go fast.

Then there’s the NHRA.


The race was the Winter Nationals in Pomona, CA. We parked about half a mile away and could hear the thunder as soon as we stepped out of the car. As we walked closer it continued to get louder. It’s hard to describe. I’ve been sitting here for 5 minutes trying to think of how to put it in words.

The closest I can come is try to imagine drinking from a fire hose, and then try to think what that would be like for your ears. It is LOUD! It’s the kind of loud that you feel in your chest and ruffles your shirt from 100 feet away.

War Veterans have described the noise and feeling like being on a battle field with explosions all around you. I’ll take their word for it.

I don’t know if it’s a guy thing or what, but it’s just fun watching loud things go fast. Like 300+ mph fast.

Drag racing has been around since the day after the first car was made. Since then people have aspired to have a car faster than someone else’s. You don’t even need a sports car. You know you’ve floored if off the line in minivan, either to beat someone to an on-ramp or just for fun.

The NHRA race was a blast and if you haven’t been to one, you need to go. You don’t need to be a car fan. If you watch football, own a power drill or have ever cracked a smile from driving fast, you need to go, women included.

Bring ear plugs or $2 to buy them there.