The National Hot Rod Association is kicking off its 75th anniversary season this past weekend at the NHRA Gatornationals.
But before the top fuel dragsters fly down the track at over 340 mph, fans gathered at Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala on Wednesday to see some of the drivers before the opening event on Friday.
“I’m not tough when it comes to breathing in nitro. I wear a mask every time,” said Maddie Gordon, a rookie in the top fuel class when discussing the fumes coming from the car while running. “But on the starting line, I can’t even see half the time. I want to go up there and watch cars, and I’m closing my eyes.”
Qualifying races are on Friday and Saturday, while eliminations are on Sunday.
“You can talk about it, you can say it shakes the ground,” said Gordon when talking about the power that the power that the top fuel cars produce. “It shakes your body, but it’s something you have to be there to experience.”
