NHRA Drag Racing - Charlotte

[moose135]

The NHRA drag racing series is in Charlotte this weekend, and I spent Friday at the track - all of 3 miles from my place.

One of the unique things about this NHRA event at Charlotte is the 4-wide format. This is the only event on the tour running dragsters four-wide - even the fall Charlotte round is normal two wide racing. For Sunday eliminations, the first two cars across the line advance, until final round winner.

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-zgz4kkk/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_009-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-mq9PgTH/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_011-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-6wTWbkw/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_013-XL.jpg

Pro Stock driver Vincent Nobile is making a name for himself in the series. At age 22, he has 8 event wins in three full time seasons. Like me, he's a Long Island native, and I used to work with his aunt when I was at Newsday. I had a chance to talk with Vincent and his father (a veteran Pro Stock driver himself, that's him near the left front wheel) between qualifying rounds. Really nice people.

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-7kJtBmT/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_Nobile_007-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-nX3fLgk/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_Nobile_005-XL.jpg

One of the neat things about NHRA events is the access you get - the "pits" are part of the spectator area, and you can get up close to the teams working on their cars.

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-fkFW9jf/0/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_040-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-mbpPkPD/0/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_035-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-ZBWV5rh/0/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_045-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-98xtnDz/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_003-XL.jpg

http://www.moose135photography.com/Sports/NHRA-Charlotte-2014/i-DXCWLwZ/1/XL/JM_2014_04_11_NHRA_Charlotte_016-XL.jpg

[Chris S]

Great shots Moose !! That unique 4 wide format at Charlotte is VERY COOL !! :cool:

[RWB]

I never knew they did 4 across, very nice shots!!

[steve1840]

Great work Moose! An NHRA event is definitely on my bucket list.

[Zee71]

Killer stuff Moose and awesome panning shots!