NHRA Northwest Nationals
 

Of all the things I have wanted to do but never done, I'm finally knocking one from the bucket list and heading to Kent WA next week for the NW Nationals. I used to go the the drags in Winnipeg, and here in Calgary (before the track closed) but have never had the right timing to hit an NHRA event stateside. I think you guys in the US have it made with all the racing opportunities you get to see and partake in, while we here in Canada see very little Top Fuel unless it's a local car testing up here before they head south to participate.

Up until a few years back I had also never been to a Nascar Cup event, but a friend who drove for and pit crewed on DW's #47 car invited me down as a guest of the team and introduced me to Marcus Ambrose and their entire team in Sonoma with complimentary Hot passes. That was a rush in itself, but I'm really looking forward to next week as I'm taking the kids to their first National drag event (and mine).

A few pics from the weekend spent in Sonoma several years ago. A lasting memory to say the least.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...ds/Ambrose.jpg
The team I spent the weekend with in 2010

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/Kasey.jpg
Checking out the pits during Nascar inspections

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMGP0112.jpg
On the pit wall during most of the race

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMGP0160.jpg
Copping a ride on Richard Petty's cart :)

Was that the year Ambrose lost first place near the end of the race on a caution because he was coasting to save fuel and he couldn't restart his car?

Yup...I was standing on the pit wall when the Nascar official walked up and said they were penalizing him for delay of race. The entire team was dejected after Marcus lead much of the race and finished 6th. He took it all on him so it was a sad end to what was an awesome day prior. I filmed the whole race in high def from their pit and caught that moment on film.

He shut it off because the temp was climbing and it wouldn't restart at the bottom of the hill and he dropped a dozen lengths back of the pace car before it restarted. Jimmy Johnson called in on his radio and said...I'm pretty sure that's a penalty.

Anyone from Washington that can tell me what else is going car wise next week? Staying in Tacoma for a few days before moving on.

Goodguys happening THIS weekend in nearby Puyallap,WA ...............

SEAFAIR is weeks long Seattle summer celebration with misc events and venues.
Same days as NHRA will be unlimited Hydoplanes racing in Lake Washington.
Navy BLUE ANGELS do their show during Hydro Racing Sunday & practive over Lake Washington this coming Thurs and Fri.

If you have local questions text me at 253-263-5190 or [email protected]

Seattle area traffic is somewhere between bad and terrible

Thanks for the info Chuck. I'll have to check out the Hydroplane Boats and the Blue Angels practice if I can catch it. Maybe do that Friday as I'll be at the drags on Sunday. I remember the traffic there and being caught up in it a couple times when visiting the area over the last few years. Cheers