Ear Protection Required

"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32) 08/15/2016 at 13:08 • Filed to: NHRA, NITRO, FUNNY CAR, TOP FUEL

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Making my 3rd straight trip to the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, MN this weekend. After my first year I learned there are two kinds of people: Those who have seen a nitro car and those who have not. It is an experience unlike any other.

I’m fortunate that I live two or so hours away from Brainerd International Raceway. The last two years I went for the entire weekend and stayed in the campground, affectionately known as “the Zoo.” This year the guys I usually stay with aren’t going so I’m going up with a buddy for the Saturday session only. This will be his “Baptism by Nitro.”

A sampling of the things and people you’ll see in “The Zoo”

On the track, it should be an interesting weekend. This is the last event before the US Nationals in Indy, so generally car counts are a little higher and everyone is trying to get the bugs worked out before the big go. Also, if Courtney Force does not race, it sounds like her sister, Ashley, will be stepping into the car. It would be Ashley’s first time in a car during competition since 2011. Courtney was injured in a crash at the last event in Seattle.

Courtney slapped the wall in Seattle. Lingering injuries from that crash may keep her out of the car in Brainerd.

All in all, it should be a fun day. After going for the first time 2 years ago I can’t stay away. I can’t wait to get my insides rattled by 20,000 horsepower.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Hammerdown 08/15/2016 at 13:22

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Nitro cars = awesome.

lone_liberal > Hammerdown 08/15/2016 at 13:47

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When the shock wave (it goes way above being just sound) of a TF car launching hits you it’s a feeling that you just can’t describe. Everybody should experience at least once.

jimz > Hammerdown 08/15/2016 at 13:49

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I went to Norwalk for the first time in June. To say I was not ready for just how loud Top Fuelers are would be an understatement.

jimz > lone_liberal 08/15/2016 at 14:28

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earlier in the day, the Top Alcohol classes ran, and I thought they were pretty damn loud. One of the guys I was there with looked at me, snickered, and said “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” then the Top Fuelers came out, and... damn. Your vision blurs, your teeth rattle, you can feel the grandstands shake.

Hammerdown > jimz 08/15/2016 at 14:41

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Every pass I had to stare at the tree and be ready for them to go. Otherwise, even if I was looking right at the cars, I would jump every time. It’s a sensation unlike any other.