NHRA: Best day to attend?

[RedVenom48]

What would you say is the best day to attend an NHRA Championship race weekend? I would love to go to the Arizona Nationals, but I only have one day available to go. This will be my first time at an NHRA top series event.

Would you pick Saturday for the qualifying rounds or Sunday which is the final and they are racing for the win?

 

[98 svt]

Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!!!

Seriously though, I go to NHRA every year. Sunday is the day to go. Saturday is not as busy, but there's more excitement on Sunday.

Oh and if you've never been, go stand up by the Christmas tree for a few runs before you go find a seat. We just stand there all day lol. Leave covered in rubber.

 

[lilcoop03]

I always go on Fridays and watch qualifying. Just as good of an experience with a lot less crowd there usually.

You are in for a REAL TREAT if you have never seen top fuel cars in person before. They are insane to experience first hand!

 

[earico]

I prefer to go on Sunday.

 

[BlckBox04]

I think Saturdays. End of qualifying and beginning of eliminations. You'll get to see every car run.

 

[Zemedici]

Sunday. Finals

 

[Revvv]

If you only have one day, Sunday.

Sent from my [device_name] using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[Coiled03]

Night time qualifying session if available. Otherwise, go Sunday

 

[Uncle Meat]

Want to see more racing and a few less spectators, go on Saturday. You want to see less racing, but want to see who wins in each class, go on Sunday. Want to watch a lot of racing, have less spectators, and have better access to the drivers in the pits, go on Friday!

U.M.

 

[Revvv]

Want to see more racing and a few less spectators, go on Saturday. You want to see less racing, but want to see who wins in each class, go on Sunday. Want to watch a lot of racing, have less spectators, and have better access to the drivers in the pits, go on Friday!

U.M.

All true

Sent from my [device_name] using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[98 svt]

Want to see more racing and a few less spectators, go on Saturday. You want to see less racing, but want to see who wins in each class, go on Sunday. Want to watch a lot of racing, have less spectators, and have better access to the drivers in the pits, go on Friday!

U.M.

Or, if you are real "lucky", the Sunday races get rained out and you go on a Monday. This happened last year and there were only about 3000 people that made it on Monday.
I got about 10 autographs on a Ford Performance hat, an Antron Brown tire (now my coffee table), and got to sit in Schumacher's car. What an epic day. Ended up going by myself, as no one else could get the day off. Spent about 10 minutes just talking to Schumacher. Awesome.

 

[earico]

Or, if you are real "lucky", the Sunday races get rained out and you go on a Monday. This happened last year and there were only about 3000 people that made it on Monday.
I got about 10 autographs on a Ford Performance hat, an Antron Brown tire (now my coffee table), and got to sit in Schumacher's car. What an epic day. Ended up going by myself, as no one else could get the day off. Spent about 10 minutes just talking to Schumacher. Awesome.

That's epic!

 

[98 svt]

That's epic!

Seriously, it was almost as if I won some NHRA meet and greet package.

Anyone else from Boston go to the Summer Nationals @ NED last year, and make it to the Monday finals?

 

[97snakebite]

Or, if you are real "lucky", the Sunday races get rained out and you go on a Monday. This happened last year and there were only about 3000 people that made it on Monday.
I got about 10 autographs on a Ford Performance hat, an Antron Brown tire (now my coffee table), and got to sit in Schumacher's car. What an epic day. Ended up going by myself, as no one else could get the day off. Spent about 10 minutes just talking to Schumacher. Awesome.

How did you get a tire?

 

[98 svt]

How did you get a tire?

Simple, walk around the back of the pit, that's where they dispose of the used tires/belts/ clutches etc.
The pits are accessible at NHRA, nothing like NASCAR (which I attend at NHMS every year as well)

I'll post a pic of the table when I get the chance. Even had Antron sign it for me.

 

[Blown 89]

I've been to both Saturday and Sunday in AZ and I prefer to go on Saturday when it's less busy. If I weren't busy this weekend I'd be down there. NHRA and jet fighters...the two must sees in life.

If this is your first event make sure to double up on hearing protection. Foam inserts and over the ear protection as well.

 

[Uncle Meat]

How did you get a tire?

Lot of times the racers will actually sell their old used slicks. They usually cut a small slit in the sidewall so they can't be reused. They sell other stuff too! I've got a massive aluminum connecting rod from one of Shirley Muldowney's cars where she blew the motor. She even autographed it for me.

U.M.

 

[98 svt]

Yeah, sometimes they sell stuff out in front of their pit area, but if you walk around the back, that's where all their trash barrels are. Like I said tires, belts, clutches, broken rods etc.

 

[apex svt]

Used to go every year, Sunday event only. You’re in for a real treat if it’s your first time, they literally rattle the earth when they leave. Being lined up with the tree is my favorite spot to be. If you’re in the pits and they fire one up on the stand, be prepared to have your eyes burned.
Over the years I’ve got tons of autographs, still got a hat signed by Eric Medlen if you guys remember him.
Rear tire from Schumacher, rod from John force, piston from tommy Johnson jr, head gasket from hot rod fuller, blower belt from I don’t even remember?

 

[HillbillyHotRod]

Bring hearing protection. If you think open exhaust on a mustang is loud, well.....