It is now time for the greatest spectacle in NHRA Drag Racing...the NHRA 4 Wide Nationals at the palace that is the ZMax Dragway in Charlotte.
This was my first experience at the 4 Wide but FAR from my first experience with NHRA. Let me tell you with the exception of the US Nationals in Indianapolis this is the BEST experience to EVER. Have with NHRA. It is without a doubt something a drag racing enthusiast will love but a drag racing historian will hate. This is not your traditional side by side drag race but rather four cars going down the track at the same time. This is the only location that has this setup and it doesn't disappoint.
The best thing about this event rather than seeing a race at its neighbor track for NASCAR is that the prices for hotels are normal and not out of this world even when you are staying a five minute walk from the track.
The first day of qualifiers was sort of a let down as they only got in half of a round of qualifying...of course that meant we got a full refund on our ticket to apply to a future event at the track so naturally I re-upped the next day for the 2014 event with a discount.
The second day of qualifying is when I got to REALLY experience this for the first time (only got in one group of funny car the previous day). Let me tell you the roar is ridiculous. If you have been to a drag race before double the sound and you have what you get at the 4 Wide...anyone will tell you that the traditional two wide is loud enough...lol.
Without a doubt another thing that is beneficial for NHRA vs NASCAR is that the ability to see the garage and meet the drivers is MUCH easier than the latter sport. I love both (or at least until 2013 I loved NASCAR ...hopefully things will be better in 2014) but the ability for a normal person to see how the entire sport operates as well as to meet you heroes is FAR easier with NHRA. The garage basically is the entire outside area from the grandstands of the track so it can be walked through during down times or pretty much whenever you want to go and see a certain group of cars...be it the top end Top Fuel, Fuel Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock motorcycle to the amateurs running in various groups like Super gas, Super Stock,etc.
You can meet ANYONE! From top drivers like Courtney Force...
To her father John....
And Top fuel drivers like Antron Brown...
Of course with this being a top end sport people inter marry from other top Motorsports or like type professions so you get to see people like Jesse James (married to Fuel Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria who's father owns Patron and Paul Mitchell Products)....
The Charlotte area is a MUST for fans of Motorsports. It houses pretty much all of NASCAR teams facilities and also some of the NHRA family. The area that the track is located within is Concord which is expanding quite rapidly due to the track and its many events throughout the year. Of course one such place has become MY favorite location for food and fun!!! Twin Peaks! Owned by the brother of the owner of Hooters it is obviously what is termed a breastaurant. However, this place is not your normal one...it actually has quality food. Not your normal wings and beer but rather Steak, Trout, chicken fried steak,etc. of course there are the views as well.... :)
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