U.S. Nationals Drag Races

A look at Sunday action from the big event.

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Is #3 THE Bob Glidden?

scfan wrote in post #10855700
Is #3 THE Bob Glidden?

Yes it is, did not qualify though. Nice shots. Looks like the East stands go higher than the West side. I was there Saturday, and even in the top row on the West side the Jersey barrier was in the way, as well as all the press photogs. I came away with next to nothing and very frustrated. I'm glad the stands in Joliet go much higher.

adamsti wrote in post #10856150
Looks like the East stands go higher than the West side. I was there Saturday, and even in the top row on the West side the Jersey barrier was in the way, as well as all the press photogs.

For decades, O'Reilly Raceway Park had no permanent grandstands on the east side of the drag strip, and temporary wooden bleachers were erected each summer for the U.S. Nationals. But in April of 2009, the track installed a big permanent metal grandstand on the east side. It's 32 rows tall and the top row is the highest point at the track, even higher than the roof of the Parks Tower at the start line and the luxury suites on the west side of the strip. The new grandstand is a welcome and valuable addition to Raceway Park, and it's far, far better than the dreary and obsolete temporary bleachers that were inflicted on fans.

While the top row reserved seats on the strip's west side offer a view that barely clears the wall on the near side, the highest seats on the east side can sight easily over the wall. The general admission seats from where the images in this thread were taken also cost less than the reserved seats on the other side of the strip.

For the next U.S. Nationals, arrive early in the morning, buy a parking spot in the lot just east of the track and buy a general admission ticket. You can then stroll through the professional pits and watch car preparation before heading to the east grandstand and climbing the steps to a top row seat.

And here's a picture of Ashley Force Hood, who beat her father, John Force, to win Funny Car for the second year in a row.

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I noticed last year the stands were new. I have been going to this race since 1991 so I know all about the track. The only bad part is the afternoon sessions suck on the East side, you are staring right into the sun. The Friday night session would be the one to shoot from the top row.

Nice shots. I was there friday and saturday for qualifying.

very nice set

Nice.

sure was good to see bob back in a car. even though he didnt qualify.