The 65th U.S. Nationals took place across six huge days of drag racing at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, with several Australians featuring among the action.
Drag News Magazine photographer Hayley Turns was there to capture the action.
Rapisarda Autosport International took recently crowned Australian Top Fuel champion Wayne Newby across the world to race. After three solid runs in qualifying, and a best of 3.78, the team went into eliminations hopeful of an upset against Billy Torrence.
Unfortunately a fairy tale finish was not to be and Newby bowed out in round one, but the team still had the honour of qualifying for the quickest Top Fuel field in history.
NHRA regular Richie Crampton was another Australian driver unlucky to depart eliminations in round one.
Shane Tucker qualified into a tough Pro Stock field with a 6.63, enough for #15 position. With a touch over eight hundredths of a second across the field it was anyone’s race day, but Tucker came up short against Jason Line in round one.
Sydney’s Jason Grima has been taking in a few races across the USA with his Ford Mustang, competing in the B/A class of Competition. He qualified eighth with a 7.03 but went red in round one.
There were plenty of American vehicles that caught our attention. Check out the spoon front end on this Super Comp dragster, ala 80s era Garlits!
We haven’t seen many Chrysler Prowlers as drag cars before, but this one works.
Old school gassers entertained the crowds.
Pat Dakin backfires the motor big time on the start line.
Hot Rod Drag Week competitors made exhibition runs across the event, including former winner Tom Bailey.
Also doing exhibition runs were some centrifugal supercharger-equipped Pro Mods. There are plans to introduce the new power adder into Pro Mod competition next year.
Enjoy the rest of the photos in the gallery below!
