Story and photos by Jon Asher Fri, 2016-07-29 18:22
PHOTO EDITION: ONE LAST LOOK AT THE MILE-HIGHS
While every event on the NHRA Mello Yello Series tour is unique unto itself, there are several that stand head and shoulders above their fellows. We’re not sure what makes them so distinctly different, but among the best of the bunch is the Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Denver. Well, actually Morrison, Colorado, but who’s counting?
Not surprisingly, photographers “see” races from a completely different perspective than most people. What we care about are things like light, how shadows impact our photos, what the background is like, and if the track is bright and clean. Bandimere Speedway gets high marks in all areas, and from the way the fans turn out, we’re obviously not the only ones who like the place. Few venues can boast of the kind of loyal fans that helped make the Mile-Highs one of the year’s biggest races, at least visually.
Another thing that separates the Bandimere fan from others is their understanding of the sport. We’re not suggesting that Denver fans “know more” than do fans from Gainesville or Maple Grove, only that they completely understand the difficulties of racing at elevation, and are more than content with elapsed times and speeds that might be scoffed at were they recorded at a sea level facility. Conditions at this year’s race had the corrected altitude at over 9,000 feet for much of the time, and that is really tough to get around – but the tuners did. And just so you know, had the actual, physical altitude been over 9,000 feet, well, you wouldn’t be able to even start a lot of the fuel cars! How do we know? There was a part-time Funny Car racer from Colorado who quit racing a few years ago – and we’re ashamed to say we can’t recall his name, but regardless, his shop was at 9,400 feet. He had to come down to Bandimere just to start the car and check the engine!
Yeah, the Mile-High Nationals was another terrific race. But it must be remembered that racers make races, not tracks and not sanctioning bodies. It’s the skills and dedication of the competitors that make one race better than another. We’re just glad we were there to see it in person and remember, your television is never going to be able to replicate the thrills of being there yourself.
Controlled mayhem as Fast Jack Beckman’s gang makes last second adjustments before he runs.His rig isn’t the biggest, his team includes a lot of volunteer help and his parts supply is minimal, yet 80-plus year old, Hall of Famer Big Jim Dunn can give the big boys a run for their money when the conditions are right.Clay Millican checks the rearview mirror (objects are closer than they may appear) while assistant crew chief Lance Larsen checks the digital dash.Steve Torrence, warming up.Alan Prusiensky’s handsome new Dodge is still going through teething problems, but they’ll get it right.Richie Stevens made a rare driving appearance in a second American Ethanol Dodge in Denver.CaptionBob Butner is just that close to winning a Mello Yello event.The best burnouts and the fastest back-ups are still coming from Robert Hight.
Everything was A-Okay with tuner Mike “Zippy” Neff – until Robert Hight redlighted in the semifinal round.Richie Crampton won a ton of races last year, but is in a slump right now. Tuner Aaron Brooks is capable of turning things around like, tomorrow.
It’s hard to catch, but many fuel cars lift a wheel off the ground on the throttle hit for the burnout, as Doug Kalitta does here.Assistant crew chief Richard Hartman thought the weekend would go well for “Wilk’s Warriors” – until owner/driver Tim Wilkerson stuffed the car into the wall on Saturday night.Dad helps his son put the hammer down.
Scott Pollacheck at about a buck-ninety. He lost in the first round.What? You’re expecting a smiley face when the motorcycle quits? Get real.Deric Kramer’s Dodge is good looking, but not yet quick enough.
Drew Skillman. Overdue.
Rob Passey, first round victim.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men tried to get Bill Litton’s car rolling again.
Top and bottom parachutes by J.R. Todd.Tommy Johnson, Jr’s Dodge is heading towards the winner’s circle – soon.L.E. Tonglet under the lights. Now this is a good looking two wheeler.
Chris McGaha’s “silver streak” Camaro went two rounds on The Mountain.
Scott Palmer’s Fischer Honda-backed car out of Cassville, Missouri.
Lanny Maglizzi is the JFR “track expert” (no, we don’t believe that’s his official title). He checks everything, including whether or not he believes that cloud might move, changing the traction element for his cars.We know, we know. You don’t think Del Worsham will successfully defend his championship. Just remember last year, when the team went on a run that was unstoppable.
From the outside it appears oh-so-simple, but behind the scenes a gang of volunteers help the NHRA crew prepare for pre-race festivities.We tried to shoot Star Racing’s carburetor setup, but head man George Bryce threatened us with extinction, so we backed off. Yeah, we’re just chickens at heart!
Sign on the back of Chad Head’s car. Just think about it. You’ll get it.The ageless wonder, Chris Karamesines, the only active drag racer to be a member of both the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame. Every older Top Fuel fan’s wish? That The Greek wins one before he retires.The legend, Ms. Shirley Muldowney, remains active in drag racing through her charitable efforts under the Shirley’s Kids banner. She is a marvel, folks. None better.Better get used to seeing this young man’s face. Alex Laughlin captured his first Number 1 qualifying position Pro Stock, and it won’t be long before he captures his first victory.
Jeg Coughlin, Jr. can’t be happy about the way his Dodge is running. This is a driven man, determined to win, so just bet on this: When the car’s just a little bit closer to being competitive he’ll will it into the winners circle.
Our favorite Coca-Cola guy, Big Mike Adams, a staunch supporter of everything drag racing. We checked with his doctor and he really does have Mello Yello coursing through his veins. Honest. Would we lie to you?
While every event on the NHRA Mello Yello Series tour is unique unto itself, there are several that stand head and shoulders above their fellows. We’re not sure what makes them so distinctly different, but among the best of the bunch is the Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Denver. Well, actually Morrison, Colorado, but who’s counting?
Another thing that separates the Bandimere fan from others is their understanding of the sport. We’re not suggesting that Denver fans “know more” than do fans from Gainesville or Maple Grove, only that they completely understand the difficulties of racing at elevation, and are more than content with elapsed times and speeds that might be scoffed at were they recorded at a sea level facility. Conditions at this year’s race had the corrected altitude at over 9,000 feet for much of the time, and that is really tough to get around – but the tuners did. And just so you know, had the actual, physical altitude been over 9,000 feet, well, you wouldn’t be able to even start a lot of the fuel cars! How do we know? There was a part-time Funny Car racer from Colorado who quit racing a few years ago – and we’re ashamed to say we can’t recall his name, but regardless, his shop was at 9,400 feet. He had to come down to Bandimere just to start the car and check the engine!
