The latest update as of March 22, 2025

40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals

The Arizona Nationals is well underway at Firebird Motorsports Park (Chandler, AZ). Two full sessions of qualifying for the PRO cars were completed yesterday, along with a single qualifying session for Pro Mod and the Legends (Nostalgia) Funny Car group. We've got HEAPS of photos from yesterday's second PRO session and will get at least a few of them posted today, with the balance coming tomorrow. Other obligations, i.e. "work" are using most of our time today. And as always: STAY TUNED!

FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING - Session #1

With 20 cars in the pits, expectations were high for some qualifying drama among the non full time racers. Of the 20 cars entered, 19 appeared for the first session under warm (80 F), dry (11% humidity) sunny skies. Corrected altitude was just under 3000 ft.

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That's it for Funny Car; Top Fuel is up next

TOP FUEL QUALIFYING - Session #1

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Up next is Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car qualifying

NOSTALGIA NITRO FUNNY CAR - Qualifying Session #1

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PRO MODIFIED QUALIFYING - Session #1

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FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING - Session #2

We're still waiting to receive photos from the first qualifying session, but technical difficulties on the other end (Phoenix) are delaying their arrival. The "bump" spot at the end of that first round of qualifying was a rather tepid 9.487 (Paul Lee), with the three alternates carding times that ranged from 9-seconds to 12-seconds plus. There were a total of eight complete - or mostly complete - runs in the session, with five of them producing 3-second times, led by Bob "Mr. MPH" Tasca with a 3.927 - 326.48 clocking.

(LEFT) After skipping the first session, Bobby Bode made a solo pass in Del Worsham's car. He immediately jumped into the field with a strong 3.931 - 323.25 effort, good for the #2 spot at the start of the session.

(RIGHT) Also running a solo when Terry Haddock's crew weren't able to finish prepping the car in time, was Blake Alexander. It's a familiar look wtth the "Pronto" wrap, but he's part of the Chad Green team now after parting ways with Jim Head in the off-season. He rebounded from a first session 9-second clocking to card a 4.201 - 237.30 on this run after dropping cylinders and losing traction at the 660' mark.

(LEFT) It's musical drivers in the "Nitro Moose" entry of the Winefsky family. With young Dylan still getting acquainted with the car, they put John Hale in the seat at the Las Vegas event in November. At this race, it's Jon Capps at the controls. He laid down a good burnout but the car wouldn't go into reverse, and after much effort by the crew and NHRA officials it was pushed back but too late to run.

(RIGHT) Patiently waiting for the "Moose" to get back to the starting line was Paul Lee. The extra running time didn't hurt at all as he took over the top spot in the field with an excellent 3.919 - 328.14 after a tire smoker in the first go round.

Two views of the Dave Richards car, burning out and launching hard. He had the misfortune of the chutes coming out early in the run but still was able to muster a semi-respectable 4.664 - 216.51 clocking.

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TOP FUEL QUALIFYING - Session #2

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PRO STOCK QUALIFYING - Session #2

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