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Some New York Thunder at the Boise Nightfire Nationals, but Harris and the Utah Posse Still Pulls Off a Repeat

The quantity of cars couldn’t diminish the quality of the show.

The Pepsi Nightfire Nationals at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho is a favorite stop on the Nostalgia Top Fuel circuit. It never fails to draw a first class selection of cars, and the reception of the fans, combined with the hospitality of the entire New family-led staff, makes this event a popular bucket list selection.

It was unfortunate that the number of front engine top fuel dragster teams that were able to attend this 40th edition of the event was impacted by the current state of the economy, but those that were able to make the trip gave the fans something to talk about. From the opening qualifying round on Friday evening, straight through to the Sunday night finals, New York‘s Bartone Brothers looked like they were there to run roughshod over the field. Driver Tony Bartone’s performance in each round made a statement about the capabilities of the Steve Bogg’s tuned entry. It was capped off with an unbelievable, early shutoff, third quickest for the class 5.579 in the third qualifying session. The fact that it was recorded in hot muggy air (density altitude 5410’) made the run all the more impressive. When Bartone squared off against Brett Harris in the finals all bets were on the East Coast car. After all it held a 2/10th advantage over the big red machine from Utah.

However, odds and advantages are only good on paper. These cars race on asphalt and concrete.

Kaysville, Utah’s Brett Harris, and his father Jack before him, have raced many years on the Firebird track. Their record at this facility ranks right up there with many legends of the sport. They know how to find their way to the winner’s circle. They were even the defending champion coming into this event, and they also are no strangers to quick runs. They hold title to the first and second quickest runs for the breed. The Bartone team undoubtedly knew that, and what we saw was that neither team was intimidated by the other. Everyone who stayed for the late evening final, and that appeared to be half of Idaho, knew it was going to be a bare-knuckle brawl. They weren’t disappointed. Surprised, maybe, but disappointed, no.

Read the session-by-session, and round-by-round, matches as we reported them as they happened here: http://www.aafdtopfuel.blog.com

Once again the All American Fuel Dragster association would like to thank the staff of Firebird Raceway for putting on a superb event. Their untiring work is truly appreciated by racers and fans alike.

The Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragsters now gear up for the next NHRA Heritage Series event at Sacramento Raceway in Northern California in September. Stay tuned for more information and an update on the series points standings.



Brett Harris in Nitro Thunder

Tony Bartone in the Bartone Brothers Top Fuel Dragster

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