Nightfire_2008

The 37th edition of the Pepsi Nightfire Nationals more than lived up to it's name, as many have called it, "it is the ultimate Firebird Experience". One of the fun aspects every year is getting an opportunity to showcase a variety of works from a sensational talent pool of photographers. In addition to what already exists in web-land, which is very noteworthy ranging from www.dragracingonline.com to www.nostalgiafunnycarnews.com to http://wediditforlove.com/2008-Nightfire-1.html and other locations, be sure an take a moment and check out all the terrific online coverage. In the very near future, you'll also have a chance to see the best from M & D Photography at http://www.maziracing.com/ as Dawn Mazi-Hovsepian always puts up an outstanding montage of superb photography on her site.

You'll also be getting a chance to see future coverage and photography in publications like National Dragster, Drag Racer and others. Ian Rainbow even flew in from New Zealand to shoot the event for Hot Rod of New Zealand magazine. Better yet, we had the good fortune of having Hall of Fame member Dave Wallace Jr. attend his first Nightfire this year. He covered the event for Hot Rod magazine, easily one of the most powerful publications in the automotive industry. In a nut shell, this year's event will be covered ten-fold across the board. Our thanks go out to every one of the photographers and media representatives who attended this year's Nightfire.

Lastly, this event certainly wouldn't be the event it is without all the racers, fans, sponsors and other supporters who make their annual pilgrimage to Firebird's granddaddy weekend. To everyone who came, we are grateful for your attendance in 2008.

The first couple dozen pictures from the first days and nights is just a small sampling of photos. We have many, many more to follow. But please be patient. As most (but not all) are aware, it's the New Crew who compile all this stuff together, so that Shayne and Nick Schaefer can put it out onto our website. Since we're all still in the very busy part of our racing calendar with an abundance of racing events in the coming weeks, it'll likely be a bit before we get a chance to post more. Thanks in advance - enjoy the following imagery.

"Bomb Squad" vs. "Pure Heaven IV" Nitro Funny Car Qualifying.

NHRA National Super Stock/Stock heavy hitter Mark Faul scores Pro victory.

Father and son, Garnet and Derek (pictured) Rose traveled all the way from Edmonton.

Snow/Bike winner David Wood with Woody's Outdoor Power Arctic Cat.

Sweet full-fendered Roadster from Canada.

Adam Sorokin against Rick White during Top Fuel qualifying.

Friday Bracketeer Consolation winner Robert Narum from Marana, Arizona.

Team Vogt (Corvette) qualifies besides Vern Mills (`55 Chevy) on Saturday.

Glen Phillips puts his stick-shift Mustang in the Heavy Winner's Circle.

Team Myhre, mom and son, raced with John Propp in Bracketeer eliminator out of NorCal.

Former Classic champion Ken Richins win $5,000 during Thursday Bracketeer.

Heavy 4-night champ Sherry Wilson from Vancouver, Wash.

David Chun Jr. earned top honors in Pro during the 4-night point's series.

Director of Safety Brad Stewart and Andy Varin meet with Jack Harris before qualifying.

Big crowd celebrate with Utah's Trent Stevens after his $5,000 Bracketeer victory.

Mark McDonald stopped former Allstar Ron Nickels on Saturday night for a $2,000 payday.

California's David Beedy finished runner-up to Jason Thomas in Sunday's Bracketeer final.

Paul Nero captured the $1,000 Consolation win on Friday night.

Heavy winner Joe McDonald celebrates with many of his PSI Racing friends.

Utah racers swept two of the four Bracketeer titles, including Paul Snell on Friday night.

Bryan Peters nice lookin' Maverick made the trip from Washington-state.

Special thanks to Andrew Morris for all his promoting efforts of the Bracketeers during the season.

Dan "I Am A Duck" Stokes was awarded a Consolation title on Saturday.

The very talented shoe-Troy Green, Purcel, Oklahoma, ran strong at Nightfire 08.

The "Invader" Maverick of Jerry Kelly finished sixth overall in the Bracketeer standings.

Hats off to Long Distance traveler Darren O'Connor. He traveled nearly 1,600 miles one-way, the equivilant to driving from Boise to St. Louis. His home is in Ft. John, British Columbia.

Mark your calendars for August 13th thru 16th, 2009, when the 38th Pepsi Nightfire Nationals returns to Firebird.