Nightfire_2008

	2008 Jaker award honoree Bucky Austin (right) and crew worked late into the wee morning hours preparing one of two Steve Plueger-built Funny Cars. Image by M & D Photography
	Former Nightfire 4-day champ Larry Gilley finished as a semi-finalist on Sunday, losing to Jesse Sanderson with a 10.14 (10.14 dial). Sanderson won with a 10.82 (10.82 dial) in a near dead-heat. Image by M & D Photography
	Shakin' and bakin' at mid-track, this is Blu Hayball and Mike Dever with their two very colorful rides. Image by Nitrophoto
	The mighty Steve Romanazzi crew was loaded for bear in their first trip to Boise. One of the most drama filled moments of round one saw first alternate Ed Dougan outfox Romanazzi at the tree, running 6.30 to a losing 6.18. Image by Mark King
	The Nitehawk and Warhawk Jet Funny Cars put on a sensational show nightly. Image by M & D Photography
	Jason Richey drove the Dave Smith "Nitro Fever" to some huge speeds (best of 248 mph), but lost to a fine 5.81 by Troy Green in the first round. Richey finished at 6.07. Image by M & D Photography
	Northern Californian Ron Nickels races in front of a big Saturday audience against the `56 Chevy of Scott Downard. Image by M & D Photography
	For GTO fans, the "Back `n Black" Pontiac AA/Funny Car is just about as sweet as they come. Dennis LaCharite ran strong at 6.18 in qualifying, but overpowered the track in round one with a mind boggling .989 60' before tire shake set in. Image by Mark King
	Nostalgia fans just loved the Richard Stannard-owned Fueler driven by Mike Cross. The team shocked Adam Sorokin (who crossed the centerline before finishing at 6.31-186.91) with a 6.43-215.15. Image by M & D Photography
	Congratulations to the Vogt brothers who won their first West Coast Pro Modified season-end title. Dan qualified third at an impressive 6.47-219.88, but lost in round one. Image by M & D Photography
	Two Bracketeer veterans Paul Nero (near side) and Eddie Brown go after it during eliminations. Image by M & D Photography
	Jack "the Sheriff" Harris did nail one strong qualifying pass to make the twelfth spot at 6.28-299.94, but fought tire shake and smoke on several other runs with the hot red "Nitro Thunder" Trans Am. Image by M & D Photography
	Making his first Nightfire appearance, Steve Casner drove the Kyle Seipel Dragster to the overall 4-Day Bracketeer point's title. Image by Dennis Law
	The JCB Backhoe made several exhibition runs over 80 miles per hour with the unique "one-of-a-kind" JCB GT. Image by Firebird Staff
	Director of Safety Brad Stewart and fire team member Andy Varin (right) visited with a number of race team during the weekend including Jack Harris. Image by Pam Schavrien
	Ace photographers Darrell Conrad and Pam Schavrien captured a number of outstanding images throughout the weekend. Image by Mark King
	Junior Dragster standouts Wes Morris and Rayce Kidd (right) spent plenty of time during the weekend cleaning parts in the Bucky Austin pit area. Image by Pam Schavrien
	Who says you can't have fun at Firebird! Here's three of the top Funny Car tuners at this year's Pepsi race. Image by Mark King
	Credited with helping to organize the first year of the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, Steve Gibbs did a terrific job helping oversee things. Image by Darrell Conrad
	Not many will disagree that there is nothing that matches the drama and excitement of "Nitro under the Lights". Image by M & D Photography