JASON RUPERT CONQUERS 41ST IGNITOR OPENER

The NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor presented by Dan Wiebold Ford featured quite a wide variety weather throughout the weekend. After non-stop rain showers on Thursday (forcing the cancellation of testing), the first official day of qualifying and time trials (Friday) opened up with snow, rain and wind. Fortunately enough, the weather improved during the afternoon, as racers took advantage of two time runs in the cool and breezy conditions. Saturday was much warmer as temperatures climbed into the lower 50’s, while a headwind prevailed over most of the day. Best of all, Sunday dawned gorgeous as temps came close to 60, while sun filled skies dominated the spectacular day of racing.

The Stinker Stores Nitro Knockout attracted a strong audience on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

The NHRA Hot Rod Heritage point’s series played host to the second stop for the AA/Funny Car class, which featured 11 cars trying to qualify for an 8-car open eliminator. After qualifying on the pole at 5.87, Jason Rupert was hands down the star of the weekend as he rattled off runs of 5.86, 5.95 and 5.90 to stop Mark Hentges in the championship final.

In the Lucas Oil Drag Racer Series, nine different champions were crowned in addition to the winners of Super Pro, Pro and Heavy in Firebird’s Gold Cup eliminators at day’s end, Sunday, May 1st.

We hope you enjoy a small slice of the color and excitement (including a wide variety of photography below) taken throughout the event.

Images presented on behalf of David Fudge, Brian Losness, Gary & Jessica Himes, and the Firebird Staff. Should you wish to order any enlargements from these cool photos, please be sure and drop us an email. We’ll be glad to put you in touch (via email) with the photographer. Hands down, their work is simply exceptional whether you might be looking for a 5 x 7 or full wall-sized poster for your office or den.