Track/Side: Behind the Scenes of the 2018 NHRA Fall Nationals

These 30 photos show the surprising artistry behind one of the most brutal motorsports on asphalt.

byRip Shaub|
Track/Side: Behind the Scenes of the 2018 NHRA Fall Nationals
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On-track NHRA action is an impressive spectacle, but there's much more to it than the few seconds of thunder it takes to blast through a quarter-mile. The Drive spent some extra time trackside at the series' recent Fall Nationals event, in the paddock and staging lanes, capturing the lesser seen sights and details of a race weekend with the traveling drag racer circus. Here's a look into the hard work and elbow grease it takes to prepare and maintain those 10,000-horsepower machines, along with a few others—just for fun.

2018 NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex

Two looks at the forces on the wheels of a Top Alcohol dragster. First, spinning and fully extended during a burnout..., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
...and wrinkling at the launch of a pass., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Kelly Clontz preps for her burnout as a crew member readies the starter for her bike., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Jason Line in his Summit Camaro doing a burnout during Pro Stock qualifying., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Brittany Force again, focusing before a qualifying pass., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Jack Beckman's crew readies his Infinite Hero Funny Car., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Jeff Diehl's crew works on his Gas Monkey Funny Car., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Car prep between qualifying heats., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Steve Torrence's crew works on his Top Fuel dragster., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
Engines are rebuilt after every pass., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
A sportsman driver waits in the staging area., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
A crew member attaches Robert Hight's HANS device in prep for an elimination pass., © 2018 Rip Shaub. All Rights Reserved
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