Words by Jon Hedges
Photos R.C. Terneaux photography

Nitro Funny Car fans packed house at Norwalk Raceway Park for the world's largest single-day drag race last Saturday. They were there to see not only  NHRA nitro funny car stars like John Force and Robert Hight, but also to see the nostalgia-bodied AA/FC  car program that featured NHRA World Champ Frank Hawley’s return to the seat of the Chi-town Hustler, and Dale Pulde’s return after a severe illness. Combine all those treats with weather that delivered great racing  with  79 degree temperatures, 50% relative humidity,and a  barometer at 29.85 inches, and the result was a great day of Nitro Funny Cars and sportsman racing

First up were the NHRA Funny cars, which ran the NHRA mandated 1000’ ft track. The first pair featured Jeff Arend in the Kalitta Motorsports/DHL Funny Car facing Robert Hight's AAA Auto Club Mustang. Both cars made great passes, but Hight’s 4.247 @ 293.22 was enough to get him the win over Arend’s 4.282 @ 284.09.

Next up, track favorite John Force pitted his familiar GTX Mustang against Columbus, Ohio native Jim Head. Although Head had the advantage on the leave, Force took an easy victory when Head’s car lost traction at the halfway mark, his 4.261 @ 285.89 easily besting Head’s troubled 6.536 @ 104.26.

For the finale it would be number one qualifier Robert Hight with lane choice against his boss John Force. Arend and Head would race for third place.  

While the Nitro teams were servicing the cars, the jet dragsters took their turn.