Billy Kleinspehn Drag Racing Action Online

Images  NHRA and Phil Hutchison
Billy’s Rocky Top Pick 5 Edition

 

Ladies and gentlemen it’s time for the third and final race of this 3 race Eastern Swing as we head back down to NASCAR Country and famed Thunder Valley Bristol International Dragway and the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals.

Since it’s opening in 65 the famed Bristol track which has been given several nicknames over the years like Drag City USA and famously Thunder Valley has been the host track of several prestigious Nationals events from the Spring Nationals in both NHRA 65-67 and AHRA from 68-69 and then under the IHRA from 71-97 and the Fall Nationals from 1983 to 96 and then the return to NHRA with the Winston Showdown in 99-00 and the return to National Event competition in 2001 has been the host to several historic moments in Drag Racing History.

So get the ear plugs ready as we give this weeks Pick 5

 

NUMBER 5 THE WEATHER

 


As the NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary season this year one thing has been consistent and that is rain. With almost every event being effected by rain and with more rain in the forecast could once again make for some interesting story lines as we head to race day.

 

NUMBER 4 SILVER ANNIVERSARY

It seems like it was only yesterday but it has been 25 years since the NHRA National Event return to Bristol for the first time since 67.

As we celebrate 25 years this weekend and with many several historic moments in the first 25 including Greg Anderson first win 01 Melanie Troxel first and only Funny Car win in 08 we can only wonder what exciting moments will happen in the next 25 years.

NUMBER 3 DOUBLE THREAT

When you think of drivers that have won in multiple classes one name comes to mind Aaron Stanfield.

The young third generation star will get a chance to do something this weekend that he has done in Houston 20 and Indy 24 win in two classes at the same national event with running in Pro Stock and NHRA Pro Mod replacing Mason Wright.

 

NUMBER 2 EPPING TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR FINALS

After rain put a stop to racing after the Pro Stock Final in Epping one of the biggest story lines heading into this weekend is who will win the Top Fuel and Funny Car finals with four drivers looking to win two National event wins and the 2fast2tasty challenge all in one weekend.

NUMBER 1 LIKE FATHER LIKE SON


It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Greg Anderson the winningest Pro Stock racer in NHRA History scored his first Pro Stock win as a driver right here over Jim Yates on a Hole shot.

With his son and rookie of the year candidate Cody Anderson making his first appearance in Bristol in his rookie season how fitting would be for Cody to get his first National Event win at the same track his dad in 25 years ago.