I had the privilege of attending the Pepsi NightFire Nationals at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho for the second time in my photographic career; thanks to the hard work of Steve Heeb at Inside Track Magazine and Scott New at Firebird Raceway.

This was four days of non stop action, but the thing that I took from this event was its place in northwest drag racing history. Every racer I talked to told stories about either winning or almost winning “The Nightfire” and how for them it was like a “bucket list” achievement.

From a pure racing standpoint it was for me fun to watch “through the lens” the competition on the racetrack and the camaraderie in the pits. It was also nice to meet new friends from all over the country and Canada. As a side note Id like to thank the Firebird Staff, my old friend Dale Green for his help and the Spitali’s and Huffington’s for their hospitality throughout the weekend in nearly 95 degree heat!

There are a couple of stories worth mentioning, Mark Kidd won in Pro on Thursday and then in Bracketeer again on Friday for a two day total of $ 7,000.00. Andy Morris was the winner of Bracketeer on Saturday as he won the single biggest Bracketeer purse in Firebird history in netting a check for $7,500.00.

Also worth noting second generation Snowmoblie rider Richie Pedraza won the Snow/Bike division 3 out of 4 nights a feat never before accomplished at the Nightfire.

Besides all the “bracket racing action, this event included Nitro Funny Car, Nostalgia Top Fuel and Pro Mod classes. Even Ed “The Outlaw Jones” was on hand with the legendary “Candy Land Stagecoach” thrilling all of us to conclude each night. Ed was awarded a place in Firebird Raceway history as he was the recipient of the coveted “Jaker Award” as well.

A full photo gallery chronicling this historic event can be viewed by clicking here.