The 50th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway kicked off with track temperatures on Friday’s first two sessions fluctuating between 109 and 114 degrees. Drivers and crew chiefs had their work cut out for them. However, Saturday’s cloudy skies and low air and track temperatures served as a recipe for big elapse times and speeds.
The race track opened in 1969 and held its first Gatornationals event in 1970. This track has been known for its historical moments. Here are several pivotal moments from Friday and Saturday’s action there:
1. Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) Sets Three Records
After Hector Arana, Jr. was the first to go 200 MPH in PSM in 2018, the event stole the show again. This past Friday, Matt Smith reset the Gainesville Raceway track record, running 201.76 mph. Smith was also involved in the first side-by-side 200 MPH pass in NHRA PSM history, sharing that stage with Eddie Krawiec.
@MattSmithRacing (201.76) along with @EddieKrawiec (200.17) in Q2 made the first ever side by side 200 mph pass in @NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle History #Gatornats
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) March 16, 2019
Saturday the track record, along with the national record, was reset again by Andrew Hines. Hines ran a 6.720 elapsed time (ET) that not only set a track record but also set an NHRA national record.
Talked to Eddie Krawiec before Q4 and he said that Andrew Hines bike had a National record in it. Andrew Hines does just that resetting the #NHRAPSM national E.T. record with a 6.720 @ 199.67 Hines set the previous mark in October 2012 (6.728) #NHRAonFox #GatorNats
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) March 16, 2019
2. NHRA 50th Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals Sold Out
For the first time in the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, Gainesville Raceway featured a sellout crowd for Saturday’s qualifying sessions as they celebrated 50 years of this prestigious race. This track has been thought of as one of the fastest on the circuit and the event is one of the sport’s most revered, abundant with history-making performances.
The respected raceway has entertained fans for decades, providing notable drag racing that will be forever etched in history.
“We are thrilled for a phenomenal turnout at this iconic event,” National Hot Rod Association President Glen Cromwell said. “We appreciate all of our fans who came out to join us and enjoy this amazing show.”
3. Women Make History at the 50th Gatornationals
The NHRA’s women’s movement has been awe-inspiring to watch and at the 50th Gatornational, the women showed out in a big way. For the first time in NHRA history, eight women were entered making it the most in a single event.
4. Brittany Force Makes History
Brittany Force, driver of the Advance Auto Parts Top Fuel Dragster, rebooted the Gainesville Raceway Top Fuel track record previously held by Tony Schumacher (3.682) with a 3.680 pass in the Q4. Force also became the first woman in 40 years to qualify for No. 1 at the Gatornationals since Shirley Muldowney.
@BrittanyForce is also the first woman to qualify #1 at the #Gatornats since Shirley Muldowney #NHRA #NHRAonFox
— Dujunnea Bland (@NotBland21) March 16, 2019
5. Former Racers Pro Stock Car driver, Warren Johnson, and Funny Car Driver Ed “The Ace” McCulloch; Face Off for the First Time
Eight of the most beloved figures in the sport of NHRA drag racing came together to compete in the NHRA’s “Unfinished Business” event during the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Each driver had a custom Toyota Camry which was distinctly wrapped to emulate the looks inspired by some of the driver’s favorite rides.
Warren Johnson and Ed McCulloch, being in different classes, would never have faced each other in NHRA competition. But Saturday they faced each other for the first time with Johnson taking the win. The two have shared the winners circle four times.