The 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series enters Week 3 of the year with the 50th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals (March 14-17) at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. This track is known for its historical moments including the first 300-mph Top Fuel pass in 1992.
Last March at the raceway, Pro Stock Motorcycle saw its first 200-plus pass by Hector Arana, Jr. (201.01 mph). Top Fuel driver Clay Millican also set a track speed record last year, running 331.28 mph. With the old track surface removed and replaced with an all-concrete surface, more history could be made in 2019.
With that in mind, here are a couple of things to watch for at the 2019 NHRA Gatornationals:
- PSM Eddie Krawiec Extending Gatornationals Win Streak to Four
Since 2015, Krawiec has made the final round every year with one runner-up finish and three wins. He has consistently qualified in the Top 5 of the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with a staggering 15-1 round win/loss record. With a win Sunday, Krawiec could become the third PSM driver to post four wins at Gainesville Raceway joining Dave Schultz (4) and Terry Vance (4).
- Track Records could Fall
Weather plays a big part in allowing crew chiefs the ability to apply the maximum amount of horsepower to the race track. The track’s area weather forecast predicts overcast and cooler temps for Saturday’s third- and fourth-round qualifying sessions.
With the NHRA and Gainesville Raceway officials providing a new concrete racing surface at the historic facility before the start of the 2019 season and the historic 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals — the home to one incredible moment after another including the first 300-mph Top Fuel pass in 1992 — could provide fans with some more epic moments in history.
Below are the track records up for grabs:
Top Fuel:
3.682 seconds by Tony Schumacher, March ’17
331.28 mph by Clay Millican, March ‘18
Funny Car:
3.828 seconds by Robert Hight, March ’17
334.82 mph by Hight, March ’17
Pro Stock:
6.473 seconds by Mike Edwards, March ’12
214.69 mph by Erica Enders, March ’14
Pro Stock Motorcycle:
6.750 seconds by Eddie Krawiec, March ’12
201.01 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March ’18