Feb. 24-27 The 2011 NHRA Winternationals lived up to its name in spades. Going in the NHRA knew it was in for some nasty weather but not how much or when. Everyone got set up on a dry Wednesday and amid off and on rain on Thursday they got off one session of pro qualifying. Friday was just flat nasty leading to the day being canceled and even snow into Saturday morning. But the worst was over and two sessions in cold weather set the field for Sunday which was sunny and bright.

Throughout the mixed bag of weather, last years "Golden 50 Corral" was renamed the "Snake Pit" (as the event honored Don Prudhomme) and featured a nice field of vintage race cars including some notable dragsters. Not as big as last year to start with, it was still a popular spot for the spectators and racers alike when the track was out of order or in the sun shine.

But due to the snow/rain Friday many of the cars got loaded up and left early. By Sunday not many of the dragsters were still there. Mother Nature won that round.

 

Sonny Messner with his Swamp Rat III                       Ron Johnson and Bobby Hanson cold but smiling.                     Frank Baney, Paul Rossi, Rolland Leong, Steve Chrisman, Jim Rossi                       There were not a lot of fire-ups but we did catch this one, Gary Ritter turning the wrenches on the WCM car.                                             See ya! Next stop, the March Meet