NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Photo highlights from the opening day of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

It was a challenging opening day at the track with rain hitting twice, leading to some yeoman's work by the NHRA Safety Safari presented by AAA (above) and then high winds (below), with gusts up to 45 mph, that led to a multi-hour shutdown of all racing activity on the track.

Former NHRA rookie of the year Spencer Massey, left, made his return to Top Fuel driving at the wheel of the dragster owned by class veteran Pat Dakin, right. Massey's last NHRA race before this was Brainerd in 2015. [Story]

The East10Drift group put on exhibition passes and took fans on ridealongs in  special display area behind the main grandstands.

Mike Salinas, whose first career Top Fuel win came at the four-wide event in Las Vegas three weeks ago, was a man alone with his thoughts (and his music) during the long wind delay. Salinas ended up the No. 1 qualifier with a new track record.

Before the opening qualifying sessions, a number of drivers visited with the media, including Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle teammates Angelle Sampey and Andrew Hines.

Funny Car points leader Robert Hight also took to the zMAX media stage to talk about the impressive beginning to his 2019 season, which includes three wins in five starts. (Below) Hight later jumped behind the wheel of his Auto Club Camaro and drove to the No. 2 spot.

Race fans got to see the fury of 40,000-plus horsepower under the lights as the fuel car headers soared into the night. From near lane, Terry Haddock, Cruz Pedregon, Shawn Langdon, and low qualifier Jack Beckman blast off into the night.

Mike Salinas, far lane, was off the line and racing to low e.t., 3.68, and a new track record ahead of quadmates Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force, and Steve Torrence.

The nighttime setting also made for some bright lights on the Christmas Tree as Angelle Sampey took the green aboard her Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Motorcycle.