NHRA Dodge Mile-High Nationals Saturday Gallery
Texas-based Preston "Peeps" Pennington is pulling double-duty in Denver with his '34 Ford roadster in Super Gas and his dragster in Super Comp. Earlier this year, Pennington scored a huge six-figure payday at the Spring Fling Million bracket race in Las Vegas.
Defending Denver Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Hector Arana Jr. adjusts the clutch on his Lucas Oil EBR. Arana Jr. and his father, Hector Sr. are both solidly in the top half of the field in Denver with excellent shots to collect a few win slips on Sunday.
Greg Carillo, who won the 1990 Denver event in Super Comp, has returned in 2019 with a new Top Fuel operation backed by Santiago's. Carillo debuted the new car with the help of crew chief Aaron Brooks and qualified No. 11.
The high altitude conditions at Bandimere Speedway have the ability to confound event the most talented NHRA tuners. Rahn Tobler, crew chief for Ron Capps' NAPA Dodge, found the set-up on Friday night with a 4.005 that is fourth quickest for the weekend.
Mike Salinas gives his daughter, Jianna, a kiss for good luck in her return to Pro Stock Motorcycle competition. Reduced to just three runs because of rain, the promising rookie did not make the Denver field.
One of the most popular sportsman cars at Bandimere Speedway is Tony Hernandez's flawless B/S '65 Corvette. The Denver resident not only qualified in the No. 1 spot, but also won his first round battle.
For many NHRA fans, the breathtaking view from the stands at Bandimere Speedway is the best on the entire Mello Yello Series tour.
Brittany Force, carrying Carquest colors on her Top Fuel car for the Western Swing, finished as the No. 4 qualifier in the Denver field with a 3.831 best.