NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

There are date nights—and then there are date nights with 12,000-horsepower race cars, header flames, and side-by-side racing under the lights.

Friday evening at World Wide Technology Raceway offered the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out as the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals roared to life in St. Louis. Fans filled the grandstands and gathered along the ropes as the sun disappeared and the intensity of qualifying increased with every run.

Under the lights, the sights and sounds of NHRA drag racing take on an entirely different character. Header flames illuminated the starting line, glowing brake rotors and parachutes punctuated runs, and the quickest race cars in the world streaked through the darkness at more than 330 mph.

From couples enjoying an evening at the track to families introducing a new generation to the sport, Friday night delivered a uniquely St. Louis experience combining competition, entertainment, and the unmistakable energy of NHRA racing.

NHRA National Dragster photographer Marc Gewertz was there to capture the people, personalities, and high-horsepower action that made Friday night at World Wide Technology Raceway such a spectacular date night under the lights.