The latest update as of August 4, 2023

Photo copyright by Firebird Raceway

52nd annual NIGHTFIRE NATIONALS

After yesterday's test session, the race teams get down to the serious business of qualifying today, with the first PRO session starting at 8:00 pm. With sunset an hour later, it's going to be quite a show, under the lights, at what is arguably the most iconic dragstrip in the Northwestern United States. This will be Northern Thunder's first visit to the facility, and we are certainly looking forward to spending the next three days at the track, meeting the racers, the track management, and everyone involved in putting on this great event.

We're not hauling the laptop out to the track today, as we're not sure if there's a media room or any space for that matter, available for us to setup for reports from the track. But we will have a full, or as full as time allows, report late tonight on this page. With qualifying running until at least 10:00 pm, and the drive back to the hotel after the fans have mostly left the facility, it's going to be a late night, or early morning before we get much done. Best to wait until Saturday morning to see much of what transpires today.

Today's weather forecast for the track shows clouds until well into the afternoon, but clearing in the early evening. Temps are going to be warm, with a peak of 84(F) or 29 (C), with light-ish winds, so it won't be terribly difficult conditions for the racers and spectators. Tomorrow and Sunday show much clearer skies with sun pretty much all day and top temps of 88 (F) on Saturday and 86 (F) Sunday. Lots of water, lots of sunscreen for this reporter, for sure.