Spring is coming and drag racing fans are hankering for their next nitro kick. In Europe, the season is still several weeks away but, in America, NHRA's 24-race Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is already on the move.
The series comes to Florida for its third stop on the calendar, the NHRA classic known as the "Big Go East" - the Gatornationals. Gainesville - an attractive, welcoming city once voted 'best place to live in America' in a national magazine poll - has hosted the race throughout its 40-year history. It's a college town, home to the University of Florida, and accustomed to followers of "The Gators" pouring in for big varsity sports events. For four days each March, it is NHRA Drag Racing that fills its hotels and motels to capacity.
Some 750 race teams pack the paddock at Gainesville Raceway. There's an outstanding entry list headed by NHRA's best Top Fuelers, Funny Cars and Pro Stocks, plus fine Top Alcohol and Sportsman fields, along with the season's first outings for Pro Stock Motorcycles and the world's fastest doorslammers, the thrilling Pro Mods. A talking point is sure to be the progress of Alan Johnson's new Top Fuel/Funny Car combo. The multi-championship-winning nitro super-tuner left Don Schumacher Racing at the end of 2008. This will be his third race directing his own team carrying the Al-Anabi colours of Qatar.
Gainesville lies midway between Florida's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Why not add a few days to your visit to enjoy the Sunshine State's myriad attractions? Orlando, with its many theme parks, is just 115 miles south. To the west on the Gulf of Mexico are the resorts of St Petersburg and Sarasota and to the east on the Atlantic coast you can visit Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach - another of Florida's great motor sport venues. We'll be pleased to arrange your extended stay for you.
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