Byron Dragway - U.S. Bracket Nationals -Friday

I decided I would try to go to a drag strip that I hadn't visited since the 60's, Byron Dragway. A lot of our Route 66 regulars also race at Byron. I contacted BJ Vangsness, the owner, and he was kind enough to grant me credentials for this weekend's 40th U.S. Bracket Nationals. When I left Elgin, it was starting to warm up  under bright sunny skies. As I got closer to Byron, the sky turned cloudy and then started to rain. When I arrived, the track personnel were already trying to stay ahead of the rain with track drying operations.

The rain finally stopped and the track looked dry, at least from the starting line. Unfortunately, down track in the shutdown area, there appeared to be weepers, water seeping up through the track. It took considerable time to dry that portion of the track. Finally, after a six hour delay, it was time to start racing. It was decided to only run an eighth mile and only one qualifying pass before starting eliminations. Due to the late starting time, I was unable to stay for all the day's action . I stayed for the qualifying round and half way through the first round of eliminations, Here are some images from the action I did see. My plan is to return to Byron on Sunday for the National Dragster Challenge portion of the Bracket Nationals weekend.

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