PHOTOGRAPHS BY VAN ABERNETHY |
Maybe it was the advertised nine jet cars , or perhaps it was simply because racers and fans in northeast Ohio were anxious to experience a good thrill show , especially since the pandemic of 2020 ruined the chances of hosting one last year . Whatever the reason , Quaker City Motorsports Park made up for the challenges of last season and then some , as an energized crowd poured into this legendary quarter-mile facility in Salem , Ohio , to enjoy the annual Night of Fire event held on July 24 .
The first indicator that this was going to be an epic weekend was when 275 cars were already on the property for Friday ’ s parking and testand-tune session . Then came Saturday ’ s wave of excitement for the long-awaited Night of Fire , as 320 race cars showed up for their respective eliminators . That count doesn ’ t even include the thrill show bookings , which was greatly increased from prior years . “ We decided to go with nine jets this year , instead of the usual five or six ,” explains
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A . J . Fox , the track manager .
The fans responded with near-standing-roomonly attendance in every direction . Leading the thrill show pack was the powerful “ Bone Shaker ” jet semi truck of Rick Kopp , which entertained fans for several fiery passes down the track . The
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first came just before dusk and then again under the lights . The fan-favorite team of Larsen Motorsports brought out a couple of jet dragsters , and are always top notch with their presentation . The legendary “ Chicago Rush ” and “ Hot Blade ” jet dragsters also dazzled fans with 5-second blasts |
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September / October 2021 |
DragIllustrated . com | Drag Illustrated | 59 |