Live from Phoenix - NHRA Arizona Nationals

[Jack Matyas]

A few minutes ago they opened the gates and it was like the second coming of the Gold Rush - racers were hellbent to get into the pits -- don't know why the big hurry as we're all going out by the lake - no Sportsman exceptions thank you .After a couple of days of R&R everyone's batteries are recharged and can't wait until they drop the flag tomorrow morning .You wouldn't believe how the place is already - if I didn't know better I'd say there are more cars than at Pomona -- optical illuision probably .

Today is mostly parking and tech -- most of us will take time to do maintenance and some clean-up on race cars and tow vehicles alike .Took a few pics just for fun .........In the first picture is Wayne Totaro -- the new licorce consumer champ -- he and Mark ate eight pounds ( 7 red and 1 black ) in a little over in a week -- Wal-Mart stock went up .In the picture he's trying to borrow some off a Japanese guy with no luck ..............How fitting it is to have a bankrupt sign next to the track ( see pic 2 ) .............later -- we've got generator problems to solve -- more of Wayne 's non -maintenance coming back to haunt him .

How about the lake next to our pit ..............its a real ride to the starting line .Later ..........

For those of you interested it a very sunny day with temps in the low seventies