NHRA DRAG RACING IN CHANDLER AZ

Paul and I went to the awesome NHRA drag races in Chandler AZ with the Keldermans. Paul hadn't been to a big drag race in 40 years, and it was my first. I wandered around the pits awestruck at the immensity and intensity of the activities. I picked out the Canidae Pet Foods car to root for, of course.

Everything here is big dollar, top of the line equipment.

The funny cars are cool and interesting......



But the "fuelies" (top fuel dragsters) literally took my breath away. As they left the starting line, the engine noise and vibration hit us in the chests and shook our bodies. It was an adrenaline rush! Even our motorhome, 3/4 mile away vibrated when these incredible vehicles roared down the track. They go 1000 feet, and reach speeds of over 300 mph! (in about 3 seconds) It was totally amazing!!!





We got to see some impressive wheelies.

I just loved this hate, made from an 18 pack carton!

Sure wish John P. could have been here to witness the race!

Opening ceremonies started of with a breathtaking skydive onto the narrow racetrack.

Parked at the casino, we got to do a little gambling in the evening.

DREAM HOUSE IN SCOTTSDALE

Dana's woodworking talents go beyond cabinetry, to totally hand crafted guitars.

Gary and Jeri's flying friends Dana and Cindy singlehandedly designed and built this phenomenal spec house.

Filled with custom features and hand created tile throughout, it's truly a dream home.

Just a little door....

Cindy's design work: A kitchen too beautiful to cook in

Open, bright, spacious and inviting.

Fountains and landscaping make the outside as breathtaking as the inside. Notice Cindy's tile work.

View from an accessible roof.

PHEONIX 1

The BANK OF AMERICA building in Pheonix...and we wonder why they are bankrupt?
Gary shielding Paul from the press

BUSTED: Paul's in a Peterbuilt!

MORE PPCs

Jim's touch and go....on one wheel!

Gary's happy after a nice morning flight.
Gary and Paul coming in for a landing.


Minnesota Jim sets down.

Jim gives us a wave.

Paul had a great flight.

Denny and Garey

Garey Cosentino's lovely chute

Gary K. leaves a vapor trail......

Gary and Paul touch down.

Gary and Garey in the air

A big smile from Cosey

Garey and Joann make a perfect landing.

PAUL FLYING WITH GARY

Cool shot of the chute in Gary's wrist mirror
Dale readying for the days' flights

Garey and Joann over Brenda

SOUTHERN CROSS AND PREACHERS PASS

Up a steep grade at Preachers Pass, always a challenge.
Garey Cosentino climbs with the Sportsman, not as easily as the RZRs...but he does a great job.

We meet Ron on the trail.

Desert flowers starting to bloom.

Paul and Gary

Gary K. and Garey C.

A really interesting old mine at Southern Cross.

Gary really makes me feel short.....

The three musketeers

Booty from the mine

Nice glittery stuff in the mine.

Paul chips some out for me.

Just love that shiny stuff....

Detour around the deep mineshaft.

Friends on the trail.

Chihuahua with attitude, having a blast.

Scenery at the old fort.

Garey C. taking a step into history.