This weekend, the NHRA Full Throttle tour makes its annual pilgrimage to the central Minnesota county of Crow Wing and the city of Brainerd, where a raucous campground simply known as “The Zoo” is perhaps more famous than the Brainerd International Raceway itself, and the population of the town likely triples or even quadruples during the four day festival of speed and horsepower known as the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.
https://youtu.be/6bIhb7HQh4M
And with Flashback Friday upon us, it presents the perfect opportunity to take a look back at some of the earlier forays of the NHRA tour to the recreational-rich city, now celebrating its 30th year of hosting NHRA professional drag racing.
https://youtu.be/AfCEJ4RHXYw
The 1985 running of the Brainerd event, known as the Quaker State North Star Nationals, opened with a first round battle between legends
Connie Kalitta and “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, followed by an impressive wheel stand by former champion Gary Beck, massive blower explosions from Dale Pulde and Rick Johnson in the Hawaiian Punch flopper, and a disappointing finish for Kenny Bernstein as eliminations. So as to not ruin a perfectly good excuse to be unproductive this afternoon, we’ll refrain from discussing the winners. Kick back and enjoy!…and don’t let your boss catch you.
https://youtu.be/KKHugpXj-ME
https://youtu.be/wlqTZsy4ToE
https://youtu.be/BhuDbtdwUeo
https://youtu.be/SbAzrJ5sLQk
https://youtu.be/yauqCDGP6pA
https://youtu.be/BsKOBdk_cYs
https://youtu.be/u_1hgqfVYxo
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