Best of 2011: Best Drag Racing Photos

Nearly all my life I have been covering drag racing but never have I covered near as many events as I did in 2011. With that said lets jump right into the second to last “Best of 2011″ blog with my best drag racing photos of 2011.

Below, Feb. 26, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA funny car driver John Force (left) nearly collides with Bob Bode during qualifying for the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 400iso, f6.3, 1/1600th, Manual

Below, Feb. 26, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; The car of NHRA funny car driver Cruz Pedregon is towed back to the pits after Predregon took the top qualifying spot with the third quickest run in funny car history at the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 160iso, f2.8, 1/12500th, Aperture Priority

Below, Feb. 26, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Larry Dixon (left) races alongside Spencer Massey during qualifying for the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 724-70mm, 800iso, f5, 1/2000th, Manual

Below, Feb. 27, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver T.J. Zizzo is surrounded by pictures of NHRA legends during driver introductions at the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 100iso, f9, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Feb. 27, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; Auto Club Raceway at Pomona reflects in a rain puddle prior to the start of eliminations for the NHRA Winternationals.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 100iso, f5, 1/1250th, Aperture Priority

Below, Feb. 27, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; Light shines on the eye of a competition eliminator driver in the staging lanes during the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 4000mm, 200iso, f5, 1/500th, Aperture Priority

Below, Mar. 11, 2011; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA comp eliminator driver Vinny Barone reflects in his side mirror during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 1000iso, f2.8, 1/2000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Mar. 12, 2011; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA funny car drivers Johnny Gray (left) and teammate Jack Beckman do burnouts during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 250iso, f5, 1/8000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Apr. 1, 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA: NHRA pro stock driver V. Gaines during qualifying for the Summitracing.com Nationals at The Strip in Las Vegas.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 1000iso, f5, 1/2500th, Aperture Priority

Below, Apr. 1, 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA: NHRA funny car driver Johnny Gray hits the centerline timing blocks during qualifying for the Summitracing.com Nationals at The Strip in Las Vegas.

Nikon D700, 400mm, 320iso, f5.6, 1/4000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Apr. 29, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: NHRA fans in the grandstands are silhouetted by the setting sun during qualifying for the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 100iso, f5, 1/2500th, Aperture Priority

Below, Apr. 29, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas does a burnout during qualifying for the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-700mm, 500iso, f5, 1/400th, Manual

Below, Apr. 30, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: NHRA pro stock motorcycle rider Hector Arana pushes his bike as a helicopter lands behind him during qualifying for the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 250iso, f5, 1/2000th, Aperture Priority

Below, May 1, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas (left) goes sideways alongside Terry McMillen as they both smoke the tires in the first round of the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 320iso, f6.3, 1/2000th, Manual

Below, May 1, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: A member of the NHRA safety safari dives over the wall to avoid a parachute at the turnoff road during the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 100iso, f8, 1/250th, Manual

Below, May 1, 2011; Baytown, TX, USA: NHRA funny car driver Jeff Arend celebrates with daughter Jenna after winning the Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 320iso, f2.8, 1/800th, Manual

Below, May 13, 2011; Commerce, GA, USA: NHRA funny car driver Jim Head prepares to do his burnout as his car reflects in the waterbox during qualifying for the Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 1600iso, f3.2, 1/250th, Aperture Priority

Below, May 13, 2011; Commerce, GA, USA: A photographers flash illuminates the car of NHRA top fuel dragster driver Spencer Massey during qualifying for the Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 3200iso, f2.8, 1/400th, Manual

Below, May 14, 2011; Commerce, GA, USA: NHRA funny car driver Brian Thiel throws his gloves in anger after blowing an engine and failing to qualify for the Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 500iso, f6.3, 1/4000th, Aperture Priority

Below, May 20, 2011; Topeka, KS, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas during qualifying for the Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.

Nikon D3S, 24-700mm, 100iso, f8, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Jun. 17, 2011; Bristol, TN, USA: NHRA pro mod driver Leah Pruett sits in her car during qualifying for the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 3200iso, f2.8, 1/400th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jun. 18, 2011; Bristol, TN, USA: NHRA top fuel harley motorcycle rider Steve Dorn slows down with his parachute out during qualifying for the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 400iso, f7.1, 1/2000th, Manual

Below, Jun. 18, 2011; Bristol, TN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Shawn Langdon turns off at the end of the track during qualifying for the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 400iso, f6.3, 1/640th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jun. 19, 2011; Bristol, TN, USA: The car of NHRA funny car driver Jack Beckman reflects in a rain puddle during eliminations at the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 320iso, f5, 1/320th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jun. 20, 2011; Bristol, TN, USA: NHRA pro mod driver Leah Pruett poses for a portrait at Bristol Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 100iso, f4, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Jul, 8, 2011; Joliet, IL, USA: NHRA funny car driver Jack Beckman launches off the starting line as the sun sets during qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 1000iso, f2.8, 1/6400th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jul, 8, 2011; Joliet, IL, USA: The cars of NHRA top fuel dragster drivers Larry Dixon (right) and Terry McMillen sit in the staging lanes prior to running during qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 3200iso, f2.8, 1/250th, Aperture Priorityl

Below, Jul, 22, 2011; Morrison, CO, USA: NHRA funny car driver Melanie Troxel launches off the starting line as the sun sets during qualifying for the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Nikon D700, 24-700mm, 640iso, f6.3, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Jul, 22, 2011; Morrison, CO, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Dom Lagana launches off the starting line at sunset during qualifying for the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 1000iso, f5.6, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Jul. 23, 2011; Morrison, CO, USA: A pair of NHRA pro stock drivers race downtrack during qualifying for the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 250iso, f4, 1/1600th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jul. 23, 2011; Morrison, CO, USA: NHRA funny car driver Matt Hagan does a burnout during qualifying for the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 400iso, f6.3, 1/1600th, Manual

Below, Jul. 29, 2011; Sonoma, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Shawn Langdon does a burnout during qualifying for the Fram Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-700mm, 2000iso, f2.8, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Jul. 31, 2011; Sonoma, CA, USA; NHRA funny car driver Ron Capps (right) jokingly grabs Bob Tasca III during the Fram Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 500iso, f3.5, 1/2000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Jul. 31, 2011; Sonoma, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Tony Schumacher takes in oxygen as he waits in the staging lanes prior to the first round of eliminations during the Fram Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 500iso, f3.5, 1/3200th, Aperture Priority

Below, Aug. 7, 2011; Kent, WA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Del Worsham poses for a portrait during the Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 100iso, f9, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Aug. 7, 2011; Kent, WA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Shawn Langdon signs an autograph on a fans artificial leg during the Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 100iso, f4.5, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Aug. 7, 2011; Kent, WA, USA; The pit area of NHRA funny car driver Bob Tasca III is seen behind the fans during the Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 1000iso, f2.8, 1/8000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Aug. 19, 2011; Brainerd, MN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Cory McClenathan does a burnout during qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 1600iso, f3.2, 1/3200th, Manual

Below, Aug. 21, 2011; Brainerd, MN, USA: Crew members stand alongside the car of NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas as the national anthem plays prior to the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 100iso, f8, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Aug. 21, 2011; Brainerd, MN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Del Worsham launches off the starting line during the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm,100iso, f6.3, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 2, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Antron Brown is seen through the front wheel of his dragster as he refuels his car prior to qualifying for the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 1600iso, f4, 1/400th, Manual

Below, Sept. 2, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: The sun reflects off the tower suites as NHRA funny car driver Mike Neff does a burnout during qualifying for the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 640iso, f5.6, 1/1250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 3, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster drivers race down track during qualifying for the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 5000iso, f4, 1/3200th, Aperture Priority

Below, Sept. 4, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Terry McMillen takes out the centerline timing blocks alongside Doug Kalitta during qualifying for the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 500iso, f5.6, 1/1250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 5, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Antron Brown poses for a portrait with his trophy after winning the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 400iso, f5.6, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 5, 2011; Claremont, IN, USA: NHRA pro mod driver Eric Dillard poses for a portrait after winning the US Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 320iso, f7.1, 1/125th, Manual

Below, Sept. 9, 2011; Rockingham, NC, USA; ADRL extreme motorcycle rider Ashley Owens sits on his bike in the staging lanes during qualifying for Dragstock 8 at Rockingham Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 24-700mm, 100iso, f9, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 9, 2011; Rockingham, NC, USA; ADRL pro extreme driver Bubba Stanton sits in the cockpit of his car during qualifying for Dragstock 8 at Rockingham Dragway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 100iso, f2.8, 1/800th, Manual

Below, Sept. 9, 2011; Rockingham, NC, USA; ADRL pro extreme driver Todd Tutterow launches off the starting line during qualifying for Dragstock 8 at Rockingham Dragway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 800iso, f5, 1/1000th, Manual

Below, Sept. 10, 2011; Rockingham, NC, USA; ADRL pro nitrous driver Greg Godwin does a burnout during eliminations at Dragstock 8 at Rockingham Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 550mm, 3200iso, f4, 1/640th, Manual

Below, Sept. 18, 2011; Concord, NC, USA: NHRA funny car driver Matt Hagan poses for a portrait after winning the O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals at zMax Dragway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 1000iso, f5, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Sept. 23, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: NHRA crew chief Dean Antonelli signals funny car driver John Force prior to staging during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 500iso, f5.6, 1/2000th,Aperture Priority

Below, Sept. 23, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: NHRA funny car driver Matt Hagan during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 100iso, f5, 1/3200th, Manual

Below, Sept. 18, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 500iso, f5.6, 1/1000th, Manual

Below, Sept. 23, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: A crew member for NHRA top fuel dragster driver Rod Fuller makes an adjustment to the engine during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D700, 400mm, 100iso, f2.8, 1/1250th, Aperture Priority

Below, Sept. 18, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Larry Dixon launches off the starting line during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D3S, 70-200mm, 500iso, f5.6, 1/1000th, Manual

Below, Sept. 24, 2011; Ennis, TX, USA: Close up view of NHRA pro stock motorcycle rider Angie Smith in the staging lanes during qualifying for the Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 1000iso, f3.5, 1/800th, Aperture Priority

Below, Sept. 30, 2011; Mohnton, PA, USA: NHRA top fuel dragster driver Morgan Lucas launches off the starting line during qualifying for the Auto Plus Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 400iso, f2.8, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Oct. 1, 2011; Mohnton, PA, USA: The body from the car of NHRA funny car driver Cruz Pedregon is taken back to the pits after Pedregon suffered a flat tire during qualifying for the Auto Plus Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 2000iso, f4, 1/640th, Manual

Below, Oct. 14, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA pro stock crew members are enveloped in burn out smoke on the starting line during qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 400iso, f5.6, 1/6400th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 14, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA funny car driver Matt Hagan (near) races alongside Robert Hight during qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 800iso, f6.3, 1/400th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 14, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; Header flames come from the engine of NHRA top fuel dragster driver Mike Strasburg as he smokes the tires during qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 400mm, 4000iso, f2.8, 1/2000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 14, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA jet dragster driver Elaine Watson does burner pops prior to making a nearly 300mph pass during the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 5000iso, f2.8, 1/8000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 16, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Antron Brown sits in the cockpit of his dragster as he warms it up in the pits during the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 1600iso, f3.2, 1/640th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 16, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; View from the bridge looking down on NHRA funny car driver Robert Hight as he slows in the shutdown area during the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 320iso, f5.6, 1/2500th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 16, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; ESPN cameraman runs out of the way as NHRA pro stock driver Vincent Nobile slides in the dirt after winning the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm, 100iso, f5.6, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Oct. 16, 2011; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Larry Dixon celebrates after winning the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 320iso, f2.8, 1/8000th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 27, 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA: The car of NHRA funny car driver Alexis DeJoria on display during the fanfest at Fremont Street.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 3200iso, f5, 1/160th, Manual

Below, Oct. 28 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA: An NHRA top fuel dragster is towed back to the pits during qualifying for the Big O Tires Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, 320iso, f4, 1/800th, Aperture Priority

Below, Oct. 29, 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA: NHRA pro stock motorcycle rider Michael Phillips pushes his bike up the return road during qualifying for the Big O Tires Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Nikon D3S, 600mm,250iso, f7.1, 1/2500th, Manual

Below, Nov. 10, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Terry McMillen launches off the starting line during qualifying at the Auto Club Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D3S, 400mm, 1000iso, f5, 1/1600th, Manual

Below, Nov. 11, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Mike Ashley (left) nearly collides with Pat Dakin during qualifying at the Auto Club Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D3S, 400mm, 400iso, f7.1, 1/3200th, Aperture Priority

Below, Nov. 13, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Del Worsham (left) and funny car driver Matt Hagan celebrate after winning the 2011 championship in their classes at the Auto Club Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 100iso, f5.6, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Nov. 13, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA funny car driver Matt Hagan celebrates after winning the 2011 world championship during the Auto Club Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 100iso, f6.3, 1/250th, Manual

Below, Nov. 13, 2011; Pomona, CA, USA; NHRA pro stock driver Greg Stanfield gives a close up angle to an ESPN cameraman as he celebrates after winning the Auto Club Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Nikon D700, 24-70mm, 2000iso, f6.3, 1/250th, Manual

And that wraps up my best drag racing images of 2011. As I finish this blog I am on a layover in Atlanta, heading to West Palm Beach to shoot NHRA testing for the 2012 season. Up next is my final “Best of 2011″ blog with everyones favorite (excluding the people in the photos) my Best Crash and Burn photos of the year!

I have a Facebook page devoted my photography where I routinely share my favorite photos from each shoot as well as favorite photos from the past. Click the below banner to check it out. Be sure to “like” the page so you can be kept up to date on all the events I am doing!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 7:18 am and is filed under Sports and tagged with ADRL, Alexis DeJoria, Angie Smith, Antron Brown, Ashely Owens, Bandimere, Baytown, bike, Bob Bode, Bob Tasca, Brainerd, Brian Thiel, Bristol, Bubba Stanton, burnout, celebration, centerline, Champion, chandler, clouds, Commerce, Concord, cone, Cory McClenathan, crowd, Cruz Pedregon, Dean Antonelli, Del Worsham, Dom Lagana, Doug Kalitta, Drag Racing, dragster, Ennis, Eric Dillard, extreme motorcycle, fans, funny car, Gainesville, Greg Godwin, Hector Arana, helicopter, helmet, Jack Beckman, Jeff Arend, Jenna Arend, Jim Head, John Force, Johnny Gray, Larry Dixon, Las Vegas, Leah Pruett, Matt Hagan, Melanie Troxel, Michael Phillips, Mike Ashley, Mike Neff, Mike Strasburg, Morgan Lucas, Morrison, mountains, NHRA, parachutes, Pat Dakin, Pomona, pro extreme, pro mod, pro nitrous, pro stock, pro stock motorcycle, qualifying, Racing, reflection, Robert Hight, Rockingham, Rod Fuller, Ron Capps, safety safari, Shawn Langdon, smoke, snow, Sonoma, spectators, Spencer Massey, staging lanes, starting line, Steve Dorn, sunset, T.J. Zizzo, Terry McMillen, timing block, Todd Tutterow, Tony Schumacher, top fuel harley, Topeka, tow vehicle, trophy, V. Gaines, Vinny Barone, winner. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.