An Altitude Record in TA/FC?

Photos by Bill MacKay ~ Text by David Hapgood

Milliseconds before the explosion.

Who would have guessed that an alcohol funny car could steal the show from the big shot fuel burners? Well, that’s exactly what happened ten years ago at Seattle Intl Raceway when the Miner Brothers launched their FC body into the heavens.

This just might be an all-time TAFC altitude record.

 

The Avenger soars like a kite before dropping back to earth.

 

Check out the body language in the stands!

            

The person responsible for these never-before-seen images is Bill MacKay. He was attending his first (and probably last) drag race. What makes the photographs so remarkable was that he didn’t bother to shoot most of the races that day. Chalk it up to beginner’s luck or an uncanny intuition, but he somehow knew that this was going to be THE PASS of the weekend. 

Bill's dragstrip self portrait.

 

If you ever find yourself in Chicago and want to hear some great jazz fusion, stop by one of Bill’s frequent gigs (check the schedule at www.billmackay.com). Tell him how much you liked his race car photos.  I’m sure he would be startled -- I mean flattered.  

David Hapgood

hapgood_d@hotmail.com