By: Tim Glover
(Commerce, GA – June 28) Fans attending the 2014 edition of Atlanta Dragway’s Night of Fire did not come away disappointed. In addition to watching a full field of Summit Series ET race cars and Junior Dragsters make passes, fans got to watch three fire breathing jet cars, a wheelstander, a pair of old-school match racers and a field of lightning quick Pro Modifieds and Top Sportsman racers. One of the faster runs was Chris Patrick’s 3.84 second eighth mile pass at 196.53mph.
The Jet Cars included the Cannonball Express driven by KC Jones and the Chattanooga Choo-Choo jet-powered trains driven by K.C. Jones and Paul Kelley, along with Jerry McCart’s Wicked Willy Jet Powered Willys Funny Car. The jets thrilled the fans with mid 200mph runs. The featured wheelstander was the brand new Hedman Husler Hedders backed Crazy Train Wheelstander, also driven by K.C. Jones. The evening was topped off with the largest fireworks display in North Georgia, lasting almost 30 minutes.
For between rounds entertainment, fans went to the manufacturer’s midway to enjoy hot rod merchandise for sale. There was also several attractions which were popular with the younger fans, including two bounce houses and a spinning apple ride.
Due to rain delays, weather was the ultimate winner in the Summit ET Series program. A long rain delay pushed the completion of time trials until late in the evening. The race will be completed at a later date, to be announced on www.atlantadragway.com .
The two Junior Dragster classes made it all the way down to their semi-final round. The remaining 8-12 class racers were Jacob Wilson, Brent McKneely, Austin Bowden and “Hot Rod” Halsey. The four remaining 13-17 class racers were Katie Wilhelm, Jacob Baker, Austin Solesbee and Madison Lee.
