I am planning on going to an NHRA National event this year (Fram/Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, end-of-July), but wasn't sure which day to go...

Looking for opinions from someone who's been there: Saturday or Sunday???

I have been several times in the past (about 8-10 years ago), and always on Sunday. I didn't really care for the lull due tothe final rounds of eliminations...

So I am thinking of going on Saturday for Qualifying...

I figure I basically want to see the Pro classes, and don't really care who wins or loses...
I figured probably 20 races each in TF and Funnycar (2 rounds of qualifying with about 10 races in each round), and probably close to 30 Pro Stock races (again, 2 rounds of qualifying)...
I also figured the crowds would be lighter on Saturday too... And Might get out of their earlier after its over... And its a little cheaper (not a big issue)...
I assume the pits are still "open" on Saturday, right?

BUT Sunday does have some more excitement, and there are still about 15 races in each of the classes... But is that extra excitrement really worth the extra crowds and traffic (or is Saturday just as crowded?)?
I just figured Saturday would be more relaxing for the spectator, with just as much (or more) racing...

BTW, I am pretty excited. Taking my mom (used to love drag racing), and she sounds excited (the wife didn't care to go)

Thanks,
Tony

i personally always liked the qualifying rounds and i think the drama is actually raised. think about it, you don't make the bubble, no $$$$$$. and you get to see some of the private teams and upcoming guys, plus you just get to see more races without all the constant babble of the announcers trying to hype a race. the finals are cool, but i always liked the qualiying rounds....

I agree with Harley, more action, more races at qualifying.

We go to the "Southern Nationals" every year in Commerce, GA.

Always attend the Friday qualifying session only...smaller crowds, general seating (cheaper, too), and you get to see EVERYBODY make at least one run.
Plus, usually a more slightly relaxed atmosphere in the pits for casual conversation with the big boys. :thumbsup:
I enjoy watching the Sunday finals on TV...replays.

Another vote for a Friday or Saturday. A lot of racing! I love it!

Cool,

Thats what I was thinking, but having ONLY gone on Sundays, I was worried...

Friday might work too, but I'd have to skip work for that...

saturday. more racing to see.

See, I only like the Sunday program. I want to see RACING, not side by side time trials. Too many cars push the setup and go up in smoke on the line. BORINGGGGGG. I HATE oildowns. I would rather see them all dialed in and RACING, instead of testing. Besides, ya need the break in the action so you can hit the pits. I have NEVER been bored at a national event.

I always like the night racing - Several times I have gone to the US Nationals on Thursday - watched the rest of the weekend on TV - The crowds are very manageable on Thursday. Seeing the Top Fuel and Funny Cars run at night is a load of fun!

Reminds me of "the good old days" at OCIR, Lions and Irwindale.

I go to the US Nationals every year. I only go on Thursdays and Fridays now to see Stock and Super Stock class elims and Pro qualifying on Friday night. Much more relaxed atmosphere, less crowd and traffic, you don't have to have reserved seat to get a decent one, and MUCH less expensive. I use to go on Mondays but the crowd, traffic, expense, and hassle just isn't worth it. Packed in the stands like sardines and there never fails to be a drunken ass nearby annoying the hell out of everyone. Give me the qualifying day.

Tony,
I went to the SUmmernationals at Englishtown for 15 years straight, all three days. Since then have been trying to get in one Nat event a year and by far I think that if you only have one day, Saturday is the best day.
First of all, you get to see all the pros run, not just the 16 top qualifiers. You can spend time in the pits if you want and not worry about missing anything. You can walk the pits and look at all of the sportsman cars, manufacturers displays etc. To me, Sunday is more like going to a football game. Get there and find a seat, if you dont have reserved ones, then have to stay in it all day until racing is over.
Just my opinion,

Friday or Saturdays for me.......

I like Fridays as well..

If you can end up going to a nitetime session, that has the most WOW factor when the fuel cars are running.

Saturday has always been my favorite day. More of everything on Saturday.

By Sunday all but a few have gone home.