Top Fuel Champion
Low ET (5.88) and Top Speed (250) of the meet

Prior to the 11th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion, Jack Harris liked Fomosa Dragway. After the 2002 CHRR he likes it even more! For the second time in 2002, the Nitro Thunder team stood on the Winners Podium at this historic track north of Bakersfield, CA. Earlier in the season, Harris won the VRA Goodguys March Meet for the second consecutive year. It wasn't the prettiest victory of his career but like they say, it sure looks good in the history books.

But unlike the March Meet, The Sheriff and his Posse left no doubts in anybody's mind that he was in total control of this event (quickest field ever). After qualifying # 2 with a 6.00 (at just 197 MPH), Harris proceeded to reel off the two quickest ETs (5.92 and 5.88) fastest speeds (249 & 250) of the meet en route to a final round win over Glenn Hutchenson in the "Foothill Flyer". This was his second CHRR Top Fuel win (the other came in 2000). What made the victory particularly sweet was the fact that on Sunday morning Harris told recovering peer, Rance McDaniel that he was going to win the race for him. What's better than a man of his word.

After defeating an always tough Rick McGee in the first round, and hard charging Rich Howell in the semis, Harris met up with Glenn Hutchenson in the final. Coming off a pair of 5 second runs, The Sheriff was favored and had lane choice. Harris has the lead from the start and just pulled away down track. Well on its way to another five-eighty pass, the engine broke a rocker arm at the 900 foot mark which resulted in punctured valve cover, flash fire and sever oil down. In spite of the problem Jack got the win light with a 6.12 at just 216 MPH. Hutchenson (below - with engine problems of his own) had too little too late (6.276 @ 232.55) for runner-up.

Backing up to Saturday, after a parts malfunction negated their first of only two qualifying sessions, Harris was under the gun in this do-or-die final session. In typical Nitro Thunder style, Jack rebounded and laid down a stout 6.00, planting himself in the 2nd spot just five thousands of a second behind the # 1 qualifier, Gerry Steiner. Ironically he was paired up with his eventual final round opponent (Hutchenson) who ripped of a 6.01 for the # 3 spot.

Harris had a perfect launch (front wheels up) on his way to a 6.00 qualifying run.

As it turned out, this 6.00 qualifying run was a portent of the TF finals. Harris several car lengths ahead of Glenn Hutchinson at the finish.

On Sunday, to fulfill his promise to "win this one for Rance", Harris had to first get by fellow 5-Second Club Member, Rick McGee (above) in the Tedford & McGee fueler.

Harris rose to the occasion and laid down a picture perfect 5.92 at 250.62 (top speed of the meet). McGee had problems on the top end and carded an off pace 6.232 @ 195.52. One down, two to go.

What made the Nitro Thunder times even more impressive was they were turned in the heat of the day and when we say heat - try 90+. Here Bill Robbins does his best to keep Harris shaded as they wait for their semi final match up with Rich Howell.

Second round opponent, Rich Howell had just run 6.04 in round one so Harris was not taking him lightly. For those who heard the burnout (above) there was no doubt that Nitro Thunder was loaded for bear - the bear being Howell.

From the hit of the throttle, everyone knew this was going to be a great pass (barring breakage) and 5.88 seconds later, Harris was going to the finals.

An elated "Posse" wave to the fans in route to pick up Jack on the top end.

Stepping back, in the first qualifying session the Nitro Thunder car sounded great. The burnout was perfect. But in drag racing "the fat lady sings" when the chutes come out 1320 feet after the start. Due to a freak seal leak, Harris was shut off by the starter after this burnout and was down to one qualifying run.

Drag racing is, by definition, quite irrational to the "normal" person. What other endeavor would possess seemingly rational men to spend 60+ collective hours a week getting a potential time bomb to run for less than 6 seconds down a drag strip? And what would possess these men to "thrash" on these race cars every time it makes a run? They love it!

Here are a few candid pit shots taken over the weekend and you'll note that nobody is lounging in the warm Bakersfield sun. Everybody has a job to do and especially in the Nitro Thunder camp, they do them very well.

Jack tries to figure out what to do with his new NR 5-Second Club jacket... very nice but not suitable for 90 degree weather!

If you want a good look at Nitro Thunder, don't stand behind Harris on a burnout!

Once the cars are ready to run and in the staging lanes, the drivers and crew usually get a breather and some time to "bench race". Here Harris spends some time with fellow Neil & Parks car owner/driver, Mike Lockman who tows to the west coast races from Fort Collins, CO.

Vic Cooke photo

The final pair of cars to go down the track at the 11th CHRR back up from their burnouts. After checking track conditions, Harris chose to run in the left lane putting Hutchenson in the right.

As the photo shows, with an excellent reaction time Harris was out nearly half a car from the start. 6.12 seconds later The Sheriff, covered in hot oil, was the CHRR Top Fuel Champion.

Before he even took his helmet off, Harris had to pose with his "bleeding" car. Note the heavy coat of oil on the windscreen. Jack said it was "the worst oil down of my career". But getting the win light quickly erased the moments of concern when he was unable to see at over 200 MPH.

Hans device in hand, Harris give the "so-what" gesture. Hey, the win was worth a little oil in the face!

'B' Field winner, Bill Dunlap (with helmet) joins the track crew and other to inspect the oiled down Nitro Thunder.

Harris inspects the damage... a small hole in the valve cover from a broken rocker arm. It's amazing how much oil came out of that little 1/4" hole. Just shows how much pan pressure these fuel engines build on a run.

Let the games begin! On the top end, an overloaded crew truck was nothing but smiles and cheers.

After the hand shakes and hugs, Jack shows off his oil soaked gear to "Under Sheriff" Bob Eames.

The crew inspects the engine but obviously they're not too concerned about it.

Back at the staring line well wishers start surrounding the crew. It's amazing that just 20 before the stands of Fomosa were full of fans. After a very long, hot and exciting weekend most people just wanted to get home.

Steve Gibbs, the man who makes the CHRR happen, spends some time with Bob and Jack while they wait for their turn for the trophy presentations.

One of the reasons Nostalgia Top Fuel is alive and well is the M&H tires. The man behind the tire is Marvin Rifchin (right) here with Jack and the current M&H rep.

Last down the track, last to get their photos taken. The crew pushes the car into the Winners Circle area.

The Nitronic Research AA/FD 5 Second Club is comprised of the first 16 drivers to run their VRA legal front engine dragsters at a recognized event in under 6 seconds. In a special ceremony on Saturday, Harris and 11 other drivers were presented with an embroidered jacket to commemorate the achievement. Jim Sorenson and Mark Hovsepian presented the jackets on behalf of NR.