Jack Harris and the Utah Posse in the Winners Circle -- Again

Good weather and respectable performances from the All American Fuel Dragsters kept the fans on their feet with one fantastic show! In spite of a "very tricky race track", the Nitro Thunder team didn't lose a step after their VRA win in Sonoma. They rolled into Sacramento and immediately started a new "Wanted" list. Out of the box Harris ran low ET of the entire meet (5.95) which obviously netted the #1 qualifying spot. It was all down hill from there as a string of 6.0s mowed down the field in eliminations. In fact, there was nobody within 2 tenths of Harris in any given race. A dominate performance, and relatively easy day at the office for The Sheriff.

Jack Harris heats the tires in preparation for the final with Lee Jennings.

Jack gets "animated" backup directions.

Despite a slight starting line advantage by Jennings, Harris reeled him in early and marched on to the win with a 6.05 @ 240 to Lee's 6.44 @ 218.

Jack Harris' "Nitro Thunder" in the right lane on the tower side puts away Lee Jennings in the "California Trucker" in the final round with a 6.05 @ 240 mph. Jennings with a 6.44 with the chute out slows after the lights as "The Sheriff" goes for a very late and number two chute while catching some air ... on the brakes!

Backing up to Friday, Harris came out of the box with a stunning (for the conditions) 5.95 at 231 (the only five second run of the weekend). He set the bar and no one else could jump over it. Prior to the run, the Utah Posse were doing leg poses.

5.95 @ 231 = # 1

Returning Friday night for the second qualifying session, Harris "went for it" and after launching hard, the car completely over powered the tricky track. Once the tires smoked, he shut it off. With a 5.95 in the bank there was no sense in hurting parts for nothing.

Race day - Harris heats the tires for his first round match up with Jeff Diehl.

Diehl was arrested by The Sheriff when Harris nailed him with a 6.00 at 241 (top speed of the meet). Jeff clicked off his losing effort with a 6.24 at 185.

After their easy 6.00 at just 219 win over a tire smoking Howard Haight in round two, the Nitro Thunder car comes back to the pits for maintenance.

Harris is focused as he backs up from his burnout in preparation for the final.

What may be a familiar scene this year is the Utah Posse with the Big # 1 in the air. Here they head down in "Tweety" to pick up Jack after the final.

The traditional "Nitro Thunder" end-of-the-track celebration. They then go back to the tower for the more "formal" photo ops and the trophy (not photos of the all important CHECK!)

In the first qualifying session, Jack Harris pulled a 5.95 @ 231.15 out of the hat against Howard Haight's 6.225 @ 207 mph and keeps a hold of "The Badge" that was up for grabs via the challenge from Butch Blair's "Fugowie" team!