April 23-24, 2005, Sonoma, CA - The Goodguys 17th Nitro Nationals was marked with iffy weather conditions, a record number of oil downs and some of the closest Top Fuel racing in memory. The teams came in Friday to overcast and rainy skies and a chance of rain over the weekend. Being just a two day event scheduling would be tight at best with two qualifying sessions Saturday for all classes so any interference from Mother Nature or unforeseen on-track incidences would, and in this case did, throw everything off. Because of a weather delayed start and TF engine carnage, most (if not all) classes only got one shot to make the show. With 24 TF cars on the grounds that meant if you missed your tune-up, you would be one of the eight cars going home. Harris Racing had no worries on that score with Brett qualifying # 1 on his only attempt. Race photos and details below.

After several oil downs in front of them, Brett "The Sheriff" Harris in Nitro Thunder and Sean "The Penguin" Bellemeur in the Plaza Hotel entry paired off in the one and only qualifying session the Top Fuel car would get.

Brett and Sean backup after their burnouts.

Harris was focused as he moved into the staging beams.

Harris left hard and went low with a 5.908 @ 246.30. Bellemeur struck the tires hard at the hit but managed to pedal it to a 6.974 @ 226.43 which would net the # 17 spot which is not good in a 16 car show.

Saturday afternoon Big Red was ready for Sunday and the crew was laid back.

Brett talks to the crew while Jack invites block manufacturer John Rodeck into the trailer.

First round of eliminations found # 1 qualifier Brett Harris racing # 16 Bob Hallock.

After the burnout, VRA TF Top Speed Record Holder, Jack Harris gives son Brett the ol' thumbs up before he stages.

Hallock caught a good light but he needed way more than a tenth as by the 1/8 mile Harris had gone around him and was pulling away to a stout 5.873 @ 256.41 win. Hallock gave up early and clicked it to a 6.274 @ 169.72.

The 256 puts Brett firmly into the prestigious 250 MPH Club.

The Posse heads down to the top end to retrieve Brett and, oh yea, the car.

Round two of eliminations found Harris paired with Sean Bellemeur.

Brett backs up from his burnout.

Both cars left together but Harris took over by the 330' mark and pulled away to a 5.912 @ 255.92 win light. Bellemeur never gave up carding a 6.029 @ 243.72.

In the semi finals Harris faced the ever tough Rick McGee. Harris just drilled the tree on McGee and Rick gave chase but the big red car was long gone to a 5.866 @ 256.94.

It may not be Disney World but we're goin' to the finals!

By the numbers the Top Fuel final featured the two best cars in the pits and two drivers who had never been there before... Brett Harris and Rick White.

Harris and White back up from their burnouts.

As billed, this was one hell of a drag race. Harris nails a perfect light but White drives around him near the stripe. It was close all the way down with both were over 201 mph at half track which is considered a prime number for front engined nitro cars. White clocks a 5.825 @ 250.97 with Harris right there with a 5.906 @ 258.27 (Top Speed of the meet).