One of the best unexpected opportunities for us, while at the SEMA Show 2007, was a chance to witness up close the various NHRA racers who stayed a day after for 'testing' their cars... that weekend happened to be the NHRA National Event held there in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was Monday, October 29th, one day prior to the start of the SEMA Show. We initially had driven out there to see the Shelby museum/office which is located across the street from the track. A huge complex that includes both the NHRA Drag Strip and the NASCAR track... otherwise known as 'The Strip', just an awesome track.

It was an overcast but warm day, perfect actually for watching these cars test run at the track. The noise was spectacular, we were able to get inside and as close to the staging area as anyone could have. It really was a three ring circus of sorts with the NHRA race car test-runs, the a constant fly over of jets practicing maneuvers overhead (the military airport nearby) and the occasional NASCAR track sounds of cars using the track at the same time. It was impressive and exciting. We even witnessed a near disaster when one of the race cars hit the wall while testing. Although the car was damaged, no one was injured, thankfully.

After a few hours there, we all left with tiny minuscule pieces of tire rubber speckled on our faces, arms and clothes... blow-back from the force of the cars launching and the wind blowing in our direction. But hey, we were happy, despite the inconvenience of smeared black smudge marks. LOL! It was a small price to pay for a few hours of a spectacular experience!