words: by Lloyd Moore
picture: by DV1 crew.

On the weekend of the 4th and 5th of May 02, we at DV1 witnessed something spectacular at the NHRA SUMMIT Sport Compact sponsored event at the English Town race way in NJ. We couldn’t believe our eyes as the event unfolded over the two days. This event was so huge we dubbed it CLASH OF THE TITAN Pt1! It was a fun filled, action packed, non-stop two days of excitement for everyone who attended. The fans that were on hand to witness history in the making were hesitant about leaving their seats in fear of missing some spectacular run by some amazing machine of speed. As successful as this event was, some fans and drivers were a little skeptical of NHRA’S involvement in the Import scene. At first, we were as guilty of being skeptical ourselves because of misinformation’s we heard from some drivers. “Hey we thought, if its coming from the drivers it must be true”, but after a few trips to the NHRA’S site we found out other wise. All the worrying started last year when the announcement of NHRA take over or merger with NIRA, or something to that effect. A lot of drivers and fans alike didn’t know what to expect, or would they be able to cheer their favorite racer at an NHRA event. Due to NHRA’S strict policies and rules no one knew the effect it would have on the grass roots racers. Some drivers were opposed to the idea of the already proven V8 Detroit iron entering and competing with imports when they already have their own league in which import aren’t invited. Although there were oppositions, other drivers welcomed the challenge with open arms. There were other concerns that the Detroit irons would dominate in points thus taking the big prize leaving more deserving import tuners out in the cold. The biggest gripe that the fans had was the banning of the old school cars from the NHRA'S events. Those speculations turned out to be what they started out as; rumors, nothing more, nothing less than rumors. If there were any doubt before this event, we're sure there is none right now. The NHRA’S promoters and organizers did a splendiferous job in organizing this two-day event.  There was something for everyone to enjoy. There was old school, new school, old timers who’ve been there, done that to the new kids on the block. Up until this date as this article is being typed, people are still talking about this event. Although one just passed in Maple Grove this past weekend, which we missed, the buzz was still on for this one. Since not everyone could be on hand for history in the making, we at DV1 will try our best in bringing the action to you our loyal readers the best we can.

The atmosphere was so intense the minute you entered through the gates and entered the pit area. The first sight to grab your attention were the huge trailers spread out all over the area, and all had big named sponsored written all over them. There were sponsors such as SUMMIT RACING, HKS, TURBONETICS, TRD, CASTROL, BULLISH RACING, and WORLD RACING, just to list a few. There was the smell of cam2 emitting from the exhaust tips of cars as they passed. The familiar scent of burnt rubber as the cars does its burnouts. There were the sweet sounds of motor revving everywhere as mechanics fine-tuned their weapons of speed as they prepared for battle.

At the other end of the pit area, guys and gals were putting the final shine to their show cars, as the sweet aroma of fresh seasoned food caressed the morning air as its being prepared. Wow! We finally exhaled as we realized it was race day at E-Town once again, but on a higher scale than what we the regular import tuners are used to seeing. The scene was like a page from out of those Top Fuel events. Who would have thought that imports would ever reach these heights in this country? The drag racing scene were always dominated by American cars, but with the aid of technology, the little piece of shit rice burners that couldn’t punch their way through a WET PAPER BAG no matter what; are now given Corvetts hell on the roads. The guys who said that back then, we hope they are around to witness this now.