The 2005 edition
of Nostalgia Drag Racing's premier event was marked with a mixed
bag of weather, several new winners - some close calls and upsets.
In spite of rising gas prices, for the forty sixth year in a
row a full complement of race cars (including a record 25 Top
Fuel cars) invaded the hallowed grounds of Fomosa Raceway and
gave the SRO crowd one hell of a show.
Backing up to
Top Fuel Friday, this years March Meet followed the successful
16 car format used at the 2004 CHRR. There would be only two
qualifying sessions (one Friday and one Saturday) with the first
round going off Saturday afternoon. This would leave eight cars
for Sunday and make for a smoother running show. When all was
said and done the field was much tighter than previous years
with a 6.17 bump spot. However, Jim Murphy's ET and Jack Harris'
speed records were never in jeopardy with most cars in the 5.90
range all weekend.
After qualifying
# 2 with a strong 5.91 at 245, Murphy's hopes for a unprecedented
fifth March Meet win were high. Those hopes stayed in tact until
the semi finals when the front end came up at half track forcing
Jim out of the groove. When he brought the front wheels down
the rear tires went up in smoke ending any chance he had of winning
the race or event. Full story below.
Note: The Goodguys
put together a television package and this March Meet will be
the first nostalgia event to be televised nationwide. Murphy
was interviewed and had an on-board camera for the show. The
first airing will be April 9, 2005 on Speed Channel. Check your
local listings for the broadcast time in your area.