Cottrell, Williamson and Generalao Jr., conquer 51st Nightfire Nationals
The 51st edition of the Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart attracted a record turnout for the mid-summer Idaho stop in the 2022 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage series.
Winning his fifth consecutive Firebird major event title, Bobby Cottrell stopped Kris Krabill in the AA/Funny Car final. The “Northwest Hitter” team delivered a 5.69-254.04 to clip the Bartone & Lebor Camaro, which finished at 5.74-240.98.
In AA/Fuel Dragster, Brett Williamson earned top honors at 5.86-257.14. Tyler Hester was runner-up at 5.90-232.51 in a hard-fought battle.
James Generalao Jr. avenged his runner-up finish from one year ago by scoring the AA/Fuel Altered crown. He recorded a solo 6.21-232.91 when Cory Lee was unable to rebuild the “Sheepherder” roadster following engine damage in the semifinals. Garrett Richards won the Pro Mod match race with a 3.99-192.22 against Shane Molinari who finished at 4.10-187.21.
The NHRA.tv Challenge 3-Night Bracketeer Series presented by Mirage Trailers officially crowned five overall champions. NHRA Wally statues were awarded to: Bracketeer Champ-Jason Thomas, Pro-Chris Hall, Heavy-Cameron Dill, Sled/Bike-Dave Wheeler, and Lucas Oil Top Fire-Justin Hof. Additionally, Anthony Keller was victorious in the Pro Comp division.