RECORD ATTENDANCE AT ATLANTA

Not only were records set on the track during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, but in the grandstands too. A senior track official said Atlanta Dragway enjoyed its best spectator turnout on a Friday ever in the history of the 28-year-old facility. (Ian Tocher photo) [5-19-2004]

MASTER CLASS Spotted in the lanes at Atlanta with Warren Johnson's team was former Mopar Pro Stock pilot Gene Wilson (left), shown catching up with legend Bob Glidden. (Ian Tocher photo) [5-19-2004]

LAYING IT DOWN AT LACR

Owner Bernie Longjohn of Los Angeles County Raceway announced that he recently repaved their drag strip from the concrete launch pad through the top end to 300 feet past the finish line. The renovation of the venerable strip also includes building a new burnout box.

LACR continues with its long-running weekly bracket program, Jr Dragsters, test- n-tune and on June 6 will present the 34th annual Antique Nationals for cars 1954 and earlier. www.lacr.net [5-19-2004]