Rick Rogers was runner-up to Prudhomme. Didn't even get a mention in the
race coverage in the 25th Anniversary U.S. National yearbook

That week I came to understand why everyone I had ever known in drag racing wanted to go to the "Nats." It was an experience that was hard to explain and impossible to forget. It was a race that, because of the unique points program for the U.S. Nationals at the time, could decide the World Championship. It was a place to see more nitro-burning vehicles than you had ever imagined existed. It was the fastest track in the world! It was the Mecca of Drag Racing.

Today the race has changed. It's all grown up and wearing khaki pants, loafers and a blazer. The campgrounds are for the most part civil and calm. It is no longer the premier track on the circuit, but it still has magic. If you spend a little time in the campgrounds late at night or in one of the blue-collar bars on Crawfordsville Road you can still see some of the people and feel some of the atmosphere that make Indy special. It's still there -- it's just harder to find.

Prudhomme's Army car was a killer

But, as my dad says, "Today is the good old days," so once again I'm packing up and going to Indy. Maybe I'll see a few of the ghosts of Indy's past, but I'm also sure I'll see something that will motivate me to be back next year.

After all, the U.S. Nationals is still "The Nationals." It's just not the Indy of 1977.

The Snake's crew celebrates after the win. Check out the guy's movie camera