Every year since 1970, the Mac Tools Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, has been the signal of the start of the drag racing season on the east coast of the United States. Hundreds of racers and tens of thousands of fans flock to Gainesville each and every year for “The Gators” as they are known. The 2004 edition of the Mac Tools Gatornationals was no different, as all of the top stars on NHRA POWERade drag racing were on hand for a dynamite event.

Nearly six hundred cars and bikes were racing at the event. A new track surface did prove to be a bit tricky for some of the higher powered cars to deal with, and some of the big names were upset in eliminations. The race on Sunday was run in front of one of the biggest crowds in recent memory on the NHRA tour, in near perfect weather conditions. All in all the Mac Tools Gatornationals for 2004 was a great race.

Hall of Fame photographer Steve Reyes was at Gainesville for the race, and we hope that you enjoy the photos he shot of the NHRA Pro’s in action. For more information about the results at the Gatornationals, or about any of the 23 stops the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series makes throughout the year visit www.nhra.com. There you’ll find event schedules, track info, driver profiles and fan club info, photos, video highlights, TV schedules, and much more. CN

Looking for a classic drag racing photo of your favorite car or star? Chances are Steve Reyes has it. Or if you would like a professional photo shoot with your car, you can contact Steve Reyes via e-mail at sb.reyes@cox.net