It is Labor Day Monday. I spent Saturday at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove Wisconsin. Two lanes of asphalt, stretch for a half mile that allows two race cars maximum acceleration for a quarter mile, then another 1,320 feet of room to slow the vehicles. That’s drag racing, a type of competition originating in California at the end of WWII.

I  reflect from time to time, pondering “why me.” Why this unflagging fascination with the beauty of engine and chassis, and body design – purposed for cutting the timing light at a quicker and quicker time. Yes, it is about science: physics of momentum, chemistry of combustion involving atmospheric pressure, the softer science of crew and driver relations, how well they communicate, collaborate as a team. Enough mention of the zones of measurement, data and theory relevant to drag racing.

Especially interesting to me, is the never mentioned organic-like relationship between every component of a race car, that during the course of the initial passes from starting line to timing lights settle into a harmonious accord. My instinct tells me that the car seeks a perfect pitch too. The race car itself is “as if” a living organism. As the builders and crew learn the incremental adjustments, the possibility of nudging the machine into a zone of a legit-machine capable of making the “final four” of a big show – the car transforms itself at the same time.

All of the above describes my “why” I show up whenever I have the chance to witness up close, the violent and elegant spectacle of drag racing.

For those who dedicate the hours of labor, the not inconsiderable financial resources, the occasional busted knuckle, etc. to conceive and to build a pro-modified blown or nitrous assisted car there is a commonly recognized threshold of performance. That is a bright line dividing a new car to be sorted-out from a race car with demonstrated potential to make the final program. The “event horizon” for a pro-modified race car is a pass or two in the six second zone through the finish line timing lights.

“Event horizon” is a term of physics referring to crossing a gravitational boundary where there is no turning back. There’s also an element of mystery to the “event horizon.” That is, once crossed you cannot communicate precisely how you did it to anyone on the other side. It just happens in the course of your best efforts to race the car.

Well, I have hinted, in round-about language, indicating Saturday’s accomplishment of Jeff and Dave Lumbert with their River Rats 1967 Nova race car. Two back-to-back passes within the long sought for zone of a six second quarter mile. The race car built by Jeff and Dave, testimony to Steven Cohen the engine builder, a tribute to their family tradition, – demonstrated itself to be a pro-modified competitor to be reckoned with.

They believed in the car, through occasions of making passes, then reading spark plugs from each of the eight cylinders, then adjusting injector settings, etc. etc.. At times things break, “shit happens” repairs are made, the obstacles overcome. Two passes in succession! Two in the high sixes just under 200 mph.

I received a text from Jeff several days prior to the Time Machine Nationals event on Saturday. Jeff who drives wrote, The track should be great so I just need to do my job to make it happen… I am sure that Dave felt a similar sentiment, that the success of the car depended upon the execution of his duties as tuner and supervisor of the chassis set-up. I felt a deep satisfaction to witness their elation, especially as other car owners (Chicago Wise Guys) joined the celebration with hugs and words expressing congratulation.

Here are some of the photos that I captured. There are moments in life that “just happen”, not ever to be forgotten. Indeed when the gods of horsepower and acceleration smile I’ll not forget my good fortune to have been there.