NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals Friday photo gallery

It would be difficult to draw up a better October day for drag racing. Brilliant blue skies and picture-perfect fall weather provided the backdrop as the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals roared to life Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway. From the intensity of the starting line and full-throttle qualifying runs to the personalities, details, and behind-the-scenes moments that define an NHRA national event, NHRA National Dragster photographer Marc Gewertz was there to capture it all. Take a look through his camera lens at some of the best images from a spectacular opening day of racing in St. Louis.