“ That win in Vegas just pumped us up and motivated us , and when you ’ re in that winner ’ s circle you want to get back at it . There ’ s just an extra energy in the pits and we want more .” - BRITTANY FORCE

HAT ’ S OFF TO YOU : Top Fuel star Leah Pruett tosses her hat to a fan during pre-race ceremonies at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas .

HOMETOWN HERO : Four-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion and Houston native Erica Enders joins former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris to throw out the ceremonial first pitches at a Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Stadium .

$ 50K FAMILY PHOTO : Brian Boose made the most of Sunday ’ s combined $ 50K to win the SFG season opener at Bradenton Motorsports Park after unfavorable weather altered the event . After nine rounds of competition , Boose got around Travis Logan to claim the huge payday .

TUNED IN : Five-time and reigning NHRA Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson is laser-focused as he reviews the data and plugs in the tuneup for his KB Racing-fielded HendrickCars . com Camaro at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas .

DREAM TEAM : NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle veterans Angie and Matt Smith scope out the track for a qualifying pass at the final NHRA SpringNationals at Houston Raceway Park . The husband-wife teammates are fourth and fifth , respectively , in points four races into the PSM season .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TARA BOWKER , VAN ABERNETHY , GARY ROWE , AND NHRA

56 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 176