(Kim Fuller Photography) • Idaho’s largest motorsports spectacle, the 54th Annual Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart, returned to Firebird Raceway near Boise.
Firebird’s flagship Nitro Show with a lineup including AA/Funny Cars, AA/Fuel Dragsters, AA/Fuel Altereds, Pro Modifieds, Jet Cars, and more. Fan-favorite Nitro Funny Cars features a full 16-car qualified field.
The Nightfires also serves as a crucial points event in the 2025 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, especially for the Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster divisions.
Defending 2024 Nightfire champions were Shane Westerfield – Funny Car, Tyler Hilton – Top Fuel, Cory Lee – Fuel Altered and Andy Kouerinis – Pro Modified.
After a single Friday evening Qualifier, veteran owner/driver Tim Boychuk (far lane), in his new Happy Hour ’69 Camaro bodied funny car nailed Low Elapsed Time so far with his 5.619 at 255.00 MPH charge. Past Champion Bobby Cottrell is driving Jim Broome’s Speed Sport Camaro.
Geoff Monise in his Quarter Pounder ’70 Firebird was second with a stout 5.771 ET sits second.
This years NHRA Heritage Series Bowling Green Reunion funny car winner, Kris Krabill in the Bartone & Lebor ’79 Mustang currently sits 9th with a 5.850 at 246.48 MPH. The Mustang-body is painted as a tribute to the late Michael Bartone and his 1995 U.S. Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster victory, it was designed by Kenny Youngblood.
Tyler Hilton, 2024 Heritage Series Top Fuel Champion sits #1 with his 5.817 at 227.54 MPH with Pete Kaiser (near lane) is close behind with his 5.868 ET with Top Speed of 250.69 MPH.
In AA/Fuel Altered, Kyle Hough, driving the Sheepherder, leads an 8-car field with his 6.053 Elapsed Time in this 6.0 Index class. Greg Leahy sits in #2 with his 6.276 pass after a single qualifier.
Bret Williamson’s 3.875 ET leads Pro Modified with John Durden’s ’59 Vette sitting second in the 1/8-mile class.
Nitro and Pro Mod qualifying resumes on Saturday with two sessions and the fan-favorite autograph session, eliminations begin on Sunday at noon.
The weekend also features Firebird’s biggest sportsman showdown of the year: The Bracketeers, a long-standing tradition since 1976. Racers in Super Pro, Pro, Heavy, Sled/Bike, Pro Comp, and the elite Top Fire shootout will be competing.
Whether you’re a die-hard drag racing fan or a first-time visitor, the Nightfire Nationals promise wall-to-wall action, thundering nitro, and unforgettable summer thrills.
CHECK OUT OUR FIRST GALLERY FROM FIREBIRD RACEWAY’S 54TH NIGHTFIRE NATIONALS