(Photos by David Whealon- DWPhotos) – The 2016 edition of the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals will stand as one of the most interesting on record. With weather that threatened literally every day of the race, tens of thousands of resilient fans that showed up despite the fact that it looked like doom and gloom, fires, oil, and wreckage to beat the band, and lastly a historic win for Brittany Force that finally elevates her and her family’s top fuel operation to top shelf status.

Dave Whealon was on the grounds shooting for BangShift all weekend and his work is spectacular. We’re going to bring you several collections of his work but today we’re starting at the top of the heap with the fuel burning funny cars and dragsters that most fans come to see. On the funny car side of things, Mike Neff did a masterful job tuning Robert Hight through a solid weekend and into the winner’s circle. Some split second clutch adjustments made as the car was sitting ahead of the water box as well as a lane swap and other moves kept competitors on their toes and win lights illuminated in their lane all day.

The first round of top fuel was one of the most entertaining anyone could remember with upsets coming with Chris Karamesines beating Richie Crampton, Terry McMillan beating Antron Brown, Tripp Tatum beating Phoenix winner Leah Pritchett, and Dave Connolly beating Doug Kalitta. The place was going completely bonkers and despite predictions to the contrary, the weather was awesome on Sunday. At points, the only thing the event was missing was a flock of flying monkeys but in the end all was wrapped by Sunday night.

Check out the Dave Whealon photos below and stay tuned for a bunch more to roll through this week!