(Photos by Mike and Jeff Burghardt) – It is weird to be in the “hole” between the Magic Dry NHRA Nationals in Phoenix and the Gatornationals next week in Florida. What is a two week layoff feels like a year for some reason. Anyway, we have some killer photos to share with you from the lenses of Jeff and Mike Burkhardt. These guys hit loads of events and they always share great images with us that range from the parachutist coming in hot to the top fuel final and winner’s circle festivities.

The energy in Phoenix was awesome. The crowds at Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park are always stout and this year as no exception. While it may never get freezing cold in that part of the world, winter is still winter and those NHRA fans know that when the circus comes to town, the fastest and loudest motorsport in the world is going to put on a heck of a show.

Jordan Vandergriff made his professional debut and looked great, Austin Prock won another round and dealt with a stuck throttle in qualifying, the funny car class was hardcore as well with Matt Hagan taking the win and in pro stock, Jeg Coughlin hoisted another Wally, winning the event in his 1,000th round of pro stock competition. Good stuff! Let these photos from the Southwest warm you up if you are in the snowbelt like we are!

Hit the images below to expand them and then scroll on to see them all –