NORWALK, Ohio – You don’t have to be a drag racing fan to want to attend the NMRA annual Ford Nationals, but it’s likely that you’ll become a fan after that single weekend. That was the case for anyone who witnessed the 22nd Annual NMRA Ford Performance Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park over the weekend of June 10-12, 2022. Outside of all the requisite on-track drag racing action and exciting winner’s-circle festivities, there was a lot to see over the weekend as the UPR Products Car Show was filled with stunning late-model and vintage Fords of all types, with the top-12 being invited back for the exclusive Ring of Fire competition. Additionally, the original Ford BIGFOOT 4x4 monster truck that revolutionized off-roading and the Ford Model T Club International were both on hand to show contrasting creations, while the Ford GT Gathering showcased their supercars for all to see.

Our own Ford retiree enthusiast/photographer Bill Cook, along with his Ford mega-fan sidekick Mark Storm, drove to Norwalk from Detroit early that Saturday morning. “It was a perfect day.” Cook told us. “The track action started just before we arrived and continued through Sunday. It’s a multi-day event featuring heads-up racing, True Street Mustangs & Fords, a Ford powered car & truck show, a large manufacturer’s midway and an appearance by the original Ford BIGFOOT monster truck. Spectators have full access to entire facility, the garage area, race cars, drivers and the show vehicles. We had a great time!”

When the forecast shifted to show the chance of rain on Sunday, officials pivoted to push through two rounds of eliminations on Saturday evening -- and the wise decision enabled the race to be run to completion well ahead of the original schedule. Cook sent us a variety of his photos of some of the Ford eye candy he saw at the NMRA Nats. Take a look at his gallery below:

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY BILL COOK