Route 66 Raceway: 7 Cool Photos From NHRA Nationals

JOLIET, IL - Route 66 Raceway's "Friday Night on Fire" lived up to its billing as one of drag-racing's top performers, Robert Hight, became the center of the crowd's attention.

During Friday night's Funny Cars qualifying, Hight reached speeds of 334.73. Route 66 Raceway reports that Hight is aiming for his first win of the year. This weekend marks the 20th anniversary race for Route 66's NHRA Nationals in Joliet.

"We have a pretty good idea that track records were going to fall this weekend and the advancement of Funny Cars over the years allows us to put these exciting runs together for the fans," Hight said, as reported by Route 66 Raceway on its website.

Since Thursday, fans from Joliet, Chicago and around the country have flocked to Route 66 Raceway for four days of intense and action-packed racing competition and entertainment.

Saturday and Sunday's races are being televised by FS1.

Here are seven photos from Friday's racing competition, events that drew plenty of noise:

Images via Route 66 Raceway's Facebook Page