Photos from day one in the pits where teams prepared for the first two qualifying sessions and drivers interacted with fans. 

The championship trophy.
The championship trophy

The Infinite Hero Dodge sits on the stands while the team prepares the car
The Infinite Hero Dodge sits on the stands while the team prepares the car
The Make A Wish Dodge body sits on the stand in the pit
The Make A Wish Dodge body sits on the stand in the pit
Tommy Johnson Jr works on a part of his car.
Tommy Johnson Jr works on a part for his car

 

A Special Moment in the Pits

Earlier this year, NHRA Chief Starter Mark Lyle lost his life while on vacation in Mexico as he was attempting to save another swimmers life that he saw struggling in the water. We were fortunate enough to be near Antron Brown's pit as part of his family and friends were walking through the pits, Brown was kind enough to take Jasper, Lyle's grandson around the pits and showed him his Matco Tools Top Fuel Dragster. 

Brown would go on to sign autographs after giving Jasper his tour.

The new TV deal is seen on many cars now as NHRA is on Fox now
The new TV deal is seen on many cars now as NHRA is on Fox now
Steve Torrence signs some autographs for fans
Steve Torrence signs some autographs for fans

With the different exhaust pipes Funny Car runs, its a constant battle having to replace logos and melted paint on the car.
With the different exhaust pipes Funny Car runs, its a constant battle having to replace logos and melted paint on the car. Here we see John Force Racing Race Support member Eric Brampton, fixing the paint

John Force climbs into his car to begin warm ups for the first time of the weekend as fans look on
John Force climbs into his car to begin warm ups for the first time of the weekend as fans look on                    

Courtney Force's Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro makes its way to the staging lane
Courtney Force's Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro makes its way to the staging lane                   

Tim Wilkerson looks down at his car one last time before heading to the staging lanes.
Tim Wilkerson looks down at his car one last time before heading to the staging lanes.

Between Qualifying Session One and Session Two

Antron Brown waved a fan into his pit area to give him and autograph while he prepared his fuel for his car.
Antron Brown waved a fan into his pit area to give him and autograph while he prepared his fuel for his car.
Jack Beckman shakes a fans hand between rounds
Jack Beckman shakes a fans hand between rounds
Matt Hagan gives some fans some autographs on Friday evening
Matt Hagan gives some fans some autographs on Friday evening
Clay Millican signed this fans arm
Clay Millican signed this fans arm
The area that Eric was fixing earlier in the day on Robert Heights car
The area that Eric was fixing earlier in the day on Robert Hights car
Brittany Force walks back towards her dragster
Brittany Force walks back towards her dragster
Tim Wilkerson gives this fan an autograph
Tim Wilkerson gives this fan an autograph

Stay Tuned for more images from the 2016 Northwest Nationals in Seattle. 

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About the author
Brandon Farris
Brandon Farris is a Seattle Correspondent helping cover the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers as a staff photographer and reporter.