Western Swing, which starts this weekend in Denver, is
Auto Club driver Robert Hight’s ‘favorite time of the year’
Photo credit: Gary Nastase and Auto Imagery
DENVER (July 18) – This weekend’s Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway kicks off the three-race “Western Swing” that takes the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series to Colorado, California and Washington.
And it’s a trip that puts a wide smile on the face of Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car driver Robert Hight.
Hight is a California native and currently lives and works in the southern part of the state.
“It’s the start of three in a row and my favorite time of the year,” Hight said. “The Western Swing is my favorite time of the year. I’m from the West Coast, so a lot of friends and family will be at all three races. We’re going to go into Denver and hit it hard, move to Sonoma and then Seattle.”
Denver has been a good track to Hight over his stellar career, as he’s won three times on the mountain. Hight beat team owner and teammate John Force in 2014 and 2010 and Phil Burkart in 2005. Plus, he’s been No. 1 qualifier twice.
“I’m excited about going to Denver,” Hight said. “It’s high altitude, and I’ve won there a few times. (Crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) loves that place.”
So does John Force Racing, which has won the Denver race 12 times since 1994, the most recent by Force himself in 2016.
And while Hight is looking for his fourth victory at Denver, he’s still gunning for his first win this season. He’s been to two final rounds and has shown lots of speed, including two No. 1 qualifiers.
“We’re going to get some wins here,” Hight said. “They’re coming.”
Nitro qualifying for the Mile-High Nationals begins Friday, with two sessions at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Mountain time (televised on Fox Sports 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern). The final two sessions of nitro qualifying are scheduled Saturday for 4:30 and 7 p.m. Mountain (televised at midnight Eastern Sunday on FS1). Elimination rounds begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Mountain (three hours of live television coverage on FOX beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern).
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Robert Hight has competed in 12 races at Bandimere Speedway and qualified for every race since 2005, his rookie season.
Hight has advanced to the finals at Bandimere Speedway three times – winning all three finals matchups. He won in 2005, 2010 and 2014. His most recent two victories have come against team owner John Force.
Hight is 25-9 in 34 elimination rounds at Bandimere Speedway.
Two of Hight’s 51 No. 1 qualifiers have come at Bandimere Speedway – in 2005 and 2007.
Hight has won 11 of 12 first-round elimination matchups at Bandimere Speedway. His only first-round loss came in 2015, when he lost traction midway through his run.
Hight has competed in the semifinals at Bandimere Speedway in eight of 12 races.
Hight is currently fourth in Funny Car points standings.
In his career, Hight has 37 victories, 390 elimination-round wins, and 51 No. 1 qualifying spots.
Hight’s most recent NHRA victory – 2016 NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.
Hight’s most recent No. 1 qualifying effort – 2017 NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Epping, N.H.
Hight’s best time/speed at Denver – 3.975 seconds (2016 Q3); 322.81 mph (2016 E2).
Hight’s best time/speed of career – 3.822 seconds (2017 Epping Q3); 338.68 mph (2017 Topeka E1).