Completed in late February of 2004, the 3rd generation Nitro Thunder has raised the bar for style and function for the Nostalgia Top Fuel world. Here are a few shots of the car during construction at Neil & Parks. The fabrication was done by Frank and Scott Parks while much of the final assembly was left to Jack and Brett Harris and Utah Posse members Kenny Robison and Don Tyrrell.

Neil & Parks Racing Enterprises
9341 West Highway K31
Burlingame, KS 66413

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The basic chassis is almost lost on the jig inside the immaculate and expansive work area at Neil & Parks Racecars.

 

Frank Parks fabricates the super strong, one-of-a-king rearend housing.

 

Before the roll cage is even installed, the motor plate and mock-up block are put in to make sure the alignment to the rearend is exact.

 

When the chassis was basically in tact, the fuel tank and seat were the first "tin" added.

 

Don Tyrrell and Jack Harris jump in to help as the car was on a deadline for the Goodguys March Meet.

 

Jack sits in the seat as Frank adjusts the operation levers to fit him.

 

Frank installed the rearend housing and then finished the brackets.

 

Scott Parks does the final installation of the rearend assembly and gets the brakes set.

 

Kenny Robison assembles one of the side canard wings.

 

Don and Brett drop the engine in for the first time.

 

Brett tightens the left headers.

 

Brett and Don start fitting the body panels (above) and cowl (below).

 

 

Brett, Jack and Don take a bread for a "Billy The Kid" photo op.

 

The electronics for the Data Computer are neatly attached inside the chassis.

 

The finished cockpit - exactly like Jack wanted it.

 

With most of the "tin" (body) completed, Brett checks out the view from the drivers seat (above) and Jack gives it a comfort test below.

 

 

Ready to put on the ground.

 

Frank and Scott Parks pose with their work of art.

 

Scott poses with the custom vent/data collection scoop he fabricated.

 

One very unique feature on Nitro Thunder III is the state-of-the-art front wing that takes the stress off the chassis and more down force where its needed.

 

Getting very close.

 

Just two short weeks after the car left Neil & Parks, Jack Harris and the Utah Posse nabbed runner-up honors at the 45th March Meet

Mid-Season - New car gets its red paint.

Nitro Thunder Photo Archives