2nd Annual N.A.H.A. N.W.Nitro Nationals Packs In the Crowds Over the Weekend [PHOTOS] [VIDEO]

This weekend, the 2nd Annual N.A.H.A. Northwest Nitro Nationals Hill Climb took place just off of Highway 24, 20 minutes outside of Yakima and 10 minutes from Sunnyside.

The fans were treated to outstanding weather all three days with the culmination on Sunday when the Pros attacked the 800 foot hill.

My brother-in-law, Justin Crawford, who is a distributor of EVS Racing Gear as well as a sponsored rider himself, managed to qualify on Saturday in the 451-700 cc category.

His first run of 22 seconds had him still in the hunt as the Top 10 all received prize money.  He drew #30 out of 34 racers.  Here's what "J" (here with his sponsor Darin Yoerger of Speed Motorsports in Union Gap) said as he headed into his second run:

Unfortunately, Justin laid his bike down just before reaching the top:

In between competitions, spectators were treated to an outstanding freestyle show.  Click the picks below for some of their flavor!

The weekend was marred by the tragic loss of  a racer, 44-year-old Oregonian, Shane Donaca, who was practicing early Saturday morning when he wrecked and suffered massive head trauma.  A collection was being taken by the fans at the event to help his family with funeral expenses.