Storm clouds swirled on the horizon, but Mother Nature cut the Mustang faithful a break and the 7th Annual NMRA Spring Ford Nationals, presented by Steeda and Nitto Tire, went off without a hitch. Overcast skies and strong winds were the rule for Friday, but as the front passed through overnight, the air temperature dropped, the headwind turned into a tailwind, and mineshaft conditions prevailed at Bradenton Motorsports Park for eliminations, leading to an exciting and unpredictable opening round for the series’ tenth season.