During a recent event at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., former Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers star Larry Nance tinkered with his Pro Stock dragster a couple of stalls down from Hammonds. Nance, one of the NBA's best career shot blockers, joined the NHRA's pro ranks in 1996. He qualified for five events in 1997 and three in 1998. Nance caught drag racing fever as a rookie with the Suns, when a friend took him to a track. He didn't tell his team about his early fascination with the sport, but the telltale signs were there.
Every race is like being on the free-throw line for the big shot in a playoff game.
It's the adrenaline. But Nance and Hammonds say the need to be catapulted down a strip of pavement at speeds nearing 200 mph comes with a hefty price. Sponsors are more likely to pour money into the high-profile Top Fuel teams than Pro Stock operations. Having already made a name in the NBA has helped, but only to a point. Hammonds owns his own team, and even drives the big rig that brings his car to every race.