We were discussing this on a another forum, it looks like the first picture is at the starting line. The second picture is about 175 out, still saveable there. That represents about 1.50 to 1.75 seconds, easily within the reaction time of the driver. He may have tried to peddle it but not given it enough time to settle the front end down. When you lift the wheels like that you try to be on the gas as you set it back down. Easier said than done though, blower motors are like light switches when you get this power level.
Still doesnt explain why he is at full throttle in the second to last frame...
Strip
