Sadly i couldn't make it but it looked fun.
Thanks for posting

What are the black vertical strips attached to the front of the cars? Something to do with the timing system?

Yes, that's right. It ensures the timing beam, which is at a fixed height above the ground, is broken as soon as the car starts moving. Otherwise a car with a very low shallow bonnet would have an advantage, as the car would be already moving by the time the beam was broken, and the car would effectible have a flying start.

Thanks for posting. Great pics.

Not just 'flying start' advantage. Without a good "beam cutter" it is almost impossible to line a car up on the start line. The same applies when a start line marshal inadvertently puts a leg in the start beam
Good photos, as always, J!