Dixon gets seventh Top Fuel victory of year

June 16, 2002

HEBRON, Ohio -- Larry Dixon raced to his seventh Top Fuel victory of the year and teammate Ron Capps broke a season-long Funny Car drought Sunday in the NHRA's Pontiac Excitement Nationals.

"What a season," said Dixon of his 10th final round appearance of the season in 11 races. "It's more than I've ever imagined. We've had a good start and now we need a good finish. If we are going to win this championship we need to keep this pace going."

It was the third time that the two drivers have given owner Don "The Snake" Prudhomme a double-victory celebration, following last season's event in Brainerd, Minn., and the 1998 Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.

"It's hard to win these races and what Larry is doing is phenomenal," said Prudhomme, who had a similar season in 1976, winning seven of eight races in Funny Car.

"The chemistry that these guys have is the best I've ever seen. It's really cool to watch. I am happy to see Ron break out of his slump because he's had a tough season. This was just a great weekend."

Dixon claimed his 23rd career victory in a record sixth straight final, extending his season-long domination of the Top Fuel category. Dixon, who increased his points lead to 259 over Kenny Bernstein, had a 4.619-second run at 319.14 mph to beat Doug Herbert, who lost traction at the start and finished at 6.278 and 163.61.

Capps drove to his 13th career Funny Car victory, beating Bruce Sarver in a tire-smoking duel. Sarver's lost traction at the start just as Capps' tires started to spin. Capps was able to get his machine back on track and cruised to the win.

Greg Anderson and Craig Treble also won their division in the $2 million competition.

Anderson raced to his second Pro Stock win of the season and fourth of his career, beating Darrell Alderman at 6.924 and 199.05.

Treble claimed his third Pro Stock Motorcycle victory of the season and fourth of his career with a run of 7.212 at 184.04 after Antron Brown fouled at the start.