The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NHRA: Scelzi seeking second 'Big Bud Shootout' at Pomona

7 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
POMONA, Calif. -- Gary Scelzi will seek his second Big Bud Shootout at Pomona victory on Nov. 13 as the special event's top seed. Scelzi, entering his third career Big Bud Shootout at Pomona, won the bonus event in 1997, defeating Larry Dixon in the final. The winner of the 15th annual Big Bud Shootout at Pomona will earn $100,000. Any driver who can win the Big Bud Shootout and win the Auto Club NHRA Finals on Nov. 14 will earn a $50,000 bonus from NHRA.

Anheuser-Busch is providing an overall purse of $235,000 for the eight drivers participating in the Shootout. The Shootout runner-up will earn $15,000. The two semifinalists will earn $6,000 each and the four first round finishers $5,000 apiece.

Scelzi, from Fresno, Calif., qualified No. 1 at six of 22 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series events since last season's Finals. The Big Bud Shootout at Pomona showcases the eight best Top Fuel qualifiers for the 1999 season. Drivers accumulated points at 22 events preceding the 1999 Auto Club NHRA Finals. Drivers started gaining points at the 1998 Finals.

Doug Kalitta defeated Eddie Hill for the 1998 Big Bud Shootout at Pomona victory.

Big Bud Shootout rounds are scheduled for noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

1999 BIG BUD SHOOTOUT AT POMONA FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gary Scelzi, Fresno, Calif., Team Winston Dragster 3,185
2. Joe Amato, Exeter, Pa., Tenneco Automotive Dragster 3,040
3. Doug Kalitta, Ann Arbor, Mich., Kitty Hawk Dragster 2,970
4. Larry Dixon, San Diego, Miller Lite Dragster 2,920
5. Tony Schumacher, Park Ridge, Ill., Exide Batteries Dragster 2,890
6. Eddie Hill, Wichita Falls, Texas, Pennzoil Dragster 2,875
7. Mike Dunn, Wrightsville, Pa., Team Mopar Dragster 2,835
8. Kenny Bernstein, Lake Forest, Calif., Bud King Dragster 2,795

1999 BIG BUD SHOOTOUT ROUND PAIRINGS

FIRST ROUND

Scelzi vs. Bernstein
Amato vs. Dunn
Kalitta vs. Hill
Dixon vs. Schumacher

SEMIFINALS

Scelzi-Bernstein winner vs. Dixon-Schumacher winner
Amato-Kalitta winner vs. Kalitta-Hill winner

FINAL: (5:30 p.m., Nov. 13)

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.