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

NHRA: Rivalries intensify as teams quicken chase for the championship at Fram Autolite Nationals

1 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
SONOMA, Calif. - Not since the golden age of drag racing has there been so many intensely personal rivalries in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. Over the years, several memorable rivalries have contributed to the overall growth of the sport of drag racing, creating drama, excitement and intrigue.

In the 1970s, Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme and Tom 'The Mongoose' McEwen enjoyed many side-by-side battles, creating one of the most anticipated Funny Car confrontations ever. Shirley Muldowney and 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits brought a battle of the sexes to the Top Fuel world during the '70s and '80s. In Pro Stock, Bob Glidden and Lee Shepherd put fans on their feet in numerous Chevy vs. Ford final round epics during the early '80s.

This season rivalries are emerging in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock that may bring a bit of nostalgia into the chase for 2000 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series championships in those categories.

In Top Fuel, two-time Winston champion Gary Scelzi and defending champ Tony Schumacher have declared war on each other and are locked in a tight points battle. Jerry Toliver has emerged as a major threat to John Force's Funny Car domination. In Pro Stock, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Warren Johnson have developed a fierce opposition, as Coughlin tries to unseat the five-time Winston champ.

No question, the stakes will be high for those racers pursing Winston championship glory at the 13th annual FRAM Autolite Nationals, Aug. 4-6, at scenic Sears Point Raceway, located just north of San Francisco on the San Pablo Bay.

Doug Kalitta, Whit Bazemore and Jim Yates are the defending pro category winners of the $1.8 million race, the 15th of 23 events in the $45 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

Kalitta, from Ann Arbor, Mich., was a Top Fuel winner for the second straight time at Sears Point Raceway, defeating Schumacher in the final round. Kalitta and Schumacher are both top contenders this season, along with current Winston points leader Scelzi, driver of the Team Winston dragster. Kenny Bernstein, Larry Dixon and Cory McClenathan also are among top threats to win the event.

Bazemore, from Indianapolis, had a memorable weekend, driving his Kendall Oil Chevrolet Camaro to the victory and in the process clocked performance bests for elapsed time and speed. Runner-up Frank Pedregon heads the list of top contenders in the 6,000 horsepower category, along with Winston points leader Toliver and nine-time NHRA Winston champion Force. Scotty Cannon, Dean Skuza and Costa Mesa's Del Worsham will also be racing for victory.

Alexandria, Va.'s Yates, driver of the Splitfire/Peak Pontiac Firebird, outdistanced the AC Delco Chevy Camaro of Kurt Johnson for his 22nd career Pro Stock victory here one year ago. While Yates and Johnson seek a final round rematch, several other noted drivers, including Ron Krisher, W. Johnson and points leader Coughlin, also hope to find their way to the winner's circle.

Text provided by Anthony Vestal

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