In Warren's Words:

"That '01 race was a pretty good one.  It was the first year of the Grand Am, and I believe I was still racing the Don Ness-built car in Columbus. Later on in the year, I switched to the Haas car when we got to the really hot tracks, which proved to be an advantage. Overall, the selection of vehicles played a major role in our winning the championship that year."

Notes of the time:

*  This was the 84th win of WJ's career, as he closed in on Bob Glidden's record of 85 career wins.

*  This was the third of six national event wins for WJ in 2001 en route to his sixth NHRA Pro Stock championship.

ADVERTISEMENT

* Warren set both the low elapsed time of the event in the first round with his 6.907-second pass.

*  WJ also captured top speed of the meet with his 199.52 mph run in qualifying.

*  George Marnell was the No. 1 qualifier with a 6.935-second elapsed time, while Mike Edwards anchored the field with a 6.983-second run. 

*  Ironically, WJ's first round opponent on this Father's Day race was his son, Kurt.

*  The field consisted of Pontiac Grand Ams and Firebirds, Chevrolet Cavaliers and Camaros, Oldsmobile Cutlasses and Dodge R/T's.

*  Other winners included John Force in Funny Car, who edged Del Worsham in the final, Larry Dixon over rookie Darrell Russell in the Top Fuel final, Angelle Savoie in Pro Stock Bike and Bob Panella in Pro Stock Truck.

WJ's NATIONAL TRAIL RACEWAY IN A NUTSHELL

"The old race date prior to this year was not a good choice weather-wise, as it was always hot and usually rainy. Historically, it has also not been the most well-groomed facility on the circuit. However, they have improved the facility a bit recently to make it somewhat acceptable for a national event. For example, they have paved the pit area so that we no longer have to bring our lawn mowers to clear our spot.

"They also resurfaced the pit area a few years ago, so it is a lot smoother. However, you have to bear in mind that it has to endure the ravages of winter weather, so we never really know what we're going to have until we get there."