Notes of the time:

* This was the 87th win of WJ's career, and sixth of the 2001 season en route to his sixth NHRA Pro Stock championship.

* This win came in the inaugural fall race at Route 66 Raceway, marking the first year the Joliet quarter-mile had hosted two national events.

* Warren's son Kurt was the No. 1 qualifier, having set new national records in elapsed time and top speed with his 6.801-second, 202.70-mph run.

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* WJ's 6.808-second time did mark a new career best for "The Professor".

* 34 cars attempted to make the 16-car Pro Stock field, with former NBA power forward Tom Hammonds capturing the final qualifying position with a 6.844-second elapsed time, making it the quickest Pro Stock field in NHRA history.

* The Pro Stock field was now comprised of Pontiac Grand Ams and Firebirds, Chevy Cavaliers and a Camaro, Olds Cutlasses, Dodge Neons and Avengers, and Ford Mustangs.

* Winners in the other professional categories included Kenny Bernstein, who edged Darrell Russell in the Top Fuel final, Whit Bazemore over John Force in Funny Car, and Taylor Lastor over current Pro Stock racer Greg Stanfield in Pro Stock Truck. 

WJ's ROUTE 66 RACEWAY IN A NUTSHELL

"The facility itself is really one of the nicest we have on the NHRA circuit. The pits are paved so everyone is parked on asphalt, the amenities are there for the fans, and the layout makes it pretty convenient to get around. 

"The racing surface, however, has always been a little suspect. However, to the management's credit, they have been attending to it over the last few years, grinding out the bumps and such. They were supposed to resurface it after our race last year, so we're not sure what to expect this year, but I would trust that it will be an improvement."

WJ's ROUTE 66 RACEWAY NHRA BOX SCORE

Races: 11
Starts: 9
Wins: 2
Finals: 3
#1: 1
Avg. Qual. Pos.: 5.67
W: 16
L: 7
Pct.: .696