 |
 Since we're on the verge of the new century, we might as well get
started on predicting next year's championship chases. For now we'll
deal with the three REAL Pro categories in NHRA drag racing, Top Fuel,
Nitro Funny Car, and Pro Stock. Since drag racing is a horsepower deal,
let's think of this as a horse race, albeit of the asphalt eating thoroughbred
kind. We'll give an overview of each eliminator, then give you our picks
on who to watch for in Y2K.
TOP FUEL
The most hotly contested title in 1999, it should be
more of the same this time next century. Legitimate title contention
runs eight deep, with another six or so possible "also eligible"
with a few breaks here or there with full two months to go before the
opener, the winter test sessions yet to come, and wholesale question
marks present in all but the top few stables, this is definitely anybody's
horse race.
THE RACER'S EDGE
| GARY SCELZI |
5/2 |
Nothing like being dethroned
to re-focus everyone's efforts. Late season power displays tip
off this one's Y2K intentions. A slim pick in a tight fit! |
| TONY SCHUMACHER |
7/2 |
Tough to go against defending
champ, but repeat often tougher than first trip to the top. Definitely
a team whose time has already arrived. |
| THE KALITTA CLAN |
9/2 |
We'll treat this as a
coupled entry, as there is no telling what approach the Michigan
Madmen will take in pursuit of the gold. They've got the skills,
they can pay the bills, and they've gotthat hard-core racer's
aura. A threat for all or part, it just depends on how they choose
to go about it! |
| JOE AMATO |
5/1 |
At one point, 1999 looked
like the Year of the Joe, but once again it was not to be. All
the ingredients (except luck) are in place -- that may be all
that is keeping this group from the pinnacle. |
| CORY MAC |
6/1 |
Now that Uncle Joe has
all his 1320 talent focused in one place, maybe CM can leapfrog
over the top group. The lone caveat may be how well new crew/crew
chief alignment chemistry works out. |
| LARRY DIXON |
7/1 |
Would rate a stronger
look if not for late season power lapses. The crew chief shuffle-roo
also a puzzler from where we sit. Regardless, would be
foolish to slight the Snake's shot to rebound with a big year. |
| KENNY BERNSTEIN |
8/1 |
Long odds for the King,
to be sure. But things just didn't seem right in Bud camp in 1999.
Will no doubt have a say in the outcome, but looks more and more
like a true longshot. |
| MIKE DUNN |
10/1 |
Lots of ifs in this corner,
not the least of which is money. Talent and dedication no
problem — this one moves up a ton with the right infusion
of cash. |
ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST
| JIM HEAD |
Can factor
at times, maybe more |
| DOUG HERBERT |
Looking
to rebound from 1999 setbacks |
| DON LAMPUS
|
IHRA champ
looks to transfer success |
| BOB VANDERGRIFF
|
Could be
back and tough with budget in place |
| TIM GIBSON |
World's
fastest test bench driver would love to step up |
| ANDREW COWIN
|
Can-do kid
would love to do full tour of duty |
NITRO FUNNY CAR
Most observers figured 1999 would see John Force hard
pressed to hang on to his title. Talk about missing the boat! The King
not only defended his belt, he could have put it in test mode from September
on and still got the job done. Now, come Y2K and everybody figures they
have the magic bullet (the two car team) to do the deed. Just a hunch,
but something tells me the race in Nitro Funny Car is still for second
place.
| TEAM CASTROL |
4/5 |
You get short money backing
the favorites, and these guys are just that! Barring a major defection
or two (say, Coil and/or Bernie), it's hard to make a case for
anyone else as the next champ. |
| RON CAPPS |
3/1 |
If not for the top two
players, would be a solid pick for it all. Look for this group
to cast off many of the gremlins present in 1999, and push the
men from Castrol. |
| JERRY TOLIVER |
4/1 |
Some questions remain
regarding who will be in this camp in Y2K. Regardless, JT showed
he was up to the task in 1999. A live longshot, if there is one
in this spot. |
| TEAM ETCHELLS |
5/1 |
With or without Whit
in the mix, look for this lot to take a big step forward. Provided
the budget is there, the talent and desire is sufficient to be
a contender once more. |
| DEL WORSHAM |
6/1 |
One of the two car proponents,
Del & company must be more consistent. Multiple wins not much
of a stretch, but looks up against it for the top spot. |
| DEAN SKUZA |
8/1 |
Another who is looking
for more consistency. At times a world beater, too often loses
rounds to lesser runners. Needs to take a step forward to have
a say in the outcome. |
| AL HOFFMAN |
10/1 |
Would rate a longer look,
but few outsiders think this driver/ owner match-up will last
the year. If it does however, Dunn has proven he knows how to
win. Definitely the Hard Core Nitro pair of Y2K! |
ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST
| SCOTTY CANNON |
Cannon's tune-up the answer? Stay tuned.
|
| CRUZ PEDREGON |
Hot on the net, budget and lineup still not
firmed up.
|
| TIM WILKERSON |
Deserved better in 1999. Looks to step up.
|
| CRISTEN
POWELL |
Talented kid in an interesting alliance.
|
| DALE CREASY,
JR. |
If effort
was dollars, JR would be King.. |
| KENNY SAYERS
|
Early pick for Y2K rookie of the year.
|
PRO STOCK
At first glance, Pro Stock would seem to
be the hardest Pro eliminator to forecast. And in terms of qualifying,
winning rounds and winning individual races, it is. But when it comes
down to who will be the champ, it's as much of a lead pipe cinch as
you'll find in NHRA drag racing. As competitive as Pro Stock racing
is, look for the song to remain the same in Y2K.
| WARREN JOHNSON
KURT JOHNSON
|
9/5 |
Yes, we know the decals are different. Yes, we
know what the principals have to say on the subject. And yes,
we do consider them to be a team. A pretty much unbeatable team
at that (in terms of the championship). The deserving favorites,
and then some.
|
| TROY COUGHLIN |
3/1 |
Same story as above, without the JEG COUGHLIN
titles (so far). All the elements are in place, and the boys
can do the job behind the wheel. If anyone can knock off the
Johnsons, it's the Coughlins.
|
| JIM YATES |
5/1 |
With the Fab Families in play, it's tempting to
overlook Yates. A champ not that long ago, Yates rates a shot
should an extra dose of horsepower come along.
|
| BRUCE ALLEN |
6/1 |
Second half success story looks to keep moving
forward with the new century. Power not a problem -- just needs
the reps.
|
| RICHIE STEVENS |
7/1 |
Looked to be the new young gun at one time. In
truth, would still be highly regarded in here if not for top
foursome. A lot to like.
|
| MIKE THOMAS |
8/1 |
Probably Pro Stock's most resilient team. Can
win at the drop of a hat, but in tough for the overall gold.
|
| TOM MARTINO |
10/1 |
A tough customer in an even tougher class. One
of many who can contend, and one of many who fall short of the
top spot.
|
| JOHN NOBILE |
12/1 |
Nice guy gets his shot, with Mopar moola in his
account. Will be tough here and there.
|
ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST
|
TOM HAMMONDS
|
Tall one stays in play.
|
|
DARRELL ALDERMAN
|
Made some strides late in 1999. Will try for
more in Y2K.
|
|
MARK PAWUK
|
Cowboy keeps on buckin'. Will have his moments.
|
|
DON BEVERLY
|
Was tough when he left -- still is.
|
| ARTURO DELGADO
|
Headin'
north and livin' the dream. |
WHERE'S BOBCAT GOLDTHWAITE WHEN YA NEED
HIM?
If you're looking for a job, maybe NHRA
could use a new planner for their annual Champion's Ball/Fete/ ubber
Chicken Blowout. In a brief write-up on Goracing.com, the 1999 edition
was described variously as poorly presented and/or amateurish. Held
in beautiful downtown Cerritos, California (hey, I've never been there,
I'm sure it IS very nice), the affair featured the usual awards, speeches
and second (or third) tier entertainment that makes reasonable people
avoid these sort of gatherings like the plague! But if it sounds like
a good time to you, and you don't get too demanding on the salary front,
you too could be in line for a near-death experience!
As always, e-mails are welcome - it's racer4339@aol.com.
| HAPPY
HOLIDAYS!!! |
 |
|
photos
by Jeff Burk
|
