Patrick took the lead off the starting line with a .056 light to Gillig's .089, but it was apparent by the 60-foot mark that Patrick's day was over, as he was saddled by tire shake and nearly crossed the center line. Gillig remained under full power and pushed through the finish line with a 6.438,214.89 run.

Gillig wasn't through slaying giants however, as he had the daunting challenge of facing former showdown winner, Frank Gugliotta in the semi-finals. It was all about the starting line as Gillig left first with a.061 light to Gugliotta's .086 effort. Gillig fought his way to the finish line and as a reward, received the win light on a holeshot win over Gugliotta. Gillig's 6.448,215.27 was enough to advance to the final round over Gugliotta's 6.424,217.91.

Heading into the final round, Gillig knew that he had to be sharp on the line in order to have a shot at Spiess. Gillig left the line first with a .064 light to a .082 posted by Spiess. However, the "Spiesshuttle" had more power than Gillig could handle, and in a classic battle of Ford vs. Chevy, it was evident that this one had Chevy written all over it. Spiess claimed the win and the paycheck with a 6.406,216.17 run over Gillig's valiant 6.453,215.17 pass. Gillig earned an extra $9,000 for his run at the showdown title.

"Every round today I didn't have that 'I'm going to kill them' winning attitude and confidence. I just went out there and did it and got lucky," Spiess added.

As for his $20,000 check from Torco Race Fuels, Spiess already has big plans for the money. "It will go right back into Spiess Racing. We've got some plans for next year and it is pretty much already spent."

OTHER CLASSES

John Prime was Top Sportsman runner-up.

Top Stock (contested Saturday): Matt Morgan, Camaro, 9.606, 138.12 def. Joseph Aluise Jr, Belvedere, 9.854, 132.44.

Top Sportsman: Eric Steffey, Camaro, 7.207, 192.41 def. John Prime, Camaro, 7.012, 193.07.

Top Dragster: Tony Ward, Dragster, 6.989, 182.43 def. Ricky Adkins, Dragster, 7.180, 160.65.

Quick Rod: James Albertson, Dragster, 8.900, 167.14 def. Todd Burks, Dragster, 8.894, 156.90.

Super Rod: Bernard Weaver, Daytona, 9.941, 143.28 def. Mike Bradford, Mustang, 10.160, 130.56.

Hot Rod: John Dustin, Mustang, 10.868, 133.99 def. Steve Corker, Camaro, 10.850, 130.81.

Super Stock: Scotty Stillings, Grand Am, 11.531, 77.72 def. Dennis Steward, Daytona, 10.270, 129.27.

Stock: Scotty Stillings, Camaro, 10.724, 115.60 def. Michael Beard, Dart, 11.181, 113.18.