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THE SWEET SMILE OF SUCCESS
The atmosphere was much happier over in the Don Prudhomme
camp, where driver Larry Dixon took the Miller Lite dragster to a clean
sweep: Number one qualifier, low e.t., top speed and then the win over
Kenny Bernstein in the final. It's so much more fun when you win.
TRACTION DIS-SATISFACTION
There was a lot of grumbling from racers from Top Fuel
to Super Comp about the lack of traction. Some racers, especially in
the Pro ranks, questioned the new VP traction compound being used and
the new Goodyear spec tire, while Sportsman racers were opting for a
combination of too much heat and not enough "glue."
It's interesting to note that over the years the contract
for NHRA's traction compound supplier has been moved around between
NEO-TAC, VP, and VHT (read "the highest bidder"). There have almost
always been some traction problems early in the season but historically
the companies have gotten the program fixed. No need to think it will
be any different this time.
As for the tires, Goodyear makes a good product and as
long as everyone is on the same tire, what does it matter? Can you say
"Slide the clutch?"
FORCE AT 99 AND HOLDING
With his 100th career victory ever so close, John Force
was denied again. Force was taken out in the first round by Dean Skuza,
who ran 5.045/301.60 to Force's 5.090/294.82. (Steve Gruenwald photo)
HOFMANN IS GONE, FRANKIE IS BACK
Evidently sometime on Friday at Gainesville the working
agreement between Al Hofmann and the Jim Dunn fuel coupe operation came
undone. Reportedly, while in the lanes prior to the third qualifying
session on Saturday, John Dunn and Hofmann had a disagreement and Hofmann
was given his release.
Rumor has it that the Dunn camp wanted Hofmann to drive
the K&N Filters- sponsored car on Sunday and Al may have been willing.
However, according to one source, after the altercation on Saturday
Al and some friends went to a steakhouse in Gainesville and were watching
the NHRA/ESPN qualifying show when the camera zoomed in on Bruce Sarver
sitting in what used to be Al's seat in the K&N car with the crew attempting
to adjust the belts to fit. Supposedly, Al wasn't amused and as a result
the K&N car was a no-show on Sunday. We don't know if this is the real
story but it could be.
Frankie Pedregon, who last drove for Jim Dunn when they
won the 1999 U.S. Nationals, is back in the seat.
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