John Force's troika of himself, Tony Pedregon and Gary Densham were somewhat handicapped in Phoenix by the fact that they had to run last year's Mustang bodies. In fact, according to tuner Austin Coil, they may not get their new bodies until the tour returns to FIR in March. Force's best was a 4.842/314.53 with the motor cratering at 1,100 feet. Pedregon ran a 4.85 at just 281.13 and Densham couldn't get close to Force's numbers although Densham's Jimmy Prock-tuned Mustang recorded a shut-off 5.15 at only 217 mph.

Paraplegic Steve Kotten attempted to get a license in his family-backed Fuel Flopper equipped with hand controls. He had no problems doing burnouts and 330's, but never got completely down track. This guy may have some bad wheels personally but his race equipment is fully functional. He is cool and calm and don't be surprised to see this guy qualify at an NHRA National Event.

There were plenty of other players in the fuel coupe ranks. Gary Scelzi made numerous attempts in a Funny Car with a Pontiac!! body on the rails. Scelzi had a troubled weekend, including clipping the 1,000-ft cones, and apparently didn't get his license at Phoenix.

(next page)