Winternationals event was completed on Monday Feb. 8th after rain postpones Sunday’s final round eliminations.

Mike Dunn collects $35,000 bonus from MBNA with shocking pole qualifying 4.503 secs run on Saturday, the quickest run in drag racing history. Driving his “Team Mopar” dragster Dunn backs the mark up for an official national record with a 4.513 secs in round one. Later on runs final round 4.522 secs to lay claim to the three all time quickest runs -- beating Gary Scelzi’s previous best of 4.525 secs set in Oct/98.

Event is marred by numerous crashes. FMFC racers Bernie Harrington and John Weaver both run off the end of track heavily damaging their machines. During second round of Competition eliminator Rob Smith and Scott McClay collide at half track. Comp racer Tom Haueter also crashes. No serious injuries to any drivers.

Winternationals features numerous new cars. In Funny Car,much anticipated debut of IHRA Pro Mod star Scotty Cannon fizzles somewhat as he only gets down the track once with a 5.098 secs qualifier. Jerry Toliver unveils wild new WWF-sponsored Pontiac which is tuned by Canadian Rob Flynn but also loses in round one.

New Penthouse Magazine Pontiac team of Jim Dunn is a real looker in more ways then one. Huge crowds surround their pit area to view special guests -- Penthouse Pets. Team driver Frank Pedregon looks sharp on track with solid qualifying effort and second round finish.

Cory McClenathan makes only one run in qualifying after being stricken by stomach flu but still qualifies 3rd in Top Fuel.
Tony Schumacher’s career best 324.75 mph sets Pomona track record and is second fastest speed in NHRA drag racing history.

Pro Stock final features an intra-family affair as Jeg Coughlin defeats his brother Troy. It was the first time in NHRA history that two brothers had met in a NHRA Pro Stock final.

John Force and Tony Pedregon debut revolutionary new Castrol sponsored ‘99 Mustang bodied machines. Force sets track ET record at 4.831 secs while qualifying low. Teammate Pedegon wins the event.

Arizona’s Sheldon Gecker just misses winning two eliminators. Drives his familiar “King Kong” Dodge Daytona to a win in Super Gas (9.90) but loses in final round of Super Comp (8.90) driving his Hemi-powered dragster.

Pro Stock racing features no less then six Dodge Avengers on it’s entry list. Only car to qualify is Darrell Alderman who runs 6.989 secs for the bump. Alderman has problems in round one and is KO’d by Warren Johnson. Defending Winston Champion Johnson debuts new “Warbird” but has major problems with NHRA Tech officials. He along with fellow racers Tom Martino and Mike Edwards are required to make modifications to meet established body contours. Johnson shruggs problems however -- qualifies on pole.

DNQ (did not qualify) list features some huge surprises. Joe Amato in Top Fuel and Cruz Pedregon and Tim Wilkerson in Funny Car sat out eliminations.

Event Special awards included the McDowell Motorsports Funny Car (Best Appearing Car) Giant Bicycles FMD Team (Best Appearing Crew) and PCH Dodge Dakota Super Stock Truck gets (Best Engineered).

Top Fuel racing sees a record six drivers run sub 4.60 in qualifying as numerous racers take advantage of cool conditions to run career best times. Eddie Hill (4.535 secs), Tony Schumacher (4.584 secs) and Robert Reehl (4.591 secs).

18 year old Australian Top Fuel racer Andrew Cowin, son of Graham Cowin, makes NHRA debut but misses 16-car cut with a career best 4.779 secs effort.