Schumacher has a 3-2 won-loss record over Kalitta in eliminations. This is the 10th time Schumacher has started from the 8th qualifying position. Kalitta is starting from the 9th qualifying position for the second time in a row, putting him in the first pair down the track for the second time in a row.

It looked like it was over at the start for Schumacher. He was up in smoke on the hit. He pedaled it, got the car hooked up and drove around Kalitta who began having traction troubles of his own at about 300 feet. Kalitta also lost the blower belt at about 1000 feet, adding to his problems.