Alex Laughlin is making his 66th start in Pro Stock. Jeg Coughlin won the Winternationals in 1999 and 2000 and has been runner-up four times. Overall he is 27 - 15 at this race.

Laughlin and Coughlin have each won 5 times against the other in prior events.

Coughlin with the starting line advantage, but had serious problems and coasted on down the track. Laughlin was straight down the groove for the win with his quickest and fastest pass of the weekend.