We're getting ready for the final run in an event that's seen thousands of passes down the quarter mile. It's been a memorable event with lots of surprises. It's somehow fitting that this last race pairs two men who, in the modern era, may be more identified with the U.S. Nationals than any others in the class.

Fate is a funny thing, and a lot of crew chiefs choose to concentrate on science and mechanical things - not touchy feely things like luck or fate. But what is it when one car gets lane choice by the smallest increment possible? It makes you wonder, no?

But, as so often seen with an Alan Johnson tuneup, there's no wondering about it. With the bright sun shining the Sarge very simply goes from A to B without drama; and of course quicker than the car in the other lane.

Dixon was close until 400 feet when he dropped a cylinder on the left side and the engine started destroying itself. By the finish line, the blower belt was sliding across the track and blooming flame appeared under the car. It quickly went out.