Sun, Nov 15, 09:32 PM POMONA - Special Awards

by Larry Sullivan

POMONA, Calif. - Special awards at the 34th annual NHRA Winston Finals:

Best Appearing Car -- The Coon Wire Super Comp entry, driver: Jeff Lirones, Tujunga, Calif.

Best Appearing Crew -- The L.A. Urban League Super Gas team, driver: Michael Coulter, Compton, Calif.

Best Engineered Car -- The Blackbird Super Comp entry, driver: Jack Beckman, North Hills, Calif.

BIG BUD Shootout At Pomona Award ($4,000 to the No. 1 qualifier in Top Fuel) -- Gary Scelzi, Fresno, Calif., Team Winston Dragster, 4.548 seconds, 323.85 mph.

BIG BUD Shootout At Indy Award ($4,000 to the No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car) -- Cruz Pedregon, Moorpark, Calif., Interstate Batteries Pontiac Firebird, 4.867 seconds, 302.72 mph.

NHRA Pro Stock Challenge Award ($3,000 to the No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock) -- Warren Johnson, Duluth, Ga., GM Goodwrench Service Plus Pontiac Firebird, 6.891 seconds, 201.02 mph.

NHRA Pro Stock Bike Dash Award ($1,000 to the No. 1 qualifier in Pro Stock Motorcycle) -- Angelle Seeling, Americus, Ga., 7.250 seconds, 187.65 mph.

Sears Craftsman Crew Chief Of The Race Awards ($1,000 to the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock crew chiefs of the race) -- Alan Johnson for the Team Winston Top Fuel Dragster driven by Gary Scelzi; Dale Pulde for the Gene Christenson Dodge Avenger Funny Car driven by Dale Pulde; and Tom Utt for the Collins Racing Pontiac Firebird Pro Stock Car driven by Richie Stevens.

MBNA World Record Club ($50,000 bonus available for Top Fuel and Funny Car competitors who set NHRA elapsed time national records) -- No records set at this event.

Speed-Pro 200 MPH Pro Stock Club ($1,000 bonus available for Pro Stock drivers who post a speed of 200 mph. Twelve of 16 spots remain in the program) -- No winners at this event.

Estimated four-day event attendance: 136,000 (Largest four-day attendance in NHRA history)