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Houston Memories: Doubling down in Houston town (1997-2000)

From 1997 through 2000, Houston Raceway Park became one of the few tracks to hold two national events per season, hosting both a spring and a fall event. John Force was the only one to win both events in the same year, winning in Funny Car at the 1999 events.
13 Apr 2022
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Great moments in Houston history
John Force

From 1997 through 2000, Houston Raceway Park became one of the few tracks to hold two national events per season, hosting both a spring and a fall event. John Force was the only one to win both events in the same year, winning in Funny Car at the 1999 events (Pro Stock Motorcycle was never contested at both events in a single season).

Here's a look at the Pro class winner's list for both events in those four seasons:
 

1997

ClassWinnerRunner-upEvent
Top FuelJoe AmatoBob Vandergriff Jr.Spring
 Gary ScelziLarry DixonFall
Funny CarTony PedregonCruz PedregonSpring
 Dean SkuzaTony PedregonFall
Pro StockTom MartinoBruce AllenSpring
 Jeg Coughlin Jr.Mark OsborneFall

1998

ClassWinnerRunner-upEvent
Top FuelCory McClenathanDave GrubnicSpring
 Gary ScelziTony SchumacherFall
Funny CarTony PedregonJohn ForceSpring
 Cruz PedregonWhit BazemoreFall
Pro StockWarren JohnsonMike ThomasSpring
 Jeg Coughlin Jr.Tom MartinoFall

1999

ClassWinnerRunner-upEvent
Top FuelDoug HerbertTony SchumacherSpring
 Larry DixonGary ScelziFall
Funny CarJohn ForceTony PedregonSpring
 John ForceJim EplerFall
Pro StockKurt JohnsonMike EdwardsSprimg
 Rickie SmithTom MartinoFall

2000

ClassWinnerRunner-upEvent
Top FuelLarry DixonTony SchumacherSpring
 Cory McClenathanBobby BaldwinFall
Funny CarBob GilbertsonJerry ToliverSpring
 Tony PedregonJohn ForceFall
Pro StockJeg Coughlin Jr.Jim YatesSpring
 Warren JohnsonBrad JeterFall

 

To purchase tickets to the final NHRA SpringNationals at Houston Raceway Park, call 281-383-7223 or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas with a paid adult.