A change in the weather negated a spectacular qualifying performance by Steve Torrence and sent the Texan to his fourth consecutive first round loss at the wheel of the CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel dragster. Torrence earned more qualifying bonus points than anyone other than seven-time world champ and race winner Tony Schumacher, but he couldn't turn those points into performance on race day when his car lost traction against Top Fuel rookie Dave Connolly.  (Ron Lewis photo)

Canadian Dan Mercier made his first start in Top Fuel, moving up from TAD. He qualified in the number 15 spot of only 16 TF dragsters at the event and lost to Richie Crampton in the first round, turning in a 3.956/297.81 against Crampton's 3.779/321.88. This flash of fire occurred in the second qualifying session. (Ron Lewis photo)