1997's Headline News

Scelzi wins for Blaine in Top Fuel debut Gary Scelzi began his Professional driving career in storybook fashion, winning at the Winternationals in his debut in Alan Johnson's entry en route to an amazing season that culminated in the Winston championship. Glidden retires from Pro Stock cockpit After failing to qualify at the season-opening Winternationals, Bob Glidden, the then-winningest driver in NHRA national-event history with 85 titles, announced his retirement from drag racing Feb. 26 following the second race of the 1997 season. Powell, Okazaki star at upset-studded event Cristen Powell won Top Fuel in her rookie season, Funny Car's Kenji Okazaki become to first non-North American to win an NHRA Winston Pro title, and Darrell Alderman, who hadn't scored in more than two years, thrilled the fans with their victories at the Mopar Parts Nationals. Bernstein, Armstrong part company after Indy Drag racing's longest running relationship between a Professional driver and owner and his crew chief ended one week after the U.S. Nationals when five-time Winston champion Kenny Bernstein, the first driver to exceed 300 mph, and the man who tuned him to those successes, Dale Armstrong, parted company Sept. 8 after nearly 16 seasons together.

Edwards wins one for ailing car owner Pomona Raceway mainstay Liming dies Skuza's first win highlights Houston event Pro Stock Truck to be NHRA Pro category Chicago stadium a first for drag racing Monthly Headlines