Motor Sports: Dixon looking to build a drag racing legacy

By: CLIFF KIRKPATRICK - Staff Writer | Friday, February 20, 2004 11:47 PM PST ∞

Drag racing has been Larry Dixon's passion since he was a child, so it's little wonder he is enjoying every moment on the NHRA circuit.

The 37-year-old Top Fuel driver for Vista-based Prudhomme Racing is the two-time defending season champion, and he has the ability and backing to win a third one. His quest begins this weekend with the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.

Dixon plans to stay in the cockpit for a long time and build a legacy. Eventually, he hopes to be a team owner. Dixon knows all about becoming a legend of the sport and being the boss, thanks to his team owner and coach.

He has been with Don Prudhomme's operation since 1988, first as a crew member. Dixon eventually became Prudhomme's handpicked replacement when he retired as a driver after the '96 season. Prudhomme later was named the NHRA's third greatest driver in its history.

"I'm not used to people talking (about) me as the guy to beat," Dixon said. "My thoughts about each season haven't changed since I've started racing. I just hope I qualify for Pomona, and then I hope I win. I'm a one-day-at-a-time guy, but I do hope at the end it adds up to a lot. I'm going to be here for the long haul, so I hope I can keep doing what I'm doing."

Prudhomme used his knowledge as four-time national champion to mentor the quick-learning Dixon. They have a close bond, and Prudhomme said many times that as long as he fields a dragster, Dixon is his driver.

Dixon is fourth on the Top Fuel all-time win list with 33 and ninth overall. If he can claim a season title this year, he'll be the second Top Fuel driver to win three straight. Joe Amato (1990-92) was the first.

"We're not resting on our laurels," Dixon said. "We made a lot of changes in the car because (crew chief) Dick LaHaie felt we maxed out our last setup. And now I feel good about our chances. The car felt like it had more power in the engine during testing. I feel good about the season."

Top Fuel outlook

Besides Dixon, Brandon Bernstein is the other the top contender for the season championship. Their two teams have the money, equipment and people to finish 1-2.

Tony Schumacher and Darrell Russell are the dark horses. They can win races, but the consistency to win a championship has been missing.

It probably won't be this year, but look for Kalitta Motorsports to control the class. Owner Connie Kalitta will field three dragsters this season with family members Doug and Scott Kalitta, and Doug Grubnic as the drivers.

Multicar teams are common in the other classes, but they haven't reached Top Fuel until now. Kalitta's plan is a blueprint of John Force's ideas that led to his dominance in Funny Car competition for more than a decade.

"It wouldn't surprise me if that team does well," Prudhomme said. "That could be the next trend."

Prudhomme has been looking to add a second car with veteran Melanie Troxel as the driver. She's close to the team, recently marrying its Funny Car driver, Tommy Johnson Jr. If the sponsorship comes through, Prudhomme said he'll enter a second dragster.

Deep Funny Car class

Force's string of 10 division championships ended last year, but the title went to Tony Pedregon, who was part of Force's three-car team.

The class is loaded with teams again, but none is as prepared as Force. He's still the favorite with teammates Gary Densham and rookie Eric Melden helping collect data and getting in the way of the opposition.

Pedregon left the team to be an owner/driver with his brother Cruz. Both are good behind the wheel, but it will take time to settle into the new roles.

Prudhomme Racing is the only other team with the resources to match Force. Carlsbad's Ron Capps and Johnson are veterans in the cockpit and they have an owner who's primary concern is winning in this class.

"Funny Car is the toughest it has ever been," Capps said. "We're still gunning to knock John Force off his pedestal. It seems to be the most packed class."

Pro Stock parity

Competitive events and championships races have been Pro Stock's strength in recent years, but Greg Anderson dominated the division last season with 12 wins and 15 final-round appearances.

With as many as 40 cars trying to qualify at each event, that won't happen again. The class should return to featuring a tight championship battle with multiple winners.

Expect the usual mix of contenders led by six-time champ Warren Johnson, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Kurt Johnson. Others who will win and make title runs are Bruce Allen, Jim Yates, Troy Coughlin and Darrell Alderman.

Pit passes

The first look at the new CART Champ Cars will be March 8-9 in downtown Long Beach. A fan event concludes the festivities at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

Cliff Kirkpatrick is a staff writer for the North County Times. His motor sports column appears every Saturday. He can be reached at (760) 943-2315 or ckirkpatrick@nctimes.com.