1980’s – Drag Racing 6 : 1987 & 1990 Showcase Of Champions

The NHRA “Showcase Of Champions” was an event that brought together
the best of the best, top NHRA drivers, based on drivers qualifying throughout
the year, for a huge (at that time) cash payout. In 1987, the 3 shootout
categories were called the “Cragar Weld Wheel Top Fuel Classic”, the
“Big Bud Shootout”, and the “Mr. Gasket Pro Stock Challenge”. The Pro Stock
and Funny Car races were held at Indianapolis Raceway Park (home of the
U.S. Nationals), while the Top Fuel dragsters ran in Pomona, CA. In 1990, the
Pro Stock category was eliminated, the Top Fuel shootout was now called
the “Budweiser Top Fuel Classic”, the Funny Car race remained the “Big Bud
Shootout”. Vintage drag racing fans will recall that these years were dominated
by Oldsmobile, NHRA’s main sponsor, and all three pro categories saw heavy
use of the Oldsmobile DRCE engine. From giant Oldsmobile banners to Oldsmobile
parachutes (photo below), it’s hard to believe that within 10 years, General Motors
would announce the demise of Oldsmobile, a once great and powerful division of GM.

1987 Showcase Of Champions (72 min)
The best drivers of 1987 are in these 3 shootouts, including the legendary Joe Amato, upstart Darrell Gwynn,
Dick LaHaie, Shirley Muldowney, John Force, Billy Meyer, Mark Oswald, Warren Johnson (in his little Oldsmobile
Firenza Pro Stocker), Bob Glidden with his new Motorcraft Ford Thunderbird, Bruce Allen, and many more.
This is a Diamond P Sports presentation, taped off TV, and is excellent quality. The usual top notch
commentary is provided by Dave McClelland and Steve Evans, as well as Dan Pastorini.

1990 Showcase Of Champions (46 min)
The best drivers of 1990 in the Top Fuel ranks included Lori Johns, the blond bombshell that made an impact in drag
racing for a couple years, the legendary Gene Snow, Dick LaHaie, Eddie Hill, Gary Ormsby, and in the Funny Car field,
Bruce Larson, Ed “The Ace” McCulloch, Scott Kalitta, Tom Hoover, and John Force.
Another excellent Diamond P Sports presentation, taped off TV, with commentary
by Dave McClelland and Steve Evans, and pit commentator Don Garlits.