The year was 1988, and NHRA was engaged in a full-scale war, the likes of which hadn't been seen since the IHRA became a formidable force in drag racing. Texas Motorplex owner Billy Meyer had just purchased the series from Larry Carrier and moved it to Waco, Texas, and likewise pulled his crown jewel of a race track out of the NHRA and put it in IHRA.

One of the staples of the IHRA schedule was rain, and so much so the IHRA actually was recognized as "it has rained again." The IHRA Winter Nationals had traditionally been the series launch event, but with new ownership the opening was moved to Bradenton, Fla, for hopefully better weather. However, Mother Nature returned things to the original plan and Darlington was actually the launch point, even though it, too, was hit with rain.

Some pretty interesting scenarios in this record-setting event including a controversial Funny Car final with a familiar face in the middle of it all.