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 Super Nationals in Bradenton, Fla., was originally supposed to be the season-opener but because of rain, it fell in line behind Darlington, which had traditionally been the season opener.