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BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Cory McClenathan gained a measure of revenge for the Top Fuel guys on Sunday, winning the all-star Winston Showdown -- his first victory of the 2000 season.
"This is huge for us," said McClenathan, who has struggled to a seventh place position in the Winston points standings this season. "When you are used to winning races and contending for championships, a season like we've had this year is hard to stomach. This race has saved our season. It's that big."
McClenathan beat Ron Capps for the $200,000 first prize. He defeated defending Winston Showdown winner John Force, Whit Bazemore, Bob Gilbertson and Gary Scelzi in early elimination rounds.
McClenathan powered his MBNA dragster to a final round run of 4.852 seconds at 291.32 mph, and crossed the finish line just in front of Capps' U.S. Tobacco Chevy Camaro, which ran 5.168 at 275.28.
"I really wanted to win this one for the Top Fuel guys -- to get our title back," said McClenathan, who played a big part in the 13-9 victory parade the dragsters enjoyed over the funny cars. "We really had to beat some heavy hitters today. I've won at Indy before and that's special, but this is the best race I've ever had."
Troy Coughlin, Matt Hines and Bob Panella also were winners in their respective pro categories at the $742,000 NHRA all-star event at Bristol Dragway.
Coughlin earned $50,000 for his first major event win in Pro Stock, defeating Mark Pawuk in a photo finish. Coughlin recorded a 7.086 at 194.10 in an Oldsmobile Cutlass, edging Pawuks' Pontiac Firebird, which posted a 7.100 at 194.24.
"This is absolutely fabulous," Coughlin said. "I've been in a lot of final rounds and to finally get a win makes a world of difference. I just went up there, put my game face on and went for it. This is a total confidence-booster for the entire team."
Hines earned his third-straight NHRA all-star victory in Pro Stock Motorcycle, overcoming a holeshot start by Antron Brown in an all Suzuki final. Hines posted a 7.337 at 184.19 en route to the $15,000 win, crossing the finish line just in front of Brown, who ran 7.364 at 178.52.
"The bike performed flawlessly all weekend," said Hines, who beat Connie Cohen, Ron Ayers and Angelle Seeling to advance to the final. "Antron was running good too, and fortunately we were able to hold him off and get the win."
The Pro Stock Truck final featured an all Chevy S-10 match as Panella covered the distance in 7.695 at 175.21 to defeat defending
winner Randy Daniels, who clocked a 7.709 at 175.96.
"It's a great feeling to win this race," said Panella. "I was able to drive well all day and we had the horsepower to get the job done."
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ALSO SEE
Winston Showdown results
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Cory McClenathan talks about his first victory of the season.
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