(Tim Marshall photo)

Morgan’s Mustang beat Jeg Coughlin in round one after Jeg moved sideways off the line, and Ronnie Humphrey in the second, but lost to event runner-up Greg Anderson’s Pontiac in the Semis.  Morgan still has his starting line prowess, cutting a .007 in his match with Anderson.

 Ed Swartz wasn’t the quickest but it was easily the most authentic appearing nostalgia F/C on hand. It also set a record for nitro burning Corvette drop tops laying down a 6.227/232.79 on his second lap. (Tim Marshall photo)

NHRA integrated the rich history of this event into a balanced mix of old and new, holding periodic Cacklefests, a huge Sunday morning parade of “woody” cars and an eight-car exhibition of nostalgia nitro funny cars.  Steve Plueger’s team once again dominated the flopper field with driver Leah Pruett LeDuc, who ran a jaw dropping class, team, and career best 5.703/243 pass down the 1320.

The only sad part of the 50th Winternationals was the realization that we won’t come back to this hallowed center of legendary southern California drag racing until the season-ending World Finals.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for our photo extra celebrating the historic 50th Winternationals.