For more than a decade, Rockingham Dragway has become a second home of sorts for the IHRA after it’s  move from once-home base at the former Norwalk Raceway Park. Its location in North Carolina, amidst the heart of Pro Modified and fast doorslammer racing further solidified its solid connection with the primarily southern IHRA organization. But something that many newer fans of the sport may not be aware of is that Rockingham was once a part of the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series tour, with the final NHRA event held there in 1997.

Before there was a Winston No Bull Showdown at the spankin’ brand new Bristol Dragway, there was the Winston Invitational; an eight car, non points-paying, special all-star event that pitted the best eight racers in each of the professional categories alongside one another for a hefty payday from the folks at R.J. Reynolds. If the sight of the cars and stars of the NHRA competing on this quarter mile that you’ve watched on IHRA broadcasts for nearly 15 years seems a little strange, you aren’t alone.

The early 1990’s was a great era for the NHRA, as many of its legendary drivers and up-and-coming rookies waged some great battles that will never be forgotten. And much of that could be summed up from the ’91 Winston Invitational, where the veteran Bob Glidden took down the newcomer Darrell Alderman, before taking on Warren Johnson in the final. Funny Car saw a final round matchup that marked the early days of the epic rivalry between the well-funded John Force and the underfunded Al Hofmann. And in Top Fuel, two of the sports biggest names at the time waged battle, as the young crowd favorite Lori Johns fell to reigning champ Joe Amato before a huge crowd in Rockingham.