Not So Predictable; Plenty of changes may lead to no changes at all.(Motorsports)

Byline: BILL STEPHENS

With the 45th Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals dropping into gear Feb. 10-13 in Pomona, California, it marks the 54th annual launch of an NHRA drag racing season. The lineup cards in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock have some eye-opening changes riddled throughout, but don't be surprised if in the end the reigning class champions successfully defend their titles.

TOP FUEL

In the wake of Darrell Russell's fatal accident in St. Louis in June, the nitro categories saw a raft of rules changes in the second half of 2004. Except for some new mandates requiring forged engine blocks, a 50 percent limit on blower overdrive, and a new rev-limiter expected to debut in March, Top Fuel teams enter the season with combinations and setups that won't need constant revisions.

Tony Schumacher's U.S. Army team jumps in with an operation looking almost identical to the one that blitzed its way to the '04 championship with a record-breaking 10 wins. Last year tuner Alan Johnson proved he has developed a finesse game by winning races on both hot and cool racing surfaces, and Schumacher's maturity as a driver is unquestioned.

Elsewhere in the class, the three Connie Kalitta-owned dragsters driven by nephew Doug, son Scott and "Aussie Dave'' Grubnic will triple-team Schumacher Racing again.

Brandon Bernstein should again contend, while Cory McClenathan brings a new multiyear Fram AirHog sponsorship deal. Two-time champ Larry Dixon is banking on legendary tuner Dick LaHaie to exorcise the demons that dropped them to a sixth-place finish last year.