Prior to 1989, Dan Press was already recognized as one of the best and most respected drivers on the west coast. At the end of the year, with the Southwest Series title on his mantle, Press' legend was added to. Making his first full-time attempt at the series crown, Press was strong winning eight out of the series 20 races, scoring 12 top 5 finishes and 15 top 10s. The road to the championship was not easy for Press though as he had to fend off the toughest of challengers in the 1987 Southwest Tour champion, Mike Chase. Chase fought Press hard all season notching four wins, nine top 5s and 13 top 10s, but didn't have enough as Press was able to score the title by starting the season finale at Phoenix International Raceway.

Press waited until the fourth race of the season at Shasta Speedway before winning. The next race at Stockton, Press was victorious again. The next race at Orange Show Speedway, Press was in victory lane again. Press had to wait another four races before he won again at Saugus. He won again the next race at Madera before finishing out a win at Carson City in August, then two September victories at Saugus and Roseville. Chase's victories came in the April 8 and May 12 events at Mesa Marin Raceway, then in July at Redwood Acres Raceway in the Olympia 100 and at Mesa Marin again in the October Classic 200.

Though M.K. Kanke went winless in 1989, he maintained a strong, consistent run throughout the year to finish third in the points. Troy Beebe, the series runner up the previous year, was fourth with a win at Stockton 99 Speedway in August. Roman Calczynski had a disappointing season as defending champion of the series. Though he had a solid fifth place points effort, he only managed one win in the Coors 100 at Cajon. Sixth in points was Chuck Pittenger. Seventh was Ray Hooper, Jr. who notched wins in the season opener at Cajon and then later a win in the Coors Light 100 in Roseville. Ron Hornaday, Jr. won once at Mesa Marin in August while placing eighth in the standings. Rookie of the Year winner, Randy Laskowsky of Redding, CA was ninth in points, while Bob Lyon placed tenth. The only winner who didn't place in the top 10 in points was Mark Meech who scored the upset win in the Coors 100 at Orange Show Speedway in September.