FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bourke wins first career event in Top Alcohol Dragster

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - This year's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout was the largest NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event Lebanon Valley Dragway has ever hosted, as 553 competitors raced down the track's quarter-mile. In Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car competition, it was Richard Bourke and Frank Manzo that took home wins at this Northeast Division event.

Lebanon Valley Dragway's Top Alcohol Dragster final featured two relatively unfamiliar faces as Bourke faced off against Rich McPhillips. This was Bourke's first career appearance in a final round, while McPhillips had not reached the final at Lebanon Valley since 1997.

Bourke had his opponent beat from the start as his 5.779-second, 230.06 mph run earned him the win lights and his first career win in Top Alcohol Dragster.

The Top Alcohol Funny Car final featured a battle between Manzo and Bob Newberry, a pair of competitors that were facing off for the fourth time in the past five years in the final at Lebanon Valley Dragway. Manzo had won all three appearances during this span, including three of the four times the two faced off this year.

Although Newberry had the quicker car in the final, Manzo came away with the win. The Morganville, N.J., resident left .045-second quicker off the starting line, resulting in the Top Alcohol Funny Car competitor getting to the finish line .033-second quicker. With the win, Manzo will move to the top of the national points standings in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Winners in other racing categories are Santo Volpe of Coca, Fla., in Comp; Timothy Maggio of Ontario, N.Y., in Super Stock; Michael Iacono of Wading River, N.Y., in Stock; Shane Carr of Mays Landing, N.J., in Super Comp; Jim Smulligan of Coopersburg, Pa., in Super Gas; and John Smith of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in Super Street.

Northeast Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Numidia Raceway in Numidia, Pa., July 25-27. For more information, call Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130.

The following are final round results from Lebanon Valley Dragway's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.732, 248.75 def. 
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., red light

2) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.732, 248.75 def. 
7) Daniel Mercier, Lery, Que., 5.963, 240.06

3) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.587, 249.37 def. 
6) David De Angelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.732, 247.93

4) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.790, 233.40 def. 
5) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 9.648, 84.88

Semifinals
McPhillips, 5.991, 241.61 def. Albert, 9.005, 97.61
Bourke, 5.613, 249.86 def. Monaghan, 5.669, 250.55

Final
Bourke, 5.779, 230.06 def. McPhillips, 6.570, 163.33

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Pontiac, 5.784, 253.87 v. 
8) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.979, 240.44

2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.786, 248.89 def. 
7) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 5.891, 240.44

3) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.948, 241.61 v. 
6) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappingers Falls, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 6.135, 228.36

5) Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '02 Pontiac, 5.954, 242.84 def. 
4) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '00 Avenger, 5.956, 242.32

Semifinals
Manzo, 5.891, 249.93 def. Ferro, 5.954, 242.98
Newberry, 5.791, 247.32 def. Gill, 5.830, 244.56 

Final
Manzo, 5.843, 252.45 def. Newberry, 5.831, 231.24

COMP ELMINATOR
Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '63 Corvette, A/SR, no time def. 
Richard Schonberger, Philadelphia, I/SM, broke

SUPER STOCK
Timothy Maggio, Ontario, N.Y., '92 Camaro, SS/CS, 10.281 def. 
Dan Fletcher, Churchville, N.Y., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.128

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '69 Torin, 11.648 def. 
George Cottell, Clarks Summit, Pa., '69 Camaro, B/S, 10.775

SUPER COMP
Shane Carr, Mays Landing, N.J., Mullis-Chevy, 8.879 def. 
Ken Moses, Colonial, N.J., Quay-Chevy, 8.872

SUPER GAS
Jim Smulligan, Coopersburg, Pa., '03 Corvette, 9.925 def. 
John Michaels, Oakdale, N.Y., '70 Nova, 9.882

SUPER STREET
John Smith, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., '72 Chevelle, 10.920 def. 
Jeff Fisher, Medina, N.Y., '82 Spirit, 10.947

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kosky earns first low qualifier

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - Mike Kosky and Frank Manzo retained number one qualifier positions in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car as qualifying concluded at Lebanon Valley Dragway's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout.

For both Kosky and Manzo, the qualifying pass they made during Friday's session turned out to be the quickest in their classes. This will be the first time this year that Kosky will enter eliminations as low qualifier. Manzo has earned number one qualifier honors at two previous events this year.

If Manzo wins the event tomorrow, the Morganville, N.J., resident will not only earn his fifth consecutive win at Lebanon Valley Dragway, but he can potentially catapult himself to number one in the national points standings as well.

The Top Alcohol Funny Car competitor is also pursuing his seventh straight national and ninth straight divisional championship. He has eight national and thirteen divisional championships overall.

Top qualifiers in other racing categories are Al Ackerman of Saddle Brook, N.J., in Comp; Steve Sweitzer of Jersey Shore, Pa., in Super Stock; and Tim Abbazia of Greenwich, Conn., in Stock.

Gates open Sunday for the final day of competition at Lebanon Valley Dragway's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout at 8 a.m. Racing begins at 10 a.m. with round one of Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car scheduled for noon. Tickets are $20 and children ages six to twelve are $5. For more information, call Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130.

The following are final qualifying results and first round pairings in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car from Lebanon Valley Dragway's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.521 seconds, 255.75 mph
2) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.565, 228.07 
3) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.608, 252.10
4) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.649, 246.10
5) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 5.675, 247.32
6) David De Angelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.683, 251.25
7) Daniel Mercier, Lery, Que., 5.711, 244.76
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.716, 246.71

Not Qualified
9) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.774, 202.02
10) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.805, 231.18
11) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.848, 201.25
12) Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 6.051, 181.12
13) John Headley, Newportville, Pa., 6.379, 203.61

Round 1 pairings
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.521, 255.75 v. 
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.716, 246.71

2) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.565, 228.07 v. 
7) Daniel Mercier, Lery, Que., 5.711, 244.76

3) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.608, 252.10 v. 
6) David De Angelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.683, 251.25

4) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.649, 246.10 v. 
5) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 5.675, 247.32

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Pontiac, 5.758 seconds, 252.95 mph
2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.767, 248.75
3) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.802, 247.59
4) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '00 Avenger, 5.898, 247.59
5) Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '02 Pontiac, 5.977, 241.74
6) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappingers Falls, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.990, 225.84
7) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 5.991, 229.12
8) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.999, 240.12

Not Qualified
9) Charles Gambino, Daytona Beach, Fla., '00 Corvette, 6.010, 235.17
10) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '99 Mustang, 6.164, 224.60
11) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.243, 210.57
12) Dan Pompino, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.270, 226.24
13) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '93 Saab, 6.474, 217.54
14) Scott Woodington, Delran, N.J., '03 Camaro, 6.906, 195.86

Round 1 pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Pontiac, 5.758, 252.95 v. 
8) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.999, 240.12

2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.767, 248.75 v. 
7) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 5.991, 229.12

3) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.802, 247.59 v. 
6) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappingers Falls, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.990, 225.84

4) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '00 Avenger, 5.898, 247.59 v. 
5) Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '02 Pontiac, 5.977, 241.74

COMP ELMINATOR
1) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., Chevy, F/D, 8.175 seconds, -0.595 under index
2) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '63 Corvette, A/SR, 8.057, -0.583
3) Frank Aragona Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., F/EA, 8.557, -0.483
4) Don Eckel, Piscataway, N.J., C/D, 7.190, -0.420
5) Richard Schonberger, Philadelphia, I/SM, 9.344, -0.396
6) Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '93 Beretta, D/EA, 8.630, -0.390
7) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., Capraun, G/D, 9.354, -0.376
8) Steve Levine, New Windsor, N.Y., '23 Ford, AA/AM, 6.841, -0.369
9) Billy Griffin, Norwalk, Conn., '92 Camaro, E/AA, 8.142, -0.358
10) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.984, -0.356

SUPER STOCK
1) Steve Sweitzer, Jersey Shore, Pa., '92 Firebird, GT/EA, 9.903 seconds, -1.047 under index
2) Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill, W. Va., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.969, -1.031
3) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/KA, 10.723, -1.027
4) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Camaro, SS/BA, 9.241, -0.959
5) Vito Savino, Brewster, N.Y., '95 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.416, -0.934
6) Don MacCallum, Van Kleek Hill, Ont., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.078, -0.922
7) Jim Pancake, Delaware, Ohio, '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.099, -0.901
8) Jeff Lawrence, West Hampton Beach, N.Y., '85 Monte Carlo, GT/AA, 9.511, -0.889
9) Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '89 Camaro, GT/FA, 10.221, -0.879
10) Paul Ricci, Rocky Hill, Conn., '96 Avenger, SS/AM, 8.680, -0.870

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Tim Abbazia, Greenwich, Conn., '62 Corvette, F/S, 11.005 seconds, -1.095 under index
2) Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., '80 Corvette, I/SA, 11.552, -1.048
3) Evan Smith, Matawan, N.J., '93 Mustang, E/FI, 11.469, -1.031
4) Mike Farrell, E. Nassau, N.Y., '71 Duster, E/SA, 10.997, -1.003
5) John Shaul, Fultonham, N.Y., '64 Fury, A/SA, 10.304, -0.996
6) Brian Van Poppel, Perry Hall, Md., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.469, -0.981
7) Dean Cook II, Coventry, R.I., '95 Cobra, F/FI, 11.908, -0.942
8) John Gray Jr., Hudson, Mass., '72 Nova, H/SA, 11.519, -0.931
9) Keith Sansone, Wynatskill, N.Y., '65 Nova, K/SA, 12.048, -0.902
10) Greg Philley, Taberg, N.Y., '80 Mustang, W/SA, 16.049, -0.901

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kosky and Manzo "light-up" qualifying

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - Day one of time trials and qualifying at the Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout concluded with Mike Kosky and Frank Manzo leading their respective fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Kosky made a 5.521-second, 255.75 mph pass during Friday's qualifying session to position himself as low qualifier after the first day of racing. The Cuddy, Pa., resident earned an event win two weeks ago in Atco, N.J., and will be looking for his second win of the year this weekend.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying, Manzo's 5.758-second, 252.95 mph run is the quickest and fastest in his class thus far. Manzo has won this event the past four years and his last loss occurred during the semifinals in 1998 against Paul Gill, who is currently qualified number two.

Two weeks ago, Manzo loss in the first round to Craig English, breaking a string of 10-straight Northeast divisional event wins by the Morganville, N.J., resident. Win one of the streak occurred at Lebanon Valley Dragway in 2001.

Top qualifiers in other racing categories are Al Ackerman of Saddle Brook, N.J., in Comp; Tim Worner of Duncannon, Pa., in Super Stock; and Tim Abbazia of Greenwich, Conn., in Stock.

Gates open Saturday at Lebanon Valley Dragway at 8 a.m. and day two of time trials and qualifying begins at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled for 12 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and children ages six to twelve are $5. For more information, call Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from Lebanon Valley Dragway's Diamond RV NHRA Division 1 Shootout:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.521 seconds, 255.75 mph
2) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.565, 228.07 
3) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.635, 251.04
4) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 5.675, 247.32
5) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.713, 246.23
6) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.716, 246.71
7) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.805, 231.18
8) David De Angelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.849, 212.36

Not Qualified
9) Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 6.051, 181.12
10) Daniel Mercier, Lery, Que., 6.070, 213.42
11) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 6.295, 163.96
12) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 8.251, 98.13

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Pontiac, 5.758 seconds, 252.95 mph
2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.767, 248.75
3) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.821, 246,30
4) Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '02 Pontiac, 5.977, 241.74
5) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappingers Falls, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.990, 225.84
6) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.999, 240.12
7) Charles Gambino, Daytona Beach, Fla., '00 Corvette, 6.086, 210.13
8) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 6.151, 235.60

Not Qualified
9) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '00 Avenger, 6.173, 204.54
10) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.243, 210.57
11) Dan Pompino, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.473, 221.94
12) Scott Woodington, Delran, N.J., '03 Camaro, 6.906, 195.86
13) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '99 Mustang, DQ

COMP ELMINATOR
1) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., Chevy, F/D, 8.175 seconds, -0.595 under index
2) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '63 Corvette, A/SR, 8.121, -0.519
3) Frank Aragona Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., F/EA, 8.557, -0.483
4) Don Eckel, Piscataway, N.J., C/D, 7.216, -0.394
5) Richard Schonberger, Philadelphia, Pa., I/SM, 9.360, -0.380
6) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., Capraun, G/D, 9.363, -0.367
7) Billy Griffin, Norwalk, Conn., '92 Camaro, E/AA, 8.142, -0.358
8) Ralph Hope, London, Ont., '23 T-Ford, J/A, 8.204, -0.356
9) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.990, -0.350
10) Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '93 Beretta, D/EA, 8.679, -0.341

SUPER STOCK
1) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/KA, 10.723 seconds, -1.027 under index
2) Steve Sweitzer, Jersey Shore, Pas., '92 Firebird, GT/EA, 9.927, -1.023
3) Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill, W. Va., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.987, -1.013
4) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Camaro, SS/BA, 9.241, -0.959
5) Vito Savino, Brewster, N.Y., '95 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.416, -0.934
6) Don MacCallum, Van Kleek Hill, Ont., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.078, -0.922
7) Jeff Lawrence, West Hampton Beach, N.Y., '85 Monte Carlo, GT/AA, 9.511, -0.889
8) Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '89 Camaro, GT/FA, 10.221, -0.879
9) Jim Pancake, Delaware, Ohio, '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.122, -0.878
10) Paul Ricci, Rocky Hill, Conn., '96 Avenger, SS/AM, 8.680, -0.870

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Tim Abbazia, Greenwich, Conn., '62 Corvette, F/S, 11.005 seconds, -1.095 under index
2) Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., '80 Corvette, I/SA, 11.552, -1.048
3) Evan Smith, Matawan, N.J., '93 Mustang, E/FI, 11.469, -1.031
4) Mike Farrell, E. Nassau, N.Y., '71 Duster, E/SA, 10.997, -1.003
5) John Shaul, Fultonham, N.Y., '64 Fury, A/SA, 10.304, -0.996
6) Brian Van Poppel, Perry Hall, Md., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.469, -0.981
7) Dean Cook II, Coventry, R.I., '95 Cobra, F/FI, 11.915, -0.935
8) John Gray Jr., Hudson, Mass., '72 Nova, H/SA, 11.520, -0.930
9) Keith Sansone, Wynatskill, N.Y., '65 Nova, K/SA, 12.048, -0.902
10) James Conte, Tappan, N.Y., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 10.811, -0.889

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lebanon Valley Dragway plans fireworks on and off the track

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - NHRA Northeast division racers will head to Lebanon Valley Dragway July 4-6 for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event where drivers in eight categories earn points toward divisional and national titles as well as a share of the champions' purse, worth more than $560,000. The race is the third of seven in Northeast division competition.

Classes that will run are Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. Friday night after TAD and TAFC qualifying the track will host a special fireworks show, the 5th Annual 4th of July Extravaganza.

This year, Frank Manzo is going for his 14th Northeast division Top Alcohol Funny Car championship and his eighth national title. In 2002, the Morganville, N.J., racer earned his sixth consecutive national championship and his eighth straight division crown.

Manzo dominated the Northeast last year winning six out of the seven events and four NHRA national events. But this season it looks like the longtime rivalry between Manzo and Bob Newberry is heating up and Newberry could put the pressure on the champ. Newberry, a Schenectady, N.Y., resident, has found some consistency and is racing well this season.

With his win at US 13 Dragway in Delmar, Del., Manzo has taken the lead in the divisional point standings. He is the defending event champion here, having bested Paul Gill in the final a year ago.

The win in Delmar also gave Monaghan, who resides in Meadowbrook, Pa., the lead in the division point standings. He is just ahead of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., racer Doug Foley who was runner-up in Delmar.

Gates at Lebanon Valley Dragway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 10 a.m. with TAD and TAFC will qualify at 7:30 p.m. Qualifying and time trials continue Saturday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will have qualifying runs at noon and 3 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 10 a.m. with TAD and TAFC running first round at noon.

General admission tickets at Lebanon Valley Dragway are $15 Friday, $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $45. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Lebanon Valley Dragway is located off I-90 E on Route 20. Exit at 11E/Route 20 and go approximately 10 miles. The dragstrip is just past the oval dirt track on the left side. For more information call Lebanon Valley Dragway, (518) 794-7130, or visit www.dragway.com.

NHRA Northeast division racers will head to Numidia Raceway in Numidia, Pa., for the next stop on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series tour.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring the 5th Annual 4 of July Extravaganza, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the third of seven in Northeast Division competition.

WHERE: Lebanon Valley Dragway, West Lebanon, N.Y. Track is located off I-90 E on Route 20. Exit 11E/Route 20, and follow 10-12 miles. The track is just past the oval dirt track on the left-hand side.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 4-6, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:

FRIDAY, July 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. The 5th Annual 4th of July Extravaganza will begin after the alcohol classes run.

SATURDAY, July 5 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 6 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 10 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $45. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Lebanon Valley Dragway, (518) 794-7130.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $162,495, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Arthur Gallant, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Larry Perkins, Comp Eliminator; Peter Biondo, Super Stock; Sal Biondo, Stock Eliminator; Bob Kodanek, Super Comp; Duane Fisher, Super Gas; Paul Panesa, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $215,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 43 of 45 divisional events and 16 of 23 national events.)

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2003 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2003 Jeg's Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.

The winning division's team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.

FEATURES: More than 450 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.