FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bartone and Sickles prevail at delayed Gainesville event

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -In the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Gainesville Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Tony Bartone and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Jim Sickles took home the honors.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Bartone of Manhasset, N.Y., defeated five-time Southeast Division champion, Michael Gunderson of Middleburg, Fla. In the final, Bartone ran 5.281 seconds at 275.81 mph to take out Gunderson, who ran an off-pace 7.325-second pass at 128.16 mph. This is Bartone second win in as many races. He was also the winner at the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series season opener at Pomona Raceway two weeks ago.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Jim Sickles defeated seven-time divisional champion Jay Payne in the class final. In the final, Sickles turned in his strongest lap of the weekend, a 5.690-second pass at 252.59 mph to defeat Payne, the defending race champion.

Winners in other categories are Van Puckett of Snellville, Ga., in Competition Eliminator; Peter Biondo of Mt. Laurel, N.J., in Super Stock; George Tamasi, Jr. of Jupiter, Fla., in Stock Eliminator; Steve Cohen of Tribly, Fla., in Super Comp; Corky Markwart of Seminole, Fla., in Super Gas and Dwight Limbaugh of Decherd, Tenn., in Super Street. The winner in John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman was Sandy Wilkins of Fuquay Varina, N.C.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Gainesville Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
6) John Haley, St Louis Park, Minn., 5.436, 263.08 def. 
9) Douglas Monroe, Chesapeake, Va., foul

1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.368, 250.00 def.
8) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 13.344, 59.26

2) Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 5.399, 266.58 def. 
7) Don Fiorelli, Palm Bay, Fla., 5.966, 238.15

2) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.401, 264.62 def. 
5) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 10.535, 74.83

Semifinals
Gunderson, 6.400, 158.28 def. Haley, DQ-Centerline
Bartone, 5.300, 275.06 def. Cannon, 8.715, 94.22

Final Round
Bartone, 5.281, 275.81 def. Gunderson, 7.325, 128.16

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., '02 Dodge Avenger, 5.708, 254.23 def. 
3) Mark Billington, Apopka, Fla., '01 Avenger, 6.164, 236.59

2) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Chevy Camaro, 5.926, 207.66 def. 
3) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Pontiac Firebird, 6.204, 177.16

Final Round 
Sickles, 5.690, 252.59 def. Payne, 5.726, 245.83

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Van Puckett, Snellville, Ga., '99 Firebird, 11.208, 97.80 was unopposed

SUPER STOCK
Peter Biondo, Mount Laurel, N.J., '78 Firebird, 10.031, 121.57 def. 
Len King, Langley, S.C., '67 Camaro, 10.248, 125.45

STOCK ELIMINATOR
George Tamasi Jr., Jupiter, Fla., '94 Trans Am, 11.686, 84.38 def. 
Brian Rowe, New Bern, N.C., '69 Camaro, foul

SUPER COMP
Steve Cohen, Tribly, Fla., Dragster, 8.848, 178.78  def. 
George Tamasi Sr., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dragster, 8.867, 175.88

SUPER GAS
Corky Markwart, Seminole, Fla., '01 S-10, 9.934, 133.51 def. 
Ronald Erks, Clinton, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 9.968, 155.70

SUPER STREET
Dwight Limbaugh, Decherd, Tenn., '67 Chevelle, 10.921, 132.78 def. 
Greg Glenn, Cape Coral, Fla., '93 S-10, 10.874, 126.79

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN
Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 9.192, 93.64 def.
Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '97 Cutlass, foul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rain shortens day's qualifying at Gainesville Raceway

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -The second day of racing at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Gainesville Raceway was shortened Saturday due to rain.

"We plan to resume racing tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.," said NHRA Southeast Division Director Bill Holt. "Our plan is to give the competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, as well as those in Competition Eliminator and Top Sportsman, a qualifying attempt in the morning before starting eliminations in those classes."

The competitors in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will each receive one run at 10:30 a.m.. Eliminations are set to take place at 1:30 p.m., following the opening round of John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman.

Saturday wasn't a total wash for the competitors in Super Stock and Stock Eliminator. The competitors in Super Stock and Stock Eliminator were able to make one qualifying attempt before the skies gave way to rain, and their fields are now set.

The low qualifier in Super Stock is Holly, Mich., runner Chuck Gallagher. His 8.448-second run earns him $400 from Sealed Power as part of their $3500 low qualifier bonus award. Qualified in the second spot is Andy Fogle of Norway, S.C. In third is Mike Crutchfield of Montgomery, Ala.

In Stock Eliminator, Danny Holder of Chapmansboro, Tenn., is the low qualifier in the class. His 11.841-second pass earns him $200 from Sealed Power. Brandon Wood of Tallahassee, Fla., and Tom Hemmingson of Concord, N.C., are qualified second and third in the class.

The gates at Gainesville Raceway will open tomorrow at 7a.m. with qualifying and time trials set to begin at 8:30 a.m., leading off with Super Street. A qualifying session in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with eliminations to follow at 1:30 p.m.

For more information please contact Gainesville Raceway at (352) 377-0046 or on the web at www.gainesvilleraceway.com.

The following are Saturday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Gainesville Raceway:

Competition Eliminator
1) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 9.002 seconds, -0.548 (under index)
2) Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., '03 Grand Am, D/AA, 7.872, -0.508
3) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, G/A, 8.675, -0.505
4) Jerry Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.307, -0.493
5) David Connolly, Elyria, Ohio, '03 Cavalier, C/A, 7.586, -0.484
6) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.066, -0.484
7) Tony Stephenson, Willow Sprg, N.C., RaceTech, C/ED, 7.564, -0.446
8) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 7.140, -0.390
9) Van Puckett, Snellville, Ga., '99 Firebird, F/AA, 8.491, -0.389
10) Todd Logan, Braintree, Mass., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.681, -0.349

Super Stock
1) Chuck Gallagher, Holly, Mich., '94 Sunbird, SS/AM, 8.448 seconds, -1.102 (under index)
2) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.902, -0.998
3) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.062, -0.988
4) Brian Oakes, De Bary, Fla., '69 Camaro, SS/DA, 9.512, -0.988
5) Cliff Reigle, Ashland City, Tenn., '67 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.892, -0.958
6) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '93 Achieva, GT/BA, 9.613, -0.937
7) James Sharron, Greensboro, N.C., '87 Camaro, GT/CA, 9.778, -0.922
8) Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '87 Camaro, GT/J, 10.428, -0.922
9) Blair Patrick, Jasper, Tenn., '68 Mustang, SS/EA, 9.738, -0.912
10) Larry Strunk, Odessa, Fla., '64 Comet, SS/MA, 11.262, -0.888

Stock Eliminator
1) Danny Holder, Chapmansboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.841 seconds, -1.109 (under index)
2) Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., '85 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.849, -1.101
3) Tom Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '66 Malibu, L/S, 11.910, -1.090
4) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.220, -1.080
5) Al Provoast, Whittemore, Mich., '79 Buick Wgn, N/SA, 12.224, -1.076
6) John Foxbower, Franklin, Ohio, '68 Mustang, B/SA, 10.501, -1.049
7) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.564, -1.036
8) Bruce Parsons, Lewisburg, Ohio, '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.422, -1.028
9) John Wentling, Ft Lauderdale, Fla., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.975, -1.025
10) Peter Biondo, Mt Laurel, N.J., '69 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.987, -1.013

John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman
1) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '02 Grand Am, 6.709 seconds, 207.08 mph
2) Jack Nunez, Daytona Beach, Fla., '63 Corvette, 6.969, 205.71
3) Will Roberson, Williston, S.C., '57 Bel Air, 7.142, 190.35
4) Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.153, 191.40
5) Frank Teague, Hickory, N.C., '00 Avenger, 7.245, 191.08
6) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.304, 189.03
7) Troy Cagle, Ranburne, Fla., 7.411, 187.03
8) Dale Ashley, Cape Coral, Fla., '00 Firebird, 7.472, 183.82
9) Mike Rahilly, Cape Coral, Fla., '01 Grand Am, 7.644, 182.03
10) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, S.C., '01 Camaro, 7.644, 177.06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series kicks off at Gainesville Raceway

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series kicked off the season today at Gainesville Raceway with the first of seven events in NHRA's Southeast Division.

In Comp Eliminator, Kevin Houghtaling of Ashland, Va., leads the field with a 9.002-second pass. Qualified in the second spot is the '03 Grand Am of Scott Tidwell, of Pinson, Ala. He's followed by the '92 Cutlass of reining National and Southeast Division Champion, Mike Saye of Johnston, S.C.

The top spot in Super Stock went to the '94 Sunbird of Holly, Mich., runner Chuck Gallagher, who qualified at the top of the pack with an 8.448-second pass. Qualified second is the '90 Camaro of Mike Crutchfield of Montgomery, Ala., while Brian Oakes of De Bary, Fla., is qualified third with his '69 Camaro.

In Stock Eliminator, Danny Holder of Chapmansboro, Tenn., earned the No. 1 spot behind the wheel of his '91 Camaro with a pass of 11.841 seconds. Qualified second is Concord, N.C., racer Tom Hemmingson with his '66 Malibu. David Walther of Lanesville, Ind., is qualified third with his '69 Camaro.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, Santo Volpe of Cocoa, Fla., stampeded to the top of the field behind the wheel of his '02 Grand Am with a 6.709-second pass at 207.08 mph. Trailing Volpe in the No. 2 spot, with a 6.969 second pass at 205.71 mph, is the '63 Corvette of Jack Nunez of Daytona Beach, Fla. Taking the third spot is Will Roberson of Williston, S.C., in his '57 Bel Air.

Saturday's racing action will feature 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, as well as the continuation of qualifying in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street and John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman.

Gates at Gainesville Raceway open Saturday at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to begin at 9 a.m. Qualifying sessions in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information please contact Gainesville Raceway at (352) 377-0046 or visit them on the web at www.gainesvilleraceway.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, event being held at Gainesville Raceway:

Competition Eliminator
1) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 9.002 seconds, -0.548 (under index)
2) Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., '03 Grand Am, D/AA, 7.872, -0.508
3) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, G/A, 8.675, -0.505
4) Jerry Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.307, -0.493
5) David Connolly, Elyria, Ohio, '03 Cavalier, C/A, 7.586, -0.484
6) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.066, -0.484
7) Tony Stephenson, Willow Sprg, N.C., RaceTech, C/ED, 7.564, -0.446
8) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 7.140, -0.390
9) Van Puckett, Snellville, Ga., '99 Firebird, F/AA, 8.491, -0.389
10) Todd Logan, Braintree, Mass., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.681, -0.349

Super Stock
1) Chuck Gallagher, Holly, Mich., '94 Sunbird, SS/AM, 8.448 seconds, -1.102 (under index)
2) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.062, -0.988
3) Brian Oakes, De Bary, Fla., '69 Camaro, SS/DA, 9.512, -0.988
4) Cliff Reigle, Ashland City, Tenn., '67 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.892, -0.958
5) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '93 Achieva, GT/BA, 9.613, -0.937
6) James Sharron, Greensboro, N.C., '87 Camaro, GT/CA, 9.778, -0.922
7) Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '87 Camaro, GT/J, 10.428, -0.922
8) Larry Strunk, Odessa, Fla., '64 Comet, SS/MA, 11.262, -0.888
9) David Thomas, W. Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.316, -0.884
10) Peter Biondo, Mt Laurel, N.J., '78 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.240, -0.860

Stock Eliminator
1) Danny Holder, Chapmansboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.841 seconds, -1.109 (under index)
2) Tom Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '66 Malibu, L/S, 11.910, -1.090
3) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.220, -1.080
4) Al Provoast, Whittemore, Mich., '79 Buick Wgn, N/SA, 12.224, -1.076
5) John Foxbower, Franklin, Ohio, '68 Mustang, B/SA, 10.501, -1.049
6) Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., '85 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.905, -1.045
7) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.564, -1.036
8) Bruce Parsons, Lewisburg, Ohio, '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.422, -1.028
9) Richard Mace, Jacksonville, Fla., '85 Camaro, K/SA, 11.924, -1.026
10) John Wentling, Ft Lauderdale, Fla., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.975, -1.025

John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman
1) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '02 Grand Am, 6.709 seconds, 207.08 mph
2) Jack Nunez, Daytona Beach, Fla., '63 Corvette, 6.969, 205.71
3) Will Roberson, Williston, S.C., '57 Bel Air, 7.142, 190.35
4) Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.153, 191.40
5) Frank Teague, Hickory, N.C., '00 Avenger, 7.245, 191.08
6) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.304, 189.03
7) Troy Cagle, Ranburne, Fla., , 7.411, 187.03
8) Dale Ashley, Cape Coral, Fla., '00 Firebird, 7.472, 183.82
9) Mike Rahilly, Cape Coral, Fla., '01 Grand Am, 7.644, 182.03
10) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, S.C., '01 Camaro, 7.644, 177.06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gainesville Raceway hosts NHRA Southeast Division's first 2003 race

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors in the Southeast division will kick off the 2003 season February 21-23 at Gainesville Raceway. Drivers in eight racing categories, including 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, will vie for points leading to national and divisional championships.

In Top Alcohol Dragster competition, the question is whether Middleburg, Fla., resident Michael Gunderson will recapture the form that led him to five consecutive division championships from 1997 to 2001. During the 2002 season Gunderson struggled and lost the crown to Marty Thacker of Robinson, Ill. Gunderson won only one race last season; an out-of-division event in Memphis, Tenn.

Thacker came on strong in the last half of the season, making final-round appearances in the last four races and winning three of them. This season he is likely to faces challenges not only from Gunderson but from newcomer John Haley as well.

In his rookie year, Haley, of Wayzata, Minn., went to three final rounds in five divisional races, scoring one win. He also made gained notoriety last year by winning NHRA's most prestigious national event, the US Nationals in Indianapolis.

The Top Alcohol Funny Car class has its own question for 2003: Will he or won't he? The scuttlebutt is that defending champion Von Smith will be stepping up to a Top Fuel Funny Car. However, that is an unsubstantiated rumor and it is possible that the Oak Ridge, Tenn., resident will be looking to defend his Southeast Division title.

Whether Smith runs in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series or not, we can expect to see perennial favorite Jay Payne setting the pace for the season. Payne, a resident of Claremont, Calif., has five division titles and one national championship to his credit. In 2002 Payne and Smith battled all season and Payne finished just six points out of first place.

There are NHRA national champions in two classes that claim the Southeast Division as their home. Comp Eliminator veteran Mike Saye of Johnston, S.C., made a total of six final-round appearances in divisional and national events, scoring wins in five of them. Anthony Bertozzi of Richmond, Va., won the last national event of the season to earn the Super Stock crown. Bertozzi, a multi-time IHRA champion, won three divisional races and went enough rounds in national event competition to keep him in the running. He finished just 22 points ahead of former national champion, Peter Biondo.

The division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman Series will be run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Top Sportsman competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with the other classes throughout the weekend.

Gates at Gainesville Raceway open at 9 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying begins Friday at 11 a.m. and Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. and Top Sportsman will run at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will make two qualifying passes at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car run first round at 1 p.m.

Tickets, including pit pass, are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $35 and a three-day pass is $45. Junior admission, for kids 12 to 16, is $5 Friday, $8 Saturday and $10 Sunday. A two-day Junior ticket is $15 and a three-day Junior ticket is $20.

Gainesville Raceway is located on State Road 225, 3.5 miles north of the Gainesville Municipal Airport. For more information call the track, (352) 377-0046, or visit www.GainesvilleRaceway.com.

For the next Southeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, racers will head to Orlando Speed World Dragway in Orlando, Fla., March 7-9.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, 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 first of seven in Southeast Division competition. The division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman Series will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla. Track is located on State Road 225, 3.5 miles north of the Gainesville Municipal airport.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, February 21-23, 2003

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

FRIDAY, Feb. 21 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 11 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 22 -- 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 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Feb. 23 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will begin eliminations at 11 a.m. and eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $35 and a three-day ticket is $45. Jr. Admission, for kids 12 to 16, is $5 Friday, $8 Saturday, and $10 Sunday. A two-day Jr. ticket is $15 and a three-day Jr. ticket is $20. For more information please call Gainesville Raceway, (352) 377-0046 or visit www.gainesvilleraceway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,700, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Arthur Gallant, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jay Payne, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Michael Hardee, Comp Eliminator; Peter Biondo, Super Stock; Scott Bailey, Stock Eliminator; Richard Puertes, Super Comp; Scotty Richardson, Super Gas; Lamar Stevenson, 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 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.

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTOR HOMES TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,500 purse. Top Sportsman racers may run the seven Southeast Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the North Central or South Central Divisions.

FEATURES: More than 400 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.