FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilson takes the points lead, Cheeseman wins fourth straight

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Jeff Wilson and Chuck Cheeseman both earned victories in their respective categories at the North Central Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, held at Beech Bend Raceway.

Wilson, of Winfield, Mo., scored his third win of the season and took the lead in the Top Alcohol Dragster division points standings with a 5.577-second, 252.85-mph run in the final round, defeating Bill McCornack, of Lexington, Ky.

Cheeseman continued his domination in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a run of 5.852 seconds at 248.66, eliminating Kim Fritts, of Greenup, Ill., in the final round. This win marks Cheeseman's fourth consecutive victory, and solidifies his lead in the division points standings.

In other classes, Glen Treadwell took finished on top in the Comp Eliminator class, while Steve Graham, of Fulton, Ind., earned a win in Super Stock. Jim Boudreau, of Tewksbury, Mass., defeated Steve Sullivan in the final round for Stock Eliminator.

Jerry Helfrich, of Forney, Texas, took top honors in Super Comp, with an 8.881-second, 171.12-mph run in his Dragster. Tracy Dennis, from Lubbock, Texas, was victorious in Super Gas and George Maxon, of Beavercreek, Ohio, prevailed in Super Street. Meanwhile, Corey Glidewell, of Corinth, Miss., registered a win in Top Sportsman.

North Central Division racing will close out its 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season on Sept. 19-21 at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
 
First Round
1) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.619, 255.73 def. 
8) Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., broke;

2) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.670, 250.04 def. 
7) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.760, 244.60;

6) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 5.625, 251.44 def. 
3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 9.215, 89.64;

4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.756, 241.97 def. 
5) Brian Weber, Vermilion, Ohio, 5.837, 248.66;
 
Semifinals
McCornack, 5.774, 247.29 def. Lindert, 10.945, 73.53;
Wilson, 5.616, 251.44 def. Kelly, 5.630, 257.19;
 
Finals
Wilson, 5.577, 252.85 def. McCornack, 5.680, 250.04.
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
 
First Round
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.885, 244.60 def. 
8) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 8.811, 102.51

2) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.951, 244.60 def. 
7) Andrew Tarr, Louisville, Ky., '98 Trans Am, 6.247, 230.80

6) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 5.940, 238.13 def. 
3) Mick Snyder, DeMotte, Ind., '01 Firebird, foul

4) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.943, 247.29 def. 
5) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 5.994, 238.13
 
Semifinals
Cheeseman, 5.889, 245.94 def. Craig, 7.302, 122.96
Fritts, 6.139, 222.80 def. Martin, 6.275, 225.03
 
Finals
Cheeseman, 5.852, 248.66 def. Fritts, 6.514, 160.73.
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23-T Ford, 11.896, 70.53 def. 
Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, '98 Grand Am, foul.
 
SUPER STOCK
Steve Graham, Fulton, Ind., '67 Nova, 10.052, 125.71 def. 
Ricky Decker, Charlestown, Ind., '94 Camaro, 9.819, 134.74.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, 10.641, 123.97 def. 
Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, 22.631, 36.49.
 
SUPER COMP
Jerry Helfrich, Forney, Texas, Dragster, 8.881, 171.12 def. 
Todd Senseney, Clarksville, Tenn., Dragster, 20.340, 49.34.
 
SUPER GAS
Tracy Dennis, Lubbock, Texas, '02 Corvette, 9.904, 157.36 def. 
Mike Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 9.921, 161.30.
 
SUPER STREET
George Maxson, Beavercreek, Ohio, '68 Camaro, 10.908, 128.58 def. 
Bill Webb, Centerburg, Ohio, '66 Fairlane, 10.902, 138.90.
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.479, 184.85 def. 
Brad Clark, Richland, Miss., '98 Corvette, 7.805, 166.07.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cheeseman and Kelly top qualifiers at Beech Bend

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - In the final rounds of qualifying for the North Central Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series race at Beech Bend Raceway, Chuck Cheeseman and Guy Kelly secured the pole in their respective categories.

2002 North Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion, Chuck Cheeseman, cemented his no. 1 qualifying position with a 5.823-second, 245.94-mph pass. Cheeseman is seeking his fourth consecutive victory, and will attempt to maintain his lead in the division points standings when racing resumes tomorrow.

Guy Kelly continued to lead the field in Top Alcohol Dragster, with a run of 5.547 seconds at 255.73 mph. Meanwhile, Jeff Wilson, who is currently in second place in the North Central Division's Top Alcohol Dragster points standings, qualified fourth with a 5.604-second, 251.44-mph pass.

Jerry Arnold, of Kalamazoo, Mich., took the top position in Comp Eliminator qualifying, and Gary Russell, of Sparta, Ohio, led the Super Stock class. Don Holmes qualified best in Stock, while Tracy Dennis took the pole in Top Sportsman.

Held in conjunction with this event was the Top Sportsman Shootout, where Don Peden defeated Bill Gibson in the final round.

Racing continues Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20 and include a pit pass. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call Beech Bend Raceway at (270) 782-1138.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.547 seconds, 255.73 mph
2) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.600, 248.66
3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.604, 255.73
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield Mo., 5.604, 251.44
5) Brian Weber, Vermilion, Ohio, 5.617, 251.44
6) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 5.619, 252.85
7) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.667, 236.88
8) Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 5.756, 250.04

Not Qualified 
9) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.016, 231.99


Sunday's TAD Pairings
1) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.547 seconds, 255.73 mph vs. 
8) Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 5.756, 250.04

2) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.600, 248.66 vs. 
7) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.667, 241.97

3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.604, 255.73 vs. 
6) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 5.619, 252.85

4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.604, 251.44 vs. 
5) Brian Weber, Vermilion, Ohio, 5.617, 251.44

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.823 seconds, 245.94 mph
2) Kim Fritts, Greenup Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.885, 241.97 mph
3) Mick Snyder, DeMotte, Ind., '01 Firebird, 5.901, 240.68
4) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.999, 243.28
5) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 6.001, 240.68
6) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.189, 230.80
7) Andrew Tarr, Louisville, Ky., '98, Trans Am, 6.194, 230.80
8) Russell Mudd, Fairdale Ky., '98 Ford Mustang, 7.852, 120.65  

Sunday's TAFC Pairings
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.823 seconds, 245.94 mph vs. 
8) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 7.852, 120.65

2) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.885, 247.29 vs. 
7) Andrew Tarr, Louisville, Ky., '98 Trans Am, 6.194, 230.80

3) Mick Snyder, DeMotte, Ind., '01 Firebird, 5.901, 241.97 vs. 
6) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.189, 230.80

4) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.999, 243.28 vs. 
5) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 6.001, 240.68

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jerry Arnold, Kalamazoo, Mich., Bantam-Ford, E/ED, 8.517 seconds, -0.553 (under index)
2) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23-T Ford, E/EA, 8.549, -0.531
3) Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, '98 Grand Am, D/SMA, 8.773, -0.527
4) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '03 Sunfire, A/SM, 8.018, -0.522
5) Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.711, -0.519
6) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23-T Ford, J/AA, 7.949, -0.511
7) Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '98 Grand, D/SMA, 8.796, -0.504
8) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Sonoma, PSTA, 7.805, -0.495
9) Jason Coan, Greentown IN, Herndon-Chevy, F/ED, 8.499, -0.491
10) Robert Bailey, Wabash IN, Dragster-Olds, A/ED, 6.811, -0.479

SUPER STOCK
1) Gary Russell, Sparta, Ohio, '98 Camaro, GT/M, 10.550 seconds, -1.250 (under index)
2) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '00 Pontiac, SS/NA, 11.249, -1.201
3) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Alero, SS/BM, 8.552, -1.148
4) Larry Wilson, Mt Washington, Ky., '66 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.305, -1.145
5) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '97 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.661, -1.139
6) Charlie Wescott Jr., Parma, Mich., '68 Cuda, SS/AA, 8.894, -1.106
7) Ken Shawver, Defiance, Ohio, '78 Firebird, SS/KA, 10.474, -1.076
8) Jerry Silveus, Van Buren, Ohio, '00 Firebird, GT/HA, 10.293, -1.057
9) Jerry Holman, Hendersonville, Tenn., '86 Firebird, SS/KA, 10.511, -1.039
10) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.267, -1.033

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Don Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.630 seconds, -1.320 (under index)
2) Jerry Bennett, Mayfield, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.136, -1.314
3) Dave Edwards, Washington, Ct Hs Ohio, '78 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.460, -1.290
4) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '85 El Camino, K/FIA, 13.884, -1.266
5) Darrell Steiger, Clayton, Ind., '80 Volare, I/SA, 11.448, -1.152
6) Randy Taylor, Beavercreek, Ohio, '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.463, -1.137
7) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.484, -1.116
8) Kent LaPorte, New Iberia, La., '85 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.839, -1.111
9) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.041, -1.109
10) Lewis Conkey, London, Ohio, '88 Camaro, G/FI, 12.067, -1.083

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tracy Dennis, Lubbock, Texas, '02 Grand Am, 7.239 seconds, 191.51 mph
2) Rick Corn, Benton, Ill., '01 Avenger, 7.252, 191.51
3) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '03 Cavalier, 7.321, 189.90
4) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.325, 189.90
5) TJ Tracey, Bartlett, Tenn., '63 Corvette, 7.358, 189.10
6) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.405, 185.97
7) Jeff Wilkerson, Athens, Ala., '00 Trans Am, 7.415, 184.45
8) Jeremy Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Cutlass, 7.453, 187.52
9) Todd Burks, Kalamazoo, Mich., '97 Cutlass, 7.477, 185.21
10) Greg Hinds, Arab, Ala. '63 Corvette, 7.483, 182.21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cheeseman, Kelly top qualifiers at Beech Bend Raceway

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - In the opening rounds of qualifying for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division held at Beech Bend Raceway Park, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Guy Kelly and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Chuck Cheeseman earned the top qualifying positions in their classes.

Kelly, of Wadley, Ala., outran the field in Top Alcohol Dragster with a pass of 5.595 seconds at 254.28 mph. Meanwhile, defending division Top Alcohol Funny Car champion Chuck Cheeseman made a 5.961-second, 244.60-mph pass to take the pole. Cheeseman has three consecutive wins, and will be looking to maintain his lead in the division points standings with a fourth straight victory this weekend.

In the Comp Eliminator class, Larry Pritchett, of Clarkrange, Tenn., qualified first, while Gary Russell, of Sparta, Ohio, was the top qualifier in Super Stock. Donald Holmes, of Dayton, Ohio, earned the top spot in Stock Eliminator, and Tracy Dennis, of Lubbock, Texas, was the best qualifier in Top Sportsman.

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Beech Bend Raceway continues Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. on Sunday. Tickets, pit pass, are $20 each day, or $30 for a 2-day pass. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call Beech Bend Raceway at (270) 782-1138.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.595 seconds, 254.28 mph
2) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.678, 239.40
3) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.699, 245.94
4) Bryan Weber, Vermilion, Ohio, 5.754, 244.60
5) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.895, 195.68
6) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.016, 231.99
7) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 7.463, 115.69

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.961 seconds, 244.60 mph
2) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.999, 243.28
3) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.059, 230.80
4) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 7.398, 121.96

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '03 Sunfire, A/SM, 8.049 seconds, -0.491 (under index)
2) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 Roadster, J/AA, 7.976, -0.484
3) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.547, -0.473
4) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., Herndon, F/ED, 8.527, -0.463
5) Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.782, -0.448
6) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Sonoma, PSTA, 7.860, -0.440
7) Charlie Westcott Jr., Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, H/SM, 9.349, -0.431
8) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., McKinney, D/D, 7.400, -0.430
9) David Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., '93 Cutlass, C/AA, 7.627, -0.423
10) Douglas Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., '03 Stratus, C/SMA, 8.629, -0.371

SUPER STOCK
1) Gary Russell, Sparta, Ohio, '98 Camaro, GT/M, 10.672 seconds, -1.128 (under index)
2) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Alero, SS/BM, 8.638, -1.062
3) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '97 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.739, -1.061
4) Rock Running, Lapeer, Mich., '96 Achieva, GT/HA, 10.362, -0.988
5) Mike Cates, Milan, Tenn., '64 Mercury, SS/M, 10.917, -0.983
6) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.339, -0.961
7) Charlie Wescott Jr., Parma, Mich., '68 Cuda, SS/AA, 9.063, -0.937
8) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.975, -0.925
9) Jerry Silveus, Van Buren, Ohio, '00 Firebird, GT/HA, 10.427, -0.923
10) Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., '67 Chevy II, SS/G, 9.827, -0.923

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Don Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.755 seconds, -1.195 (under index)
2) Jerry Bennett, Mayfield, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.277, -1.173
3) Randy Taylor, Beavercreek, Ohio, '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.484, -1.116
4) Dave Edwards, Washington Ct Hs, Ohio, '78 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.669, -1.081
5) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Trans Am, B/FIA, 10.624, -1.076
6) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.529, -1.071
7) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '85 El Camino, K/FIA, 14.107, -1.043
8) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.110, -1.040
9) Bruce Parsons, Lewisburg, Ohio, '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.429, -1.021
10) Lewis Conkey, London, Ohio, '88 Camaro, G/FI, 12.146, -1.004

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tracy Dennis, Lubbock, Texas, '02 Grand Am, 7.303 seconds, 190.70 mph
2) Rick Corn, Benton, Ill., '01 Avenger, 7.321, 188.31
3) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.378, 188.31
4) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '03 Cavalier, 7.400, 186.74
5) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.405, 185.97
6) Jeremy Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '95 Cutlass, 7.476, 185.97
7) Jeff Wilkerson, Athens, Ala., '00 Trans Am, 7.502, 185.21
8) Philip Montgomery, Owensboro, Ky., '00 Trans Am, 7.509, 183.69
9) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.525, 182.95
10) Bill Gibson, Steger, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.566, 183.69

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series rolls into Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Beech Bend Raceway Park will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Aug. 22-24. The race is the fifth of six races in NHRA North Central Division competition. It will feature more than 500 drivers in eight categories competing for points leading to divisional and national championships.

Classes will include 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car as well as Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Just two points separate first and second place in the division's Top Alcohol Dragster standings. Bill Reichert of Owosso, Mich., is leading the charge after scoring wins at the division race in Indianapolis and at an out-of-division event in Brainerd, Minn. Reichert started his season by heading out of division to Gainesville, Fla., where he failed to make the eight-car field. But at his next race, the North Central division season opener in Joliet, Ill., he made it to the semifinals. The former division champ then won the two races but at the division's last two events, in Stanton, Mich., and Cleves, Ohio, he lost in the first round.

It was at the race in Cleves where Jeff Wilson made his move to second place. The Winfield, Mo., racer beat Reichert in the first round of eliminations and carried that momentum into the winner's circle. Wilson's first win of the season came at an out-of-division race in Memphis, Tenn. He also has two first-round losses and a semifinal round appearance on the year.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, defending division champion Chuck Cheeseman has three consecutive wins to put him atop the division point standings. Cheeseman, a resident of Galena, Ohio, lost in the first round of the season opener in Joliet but hasn't looked back, winning in Indianapolis, Stanton, and Cleves.

Jeff Craig has been dogging Cheeseman all season and is 52 points behind the veteran. Craig won the first race of the season in Joliet and went to the semifinals at the next two events. The Muncie, Ind., resident was runner-up to Cheeseman in Cleves.

Gates at Beech Bend Raceway open at 9 a.m. Friday with qualifying and time trials starting at 10 a.m. TS, TAD and TAFC will each have one qualifying run on Friday, TS runs at 4 p.m. and TAD and TAFC will run at 5 p.m. Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m. and time trials continue at 9 a.m. TS, TAD and TAFC will each make two qualifying passes. TS will run at noon and 3:30 p.m., and TAD and TAFC are scheduled at 1 and 4 p.m.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. with gates opening at 7 a.m. TS will run first round of eliminations at 11 a.m. and TAD and TAFC are scheduled to run first round at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10 Friday and $20 each Saturday and Sunday. A two-day pass is $30 and a full-event ticket is $40. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Beech Bend Raceway is located 2.5 miles from downtown Bowling Green. Take exit 22 or 28 off I-65 and follow the signs to the track. For more information call Beech Bend Raceway, (270) 782-1138, or visit the web site, www.BeechBend.com.

The North Central division will close out its 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season Sept. 19-21 at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

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 fifth of six in North Central Division competition. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Ky. Track is located 2.5 miles from downtown Bowling Green. Take exit 22 or 28 off Interstate 65 and continue through downtown and follow signs to track entrance.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, August 22-24, 2003

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

FRIDAY, Aug. 22 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is at 4 p.m. and Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 23 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at noon and 3:30 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 and 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 24 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Sportsman start at 11 a.m. and 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 $30 and a three-day pass is $40. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Beech Bend Raceway, (270) 782-1138.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $164,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Russ Lindert, Top Alcohol Dragster; Chuck Cheeseman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Mike Farrell, Comp Eliminator; Greg Coffman, Super Stock; Ed Bednaz, Stock Eliminator; David Rampy, Super Comp; Charles Siegler, Super Gas; Dustin Richardson, 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 2004 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 2004 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.

NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION TOP SPORTSMAN CLASS: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,200 event purse as well as points leading to a divisional championship. Top Sportsman racers may run the six North Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or South Central Divisions.

The North Central Division Top Sportsman year-end champion will earn $2,000, No. 2 points finisher will receive $1,000 and the third place competitor will earn $500.

FEATURES: More than 500 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.