FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHRA North Central Division season opener complete at Route 66 Raceway

JOLIET, Ill. - The NHRA North Central division racers finished their season opening Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway. In Top Alcohol Dragster, David Wells took the win, while in Top Alcohol Funny Car, Jeff Craig motored into the winner's circle. Wells was the No. 6 qualifier in the eight-car field but the LeMars, Iowa, resident saved the best for last. He made his best pass of the weekend, a 5.404-second, 261.83 mph effort, in the final, defeating Ken Perry of Toronto, Ont.

Muncie, Ind., racer Craig had the most consistent Top Alcohol Funny Car on the property this weekend and demonstrated it in all three rounds of eliminations. Craig made a 5.688-second run in the first round, a 5.640-second pass in the semifinals, and in the finals he ran 5.640 seconds at 255.19 mph. In the first round, Craig defeated the defending division champion Chuck Cheeseman from Galena, Ohio, and in the finals he drove past Paul Lee of Gaithersburg, Md.

Winners in other categories were Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in Comp Eliminator; Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., in Super Stock; Kyle Riley, Chicago, in Stock; Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., in Super Comp; Al Gavlovsky, Bemidji, Minn., in Super Gas; Dustin Richardson, Woodburn, Ind., in Super Street; and Rick Corn, Benton, Ohio, in Top Comp.

North Central Division racers head to Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, May 16-18.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round One
6) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.794, 255.97 def. 
3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 9.142, 965.06;

1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.449, 261.17 def. 
8) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 12.011, 106.40;

2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.339, 274.16 def. 
7) Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.936, 218.65;

5) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.513, 253.52 def. 
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 7.368, 124.18;

Semifinals
Perry, 5.557, 254.81 def. Bartone, 6.138, 180.65;
Wells, 5.429, 260.76 def. Reichert, 5.816, 249.39;

Finals
Wells, 5.404, 261.83 def. Perry, 5.860, 253.56.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round One
2) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., Dodge R/T, 5.688, 252.47 def. 
7) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, Pontiac Firebird, 5.873, 248.57;

1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, Firebird, 5.985, 247.38 def. 
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., Dodge Avenger, 7.851, 134.52;

6) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, Firebird, 5.679, 246.08 def. 
3) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., Firebird, 7.374, 126.30;

5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., Firebird, 5.703, 251.34 def. 
4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, Firebird, 5.705, 250.51;

Semifinals
Craig, 5.640, 255.19 def. Brand, 5.916, 246.39;
Lee, 5.882, 247.25 def. Moats, 5.780, 248.39;

Finals
Craig, 5.642, 255.48 def. Lee, 6.402, 184.65.

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, '98 Grand Am, D/SMA, 8.869, 135.06 def.
Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '34 Chevrolet, A/SR, 9.116, 98.05.

SUPER STOCK
Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.488, 139.11 def.
Bill Rowe Jr., Eureka, Mo., '67 Nova, SS/GA, 9.910, 131.84.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Kyle Riley, Chicago, '77 LeMans, N/SA, 12.390, 99.78  def. Danny Byrd,
Sikeston, Mo., '67 Chevy II, F/S, 10.915, 121.28.

SUPER COMP
Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., Dragster, 8.903, 160.40 def. Jeremy
Jensen, Clarksville, Tenn., Dragster, 8.933, 145.85.

SUPER GAS
Al Gavlovsky, Bemidji, Minn., '27 Ford T, 9.875, 138.76  def. Mike
Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 9.858, 145.89.

SUPER STREET
Dustin Richardson, Woodburn, Ind., '87 Firenza, 10.918, 139.17 def. Robert
D'Alessandro, Lombard, Ill., '89 Camaro, 10.862, 139.99.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Rick Corn, Benton, Ohio, '00 Dodge, 7.591, 151.95  def. Jeff Belloma,
Della, Iowa, '63 Chevy Corvette, foul.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Qualifying complete at Route 66 Raceway's NHRA Lucas Oil event

JOLIET, Ill. - In the final rounds of qualifying at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Tony Bartone and Top Alcohol Funny Car veteran Vern Moats were the best qualifiers in their respective classes.

Bartone led the charge that featured 22 drivers vying for a spot in the eight-car field. The Manhasset, N.Y., racer's 5.242-second, 271.08 mph pass in the final round of qualifying was enough to move him into the No. 1 spot. It was also the quickest and fastest Top Alcohol Dragster pass in North Central division history. This was also the quickest eight-car field in the division's history with the No. 8 driver making a 5.508-second pass at 260.81 mph.

Moats, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa, was the best of the 19 Top Alcohol Funny Car looking trying to make the eight-car field. His 5.653-second, 252.90-mph effort in the last qualifying session was enough to catapult him from No. 5 to No. 1.

Top qualifiers in other classes were Jerry Arnold, Kalamazoo, Mich., in Comp Eliminator; Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., in Super Stock; Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, in Stock; and Steve Spiess, Manhatten, Ill. Racing continues Sunday at Route 66 Raceway. Gates open at 7 a.m. Adult tickets, including pit pass, are $20 and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Route 66 Raceway, (815) 727-RACE.

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 Route 66 Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.242 seconds, 271.08 mph
2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.370, 274.78
3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.383, 263.56
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.413, 253.52
5) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.422, 260.21
6) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.452, 259.56
7) Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.464, 269.83
8) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.508, 260.81

Not Qualified
9) Shawn Bowen, Grand Blanc, Mich., 5.522, 261.37
10) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.556, 253.42
11) Gary Ward, Cincinnati, 5.590, 251.44
12) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.695, 245.58
13) Evan Knoll, Decatur, Mich., 5.888, 241.50
14) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.988, 177.72
15) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 6.018, 190.43
16) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.032, 225.71
17) Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 6.075, 232.55
18) Robert Ginther, Lansing, Mich., 6.097, 242.76
19) Klaus Zimmer, Wildwood, Ill., 6.695, 163.79
20) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 9.285, 81.75
21) Robert Badgett, Maryland Hts., Mo., 11.363, 112.42
22) Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell, Mich., (no time)

First-round TAD pairings
1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.242 seconds, 271.08 mph vs. 
8) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.508, 260.81

2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.370, 274.78 vs. 
7) Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.464, 269.83

3) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.383, 263.56 vs. 
6) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.452, 259.56

4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.413, 253.52 vs. 
5) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.422, 260.21

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.653 seconds, 252.90 mph
2) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.668, 254.86
3) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.683, 246.93
4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.744, 250.18
5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 5.744, 247.84
6) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '03 Firebird, 5.796, 246.12
7) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.874, 247.43
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 5.911, 242.41

Not Qualified
9) Fred Hagen, Chicago, '01 Avenger, 5.948, 246.66
10) Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '03 Firebird, 5.954, 244.96
11) John Reikas III, Glendale Hts., Ill., '97 Camaro, 5.975, 233.96
12) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '00 Trans Am, 5.980, 232.55
13) Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., '99 Avenger, 6.013, 235.02
14) Andrew Tarr, Louisville, Ky., '98 Trans Am, 6.108, 232.87
15) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.139, 236.01
16) Larry Bakke, Madison, Wis., '01 Firebird, 6.206, 225.86
17) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 6.255, 221.71
18) Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., '96 Firebird, 6.456, 226.51
19) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 7.305, 131.23

TAFC first-round pairings
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.653 seconds, 252.90 mph vs. 
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 5.911, 242.41

2) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.668, 254.86 vs. 
7) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.874, 247.43

3) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.683, 246.93 vs. 
6) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '03 Firebird, 5.796, 246.12

4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.744, 250.18 vs. 
5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 5.744, 247.84

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Jerry Arnold, Kalamazoo, Mich., '32 Bantam, E/ED, 8.416 seconds, -0.674 (under index)
2) Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '01 Sonoma, PSTA, 7.661, -0.639
3) Ian Landies Jr., Chardon, Ohio, '03 Cavalier, F/A, 8.232, -0.638
4) Patrick Ross Sr., Avon Lake, Ohio, '03 Grand Am, F/A, 8.276, -0.594
5) Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '34 Chevrolet, A/SR, 8.113, -0.587
6) Wayne Henderson, Fishers, Ind., Spitzer, A/ED, 6.714, -0.586
7) Robert Bailey, Wabash, Ind., Dragster, A/ED, 6.715, -0.585
8) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 Roadster, J/AA, 7.897, -0.583
9) Rob Kropfeld, Hamilton, Ohio, Dragster, A/D, 6.528, -0.582
10) Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, '98 Grand Am, D/SMA, 8.774, -0.576

SUPER STOCK
1) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.697 seconds, -1.303 (under index)
2) Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.364, -1.186
3) Alex Denysenko, Lyons, Ill., '65 Mustang, SS/MA, 10.975, -1.175
4) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '00 Pontiac, SS/NA, 11.305, -1.145
5) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.821, -1.129
6) Rod Dorsey, N. Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, SS/EM, 9.399, -1.101
7) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.207, -1.093
8) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.240, -1.060
9) Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.493, -1.057
10) Darrell Marvel, Big Rapids, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.949, -1.051

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.539 seconds, -1.411 (under index)
2) Marty Buth, Freeport, Ill., '86 Thunderbird, K/FIA, 13.774, -1.376
3) Jim Paquet, Eaton Rapids, Mich., '98 Dakota, FT/SA, 12.368, -1.232
4) MJ Quinn, Louisville, Ky., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.388, -1.212
5) Jerry Stealy, E Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.274, -1.176
6) Danny Byrd, Sikeston, Mo., '67 Chevy II, F/S, 10.945, -1.155
7) Chris Sniesak, Wales, Mich., '99 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.848, -1.152
8) Bret Velde, Farmington, Ill., '87 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.000, -1.150
9) Jason McCormack, Oxford, Mich., '66 Plymouth, B/S, 10.398, -1.102
10) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.504, -1.096

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Steve Spiess, Manhatten, Ill., '02 Grand Am, 6.641 seconds, 208.46 mph
2) Kevin Lawrence, Palos Hills, Ill., '02 Cavalier, 6.922, 199.73
3) Greg Clevenger, Camden, Mich., '92 Cutlass, 7.031, 196.30
4) David Howard, Bridwood, Ill., '97 Camaro, 7.129, 607.01
5) Rick Corn, Benton, Ohio, '00 Dodge, 7.242, 188.99
6) Jeff Belloma, Della, Iowa, '63 Corvette, 7.248, 185.36
7) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '03 Cavalier, 7.259, 190.08
8) Michael Donato, Buffalo Grove, Ill., '00 Firebird, 7.280, 181.37
9) Aaron Glaser, Shepherdsville, Ky., '63 Corvette, 7.286, 183.47
10) Rod Burgoyne, Colma, Mich., '93 Lumina, 7.312, 187.73

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA North Central Division opens Lucas Oil Drag Racing season at Route 66 Raceway

JOLIET, Ill. - In the first rounds of qualifying at Route 66 Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Marty Thacker and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Jeff Craig took the no. 1 qualifying positions in their classes. Thacker, of Robinson, Ill., outran the field with a pass of 5.383 seconds at 263.56 mph. And Muncie, Ind. resident Craig made a 5.676-second, 254.28 mph run to take the pole.

Friday's best qualifiers in other classes were Jerry Arnold, Kalamazoo, Mich., in Comp Eliminator; Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., in Super Stock; Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, Stock; and Kevin Lawrence, Palos Hills, Ill. Racing continues Saturday at Route 66 Raceway with racing in eight classes: Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division's Top Comp class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying starts at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Cars will have two qualifying passes, at 1 and 5 p.m. A Jet Car exhibition is scheduled after qualifying and time trials are complete. Tickets are $18 for adults while children 12 and under are admitted free. A coupon for $5 off admission is available at Napa Auto Parts. For more information, call Route 66 Raceway, (815) 727-RACE.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.383 seconds, 263.56 mph
2) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.392, 269.83
3) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.400, 273.94
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.413, 253.52
5) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.508, 260.81
6) David Wells, Le Mars, Iowa, 5.527, 256.80
7) Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Ohio, 5.647, 250.00
8) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.650, 251.20

Not Qualified
9) Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.747, 251.44
10) Shawn Bowen, Grand Blanc, Mich., 5.775, 253.23
11) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.988, 177.72
12) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 6.018, 190.43
13) Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 6.075, 232.55
14) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 6.182, 232.75
15) Robert Ginther, Lansing, Mich., 8.067, 105.45
16) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 8.529, 105.52
17) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., (no time)
18) Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell, Mich., (no time)

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 R/T, 5.676 seconds, 254.28 mph
2) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.737, 246.80
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.806, 225.60
4) John Reikas III, Glendale Hts., Ill., '97 Camaro, 5.975, 233.96
5) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.976, 247.47
6) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.139, 236.01
7) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 6.359, 170.19
8) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '00 Trans Am, 6.401, 185.84

Not Qualified
9) Larry Bakke, Madison, Wis., '01 Firebird, 6.714, 163.61
10) Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., '96 Firebird, 6.895, 180.74
11) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, (no time)

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Jerry Arnold, Kalamazoo, Mich., '32 Bantam, E/ED, 8.483 seconds, -0.607 (under index)
2) Ian Landies, Chardon, Ohio, '34 Cavalier, F/A, 8.265, -0.605
3) Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '34 Chevrolet, A/SR, 8.122, -0.578
4) Ed Bennett, Carleton, Mich., '99 Neon, B/A, 7.250, -0.550
5) Patrick Ross Sr., Avon Lake, Ohio, '03 Grand Am, F/A, 8.323, -0.547
6) Jack Slagle, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, '98 Grand Am, D/SMA, 8.816, -0.534
7) Douglas Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., Spitzer, C/SMA, 8.528, -0.522
8) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.040, -0.510
9) Steve Johnson, Milwaukee, '99 Firebird, F/A, 8.366, -0.504
10) Ron Bohn, Benton Harbor, Mich., '03 Stratus, F/AA, 8.380, -0.500

SUPER STOCK
1) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.726 seconds, -1.274 (under index)
2) Alex Denysenko, Lyons, Ill., '65 Mustang, SS/MA, 10.975, -1.175
3) Dan Larson, St Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.418, -1.132
4) Rod Dorsey, N. Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, SS/EM, 9.435, -1.065
5) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.254, -1.046
6) Darrell Marvel, Big Rapids, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.974, -1.026
7) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.924, -1.026
8) Dean Nicopolis, Northville, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.981, -1.019
9) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.301, -0.999
10) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/GA, 10.222, -0.978

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.539 seconds, -1.411 (under index)
2) Marty Buth, Freeport, Ill., '86 Thunderbird, K/FIA, 13.774, -1.376
3) MJ Quinn, Louisville, Ky., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.388, -1.212
4) Jim Paquet, Eaton Rapids, Mich., '98 Dakota, FT/SA, 12.427, -1.173
5) Danny Byrd, Sikeston, Mo., '67 Chevy II, F/S, 10.945, -1.155
6) Bret Velde, Farmington, Ill., '87 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.021, -1.129
7) Jim Schaechter, St. Charles, Ill., '66 Nova, J/S, 11.527, -1.123
8) Christopher Sniesak, Wales, Mich., '99 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.893, -1.107
9) Anatol Denysenko, Lyons, Ill., '86 Capri, I/FIA, 12.662, -1.088
10) Willy Devor, Milan, Ill., '65 Malibu, J/S, 11.564, -1.086

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Kevin Lawrence, Palos Hills, Ill., '02 Cavalier, 7.060 seconds, 196.67 mph
2) David Howard, Bridwood, Ill., '97 Camaro, 7.169, 191.70
3) Jeff Belloma, Della, Iowa, '63 Corvette, 7.249, 184.77
4) Michael Donato, Buffalo Grove, Ill., '00 Firebird, 7.280, 181.37
5) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '03 Cavalier, 7.296, 190.08
6) Todd Burks, Kalamazoo, Mich., '97 Cutlass, 7.414, 195.82
7) Bill Gibson, Steger, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.427, 185.61
8) Anthony Muno, Arlington Heights, Ill., '91 Lumina, 7.429, 186.41
9) Drake Hooke, Mountain Home, Pa., '59 Studebaker, 7.545, 173.78
10) Robert Mortensen, Bolingbrook, Ill., '00 Sunfire, 7.671, 182.48

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Route 66 Raceway to host NHRA North Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season opener

JOLIET, Ill. - NHRA's North Central Division will open its 2003 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season at Route 66 Raceway with a three-day event April 25-27. The race is the first of six in North Central Division competition and will feature more than 500 drivers in eight categories competing for points leading to divisional and national titles as well as a share of the $561,000 champion's purse.

Look for rivalries to heat up in the early going with local TAFC favorite Marc White of Glendale Hts., Ill., trying to maintain the upper hand on defending division champion Chuck Cheeseman. White and Cheeseman have taken the championship chase down to the wire for several years but last year Cheeseman, of Galena, Ohio, dominated the division's TAFC class with five wins in six events. White won the race where Cheeseman was not in the winner's circle.

So far in 2003, White has attended an out-of-division race in Memphis, Tenn., but lost in the first round to fellow North Central division racer Kim Fritts of Greenup, Ill., who went on to win that race and is currently in first place in the division point standings. Cheeseman has yet to attend a divisional race.

In the TAD class, it is unclear at this point whether defending division champion, 65-year-old Russ Lindert, will be running this year. Although the rumor is that the Manteno, Ill., resident is selling his racing equipment, it is possible that he will be in competition at Route 66 Raceway because it is his home track.

Currently leading the TAD points is Winfield, Mo., resident Jeff Wilson who, like Fritts, scored an out-of-division win in Memphis. Wilson is a former division champion and won last year's division race at Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, Mich. He finished third in the point standings last year.

Also expected to be on-hand at Route 66 Raceway is the division's defending Stock champion, Clint Blezien. The 21-year-old Bensenville, Ill., resident started racing in 1997 and has won two consecutive division crowns.

Classes that will run include 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) 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. A Jet Car exhibition is also scheduled for Saturday night.

Gates at Route 66 Raceway open at 7 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials begin Friday at 9 a.m. with TAD and TAFC running at 4 p.m. Top Sportsman is schedule to qualify at 3 p.m. The action continues Saturday at 8 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifies at noon and 4 p.m. and TAD and TAFC are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets, including pit pass, are $15 Friday, $18 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A two-day (Saturday/Sunday) ticket is $30 and children 12 and under are admitted free. A coupon for $5 off adult admission is available at Napa Auto Parts.

Route 66 Raceway is located in Joliet, off Interstate 80 at Highway 53. Go south on Highway 53 to the track at 3200 S. Chicago Street. For more information call the track, (815) 727-RACE, or visit the web site, www.route66raceway.com.

The North Central Division's second NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event is scheduled at Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, May 16-18.

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

WHERE: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Ill. Track is located in Joliet off Interstate 80 at Highway 53. Go south on Highway 53; track is on the left at 3200 S. Chicago Street.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, April 25-27, 2003

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

FRIDAY, April 25 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 3 p.m. and Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, April 26 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at noon and 4 p.m. and Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. A Jet Car exhibition is scheduled after qualifying and time trials are complete.

SUNDAY, April 27 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $18 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $30 and children 12 and under are admitted free. A coupon for $5 off adult admission is available at Napa Auto Parts. For more information please call Route 66 Raceway, (815) 727-RACE.

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: Shelly Howard, Top Alcohol Dragster; Chuck Cheeseman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; David Billingsley, Comp Eliminator; Craig Mitchell, Super Stock; Larry Hodge, Stock Eliminator; Brian Folk, Super Comp; Robert Zimmerman, Super Gas; Wayne Christopher, 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 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.