FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Top qualifiers Bradshaw and Branch prevail for wins

TOPEKA, Kan. - In the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, being held this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka, top qualifiers Alan Bradshaw and Tate Branch both won in their respective categories.

In his opening round bought, Bradshaw, the defending NHRA West Central Division champ, won over North Kansas City, Mo., racer Chris Rickets. The semifinals matched Bradshaw against two-time winner this year, David Wells. In the matchup, the win went to Bradshaw, who ran 5.487 seconds at 253.42 mph to Wells' 5.556-second pass at 253.99 mph.

On the other side of the ladder, No. 3 qualifier Gary Cooper made his way to final by defeating Shelly Howard in round one and the Lucas Oil-backed dragster of Morgan Lucas, who is currently second in national points in the class, in the semifinals.

In the final, it was all Bradshaw. The Odessa, Texas native ran 5.607 seconds at 246.21 mph to defeat Cooper, who ran 7.394 seconds at 142.85 mph. This was Bradshaw's third final round appearance of the year and second win. Bradshaw's first win came one week ago in Dallas, Texas, at the NHRA South Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at the Texas Motorplex.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, defending South Central Division champ, Tate Branch of Artesia, N.M., opened his day by taking the win over Canadian racer Kevin Richardson, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the semifinals, Branch faced Sully, Iowa's Dale Brand before meeting up with former West Central Division Champion Cy Chesterman in the final.

In his road to the final, Chesterman took out fifteen-time West Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion Vern Moats of Des Moines, Iowa, before then defeating defending division champion, Kirk Williams in the semis.

In the final, Artesia, N.M., runner Branch ran a 5.833 second pass at 246.08 mph to take the win over Chesterman, who ran an off pace 6.771 second pass at 153.23 mph. This is Branch's second win of the year in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competition. His first win came at the South Central Division's season opener in Houston, Texas in March.

In other racing action, Clint Sallee of Glendive, Mont., took the win over Jeff Perrella of Hibbing, Minn., in Competition Eliminator. Denver, Colo., native, Ted Romero captured the Super Stock win when he defeated Jeff Dona of Gordonville, Mo. The Stock Eliminator win went to Mike Manning of Rogers, Ark., over Belle Fourche, South Dakota's Bob Swan. In Super Gas, Terry Ekart of Manhattan, Kan., captured the class crown after taking out Forney, Texas native Tommy Phillips. Council Bluffs, Iowa racer Louie Lerette won over Max Tafoya, Jr. of Albuquerque, N.M., to take the win in Super Gas. The Super Street win was awarded to Steve Dominguez of Derby, Kan., who won over Heath McPhetridge of Grove, Okla.

In NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series competition, five-time motorcycle champ Brian Johnson of Burns Township, Minn., earned his first Kerker Series win of the year when he defeated hometown runner, Carl Lewis of Topeka, who fouled.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division event at Heartland Park Topeka:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round one
5) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.566, 252.24 def. 
4) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.596, 248.07 

3) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 5.426, 237.84 def. 
6) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., foul

1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.417, 255.48 def. 
8) Chris Ricketts, North Kansas City, Mo., 5.741, 230.17

2) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.477, 260.16 def. 
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.797, 242.93

Semifinals
Cooper, 5.454, 235.15 def. Lucas, 5.680, 249.26
Bradshaw, 5.487, 253.42 def. Wells, 5.556, 253.99 

Final
Bradshaw, 5.607, 246.21 def. Cooper, 7.394, 142.85 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round one
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., Chevy Camaro, 5.789, 244.16 def. 
8) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., Pontiac Firebird, broke

2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, Pontiac Trans Am, 5.854, 245.23 def. 
7) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, Firebird, 11.808, 68.57

3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, Firebird, 5.856, 244.29 def. 
9) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., Camaro, 12.883, 59.85

4) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, Firebird, 5.907, 240.94 def. 
5) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., Firebird, 6.117, 220.15

Semifinals 
Branch, 5.834, 232.39 def. Brand, 5.963, 238.22 
Chesterman, 5.828, 247.43 def. Williams, 5.961, 241.93 

Final
Branch, 5.833, 246.08 def. Chesterman, 6.771, 153.23

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Dragster, B/D, 7.056, 175.82 def. 
Jeff Perrella, Hibbing, Minn., '32 Bantam, A/EA, foul

SUPER STOCK
Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/JA, 10.814, 120.82  def. 
Jeff Dona, Gordonville, Mo., '69 Camaro, SS/IA, foul 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Mike Manning, Rogers, Ark., '87 Monte Carlo, K/SA, 12.913, 101.45  def. 
Bob Swan, Belle Fourche, S.D., '67 Shelby, D/SA, 11.278, 115.66

SUPER COMP
Terry Ekart, Manhattan, Kan., Dragster, 8.908, 164.71  def. 
Tommy Phillips, Forney, Texas, Dragster, 8.935, 153.00

SUPER GAS
Louie Lerette, Council Bluffs, Iowa, '69 Camaro, 9.891, 139.36  def. 
Max Tafoya Jr, Albuquerque, N.M., '66 Nova, 9.879, 143.51

SUPER STREET
Steve Domingue, Derby, Kan., '67 Camaro, 10.895, 127.88  def. 
Heath McPhetridge, Grove, Okla., '85 Camaro, 10.831, 130.39

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Brian Johnson, Burns Township, Minn., '03 Suzuki, 10.435, 122.69  def. 
Carl Lewis, Topeka, Kan., '99 Suzuki, foul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Defending champ Bradshaw takes over lead in Top Alcohol Dragster

TOPEKA, Kan. - In the final rounds of qualifying at the NHRA West Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, being held this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka, Alan Bradshaw and Tate Branch are leading their respective fields.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, defending NHRA West Central Division Champion, Bradshaw, claimed the top spot in the class after laying down a stellar 5.310-second pass at 265.85 mph. The Odessa, Texas, native beat out Friday's low qualifier Morgan Lucas for the No. 1 qualifying position. Lucas is now second with 5.386-second pass at 267.91 mph with his Lucas Oil-backed dragster. Wichita, Kan., racer Gary Cooper is third.

Defending South Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car champ Tate Branch of Artesia, N.M., is at the top of the Funny Car field with a 5.671-second pass at 251.11 mph. Former West Central Division Champion Cy Chesterman is in second with a 5.691 second run at 253.28 mph. Defending division champion Kirk Williams is qualified third with a 5.780 second pass at 250.09 mph.

In other qualifying, Cypress, Texas, racer Daniel Mikel held on to his Friday lead in Competition Eliminator with a 8.489-second pass behind the wheel of his '02 Chevy S-10 Truck. In Super Stock and Stock Eliminator, Tyler Cassil of Belton, Mo., and Bob Shaw of Sedalia, Mo., Friday's top qualifiers, were also able to hold on to the top spot in their respective classes.

In NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series action, Mike Voss of Maplewood, Minn., the winner of the South Central Division Kerker Series event last week in Dallas, rode his '97 Kawasaki to the No. 1 spot in the class.

Sunday's racing action will feature final eliminations in all classes, beginning at 8 a.m. Final eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car is scheduled for noon.

For more information contact Heartland Park Topeka at (800) 437-2237 or visit them on the web at www.HPT.com. Additional event information can also be found at www.nhra.com.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.310 seconds, 265.85 mph
2) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.386, 267.91
3) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 5.391, 252.71
4) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.428, 259.26
5) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.454, 261.52
6) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.466, 258.22
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.475, 257.73
8) Chris Ricketts, North Kansas City, Mo., 5.530, 244.03

Not Qualified
9) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.606, 252.38
10) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.628, 247.47
11) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.736, 246.98
12) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 11.557, 69.00

First-round pairings
1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.310 seconds, 265.85 mph vs. 
8) Chris Ricketts, North Kansas City, Mo., 5.530, 244.03

2) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.386, 267.91 vs. 
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.475, 257.73

3) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 5.391, 252.71 vs. 
) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.466, 258.22

4) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.428, 259.26 vs. 
5) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.454, 261.52

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.671 seconds, 251.11 mph
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.691, 253.28
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.780, 250.09
4) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '03 Firebird, 5.786, 246.93
5) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 5.828, 245.36
6) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.878, 243.68
7) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.903, 244.56
8) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '98 Firebird, 6.021, 239.61

Not Qualified
9) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Camaro, 6.077, 239.27
10) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.095, 232.75
11) Kurt Prososki, Bellveue, Neb., '99 Firebird, 6.266, 225.71
12) Steve Griboski, Aurora, Colo., '97 Camaro, 6.466, 207.56

First-round pairings
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.671 seconds, 251.11 mph vs. 
8) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '98 Firebird, 6.021, 239.61

2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.691, 253.28 vs. 
7) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.903, 244.56

3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.780, 250.09 vs. 
6) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.878, 243.68

4) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '03 Firebird, 5.786, 246.93 vs. 
5) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 5.828, 245.36

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Daniel Mikel, Cypress, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.489 seconds, -0.631 (under index)
2) Mike Nahan, Sartell, Minn., Tuttle, E/D, 7.596, -0.604
3) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., N&P, A/ND, 7.156, -0.584
4) Jeff Perrella, Hibbing, Minn., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.454, -0.576
5) Scott Brown, Odessa, Mo., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.037, -0.573
6) Brian Self, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, B/T, 8.187, -0.543
7) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.866, -0.534
8) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 7.830, -0.530
9) Brad Klein, Amarillo, Texas, '03 Cavalier, B/A, 7.271, -0.529
10) Mike Johnson, Lowell, Ark., Clack, C/ED, 7.490, -0.520

SUPER STOCK
1) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.162 seconds, -1.138 (under index)
2) Rick Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.335, -1.115
3) Dan Larson, St Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.461, -1.089
4) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/JA, 10.595, -1.055
5) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Pontiac, SS/BM, 8.666, -1.034
6) Chad Guilford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/EA, 9.920, -1.030
7) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.172, -0.978
8) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '98 Avenger, GT/FA, 10.156, -0.944
9) Gene Bichlmeier, Norkfolk, Neb., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.357, -0.943
10) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 12.015, -0.935

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '78 Buick, V/SA, 14.615 seconds, -1.185 (under index)
2) Keith Lynch, Mt Ayr, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.378, -1.172
3) Ed O'Brien, Stillwater, Okla., '89 Chrysler, DF/SA, 14.471, -1.129
4) Tim Ketels, Waterloo, Iowa, '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.486, -1.114
5) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.526, -1.074
6) Daniel Jeska, Eagan, Minn., '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.237, -1.063
7) Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.502, -1.048
8) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Firebird, F/SA, 11.106, -1.044
9) Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., '00 Dakota, DT/SA, 11.966, -1.034
10) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, E/SA, 11.017, -0.983

NHRA KERKER MOTORCYCLE SERIES
1) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '97 Kawasaki, 0.000 seconds
2) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn, Minn., '82 Suzuki, 0.001
3) Dale Detlie, Owantonna, Minn., '83 Suzuki, 0.001
4) Donnie Durenberger, Dayton, Minn., '93 Suzuki, 0.001
5) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, 0.003
6) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, 0.003
7) Carl Lewis, Topeka, Kan., '99 GXSR, 0.003
8) Toby Giese, Big Lake, Minn., '89 Kawasaki, 0.003
9) Jeff Lanoue, Zimmerman, Minn., '00 Kawasaki, 0.004
10) JP Smith, Topeka, Kan., '86 Yamaha, 0.005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lucas and Branch lead opening rounds of qualifying

TOPEKA, Kan. - NHRA's West Central Division opened its NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka for their first of six events in the division.

In the opening rounds of qualifying today, Riverside, Calif., Top Alcohol Dragster driver Morgan Lucas and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Tate Branch of Artesia, N.M., lead their respective fields.

Lucas, who has been a force to be reckoned with all year, jumped to the top of the Top Alcohol Dragster field with a pass of 5.388 seconds at 266.95 mph behind the wheel of his Lucas Oil backed dragster. Qualified closely in second is Wichita, Kan., driver Gary Cooper with a 5.391-second pass at 252.71 mph. Defending NHRA West Central Division Champion Alan Bradshaw is qualified third.

Defending South Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion Tate Branch leads the Funny Cars with a 5.671-second pass at 251.11 mph. Cy Chesterman, a former West Central Division champ, ran 5.691 seconds at 253.28 mph to earn the second spot. Defending division champion, Kirk Williams of Glenwood, Iowa, is 8th.

Leading the field in Competition Eliminator is Cypress, Texas racer Daniel Mikel. Mikel, who fields a '02 Chevy Truck, ran 8.489 seconds to earn the top qualifying position. In Super Stock, Tyler Cassil of Belton, Mo., took his '66 Chevy II to the No. 1 spot in the class. Bob Shaw of Sedalia, Mo., guided his '76 Buick to the top spot in Stock Eliminator.

In NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series action Mike Voss of Maplewood, Minn., rode his '97 Kawasaki to the No. 1 spot in the class. Voss earned his first win of the season less than a week ago in Dallas, Texas and no doubt will be tough to beat this weekend.

Saturday's racing action will feature the continuation of qualifying in all classes, beginning at 8 a.m. The final qualifying sessions in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information contact Heartland Park Topeka at (800) 437-2237 or visit them on the web at www.HPT.com. Additional event information can also be found at www.nhra.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Heartland Park Topeka:

Top Alcohol Dragster
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.388 seconds, 266.95 mph
2) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 5.391, 252.71
3) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.414, 263.62
4) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.428, 259.26
5) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.454, 261.52
6) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.502, 258.22
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.587, 254.42
8) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.783, 219.26
Not Qualified
9) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.801, 246.98
10) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 6.255, 251.49
11) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 12.100, 64.09

Top Alcohol Funny Car
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.671 seconds, 251.11 mph
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.691, 253.28
3) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '03 Firebird, 5.786, 246.93
4) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 5.919, 243.59
5) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Camaro, 6.200, 236.34
6) Kurt Prososki, Bellveue, Neb., '99 Firebird, 6.266, 225.71
7) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.430, 230.45
8) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.682, 151.53

Not Qualified
9) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 7.119, 137.50
10) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '98 Firebird, 8.162, 119.46
11) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 10.970, 77.41

Competition Eliminator
1) Daniel Mikel, Cypress, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.489 seconds, -0.631 (under index)
2) Mike Nahan, Sartell, Minn., Tuttle, E/D, 7.596, -0.604
3) Frank Parks, Burlingame, Kan., N&P, A/ND, 7.156, -0.584
4) Jeff Perrella, Hibbing, Minn., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.454, -0.576
5) Scott Brown, Odessa, Mo., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.037, -0.573
6) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.866, -0.534
7) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 7.830, -0.530
8) Brad Klein, Amarillo, Texas, '03 Cavalier, B/A, 7.271, -0.529
9) Bob Yonke, Burleson, Texas, '02 Cavalier, C/A, 7.490, -0.510

Super Stock
1) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.162 seconds, -1.138 (under index)
2) Rick Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.335, -1.115
3) Dan Larson, St Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.512, -1.038
4) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Pontiac, SS/BM, 8.666, -1.034
5) Chad Guilford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/EA, 9.920, -1.030
6) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/JA, 10.642, -1.008
7) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.172, -0.978
8) Gene Bichlmeier, Norkfolk, Neb., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.357, -0.943
9) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 12.015, -0.935
10) Tom Meyer, Pierce, Neb., '66 Chevy II, SS/LA, 10.826, -0.924

Stock Eliminator
1) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '78 Buick, V/SA, 14.615 seconds, -1.185 (under index)
2) Keith Lynch, Mt Ayr, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.378, -1.172
3) Tim Ketels, Waterloo, Iowa, '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.486, -1.114
4) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.526, -1.074
5) Daniel Jeska, Eagan, Minn., '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.237, -1.063
6) Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.502, -1.048
7) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Firebird, F/SA, 11.106, -1.044
8) Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., '00 Dakota, DT/SA, 11.966, -1.034
9) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, E/SA, 11.017, -0.983
10) Dirk Olson, LaCrosse, Wis., '69 Nova, B/S, 10.520, -0.980

NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series
1) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '97 Kawasaki, 0.000 seconds, 141.43 mph
2) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn, Minn., '82 Suzuki, 0.001, 136.69
3) Dale Detlie, Owantonna, Minn., '83 Suzuki, 0.001, 150.66
4) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, 0.003, 138.22
5) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, 0.003, 143.81
6) Carl Lewis, Topeka, Kan., '99 GXSR, 0.003, 175.16
7) Jeff Lanoue, Zimmerman, Minn., '00 Kawasaki, 0.004, 159.57
8) JP Smith, Topeka, Kan., '86 Yamaha, 0.005, 128.90

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA West Central division opens Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Heartland Park Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. - NHRA's West Central Division will kick off its 2003 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season at Heartland Park Topeka with a three-day event May 2-4. The race is the first of six in West Central Division competition and will feature more than 400 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.

In TAD, the expected battle will be between defending division champion Alan Bradshaw of Odessa, Texas, and former division champion David Wells of Lemars, Iowa. En route to his title last year, Bradshaw won the events at Bandimere Speedway in Denver and at Douglas Int'l Raceway in Douglas, Wyo. He made a final-round appearance at the Nebraska Motorplex in Scribner, Neb. Wells struggled a bit in 2002 but the three-time division champion made some changes in the off-season that may pay off in 2003. Wells purchased the TAD that was driven by Rick Santos who won the national championship five straight years. Norm Grimes, Santos' former crew chief, has helped Wells tune the car early in the season. Grimes, one of the best tuners in the business, did his job and had the Wells team in the winner's circle at the NHRA national event in Las Vegas.

Both Bradshaw and Wells have gotten a jump in the points by attending out-of-division races. Bradshaw went to the South Central division races in Houston, where he lost in the semifinals, and in Memphis, Tenn., where he didn't get past the first round. Wells was also in Memphis and he went to the semifinals.

Last year's TAFC championship battle turned into a fight among Iowa residents. In the end, Kirk Williams of Glenwood, Iowa, won the crown but Cy Chesterman of Sioux City, and Vern Moats of Des Moines were right on his heels.

After failing to make the field at Heartland Park Topeka a year ago, Williams went on to make five straight final-round appearances. He won at Douglas Int'l Raceway and at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, and scored runner-up points at Brainerd Int'l Raceway in Brainerd, Minn., at Bandimere Speedway, and at Nebraska Motorplex. Chesterman beat Williams at Bandimere Speedway and was runner-up to him at Tri-State Raceway. He was also runner-up here a year ago. Moats' 15 division championships, more than any other racer in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, make him a threat at every race. This year, it is likely that all three Iowa racers will again lead the charge.

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 Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

Gates at Heartland Park Topeka open at 7 a.m. Friday and at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Friday's qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. with TAD and TAFC running at 7 p.m. The action continues Saturday at 8 a.m. TAD and TAFC have qualifying runs scheduled at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

General admission tickets, including pit pass, are $10 Friday, $15 Saturday and $15 Sunday. Children 6 to 15 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Heartland Park Topeka is located off U.S. Highway 75, four miles south of Topaka. From Interstate 470, take Forbes Field exit and proceed on U.S. Highway 75 to Gary Ormsby Drive. For more information call the track, (800) 43-RACES, or visit the web site, www.HPT.com.

West Central Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will continue their season at Brainerd Int'l Raceway June 6-8.

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 West Central Division competition.

WHERE: Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan. Track is located off U.S. Highway 75, four miles south of Topeka. From Interstate 470, take Forbes Field exit and proceed on U.S. Highway 75 to Gary Ormsby Drive.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, 2003

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

FRIDAY, May 2 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 3 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, $15 Sunday. Children 6- to 15-years-old are $5 each day. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Heartland Park Topeka, (800) 43-RACES.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,705, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Paul Jones, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jackie Stidham, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Robert Freeman, Comp Eliminator; Bill Rowe Jr., Super Stock; Dan Jaska, Stock Eliminator; Chad Sandlin, Super Comp; Jerry Aragon, Super Gas; Tim Walker, 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.

NHRA KERKER MOTORCYCLE SERIES: Run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $7,400 champions' purse posted by Kerker will be paid to first, second and third place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

The top four riders from each division in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will be invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. In 2003, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Okla.. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $1,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $500.

Currently, Sportsman Motorcycles are run in NHRA's South Central, West Central, Northwest and Pacific 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.