FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin now 3 for 3 in Northwest

KENT, Wash. - Bucky Austin knocked off Jason Rupert in the final of Top Alcohol Funny Car to take home his third win in as many races in the NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Austin's 5.669-second pass at 254.38 gave him the win over Rupert's 5.971, 247.04 at Pacific Raceways.

Austin scored division wins earlier this year at Mission Raceway Park in B.C., CAN, and at Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore., as well as a national event win in Las Vegas.

Joining Austin in the winner's circle was Mark Hentges of Federal Way, Wash., who out ran Gary Anderson of Anaheim, Calif. in Top Alcohol Dragster, covering the quarter mile in 5.529 seconds at 253.14 mph to Anderson's 5.580, 251.20. Hentges took out

Steve Federlin and Mitch Meyers on his way to Sunday's final.

Dale Green of Kent, Wash., took home the win in the Top Comp category with a win over Mike Weiss. Green clocked in at 7.657 at 174.53 mph for the win. Local racers Steve Beggerly, Mike Henderson, and Toby Lang also picked up wins with Beggerly of Seattle beating out Terry Giese with a run of 10.925, 125.72 in Super Street. Henderson of Tacoma, Wash., out ran Ty Anderson in Super Comp and Lang of Auburn, Wash., won over Mike Lewis of Sumner, Wash., in Stock Eliminator.

Winners in other categories were Terry Anderson of Meridian, Idaho in Super Stock; Steve Wilmoth of Peoria, Ariz., Comp; and Chad Barcclay of Kelowna, B.C., CAN in Super Gas.

In the Kerker Motorcycle Series it was David LeBlanc taking the win on his '84 Suzuki with a run of 10.025 seconds at 126.26 mph over Jerry Stinson of Medford, Ore., with a 9.285 at 136.41.

The NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Woodburn Dragstrip, July 11-13. Woodburn and Mission Raceway Park each host two rounds the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division event at Pacific Raceways:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round One
3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.500, 254.52 def. 
6) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.533, 263.10

1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.479, 255.63 def. 
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.566, 251.02

7) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.521, 256.89 def. 
2) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.624, 207.88

4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.393, 258.27 def. 
5) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., foul
 
Semifinals
Anderson, 5.488, 252.24 def. Severance, broke
Hentges, 5.451, 254.52 def. Myers, foul 
 
FINALS
Hentges, 5.529, 253.14 def. Anderson, 5.580, 251.20.
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round One
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., Pontiac Firebird, 5.630, 253.95 def. 
9) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., Firebird, 6.046, 229.47

2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., Firebird, 5.876, 246.48 def. 
7) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., Ford Probe, 6.081, 232.15

3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., Chevy Camaro, 5.897, 236.71 def. 
6) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., Dodge Daytona, broke

4) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., Dodge Avenger, 5.948, 237.67 def. 
5) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., Firebird, 10.493, 77.85
 
Semifinals
Austin, 5.717, 252.43 def. Germain, 9.280, 94.41
Rupert, 5.939, 238.85 def. Coolidge, 5.868, 247.52
 
Finals
Austin, 5.669, 254.38 def. Rupert, 5.971, 205.04.
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.675, 146.34 def. 
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Cutlass, G/AA, 8.629, 156.01.
 
SUPER STOCK 
Terry Anderson, Meridian, Idaho, '67 Nova, SS/H, 10.184, 126.62 def. 
Tom Marshall, Tigard, Ore., '80 Skyhawk, SS/AX, 9.333, 143.98.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Toby Lang, Auburn, Wash., '69 Chevelle, E/SA, 11.537, 112.08 def. 
Mike Lewis, Sumner, Wash., '86 Camaro, J/SA, 12.004, 109.67.
 
SUPER COMP
Mike Henderson, Tacoma, Wash., Dragster, 8.896, 173.32 def. 
Ty Anderson, Vancouver, Wash., Dragster, 8.889, 170.71.
 
SUPER GAS
Chad Barclay, Kelowna, B.C., '34 Chevy, 9.896, 138.91 def. 
Andy Boen, Yakima, Wash., '71 Pinto, 9.882, 141.67.
 
SUPER STREET
Steve Beggerly, Seattle, '68 Firebird, 10.925, 125.72 def. 
Terry Giese, Milwaukie, Ore., '67 Camaro, 10.914, 126.03.
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
David LeBlanc, Coquitlam, B.C., '84 Suzuki, 10.025, 126.26 def. 
Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., 9.285, 136.41.
 
TOP COMP
Dale Green, Kent, Wash., dragster, 7.657, 174.53 def. 
Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., dragster, broke.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set for Lucas Oil Series at Pacific Raceways

KENT, Wash. - In the final rounds of qualifying at Pacific Raceways, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mark Hentges and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Bucky Austin took the top qualifier honors.

Hentges of Federal Way, Wash., made the quarter-mile run in 5.442 seconds at 257.53 mph to put him in the pole position. Hentges is followed by defending Northwest Division Champion Brandon Johnson with a 5.446-second, 257.63-mph pass.

Fife, Wash., resident Austin made a 5.669-second 254.18 mph pass to put him at the top of his category. Hank Collidge of Sunburst, Mont., grabbed the number two sport with a 5.822 at 249.39 with local favorite Forrest LeBanc of Kent, Wash., in the sixth position with a run of 6.022, 233.72.

LeBlanc will face off against number three qualifier Jason Rupert and his '02 Lucas Oil sponsored Camaro in round one scheduled for noon on Sunday. Expecting ideal racing conditions, cloudy skies and temperatures in the 70's, LaBlanc looks to step up his performance for eliminations.

Top qualifiers in others classes are Jirka Kaplain of Calgary, Alb., CAN., in Comp; Terry Sherrill of Klamath Falls, Ore., in Super Stock; and Don Elgin of Des Moines, Wash., in Stock. The five competitors will share the $3,500 Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus.

Shawn Cowie leads the Top Comp category and Miles Hauer of Seattle, leads the Kerker Motorcycle class into tomorrow's eliminations.

Racing begins on Sunday at 9 a.m. Gates at Pacific Raceways open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars run at noon. For more information call the track, (253) 639-5927.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and first round pairings for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division event at Pacific Raceways:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.442 seconds, 257.53 mph
2) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.446, 257.63
3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.458, 259.01
4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.467, 244.96
5) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.469, 225.30
6) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.499, 261.98
7) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.499, 247.66
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.530, 252.80

Not Qualified
9) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.545, 254.09
10) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.612, 249.21
11) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.640, 251.58
 
First-round TAD pairings
1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.442 seconds, 257.53 mph vs. 
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.530, 252.80

2) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.446, 257.63 vs. 
7) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.499, 247.66

3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.458, 259.01 vs. 
6) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.499, 261.98

4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.467, 244.96 vs. 
5) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.469, 225.30
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.669 seconds, 254.18 mph
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.822, 249.39
3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.834, 236.59
4) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.902, 240.21
5) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 5.915, 237.13
6) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '00 Daytona, 6.022, 233.72
7) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., '92 Probe, 6.126, 230.29
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.128, 233.06

Not Qualified
9) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '99 Firebird, 6.266, 229.94
 
First-round TAFC pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.669 seconds, 254.18 mph vs. 
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.128, 233.06

2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.822, 249.39 vs. 7
) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., '92 Probe, 6.126, 230.29

3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.834, 236.59 vs. 
6) Forrest LeBlanc, Kent, Wash., '00 Daytona, 6.022, 233.72

4) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.902, 240.21 vs. 
5) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 5.915, 237.13
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alb., '23 Roadster, BB/AM, 7.219 seconds, -0.771 (under index)
2) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '97 Firebird, G/A, 8.458, -0.722
3) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.546, -0.694
4) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, G/A, 8.510, -0.670
5) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.610, -0.660
6) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.580, -0.640
7) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Cutlass, G/AA, 8.587, -0.633
8) Phil Cocuzza, Acton, Calif., '02 Cavalier, E/AA, 7.891, -0.609
9) Maureen Jondahl, Battleground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 8.628, -0.592
10) Bruce Perkin, Maple Ridge, B.C., '87 Trans Am, E/SM, 8.756, -0.584
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.362 seconds, -1.188 (under index)
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.944, -1.156
3) Jeff Lane, N. Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.821, -1.129
4) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.803, -1.047
5) Cameron Kallas, Bluffdale, Utah, '98 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.516, -1.034
6) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alb., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.811, -0.989
7) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.036, -0.964
8) Ray Grossmith, Saanichton, B.C., '90 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.892, -0.908
9) Art Congdon, Calgary, Alb., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.805, -0.895
10) Bill Stewart, Marysville, Wash., '74 Barracuda, SS/LA, 10.909, -0.841
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Don Elgin, Des Moines, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.010 seconds, -1.290 (under index)
2) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.058, -1.242
3) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.543, -1.207
4) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '85 Camaro, J/SA, 11.551, -1.199
5) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.771, -1.179
6) Chuck Porter, Neville, Sask., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 12.999, -1.101
7) Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.613, -1.087
8) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.617, -1.083
9) Cal Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Camaro, B/SA, 10.470, -1.080
10) Mary Ann Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.479, -1.071
 
TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., dragster, 6.710 seconds, 203.03 mph
2) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 6.965, 197.33
3) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., dragster, 7.055, 189.36
4) Rod Langley, Boise, Idaho, dragster, 7.179, 185.21
5) Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.267, 190.19
6) Stan Leerkamp, Olympia, Wash., dragster, 7.274, 186.00
7) Tom Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., dragster, 7.295, 182.67
8) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., dragster, 7.314, 183.47
9) Jeff Wisher, Kalispell, Mont., dragster, 7.337, 182.95
10) Wes Garvin III, Kennewick, Wash., '23 Roadster, 7.352, 178.42
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Miles Hauer, Seattle, '81 Suzuki, 0.003 seconds reaction
2) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, 0.003
3) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 0.005
4) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, 0.010
5) Buff Kobs, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, '95 Ninja, 0.012
6) Wayne Stebing, Marysville, Wash., '78 Kawasaki, 0.012
7) David LeBlanc, Coquitlam, B.C., '84 Suzuki, 0.014
8) Tom Rice, Snohomish, Wash., '90 Suzuki, 0.016
9) Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Ninja, 0.026
10) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '91 Suzuki, 0.030
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rain washes out opening day

KENT, Wash. - Continuous rainfall forced the cancellation of racing action for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series today at Pacific Raceways. With only a hand full of cars making their way down the quarter mile between rain showers, NHRA and Pacific Raceway Officials canceled the remainder of Friday's racing action.

"We did everything we could," expressed NHRA Northwest Division Director Mike Rice. "We dried the track with every break in the weather but the rain kept coming. Nothing we can do. Tomorrow and Sunday look better with good racing conditions expected, cloudy and cool."

Time trials and qualifying are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car qualifying set for noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Gate open at 8 a.m. For more information please call Pacific Raceways, (253) 639-5927.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Northwest Division racers in the groove at Pacific Raceways

KENT, Wash. - Pacific Raceways will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, June 13-15. The race is the fourth of seven in Northwest division competition where drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), will compete for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships.

Defending division Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) racer Bucky Austin is currently leading the points. After qualifying in the top spot, the Fife, Wash., racer won the first of two events scheduled at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C. Prior to that, he was the runner-up at an out-of-division race in Phoenix.

On the way to the title last year, Austin, a five-time Northwest division TAFC champion, won three races and was the No. 1 qualifier at eight of the nine divisional events in which he raced.

Among the top runners in the division's Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) class is Mike Confini of Spokane, Wash. Confini won the event in Mission, beating a pair of defending division champions. In the semis he faced Brandon Johnson of Shelton, Wash., the reining Northwest division champ. Then, in the final round, Confini had his hands full with Pacific division champion, Duane Shields, but he pulled ahead for the win. Last year, Shields finished No. 2 in the national point standings.

Super Stock competitor Sean Cour, a Brush Prairie, Wash., resident, won the first two races he attended this year. He won the season opener in Boise, Idaho, and the next event in Mission. His closest competitor so far has been Jeff Lane of North Bend, Wash.

Mike Lewis of Sumner, Wash., drove his Stocker to final round appearances at each of the first two races.

The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle category, will also run in conjunction with the race.

Gates at Pacific Raceways open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials will start at 9 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying session on Friday at 3 p.m. and two on Saturday at noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Pacific Raceways is located at 31001 144th Ave., SE, in Kent. For more information call the track, (253) 639-5927, or visit www.PacificRaceways.com.

Northwest division racers will continue their NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season July 11-15 at Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore. It will be the second of two Lucas Oil Series races scheduled in Woodburn.

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 fourth of seven in Northwest Division competition. The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Pacific Raceways, Kent, Wash. Track is located at 31001 144th Ave., SE, in Kent.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, June 13-15, 2003

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

FRIDAY, June 13 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 14 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, June 15 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Pacific Raceways, (253) 639-5927. PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $143,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Joey Severance, Top Alcohol Dragster; Bucky Austin, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Bryan Hyerstay, Comp Eliminator; Rodney Stults, Super Stock; Eric Waldo, Stock Eliminator; Cheryl Morris, Super Comp; John Peterson, Super Gas; Jim Ellingson, 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.