FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mission accomplished, Austin 5 for 5 in Northwest

MISSION, B.C. - In the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Mission Raceway Park, Mark Hentges and Bucky Austin emerged victorious at the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada.

The Top Alcohol Dragster final featured a battle of Northwest Division champions as Hentges faced off against Brandon Johnson. Hentges earned the honor in 2000 and 2001 while Johnson was crowned division champion last year after his rookie season.

Both drivers had near identical reaction times but it was Hentges who powered his way for the win with a 5.740-second, 226.07 mph run. The Federal Way, Wash., resident earned his third win of the season and was able to build upon his points lead in the division standings.

A reaction time .08-second slower than Roger Bateman in the semifinals nearly eliminated Austin from the event as he reached the finish line .006-second quicker to defeat the Calgary, Alta., resident.

After scathing by Bateman, Austin then faced Henry Coolidge in the final and posted a 5.762-second, 250.63 mph run for the win lights for his fifth win in Northwest Division competition. The "Northwest Hitter" has won six of his last seven races with his only loss coming behalf of Steve Gasparrelli at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event in Seattle.

Winners in other categories are Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; Byron Setters of Red Deer, Alta., in Super Stock; Steve Kelly of Vancouver, Wash., in Stock; Anthony Castillo of Grandview, Wash., in Super Comp; Mike Coltrin of Star, Idaho, in Super Gas; and Darrell Pasher of Spokane, Wash., in Super Street.

Dave Jackson of Poulsbo, Wash., also earned a win in Top Comp competition and Steve Miller of Yakima, Wash., earned the event win in Sportsman Motorcycle racing of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series.

Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series heads next to Southern Oregon Dragway in Medford, Ore., September 19-20 for race seven of seven. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are final round results from the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.570 seconds, 255.97 mph def. 
1) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.604, 249.79

2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.414, 258.62 def. 
7) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.531, 256.84

6) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.472, 245.09 def. 
3) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.489, 260.26

4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.501, 256.04 def. 
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 17.520, 80.16

Semifinals
Johnson, 5.559, 253.16 def. Federlin, 5.650, 254.16
Hentges, 5.429, 259.29 def. Myers, 15.522, 68.24

Final
Hentges, 5.740, 226.07 def. Johnson, 6.079, 175.64

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '03 Firebird, 5.655 seconds, 255.53 mph def. 
8) Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake, Alta., '97 Mustang, 6.359, 181.30

2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.751, 249.86 def. 
7) Shawn Nault, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, no time

3) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.999, 197.28 def. 
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.283, 229.53

4) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.952, 245.16 def. 
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.129, 232.61

Semifinals
Austin, 5.824, 250.83 def. Bateman, 5.910, 243.83
Coolidge, 5.805, 248.68 def. Thompson, 8.453, 103.53

Final
Austin, 5.762, 250.63 def. Coolidge, 5.932, 245.23

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23-T Ford, BB/AM, 7.293 seconds, 172.71 mph def. 
Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, H/AA, 8.909, 150.82

SUPER STOCK
Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alta., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.881, 129.72 def. 
Rick Johnston, Surrey, B.C., '55 Chevrolet, SS/OA, 11.849, 105.57

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Steve Kelly, Vancouver, Wash., '69 El Camino, I/SA, 12.014, 104.99 def. 
Mike Sumner, North Bend, Wash., '66 Nova, F/SA, 11.608, 110.48

SUPER COMP
Anthony Castillo, Grandview, Wash., Dragster, 8.919, 167.87 def. 
Adam Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., Dragster, 8.945, 161.00

SUPER GAS
Mike Coltrin, Star, Idaho, 9.917, 154.79 def. 
Ken Mostowich, Calgary, Alta., '99 Corvette, 9.905, 151.64

SUPER STREET
Darrell Pasher, Spokane, Wash., '75 Monza, 10.896, 131.57 def. 
Jerry Earp, Edmonds, Wash., '67 Nova, 10.892, 141.39

TOP COMP
Dave Jackson, Poulsbo, Wash., 8.131, 166.54 def. 
Doug Hemenway, Auburn, Wash., 7.568, 178.46
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 8.636, 149.60 def. 
Buff Kobs, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, '95 Kawasaki, 7.855

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin and Lawrence atop fields

MISSION, B.C. - Greg Lawrence and Bucky Austin continue to lead their fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car as qualifying concluded at the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada.

Lawrence had the quickest Top Alcohol Dragster during yesterday's session and Saturday was no different as he posted low elapsed time during both qualifying sessions with runs of 5.402 and 5.429-second.

The Salem, Ore., resident will head into tomorrow's eliminations in the number one position for the first time this year and will face Steve Federlin in the first round.

Austin of Fife, Wash., improved on his qualifying time by making a 5.674-second, 253.37 mph run during Saturday's second session. In round one, Austin is scheduled to face Trevor Lebsack of Slave Lake, Alta.

Tomorrow's racing action in Top Alcohol Funny Car will also feature the final opportunity for race fans to see Roger Bateman compete at Mission Raceway Park. The former division champion will be retiring from competition at the end of the year.

Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; Terry Sherrill of Klamath Falls, Ore., in Super Stock; Randy Hutchings of Calgary, Alta., in Stock; and Tom Tucker of Bend, Ore., in Top Comp, will also head into eliminations as the top qualifiers in their respective classes.

In Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, Steve Miller overtook fellow Yakima, Wash., resident Jeff Havens for the top position.

Gates open tomorrow for the final day of racing at the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. and round one of Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled for noon.

Tickets are $20 and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are final qualifying results and first round pairings in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car from the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.376 seconds, 262.54 mph
2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.417, 260.86
3) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.448, 259.89
4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.462, 255.24
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.518, 257.51
6) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.537, 241.09
7) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.556, 252.88
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.569, 255.53

Not Qualified
9) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.590, 261.93
10) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.606, 252.52
11) Bill Edwards Jr., Sumas, Wash., 5.748, 241.09

Round 1 pairings
1) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.376 seconds, 262.54 mph v. 
8) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.569, 255.53

2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.417, 260.86 v. 
7) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.556, 252.88

3) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.448, 259.89 v. 
6) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.537, 241.09

4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.462, 255.24 v. 
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.518, 257.51

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '03 Firebird, 5.674 seconds, 253.37 mph
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.768, 248.96
3) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.800. 249.65
4) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.927, 244.03
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.969, 242.84
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 5.980, 241.54
7) Shawn Nault, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, 6.089, 235.23
8) Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake, Alta., '97 Mustang, 6.323, 224.10

Not Qualified
9) Forrest Le Blanc, Kent, Wash., '01 Avenger, 7.257, 131.73

Round 1 pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '03 Firebird, 5.674 seconds, 253.37 mph v. 
8) Trevor Lebsack, Slave Lake, Alta., '97 Mustang, 6.323, 224.10

2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.768, 248.96 v. 
7) Shawn Nault, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, 6.089, 235.23

3) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.800. 249.65 v. 
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 5.980, 241.54

4) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.927, 244.03 v. 
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.969, 242.84

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-Ford, BB/AM, 6.889 seconds, -1.101 under index
2) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, H/AA, 8.788, -0.802
3) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '99 Firebird, G/A, 8.460, -0.690
4) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.579, -0.631
5) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.714, -0.626
6) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.106, -0.594
7) Bruce Perkin, Maple Ridge, B.C., '87 Trans Am, E/SM, 8.757, -0.583
8) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, F/SM, 8.941, -0.559
9) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Achieva, D/SMA, 8.751, -0.549
10) Brandon Huhtala, Puyallup, Wash., '97 Oldsmobile, D/A, 7.812, -0.548

SUPER STOCK
1) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.293 seconds, -1.257 under index
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.950, -1.150
3) Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.870, -1.030
4) Tom Nolan, Lacombe, Alta., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.899, -1.001
5) Rick McKinney, Richmond, B.C., '84 Cutlass, SS/KA, 10.565, -0.985
6) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alta., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.815, -0.985
7) Bill Stewart, Marysville, Wash., '74 Barracuda, SS/LA, 10.842, -0.908
8) Alan Falcone, Seattle, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/BA, 9.643, -0.907
9) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '78 Pinto, SS/CC, 12.344, -0.906
10) Don Thomas, Spruce Grove, Alta., '89 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.899, -0.901

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Randy Hutchings, Calgary, Alta., '81 Dodge, ET/SA, 11.838 seconds, -1.312 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.761, -1.189
3) Chuck Porter, Neville, Sask., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 12.924, -1.176
4) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.582, -1.168
5) Mary Ann Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.477, -1.073
6) Cal Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Camaro, B/SA, 10.487, -1.063
7) Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.662, -1.038
8) Steve Cozakos, Maple Valley, Wash., '69 Nova, G/SA, 11.308, -0.992
9) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '96 Firebird, J/SA, 11.784, -0.966
10) Bernie Plourd, Covington, Wash., '72 Corvette, D/SA, 10.891, -0.959

TOP COMP
1) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., 6.576 seconds, 214.69 mph
2) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 6.612, 204.26
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., 6.991, 197.62
4) Todd Hoerner, Red Park, Wash., 7.133, 194.34
5) Steven Kendall, Penticton, B.C., 7.235, 185.22
6) Brian Barling, White Rock, B.C., 7.294, 187.03
7) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., 7.321, 184.16
8) Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., 7.352, 180.83
9) Wes Garvin, Kennewick, Wash., 7.356, 178.71
10) John Evans, Delta, B.C., 7.401, 179.06

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, +0.000-second reaction time
2) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, +0.005
3) Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Kawasaki, +0.005
4) Buff Kobs, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, '95 Kawasaki, +0.013
5) Anita Cunningham, Bellingham, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.018
6) Kevin Brennan, Chilliwack, B.C., '92 Suzuki, +0.022
7) David Le Blanc, Coquitlam, B.C., +0.041

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Summer Nationals open at Mission Raceway Park

MISSION, B.C. - Race six of seven in Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series kicked off at Mission Raceway Park for the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada. After the first qualifying session in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, Greg Lawrence and Bucky Austin are leading their respective fields.

Lawrence made a 5.376-second, 262.54 mph run on his first attempt down the quarter-mile track to put him atop of his class. Although this is only Lawrence's second event of the year, the Salem, Ore., resident should not be overlooked as he did take home a win at Woodburn Dragstrip at his first event.

Mechanical problems forced local racer Paul Julien of Mission, B.C., to miss the first qualifying session in Top Alcohol Dragster but the Julien Motorsports team should be back for Saturday's qualifying sessions. Julien earned his first career win last month at Mission Raceway Park during the track's NHRA Northwest National Open event and will be looking to add another trophy this weekend.

Fife, Wash., resident Austin posted the quickest time in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.694-second, 254.09 mph pass. The current national and division points leader has six wins in ten races and has won all four Northwest Division events he has competed in this year.

En route to his victories in the Northwest, the Top Alcohol Funny Car competitor was the number one qualifier at each event, while posting the quickest and fastest runs of the event in his class.

Top qualifiers in other categories are Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; Terry Sherrill of Klamath Falls, Ore., in Super Stock; Randy Hutchings of Calgary, Alta., in Stock; and Tom Tucker of Bend, Ore., in Top Comp.

In Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, Jeff Havens of Yakima, Wash., is the top qualifier after posting a +0.005-second reaction time. This series is run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and qualifying is based on a rider's reaction time to the starting line system.

Gates open Saturday at Mission Raceway Park at 7 a.m. and day two of time trials and qualifying begins at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled for 12 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products, Inc. Canada at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.376 seconds, 262.54 mph
2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.426, 256.04
3) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.515, 261.32
4) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.557, 253.23
5) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.565, 253.30
6) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.590, 261.93
7) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.602, 254.38
8) Bill Edwards Jr., Sumas, Wash., 5.786, 240.77

Not Qualified
9) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 9.270, 81.30

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '03 Firebird, 5.694 seconds, 254.09 mph
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.813, 246.37
3) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.817, 249.16
4) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 6.028, 243.63
5) Shawn Nault, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, 6.181, 236.15
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.728, 165.50

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-Ford, BB/AM, 6.937 seconds, -1.053 under index
2) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, H/AA, 8.788, -0.802
3) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '99 Firebird, G/A, 8.460, -0.690
4) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.579, -0.631
5) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.739, -0.601
6) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.144, -0.556
7) Bruce Perkin, Maple Ridge, B.C., '87 Trans Am, E/SM, 8.789, -0.551
8) Rick Dingle, Olympia, Wash., Swindahl, C/ED, 7.415, -0.545
9) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Achieva, D/SMA, 8.765, -0.535
10) Mike Pessemier, Graham, Wash., Chevy, B/D, 6.866, -0.534

SUPER STOCK
1) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.468 seconds, -1.082 under index
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.075, -1.025
3) Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.897, -1.003
4) Rick McKinney, Richmond, B.C., '84 Cutlass, SS/KA, 10.610, -0.940
5) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alta., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.893, -0.907
6) Alan Falcone, Seattle, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/BA, 9.682, -0.868
7) Ray Grossmith, Saanichton, B.C., '90 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.939, -0.861
8) Bill Stewart, Marysville, Wash., '74 Barracuda, SS/LA, 10.894, -0.856
9) Art Congdon, Calgary, Alta., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.864, -0.836
10) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '78 Pinto, SS/CC, 12.418, -0.832

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Randy Hutchings, Calgary, Alta., '81 Dodge, ET/SA, 11.882 seconds, -1.268 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.761, -1.189
3) Chuck Porter, Neville, Sask., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 12.932, -1.168
4) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.616, -1.134
5) Mary Ann Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.477, -1.073
6) Cal Method, Kennewick, Wash., '70 Camaro, B/SA, 10.487, -1.063
7) Steve Cozakos, Maple Valley, Wash., '69 Nova, G/SA, 11.336, -0.964
8) Bernie Plourd, Covington, Wash., '72 Corvette, D/SA, 10.891, -0.959
9) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '96 Firebird, J/SA, 11.809, -0.941
10) Don Elgin, Seattle, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.435, -0.865

TOP COMP
1) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., 6.576 seconds, 214.69 mph
2) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 6.677, 206.46
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., 6.991, 197.62
4) Todd Hoerner, Red Park, Wash., 7.162, 193.50
5) Steven Kendall, Penticton, B.C., 7.235, 185.22
6) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., 7.321, 184.16
7) Brian Barling, White Rock, B.C., 7.342, 187.14
8) Wes Garvin, Kennewick, Wash., 7.372, 178.71
9) Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., 7.395, 180.03
10) John Evans, Delta, B.C., 7.401, 179.06

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, +0.005-second reaction time
2) Buff Kobs, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, '95 Kawasaki, +0.013
3) Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Kawasaki, +0.021
4) Kevin Brennan, Chilliwack, B.C., '92 Suzuki, +0.022
5) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, +0.023
6) Anita Cunningham, Bellingham, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.035

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Racers take a second crack at Mission Raceway

MISSION, B.C. - Mission Raceway Park will host the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products Inc. Canada, August 22-24. The race is the sixth of seven in Northwest division competition and it is the last of two Lucas Oil events held at Mission Raceway Park this season. The first race at Mission Raceway was May 2-4.

Drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, will compete for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships and a share of the $561,000 champions' purse. The division's Top Comp category and the Kerker Motorcycle Series featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class will also run in conjunction with the race.

Top Alcohol Funny Car veteran Bucky Austin has swept the class this year, giving himself a hefty 221-point lead in the chase for the division title. The Fife, Wash., racer is the defending division champion and if he carries through this season, he will earn his sixth division crown.

In Top Alcohol Dragster , Mark Hentges is leading the points. The former division champion out of Federal Way, Wash., took the win at the divisional race in Kent, Wash., in June and then took the win at an out-of-division race in Denver a week later. Hentges won back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001 but struggled last year and in the early part of this season. However, with two wins in as many weeks he may be back on the right track.

Mike Confini of Spokane, Wash., is second in the TAD point standings. Confini won the first race at Mission Raceway earlier this season and made a semifinal round appearance at the division's last race, in Woodburn, Ore.

Gates at Mission Raceway Park open at 7 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials will start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 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.

General admission tickets for the Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products Inc. Canada are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Pit passes are included with Friday's ticket and are $5 Saturday and $5 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Mission Raceway Park is located 10 miles north of Sumas, Wash., on Highway 11. For more information call the track, (604) 826-6315, or visit www.MissionRaceway.com.

The last NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event on the Northwest division schedule is Sept. 19 and 20 at Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore. It will be the second of two Lucas Oil events hosted by Woodburn Dragstrip this season.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Nationals presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products Inc. Canada, 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 sixth 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. This is the second of two NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events at Mission Raceway this season.

WHERE: Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C. Track is located 10 miles north of Sumas, Wash., on Highway 11.

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

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer National presented by Lordco Auto Parts and Lucas Oil Products Inc. Canada:

FRIDAY, Aug. 22 -- 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 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 23 -- Gates open at 7 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, Aug. 24 -- Gates open at 7 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 -- Friday, $10 (includes pit pass); Saturday, $20, pit pass, $5; Sunday, $20, pit pass, $5. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Mission Raceway Park, (604) 826-6315.

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.

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2002 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.