FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Consistency puts Lucas, Williamson in winner's circle

SONOMA, Calif. – Morgan Lucas put the Darien/Meadows Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster back in the winner's circle for the first time since the 2003 opener using consistency, running in the 5.30's (seconds) all day at Infineon Raceway. Lucas qualified number one then took out Don Hudson of Stockton, Calif., and Darren Nicholson on his way to facing Darryl Hitchman in finals.

Lucas ran the final uncontested when Hitchman's car broke on the burnout, but did not hold anything back as he shot down the track at 261.77 mph in 5.358 seconds.

"It feels great to be back in the winner's circle," said Lucas after the win. "The team's been working so hard to get the car back where it belongs. I hated to see Darryl break. That's not how we want to win but we'll take it."

Bret Williamson grabbed the Top Alcohol Funny Car crown and his first win of the year in similar fashion running a 5.704 and a 5.668 (seconds) before his 5.709 second run knocked out Dennis Taylor in the final. Taylor slowed to an 8.163 at 99.68 when he lost a blower belt just past half-track.

Local racers took home three different titles this weekend with Napa resident Carl Hagen beating Dennis Paz of Stockton in the final of Super Street while Steve Wann of Modesto won in Stock with his '70 GTX. Ed Schuck Jr. of San Ramon joined Hagen and Wann with a win in Comp Eliminator over Ed Sigmon.

Winners in other categories were Jimmy DeFrank of Tarzana, Calif., in Super Stock; Anthony Castillo in his '27 Ford in Super Gas; and Joe Roubicek in Super Comp.

In the Korbel Super Eliminator Series it was Johnathan Fiello of Yucaipa, Calif., taking the win while Scott Pollacheck of Medford, Ore., took the win in the Kerker Motorcycle Series.

The NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Sacramento Raceway, August 15-17.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Infineon Raceway.

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER: 
ROUND ONE
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.555, 258.52 def. 
4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 6.434, 166.05; 

2) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.878, 230.69 def. 
9) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.795, 190.40; 

1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.335, 272.34 def. 
8) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.458, 261.27; 

6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.559, 255.29 def. 
3) Chris Demke, Tejunga, Calif., broke; 
 
SEMI-FINALS
Hitchman, 5.401, 252.28 def. Federlin, 5.655, 242.89; 
Lucas, 5.356, 266.74 def. Nicholson, 5.558, 259.16; 
 
FINALS 
Lucas, 5.358, 261.17 def. Hitchman, broke. 
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR: 
ROUND ONE 
2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., Chevy Camaro, 5.702, 250.55 def. 
7) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., Pontiac Firebird, 5.862, 243.94; 

1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., Chevy Corvette, 5.704, 250.37 def. 
8) Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara, Calif., Firebird, 5.886, 245.72; 

6) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., Camaro, 5.925, 236.63 def. 
9) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., Firebird, 5.884, 247.75; 

5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., Camaro, 5.738, 247.57 def. 
10) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., Camaro, 5.905, 232.47; 
 
SEMI-FINALS 
Taylor, 5.746, 249.81 def. Gordon, 6.161, 183.02; 
Williamson, 5.668, 251.58 def. Lee, 5.831, 240.04; 
 
FINALS 
Williamson, 5.709, 250.13 def. Taylor, 8.163, 99.68. 
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Ed Schuck Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Dragster, C/ED, 7.446, 176.72 def. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.727, 152.95. 
 
SUPER STOCK
Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.376, 125.03 def. Joe Schwetgert, Ontario, Calif., '85 Chevy, SS/JA, 10.441, 128.38. 
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.561, 113.48 def. Bill Nottbusch, Norco, Calif., '71 Plymouth, F/SA, 11.483, 115.55. 
 
SUPER COMP
Joe Roubicek, Westlake Village, Calif., Dragster, 8.894, 169.78 def. Chris McNicol, Palm Desert, Calif., Dragster, 8.872, 154.72. 
 
SUPER GAS
Anthony Castillo, Grandview, Wash., '27 Ford T, 9.918, 150.26 def. Dan Braudrick, Brentwood, Calif., '61 Corvette, 9.883, 145.23. 
 
SUPER STREET
Carl Hagen, Napa, Calif., '70 Challenger, 10.034, no speed def. Dennis Paz, Stockton, Calif., '41 Willys, 15.034, 61.64. 
 
SUPER ELIMINATOR
Johnathon Fiello, Yucaipa, Calif., Dragster, 7.954, 169.42 def. Don Steed, Fallbrook, Calif., Dragster, 8.001, 165.29. 
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '02 Kawasaki, 8.748, 150.83 def. Greg Pfau, Redway, Calif., '02 Buell, 8.971, 142.81. 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gasparrelli goes for wild at Infineon

SONOMA, Calif. – All Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Steve Gasparrelli could do was hold on as his 2003 Firebird lost control during a qualifying run, crossed the center line at Infineon Raceway, and smashed into the guard wall. The defending NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Pacific Division Champion was in disbelief as he walked away for the wildest ride of his life with only a few bumps and bruises. Gasparrelli qualified third behind Bret Williamson and Dennis Taylor but is not expected to return for Sunday's eliminations for this weekend's Bank of the West Summer Nationals Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Williamson of Campbell, Calif. grabbed the top spot in funny car with a pass of 5.687 seconds at 250.46 mph and is joined by Morgan Lucas who qualified number one in Top Alcohol Dragster covering the quarter mile in 5.326 at 271.24 mph. Taylor is number two in funny car with a 5.725, 249.90 while local driver, Ed Marx failed to qualify for the eight car field with a 6.009, 236.46 mph pass finishing eleventh best.

Lucas is followed by Darryl Hitchman in the dragster class with a 5.461, 253.56 qualifying mark. Lucas won the division opener in Phoenix and leads the division points going into the second half of the season. Stockton resident, Don Hudson, qualified 8th with a run of 5.561 at 250.32 mph.

Top qualifiers in others classes are Ken Duttweiler of Ventura, Calif., in Comp; Michael Ogburn and his '68 Barracuda in Super Stock; and Robert Mulry of Hollister, Calif., in Stock. The five competitors will share the $3,500 Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus.

Jack Holsey of Rancho Cordova qualified number one in the Kerker Motorcycle Series on his '83 Suzuki.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates at Infineon Raceway open at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars run at noon. For more information call the track, (800) 870-RACE.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and first round pairings from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Infineon Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.326 seconds, 271.24 mph
2) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.461, 253.56
3) Chris Demke, Tejunga, Calif., 5.497, 258.47
4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.512, 259.01
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.523, 259.71
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.541, 254.71
7) Dennis Swearingen, Agua Dulle, Calif., 5.551, 249.53
8) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.561, 250.32

Not Qualified
9) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.570, 255.87
10) Randy Johnson, Whittier, Calif., 5.620, 246.35
11) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.637, 219.94
12) Randy Eakins, Bradbury, Calif., 5.722, 245.94
13) Fred Notzka, Ventura, Calif., 5.864, 234.94
14) Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 9.176, 100.11
15) Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 9.552, 89.92
 
First-round TAD pairings
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.326 seconds, 271.24 mph vs. 
8) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.561, 250.32

2) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.461, 253.56 vs. 
7) Dennis Swearingen, Agua Dulle, Calif., 5.551, 249.53

3) Chris Demke, Tejunga, Calif., 5.497, 258.47 vs. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.541, 254.71

4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.512, 259.01 vs. 
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.523, 259.71
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.687 seconds, 250.46 mph
2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.725, 249.90
3) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.783, 247.61
4) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.790, 251.20
5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.799, 245.72
6) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.821, 250.37
7) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.829, 245.45
8) Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara, Calif., '97 Firebird, 5.918, 244.83

Not Qualified
9) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '02 Firebird, 5.918, 240.38
10) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.982, 225.45
11) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '95 Avenger, 6.009, 236.46
12) Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., '00 Camaro, 6.103, 242.98
13) Tom Bristow, Chino Hills, Calif., '02 Firebird, 6.453, 172.01
14) Bill Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 7.718, 136.02
 
First-round TAFC pairings
1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.687 seconds, 250.46 mph vs. 
8) Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara, Calif., '97 Firebird, 5.918, 244.83

2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.725, 249.90 vs. 
7) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.829, 245.45

3) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.783, 247.61 vs. 
6) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.821, 250.37

4) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.790, 251.20 vs. 
5) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.799, 245.72
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Ken Duttweiler, Ventura, Calif., '96 Olds, BB/AT, 6.815 seconds, -0.845 (under index)
2) Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.030, -0.710
3) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '99 Firebird, G/A, 8.549, -0.631
4) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Carter, A/ND, 7.118, -0.622
5) John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., Sarmento, B/D, 6.792, -0.608
6) Mike De Palma Jr, Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, C/A, 7.216, -0.584
7) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.657, -0.583
8) Fred Gross, Glendale, Calif., '98 Firebird, G/A, 8.597, -0.583
9) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, G/AA, 8.665, -0.545
10) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., ET Racecars, A/ND, 7.198, -0.542
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.752 seconds, -1.248 (under index)
2) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.775, -1.225
3) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.349, -1.151
4) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.416, -1.134
5) Richard Salcido, Whittier, Calif., '95 Achieva, GT/JA, 10.520, -1.080
6) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.960, -1.040
7) Bob Panella Jr, Stockton, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.935, -1.015
8) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.352, -0.998
9) Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.236, -0.964
10) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '03 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.600, -0.950
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Robert Mulry, Hollister, Calif., '74 Firebird, L/SA, 11.563 seconds, -1.437 (under index)
2) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.325, -1.275
3) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.464, -1.236
4) Sarah Norsworthy, Santa Clara, Calif., '81 D-150, ET/SA, 12.003, -1.147
5) Dave Bridgewater, Devore, Calif., '97 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.877, -1.123
6) Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., '73 Satellite, I/SA, 11.523, -1.077
7) Clark Holroyd, Chino, Calif., '68 Nova, B/SA, 10.507, -1.043
8) Tim Hall, Fountain Valley, Calif., '72 Barracuda, H/SA, 11.421, -1.029
9) Darin Grossi, Soulsbyville, Calif., '71 Plymouth, B/SA, 10.522, -1.028
10) Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.934, -1.016
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Jack Holsey, Rancho Cordovia, Calif., '83 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002 seconds reaction time
2) Scott Hewitt, Bakersfield, Calif., '93 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
3) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, KMC, 0.005
4) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Ninja, KMC, 0.006
5) Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.008
6) Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '02 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.013
7) Greg Pfau, Redway, Calif., '02 Buell, KMC, 0.014
8) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.019
9) Jason Whitenack, Henderson, N.Y., '96 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.020
10) Phillip Nasca, Citrus Heights, Calif., '93 Ninja, KMC, 0.023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

600-plus racers take action at Infineon

SONOMA, Calif. – In the first rounds of qualifying at Infineon Raceway, Dennis Swearingen in Top Alcohol Dragster and Bret Williamson in Top Alcohol Funny Car are leading the fields for this weekends NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Dragster pilot Swearingen, of Agua Dulce, Calif., made a 5.551-second, 249.53 mph run to put him ahead of his competitors. Morgan Lucas follows in the second spot with a 5.563 at 253.33 mph. Lucas is currently number one in the NHRA Pacific Division points standings and third in national points, 74 points behind points leader Tony Bartone.

Campbell, Calif., resident Williamson took the top spot with a 5.772-second, 245.05 mph pass with defending event and defending Pacific Division Champion Steve Gasparrelli in second with a 5.783 second pass at 247.61 mph. Ed Marx of Discovery Bay, Calif., sits in the fourth spot with a run of 5.783 seconds in his '95 Dodge Avenger.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 8 a.m. Gates at Infineon Raceway open at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information call the track, (800) 870-RACE.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1.    Dennis Swearingen, Agua Dulle, Calif., 5.551 seconds, 249.53 miles per hour.
2.    Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.563 253.33 
3.    Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.570 255.87 
4.    Mark Niver, Scottsville Ariz., 5.581 248.11 
5.    Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.585 242.36
6.    Chris Demke, Tejunga, Calif., 5.588 251.63
7.    Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.612 257.97
8.    Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.626 245.27 

Not Qualified 
9.     Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.641 219.94
10.    Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.645 239.95
11.    Randy Eakins, Bradbury, Calif., 5.782 241.80
12.    Randy Johnson, Whittier, Calif., 5.813 240.25 
13.    Fred Notzka, Ventura, Calif., 5.864 234.94 
14.    Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 9.176 100.11
15.    Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif.,
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.772 245.05
2. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac 5.783 247.61
3. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Pontiac Firebird 5.920 242.84
4. Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '95 Dodge Avenger 6.009 236.46 
5. John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '02 Pontiac Firebird 6.012 240.00
6. Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Chevy Camaro 6.037 198.41
7. Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Chevy Camaro 6.081 211.96
8. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Chevy Camaro 8.091 110.79

Not Qualified
9. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove CA, '02 Chevy C 9.143 91.72 
10.Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Chevy Cam 9.153 92.30 
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1. Ken Duttweiler, Ventura, Calif., '96 Oldsmobile, 6.917 seconds, -0.743 under the index
2. Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., dragster, 7.030, -0.7103. 
3. Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Oldsmobile, 7.118, -0.622
4. John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., dragster, 6.793, -0.607
5. Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '99 Firebird, 8.591, -0.589
6. Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, 8.657, -0.583
7. J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., dragster, 7.198, -0.542
8. Mike De Palma Jr, Glendale, Ariz, '99 Neon, 7.260, -0.540
9. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., '34 Chevy, 8.751, -0.519
10. Ross Wilson, Alta Loma, Calif., '95 Achieva, 8.845, -0.505 
 
SUPER STOCK
1. Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, 8.752, -1.248
2. Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, 8.775, -1.225
3. Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, 10.349, -1.151
4. Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, 8.416, -1.134
5. Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, 10.352, -0.998
6. Richard Salcido, Whittier, Calif., '95 Achieva, 10.625, -0.975
7. Bob Panella Jr, Stockton, Calif., '87 Camaro, 9.988, -0.962
8. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, 10.243, -0.957
9. Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '03 Grand Am, 9.600, -0.950
10. Carmeron Kallas, Bluffdale, Utah, '98 Grand Am, 9.623, -0.927 
 
STOCK
1. Robert Mulry, Hollister, Calif., '74 Firebird, 11.563, -1.437
2. Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, 11.436, -1.164
3. Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., '73 Satellite, 11.527, -1.073
4. Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, 10.655, -1.045
5. Clark Holroyd, Chino, Calif., '68 Nova, 10.535, -1.015
6. John Schloe, Garden Grove, Calif., '69 Firebird, 10.861, -0.989
7. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dakota, 11.963, -0.987
8. Dave Bridgewater, Devore, Calif., '97 Firebird, 11.015, -0.985
9. Tim Hall, Fountain Valley, Calif., '72 Barracuda, 11.471, -0.979
10. Bryan Phillips, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif, 11.029, -0.971 
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1. Jack Holsey, Rancho Cordovia, Calif., '83 Suzuki, 0.002, reaction time
2. Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 0.005
3. Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki Ninja, 0.006
4. Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif, '78 Kawasaki, 0.008
5. Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '02 Kawasaki 0.013
6. Jerry Stinson, Medford , Ore., '84 Kawasaki, 0.019
7. Ari Bernales, Santa Clara Calif., '01 Kawasaki, 0.024 
8. John Widmann, Garborille, Calif., '99 Kawasaki, 0.028
9. Gary Oaks, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, 0.029
10. Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, 0.033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Series heats up the summer at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. – NHRA's Pacific Division will continue its 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Infineon Raceway July 4-6 with the Bank of the West NHRA Summer Championships. Competitors in eight classes, including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, will compete for a share of the $157,770 purse as well as points leading to divisional and national championships.

Morgan Lucas comes into the event leading in the divisional Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) standings. The 19-year-old from Riverside, Calif., made it to the final round at the division's first two races and came a way with the win at the event in Phoenix. At the second race, in Tucson, Ariz., Lucas was runner-up to Mark Niver.

Niver's win in Tucson was his first in nearly 20 years. The veteran racer out of Phoenix followed that win with a repeat performance at the third race of the season, in Bakersfield, Calif. Earning two wins in three races has put Niver in second place in the divisional point standings, just 27 points behind Lucas.

TAD racer Duane Shields comes into this event in third place in the point standings. The Las Vegas racer's best finish came at an out-of-division race in Mission, B.C., where he scored runner-up points. Shields is the defending division champion and finished second in the national point standings last year. Shields won this race last year and if he can do again, it could put him back in the hunt for the division title.

Doug Gordon started the season with a big Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) win at the season-opening national event in Pomona, Calif., and has hardly looked back. He won the first two races on the division schedule and was runner-up at the out-of-division race in Woodburn, Ore. Gordon, of Paso Robles, Calif., is more than 100 points ahead of the second-place TAFC driver, Ed Marx of Discovery Bay, Calif., who took the win in Bakersfield.

The defending division TAFC champion, Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina, Calif., is in third place in the point standings. His best divisional outing of the season was in Tucson where he scored runner-up points. However, he suffered first-round losses at the other two divisionals he attended. After winning here a year ago, Gasparrelli is looking to start the second half of 2003 with a return to the winner's circle.

The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series will run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Sportsman Motorcycle competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with other classes throughout the weekend. The division's Korbel Super E class will also be in competition.

Gates at Infineon Raceway open at 7 a.m. every day. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will have one qualifying pass Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, they will make two runs, at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations for all classes begin Sunday at 8 a.m. and Dragsters and Funny Cars will run first round at noon.

General admission, including pit pass, is $5 Friday and $20 each Saturday and Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Infineon Raceway is located north of San Rafael at the junction of Highways 37 and 121. For more information, call the track, (707) 938-8448, or visit www.InfineonRaceway.com.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racers in the Pacific division will continue their season Aug. 15-17 at Sacramento Raceway Park in Sacramento, Calif. The race in Sacramento was originally set to run April 25-27 but officials were forced to change the date due to severe weather in Northern California in the weeks prior to the event.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Bank of the West NHRA Summer Nationals, a round of the 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 six in Pacific Division competition. The division's Korbel Super E class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. The track is located north of San Rafael, at the junction of Highways 37 and 121.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 4-6, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Bank of the West NHRA Summer Nationals:

FRIDAY, July 4-- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 5 -- Gates open at 7 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 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 6 -- Gates open at 7 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 -- $5 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Infineon Raceway, (707) 938-8448.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $158,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Duane Shields, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Gasparrelli, Top Alcohol Funny Car; John Chamberlain, Comp Eliminator; Thomas Ely, Super Stock; Robert Pond, Stock Eliminator; Jim Hughes, Super Comp; Mike Ferderer, Super Gas; Terry Geise, 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 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.