FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Champions crowned at Cecil County

RISING SUN, Md. - After three days of drag racing action, competition at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shootout presented by Coca Cola, wrapped up today at Cecil County Dragway with winners being crowned in six categories.

The six winners crowned today in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street, join last night's winners, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mike Kosky and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo, as Cecil County Dragway champs.

In Comp Eliminator, Sal Biondo of Maspeth, N.Y., was the victor in his category when he eliminated Phoenixville, Pa., driver Mark Hopkins in the class final. This was the first Northeast Division win of 2004 for Biondo, who last year collected two Comp Eliminator wins within the division.

Capturing the win in Super Stock was East Hanover, N.J., racer Dave Ficacci. His win was over Old Bridge, N.J., racer Russ Linke.

Taking the win in Stock Eliminator over North East, Md., racer Gary Simpers Jr., was the current national points leader in the class, Lee Zane of Pittsgrove, N.J. Today's win will boost Zane, who coming into this weekend's event was leading fellow Northeast Division racer Shane Carr of Williamstown, N.J., by a mere 14 points, even further ahead in the championship chase. Carr, who is currently No. 2 in national points, was hoping to gain some ground on Zane this weekend, but was eliminated in the quarterfinal round.

Earning the win in Super Comp was Lititz, Pa., driver Doug Doll Jr. His win was over Richmond, R.I., runner Donald Milson.

Making his second final-round appearance of the weekend was Jeff Szilagyi of Hellertown, Pa. Szilagyi, who was runner up to Regis Lepage in the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park run-off, which was completed this weekend at Cecil County Dragway, held on for this win this time, defeating Avis, Pa., racer John Stover in the final.

In Super Street, former division champ Michael Sawyer of Acton, Mass., earned the win when he defeated Raymond Balian of Massapequa, N.Y., in the final. Today's win was a bit of revenge for Sawyer, who last month at Numidia Raceway was defeated in the class final by Balian.

The next stop of the NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series tour is Atco Raceway in Atco, N.J., October 8-10. For more information please contact Atco Raceway at (856) 768-2167 or on the web at www.AtcoRace.com. Additional information can also be obtained by logging on to www.NHRA.com

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shoot presented by Coca Cola being held this weekend at Cecil County Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.601, 248.34  def. 
Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 5.723, 246.35

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.843, 251.02  def. 
Bunny Burkett, Sterling, Va., '02 Avenger, 6.019, 236.88

COMP ELIMINATOR
Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '93 Beretta, D/EA, 8.597, 139.65  def. 
Mark Hopkins, Phoenixville, Pa., '92 Beretta, C/A, 7.717, 177.60

SUPER STOCK
Dave Ficacci, E Hanover, N.J., '02 Firebird, GT/EA, 10.285, 126.03  def. 
Russ Linke, Old Bridge, N.J., '73 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.362, 125.76 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, K/SA, 11.858, 106.60  def. 
Gary Simpers Jr., North East, Md., '91 Thunderbird, I/FIA, 13.419, 98.78 

SUPER COMP
Doug Doll Jr., Lititz, Pa., dragster, 8.934, 160.90  def. 
Donald Milson, Richmond, R.I., dragster, 8.924, 155.69

SUPER GAS
Jeff Szilagyi, Hellertown, Pa., '27 roadster, 9.908, 147.91  def. 
John Stover, Avis, Pa., '96 Beretta, 9.886, 154.51 

SUPER STREET
Michael Sawyer, Acton, Mass., '67 Camaro, 10.904, 142.84  def. 
Raymond Balian, Massapequa, N.Y., '66 Chevelle, 10.900, 135.76.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kosky and Manzo victors at Cecil County Dragway

RISING SUN, Md. - NHRA Northeast Division competitors in eight categories took to the track today for the second day of racing at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shootout presented by Coca Cola begin run this weekend at Cecil County Dragway.

In six of the eight categories being contested at the event, the first round of competition was completed this evening after the conclusion of qualifying and time runs. In the remaining two categories, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, eliminations were completed tonight with Northeast Division veterans, Mike Kosky and Frank Manzo sharing the winner's circle this evening after wins in their respective categories.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Kosky of Cuddy, Pa., defeated No. 1 qualifier Michael Gunderson of Middleburg, Fla., to take his first final round victory this year. In the final, Kosky ran 5.601 seconds at 248.34 mph to take out Gunderson, who ran an off pace 5.723 second pass at 246.35 mph. This is the second final round in a row for Kosky, who in a few weeks will compete against class newcomer Ashley Force, daughter of 12-time POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car champ John Force, in the final round run-off postponed from Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

Manzo, earned his final round victory over Sterling, Va., racer Bunny Burkett in her first Northeast Division appearance of the year. Despite being dominated by Manzo in the class final, Burkett's outing at Cecil County Dragway was nothing short of amazing. After getting past Mickey Ferro in round one, Burkett defeated former National Champion Bob Newberry in the semifinal round, derailing the Schenectady, N.Y., racer's plan for back to back division wins.

En route to his final round meeting with Burkett, Manzo eliminated Berlin, N.J., racer Dan Pomponio in round one and Whiteford, Md., runner Darrel Cox Sr., in the semifinal. In the final against Burkett, Manzo ran 5.843 seconds at 251.02 mph to her 6.019 seconds pass at 237.88 mph, to take the win.

For Manzo, a win today was a must. The defending National Champion from Morganville, N.J., has been anything but himself this year. Though his win today at Cecil County Dragway marks an impressive fifth consecutive Northeast Division final round appearance for Manzo, with a handful of disappointing appearances on the national level, that has only helped put the champ is a disappointing twelfth in the national championship points chase. On the divisional level, Manzo is currently the NHRA Northeast Division points leader.

In other racing action, competitors in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator completed their final rounds of qualifying earlier in the day. The No. 1 spot in each category was earned by Al Ackerman of Saddle Brook, N.J., in Comp Eliminator, Joseph Franco III of North Babylon, N.Y., in Super Stock and Cecil Frazier of Canton, Mass., in Stock Eliminator.

Sunday's racing action will feature the continuation of eliminations in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.

Gates at Cecil County Dragway open Sunday at 8 a.m. Final eliminations are set to continue at 9:30 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $18 and include a pit pass. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please contact Cecil County Dragway at (410) 287-6280 or online at www.CecilCountyDragway.com.

The following are Saturday's results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held this weekend at Cecil County Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 5.426, 272.56 def. 
8) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.625, 254.52

3) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.551, 258.22 def. 
6) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.654, 248.57

2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.574, 234.17 def. 
7) Mike Burns, Bisbee, Ariz., 7.159, 130.19

4) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.702, 245.36 def. 
5) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.884, 242.19

Semifinals
Gunderson, 5.489, 251.16 def. Benkovich, 5.648, 247.75
Kosky, 5.557, 257.87 def. Gallant, 5.907, 182.40

Final
Kosky, 5.601, 248.34 def. Gunderson, 5.723, 246.35

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.826, 253.18 def. 
8) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.334, 232.99

2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.792, 250.32 def. 
7) Jeff McCulloch, Roseneath, Ont., '98 Camaro, foul

6) Bunny Burkett, Sterling, Va., '02 Avenger, 6.047, 238.26 def. 
3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '01 Camaro, broke

4) Darrel Cox Sr., Whiteford, Md., '01 Firebird, 6.094, 230.33 def. 
5) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '03 Camaro, 7.776, 115.43

Semifinals
Manzo, 5.716, 255.29 def. Cox Sr., 14.268, 59.85
Burkett, 6.339, 219.22 def. Newberry, 6.458, 240.77

Final
Manzo, 5.843, 251.02 def. Burkett, 6.019, 236.88

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.145 seconds, -0.625 (under index)
2) Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.741, -0.599
3) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., dragster, G/D, 9.080, -0.590
4) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, H/SM, 9.215, -0.565
5) Jake Crimmins, Farmingdale, N.J., '92 Achieva, AA/AM, 6.705, -0.505
6) Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/EA, 8.026, -0.504
7) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.864, -0.476
8) Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '93 Beretta, D/EA, 8.538, -0.472
9) Michael Hanratty, Cromwell, Conn., '32 Bantam, A/AA, 6.939, -0.471
10) Jonathan Aloisio, W Chester, Pa., '98 Grand Am, A/SM, 8.081, -0.459

SUPER STOCK
1) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, SS/JA, 10.158 seconds, -1.142 (under index)
2) Frank Lupo, North East, Md., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.424, -1.126
3) Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '90 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.078, -1.122
4) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/H, 10.035, -1.115
5) Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.007, -1.093
6) Bob Cupp, Alexandria, Va., '65 Chevelle, SS/KA, 10.477, -1.073
7) Gary Ewing, Bel Air, Md., '69 Camaro, SS/IA, 9.948, -1.052
8) Richard Oakes, Woolwich Twp, N.J., '92 Camaro, SS/GM, 9.651, -1.049
9) Leon Miranian, Davidsonville, Md., '68 Corvette, SS/EA, 9.605, -1.045
10) Anthony Cretella, Newington, Conn., '86 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.362, -1.038

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Cecil Frazier, Canton, Mass., '91 Camaro, G/FIA, 11.837 seconds, -1.313 (under index)
2) Tex Miller, Fayetteville, Pa., '72 Mustang, F/SA, 10.937, -1.213
3) Ken Kopecky, Edison, N.J., '71 Demon, F/SA, 10.942, -1.208
4) Ray Golonka, Colonia, N.J., '77 Cadillac, Q/SA, 12.894, -1.206
5) Tim Abbazia, Greenwich, Conn., '62 Corvette, E/S, 10.755, -1.195
6) Bill Nees Jr., Millmont, Pa., '70 Nova, V/SA, 14.624, -1.176
7) Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, K/SA, 11.799, -1.151
8) John Ruth, Baltimore, Md., '77 Omega, R/SA, 13.201, -1.149
9) Jim Klacik, Aliquippa, Pa., '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.012, -1.138
10) Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.482, -1.118

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gunderson and Manzo leaders at Cecil County Dragway

RISING SUN, Md. - After Friday's rounds qualifying at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shootout presented by Coca Cola, Southeast Division driver Michael Gunderson and defending national champ Frank Manzo are the top qualifiers in their respective categories. In Top Alcohol Dragster, Southeast Division invader, Gunderson of Middleburg, Fla., laid down a pass of 5.363 seconds at 265.38 mph to take the top spot in dragster. In the No. 2 spot is former National Champion Arthur Gallant of Boxboro, Mass., with a 5.472-second pass at 235.35 mph. Among those not in the field are Wilmington, Del., drivers Ken Winward and Steven Cantrell.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Manzo ran 5.833 seconds at 251.63 mph to claim the No. 1 spot in the class. He's narrowly trailed by Schenectady, N.Y., racer Bob Newberry, who qualified with a 5.858 second pass at 251.06 mph. Sitting in the No. 4 position is Darrell Cox Sr., of Whiteford, Md. Chaptico, Md., racer Billy Gibson did not fare as well. He failed to make the final cut today and will not be part of Saturday's final eliminations.

Other low qualifiers after Friday's opening rounds of qualifying are Al Ackerman of Saddle Brook, N.J., in Comp Eliminator, Frank Lupo of North East, Md., in Super Stock and Michael Iacono of Wading River, N.Y., in Stock Eliminator.

Saturday's racing action will feature final eliminations for the 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars. Final eliminations in the alcohol categories are scheduled to be run at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., and will be followed by eliminations in Cecil County Dragway's Pro Modified class. Competitors in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will run one round of eliminations beginning at 3 p.m.

Gates at Cecil County Dragway open Saturday at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to continue at 10 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $18 each day and include a pit pass. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please contact Cecil County Dragway at (410) 287-6280 or online at www.CecilCountyDragway.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held this weekend at Cecil County Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 5.363 seconds, 265.38 mph
2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.472, 235.35
3) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.481, 259.91
4) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.554, 252.24
5) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.555, 250.23
6) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.562, 255.97
7) Mike Burns, Bisbee, Ariz., 5.567, 242.63
8) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.593, 247.57 Not Qualified
9) David DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.598, 258.07
10) Wayne Morris, Lincoln University, Pa., 5.658, 247.52
11) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.698, 246.44
12) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 5.717, 241.50
13) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.858, 215.34
14) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.957, 237.55
15) Donald Gianquitto, Melrose, Mass., 6.284, 238.30
16) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 9.286, 89.73

First round TAD pairings
1) Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., 5.363 seconds, 265.38 mph vs.
8) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.593, 247.57

2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.472, 235.35 vs.
7) Mike Burns, Bisbee, Ariz., 5.567, 242.63

3) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.481, 259.91 vs.
6) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.562, 255.97

4) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.554, 252.24 vs.
5) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.555, 250.23

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.833 seconds, 251.63 mph
2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.858, 251.06
3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '01 Camaro, 6.075, 217.04
4) Darrel Cox Sr., Whiteford, Md., '01 Firebird, 6.082, 229.86
5) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '03 Camaro, 6.137, 235.56
6) Bunny Burkett, Sterling, Va., '02 Avenger, 6.148, 217.28
7) Jeff McCulloch, Roseneath, Ont., '98 Camaro, 6.187, 214.69
8) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.208, 234.53 Not Qualified
9) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '02 Avenger, 6.274, 208.84
10) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 6.782, 156.57
11) Bruce Mullins, Fredericksburg, Va., '02 Avenger, (no time)
12) William Fulford, Virginia Beach, Va., '00 Corvette, (no time)

First round TAFC pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.833 seconds, 251.63 mph vs.
8) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.208, 234.53

2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '03 Camaro, 5.858, 251.06 vs.
7) Jeff McCulloch, Roseneath, Ont., '98 Camaro, 6.187, 214.69

3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '01 Camaro, 6.075, 217.04 vs.
6) Bunny Burkett, Sterling, Va., '02 Avenger, 6.148, 217.28

4) Darrel Cox Sr., Whiteford, Md., '01 Firebird, 6.082, 229.86 vs.
5) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '03 Camaro, 6.137, 235.56

Competition Eliminator
1) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.145 seconds, -0.625 (under index)
2) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., dragster, G/D, 9.080, -0.590
3) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, H/SM, 9.215, -0.565
4) Michael Hanratty, Cromwell, Conn., '32 Bantam, A/AA, 6.939, -0.471
5) Bob Wise, York, Pa., '00 Firebird, B/AA, 7.350, -0.450
6) George Supinski Jr., Freehold, N.J., '02 S-10, B/T, 8.281, -0.429
7) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.913, -0.427
8) Jonathan Aloisio, W Chester, Pa., '98 Grand Am, A/SM, 8.118, -0.422
9) Pat Malloy, Buchanan, Va., dragster, A/ND, 7.243, -0.407
10) Scott MacKay, Broomall, Pa., dragster, D/ED, 7.602, -0.398

Super Stock
1) Frank Lupo, North East, Md., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.424 seconds, -1.126 (under index)
2) Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '90 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.078, -1.122
3) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/H, 10.035, -1.115
4) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, SS/JA, 10.196, -1.104
5) Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.007, -1.093
6) Bob Cupp, Alexandria, Va., '65 Chevelle, SS/KA, 10.477, -1.073
7) Gary Ewing, Bel Air, Md., '69 Camaro, SS/IA, 9.948, -1.052
8) Richard Oakes, Woolwich Twp, N.J., '92 Camaro, SS/GM, 9.651, -1.049
9) Leon Miranian, Davidsonville, Md., '68 Corvette, SS/EA, 9.605, -1.045
10) Anthony Cretella, Newington, Conn., '86 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.362, -1.038

Stock Eliminator
1) Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '69 Torino, D/SA, 10.044 seconds, -1.806 (under index)
2) Cecil Frazier, Canton, Mass., '91 Camaro, G/FIA, 11.837, -1.313
3) Tex Miller, Fayetteville, Pa., '72 Mustang, F/SA, 10.937, -1.213
4) Ray Golonka, Colonia, N.J., '77 Cadillac, Q/SA, 12.894, -1.206
5) Tim Abbazia, Greenwich, Conn., '62 Corvette, E/S, 10.755, -1.195
6) Ken Kopecky, Edison, N.J., '71 Demon, F/SA, 10.971, -1.179
7) Bill Nees Jr, Millmont, Pa., '70 Nova, V/SA, 14.624, -1.176
8) Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, K/SA, 11.799, -1.151
9) John Ruth, Baltimore, Md., '77 Omega, R/SA, 13.201, -1.149
10) Jim Klacik, Aliquippa, Pa., '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.012, -1.138

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lucas Oil Northeast Shootout comes to Cecil County

RISING SUN, Md. - Cecil County Dragway will host the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shootout presented by Coca-Cola, Aug. 27-29. The event is the sixth of seven in NHRA Northeast Division competition. Drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), will run for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships. A Pro Mod exhibition will also run in conjunction with the event.

In all, eight NHRA Lucas Series categories will be in competition. Among them is the Top Alcohol Funny Car class.

Frank Manzo, the most decorated Alcohol Funny Car driver in NHRA history, won the Northeast Division's season opener in Reading, Pa., and the second race in West Lebanon, N.Y. Manzo is going for his 15th Northeast Division Lucas Oil Series Championship and his 10th Lucas Oil national title. In 2003, the Morganville, N.J., racer earned his seventh consecutive national championship and his ninth straight divisional crown.

But Bob Newberry slowed down Manzo's current quest by winning the title last month at Numidia Raceway in Pennsylvania. Manzo still leads the Northeast Division points but is an uncharacteristic twelth nationally after lackluster showings at national events thus far in 2004.

Manzo dominated the Northeast last year by winning five out of the seven events and four NHRA national events. Newberry finished runner-up at four Northeast Division events in 2003 and again at West Lebanon this year before he finally beat Manzo in Numidia. The Schenectady, N.Y., resident, has found some consistency and is racing well this season. He would certainly welcome another victory at Cecil County, one of the tracks at which Manzo won in 2003.

At this race a year ago, Manzo beat Todd Veney in the Top Alcohol Funny final. So the stage is set for the superpowers of Alcohol Funny Car racing to clash in what should be a real quarter-mile shootout.

Meanwhile, Rich McPhillips, of Phoenixville, Pa., won last year's Cecil County Top Alcohol Dragster title with a final-round win over Richard Bourke. Overall, seven different drivers won Northeast Division TAD titles in 2003. And so far this season another three drivers, Steve Cantrell, of Wilmington, Del., Canadian racer Daniel Mercier out of Timothee, Que., and Art Gallant, of Boxboro, Mass., have won the Alcohol Dragster titles at the first three events. Any driver who comes through the gate, seems to have a chance to win in the Northeast. Gallant, the 2002 National and NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Series Champion was runner-up at two other events, putting him in the lead in 2004 Northeast Division points.

Gates at Cecil Dragway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start at 10 a.m. Friday with TAD and TAFC scheduled at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Pro Mod will qualify after each TAD and TAFC session. There also will be a special Super Stock and Stock Best Package and Wheelstand event Friday evening. Qualifying and time trials continue Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Racers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will run one round of eliminations starting at 3 p.m. TAD and TAFC will run all rounds of eliminations, at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. Pro Mod will also run all rounds of eliminations after each round of the alcohol categories. Sunday, eliminations for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street resume at 9:30 a.m.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Shootout are $18 each day and include a pit pass. There are 2-day tickets available for $35 and 3-cay tickets for $50. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Cecil County Dragway is located 2.5 miles off Interstate 95, exit 100. Follow the signs to Cecil County Dragway on Theodore Road. For more information call the track, (410) 287-6280 or visit www.CecilCountyDragway.com.

The Northeast Division used to end the season at Cecil County, but the event at Atco, N.J., has been moved in 2004 from its June dates to the Oct. 8-10 weekend and that is now when the 2004 season will wrap up.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: The NHRA Lucas Oil Northeast Shootout presented by Coca-Cola. It's part 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 sixth of seven in Northeast Division competition. Also scheduled are Pro Modifieds.

WHERE: Cecil County Dragway, Rising Sun, Md. Track is located 2.5 miles off Interstate 95, exit 100. Follow signs to Cecil County Dragway on Theodore Road.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, August 27-29, 2004

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Aug. 27 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Pro Mod qualifying at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 28 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car Eliminations are scheduled at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Pro Mod Eliminations at scheduled for 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 29 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9:30 a.m. Eliminations for Comp Eliminator are at 10:30 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $18 Friday, $18 Saturday, $18 Sunday. 2-day pass $35. 3-day pass $50. Children 11 and under admitted free with paid adult. For more information please call Cecil County Dragway, (410) 287-6280.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $160,360, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Rich McPhillips, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Santo Volpe, Comp Eliminator; Billy Leber, Super Stock; John Gray, Stock Eliminator; Jim Fizz, Super Comp; Glen Emig, Super Gas; Stephen Taxis, 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 2004 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 $109,000 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 46 Lucas Oil events: $1,000 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $200 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $100 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 43 of 46 divisional 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 2004 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 2004 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.

This year, event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, has offered a "double up" bonus to Allstars competitors. Winners in each individual class who go on to win the national event will have their Allstars prize money doubled.

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. Also a field of Pro Modified cars featuring full-bodied, supercharged or nitrous-oxide assisted engines.