FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reichert earns third win in a row and secures Jeg's Allstar spot with victory

CLEVES, Ohio - After the final eliminations at the NHRA Summer Thunder event, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, taking place this weekend at Edgewater Sports Park, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Bill Reichert and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Bobby Martin claimed wins in their fields.

Starting from the No. 2 qualifying position, Reichert earned his third straight North Central Division win when he defeated low qualifier Marty Thacker in the Top Alcohol Dragster final. In the final, Reichert of Owosso, Mich., ran his best time of the weekend, 5.519-seconds at 260.11 mph, to take out Thacker, who ran a quicker 5.504 second pass, but was eliminated after fouling at the start. The win over Thacker today not only gives Reichert a healthy points lead within the division, but also earns him the right to represent the North Central Division in the Jeg's Allstars. That event, which features representatives from each of NHRA's seven divisions, is set to take place this fall during the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Rt. 66 Raceway, September 30 - October 3.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Martin of Beaver Falls, Pa., made Muncie, Indiana's Danny Townsend a three-time runner-up for the season when he eliminated the class veteran in the final round. In the final, Martin laid down a 5.954-second pass at 238.91 mph to Townsend's run of 5.992-seconds at 245.90 mph to take the win. En route to their final round meeting, in the semifinal round Martin eliminated North Central Division points leader Mick Snyder while Townsend defeated defending division champ Chuck Cheeseman of Galena, Ohio.

Other winners at this weekend's event were Jason Coan of Greentown, Ind., in Competition Eliminator; Mark Antrobius of Bellbrook, Ohio, in Super Stock; Bryan Merkle of Johnstown, Ohio in Stock Eliminator; Steve Hoyt of Fort Wayne, Ind., in Super Gas and Mike Clark of Elizabethtown, Ky., in Super Street.

Taking the win in both Super Comp and the NHRA North Central Division's Top Sportsman Series, was Mitch Smith of Anderson, Ind. Smith also competes in NHRA's Super Gas category on a regular basis as well.

The next stop for racers on the NHRA North Central Division tour is Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., August 27-29. Additional information about the event can be obtained calling (270) 782-1138 or by logging on to www.BeechBend.com or www.NHRA.com.

The following are Sunday's final elimination results from the NHRA Summer Thunder event, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, being held at Edgewater Sports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.748, 212.51 def. 
5) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., foul 

3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.625, 259.89 def. 
6) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., foul

1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.535, 258.69 def. 
8) Brian Badgett, Foristell, Mo., 9.027, no speed

2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.573, no speed def. 
7) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.637, 255.39

Semifinal 
Thacker, 5.562, 255.89 def. Wilson, 5.984, 177.09
Reichert, 5.554, no speed def. Hirata, 5.694, 255.60 

Final 
Reichert, 5.519, 260.11 def. Thacker, foul

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 6.557, 162.68 def. 
8) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 9.959, 81.88

2) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.970, 243.57 def. 
10) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 8.101, 171.20 

3) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 5.991, 238.85 def. 
9) Steve Franke, Indianapolis, Ind., '98 Lumina, 6.764, 207.51 

4) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.004, 240.89 def. 
5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 8.531, 101.48

Semifinals
Townsend, 6.008, 244.43 def. Cheeseman, 6.111, 239.55 
Martin, 5.919, 240.00 def. Snyder, 5.994, 242.52

Final
Martin, 5.954, 238.91 def. Townsend, 5.992, 245.90 

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.390, 150.02  def. 
Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., dragster, C/ED, 7.461, 177.83

SUPER STOCK
Matt Antrobius, Bellbrook, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.825, 132.52  def. 
A.H. Adkins, Ravenswood, W.V., '69 AMX, SS/C, 9.540, 133.53 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Bryan Merkle, Johnstown, Ohio, '02 Firebird, A/FIA, 11.008, 121.45  def. 
Tim Gillespie, Waynesville, Ohio, '68 GTO, G/SA, 11.377, 114.54

SUPER COMP
Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., dragster, 8.892, 174.58  def. 
David Graham, Sunburg, Ohio, dragster, 8.890, 164.35

SUPER GAS
Steve Hoyt, Ft. Wayne, Ind., '63 Corvette, 9.914, 157.61  def. 
Mitch Truman, Hurst, Texas, '63 Corvette, 9.914, 151.28

SUPER STREET
Mike Clark, Elizabethtown, Ky., '95 Camaro, 11.023, 107.83  def. 
Alex Miller, Mansfield, Ohio, '74 Camaro, 11.072, 121.08

TOP SPORTSMAN
Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '97 Cutlass, 7.378, 184.53  def. 
Bill Yates, Johnstown, Ohio, '01 Cavalier, 7.687, 180.50

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thacker and Cheeseman on top heading into final eliminations

CLEVES, Ohio - After the final rounds of qualifying at the NHRA Summer Thunder event, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, taking place this weekend at Edgewater Sports Park, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Marty Thacker and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Chuck Cheeseman claimed the No.1 spots in their fields.

Thacker maintained his No. 1 qualifying position established yesterday with time of 5.530 seconds at 262.00 mph to claim to top spot in dragster. Current division points leader Bill Reichert of Owosso, Mich., is in the second spot with a 5.543 second pass at 262.46 mph. Among those unable to make the cut was Cincinnati's Gary Ward. Ward's best was a 6.155 second pass at 231.30 mph.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Galena, Ohio's Cheeseman, the defending division champ, leads his field with a time a 5.929 seconds at 248.20 mph. Qualified second is division points leader, Mick Snyder of Demotte, Ind., with a time of 5.964-seconds at 243.04 mph. Rounding out the eight-car field is Kentland, Ind., racer Don DeVault.

In other qualifying action, Indiana racers Rod Dorsey of North Judson and Jason Coan of Greentown took over the No. 1 and 2 spots in Comp Eliminator, sliding yesterday's low qualifier, Chardon, Ohio's Ian Landies Jr., into third.

After the final rounds of qualifying in Super Stock, Dave Layer of Dayton, Ohio remained on top of the field. Layer is joined by fellow Ohio racers Kerri Vogue of Arlington in the second spot and Joey Wilkes of Zanesville in third. Wilkes is also qualified in the No. 2 spot of the Stock Eliminator field.

In Stock Eliminator, the top spot was earned by Canadian runner, Steve Polhill of London, Ont. While in North Central Division Top Sportsman Series competition, which runs in conjunction with this weekend's event, Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., yesterday's leader, remained on top.

Sunday's racing action will feature final eliminations in all categories beginning at 9 a.m. The opening round of eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Gates on Saturday open at 8 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $20 on Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5. Children 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

For more information please contact Edgewater Sports Park at (513) 353-4666 or visit them on the web at www.EdgewaterRace.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Summer Thunder event, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, being held at Edgewater Sports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.502 seconds, 262.00 mph
2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.543, 262.46
3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.563, 255.75
4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.591, 251.53
5) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.619, 243.44
6) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.707, 247.86
7) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.746, 249.44
8) Brian Badgett, Foristell, Mo., 5.813, 260.86

Not Qualified
9) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.863, 248.48
10) Evan Knoll, Decatur, Mich., 5.929, 207.85
11) Noah Condo, Monticello, Ind., 5.972, 247.11
12) Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Ohio, 6.155, 231.30
13) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 6.202, 199.07
14) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 7.931, 115.38
15) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 9.421, 89.89

First-round TAD pairings
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.502 seconds, 262.00 mph vs. 
8) Brian Badgett, Foristell, Mo., 5.813, 260.86

2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.543, 262.46 vs. 
7) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.746, 249.44
3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.563, 255.75 vs. 
6) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.707, 247.86

4) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.591, 251.53 vs. 

5) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.619, 243.44

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.929 seconds, 248.20 mph
2) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.964, 243.04
3) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 5.976, 239.74
4) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.003, 242.26
5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 6.012, 246.23
6) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.068, 237.65
7) James Spencer, Lawrenceburg, Ind., '00 Firebird, 6.664, 209.83
8) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 6.816, 225.11

Not Qualified
9) Steve Franke, Indianapolis, Ind., '98 Lumina, 6.962, 198.36
10) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 7.502, 182.81
11) Drew Tarr, Louisville, Ky., '98 Firebird, 7.767, 119.49

First round TAFC pairings
1) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.929 seconds, 248.20 mph vs. 
8) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 6.816, 225.11

2) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.964, 243.04 vs. 
7) James Spencer, Lawrenceburg, Ind., '00 Firebird, 6.664, 209.83

3) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 5.976, 239.74 vs. 
6) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.068, 237.65

4) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.003, 242.26 vs. 
5) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 6.012, 246.23

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, H/SMA, 9.137 seconds, -0.643 (under index)
2) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.368, -0.622
3) Ian Landies Jr., Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.165, -0.615
4) Mike Smith, Mineral Wells, W.V., '03 Neon, G/AA, 8.451, -0.609
5) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.200, -0.580
6) Brian Stufflebeam, Peoria, Ill., '23 roadster, B/AA, 7.223, -0.577
7) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.253, -0.577
8) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Sonoma, PSTA, 7.699, -0.571
9) Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '34 Chevy, A/SR, 8.074, -0.556
10) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.462, -0.548

SUPER STOCK
1) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.178 seconds, -1.322 (under index)
2) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.218, -1.232
3) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '92 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.719, -1.231
4) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.553, -1.147
5) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.814, -1.136
6) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.043, -1.107
7) Ronnie Terrell, Hebron, Ky., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.453, -1.097
8) Larry Wilson, Mt Washington, Ky., '66 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.373, -1.077
9) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.233, -1.067
10) Bret Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '66 Nova, SS/HA, 9.834, -1.066

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Steve Polhill, London, Ont., '82 Escort, DF/S, 16.354 seconds, -1.396 (under index)
2) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.376, -1.324
3) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.308, -1.292
4) Bert Morgan, Charleston, Ill., '76 Buick, T/SA, 13.421, -1.279
5) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.706, -1.244
6) Bruce Witherspoon, Lansing, Mich., '90 Corvette, E/FIA, 11.370, -1.230
7) Jerry Bennett, Hickory, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.238, -1.212
8) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 11.946, -1.204
9) Eric Wilkerson, Seymour, Ind., '76 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.775, -1.175
10) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '77 Corvette, J/SA, 11.578, -1.172

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 7.181 seconds, 191.24 mph
2) Gilmer Hinshaw, Burlington, N.C., '99 Monte Carlo, 7.184, 188.44
3) Anthony Munao, Arlington Hieghts, Ill., '97 Lumina, 7.213, 191.97
4) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '04 Cavalier, 7.293, 191.00
5) Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '97 Cutlass, 7.341, 186.72
6) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.383, 185.64
7) Bill Gibson, Beecher, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.398, 188.60
8) Tim Kirman, Morris, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.402, 187.73
9) Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 7.414, 187.57
10) Greg Burba, Beavercreek, Ohio, '88 Beretta, 7.430, 186.95

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thacker and Snyder leading at Edgewater Sports Park

CLEVES, Ohio - NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors in eight categories, as well as competitors in the North Central Division's Top Sportsman series, took to the track today for the first day of time trials and qualifying at the NHRA Summer Thunder event taking place this weekend at Edgewater Sports Park.

After the opening rounds of qualifying in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, former NHRA Southeast Division champ Marty Thacker of Robinson, Ill., and Mick Snyder of Demotte, Ind., are in the No. 1 spot of their fields.

Thacker laid down a pass of 5.502 seconds at 262.00 mph to take to top spot in dragster. Qualified in second is current North Central Division points leader Bill Reichert of Owosso, Mich., with a time of 5.543 seconds at 261.02. Rounding out the eight-car field is Cincinnati racer Gary Ward.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Snyder leads his field with a time a 6.042 seconds. Qualified second is Paul Lee of Gaithersburg, Md., while defending division champ Chuck Cheeseman of Galena, Ohio is currently in the No. 4 spot.

In other qualifying action, Ohio residents Ian Landies Jr., of Chardon, Dave Layer of Dayton and Joey Wilkes of Zanesville top the fields in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator. Wilkes is also qualified third in the Super Stock field. In the Top Sportsman class, which runs in conjunction with the event this weekend, Tom Stultz of Terre Haute, Ind., is leading his field.

Saturday's racing action will feature final qualifying in all categories beginning at 9 a.m. Final qualifying for Top Sportsman is scheduled for 4 and 7:30 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled to run their final qualifying rounds at 5 and 8:30 p.m.

Gates on Saturday open at 8 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day. Children 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

For more information please contact Edgewater Sports Park at (513) 353-4666 or visit them on the web at www.EdgewaterRace.com.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.502 seconds, 262.00 mph
2) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.543, 261.02
3) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.612, 246.57
4) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.706, 243.44
5) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.742, 255.75
6) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.873, 178.28
7) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.884, 248.48
8) Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Ohio, 8.726, 99.46

Not Qualified
9) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 8.922, 94.11
10) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 9.209, 80.51
11) Evan Knoll, Decatur, Mich., 9.870, 78.52
12) Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 10.724, 75.33

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 6.047 seconds, 117.25 mph
2) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 6.114, 228.60
3) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.273, 235.97
4) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 8.866, 17.09
5) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 10.664, 78.85

Not Qualified
6) James Spencer, Lawrenceburg, Ind., '00 Firebird, (no time)

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Ian Landies Jr., Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.165 seconds, -0.615 (under index)
2) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, H/SMA, 9.170, -0.610
3) Mike Smith, Mineral Wells, W.V., '03 Neon, G/AA, 8.451, -0.609
4) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.405, -0.585
5) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.200, -0.580
6) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Sonoma, PSTA, 7.699, -0.571
7) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.270, -0.560
8) Mike Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '34 Chevy, A/SR, 8.074, -0.556
9) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.462, -0.548
10) Jesse Plant, Terre Haute, Ind., dragster, D/ED, 7.457, -0.543

SUPER STOCK
1) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.178 seconds, -1.322 (under index)
2) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.218, -1.232
3) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '92 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.719, -1.231
4) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.814, -1.136
5) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.585, -1.115
6) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.043, -1.107
7) Ronnie Terrell, Hebron, Ky., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.453, -1.097
8) Robin Brown, Madisonville, Ky., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.233, -1.067
9) Bret Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '66 Nova, SS/HA, 9.834, -1.066
10) Wayne Hansen, Wabash, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TD, 10.537, -1.063

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.376 seconds, -1.324 (under index)
2) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.308, -1.292
3) Steve Polhill, Landon, Ont., '82 Escort, DF/S, 16.473, -1.277
4) Bert Morgan, Charleston, Ill., '76 Buick, T/SA, 13.433, -1.267
5) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.706, -1.244
6) Jerry Bennett, Hickory, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.238, -1.212
7) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 11.946, -1.204
8) Eric Wilkerson, Seymour, Ind., '76 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.775, -1.175
9) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '77 Corvette, J/SA, 11.578, -1.172
10) John Foxbower, Franklin, Ohio, '68 Mustang, B/SA, 10.400, -1.150

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 7.325 seconds, 160.42 mph
2) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '04 Cavalier, 7.326, 190.35
3) Gilmer Hinshaw, Burlington, N.C., '99 Monte Carlo, 7.375, 186.21
4) Tim Kirman, Morris, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.427, 187.73
5) Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 7.458, 187.57
6) Daniel Howorth, Yorkville, Ill., '03 Camaro, 7.503, 183.93
7) Ron Smith, Fairfield, Ohio, '89 Camaro, 7.548, 187.61
8) Scott Fitzgibbon, Lockport, Ill., '04 Stratus, 7.627, 183.74
9) Bill Yates, Johnstown, Ohio, '01 Cavalier, 7.704, 180.14
10) Jimmy Fallon, Liberty Twp, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 7.711, 178.7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reichert and Snyder looking to increase points leads

CLEVES, Ohio - Edgewater Sports Park will host NHRA Summer Thunder, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Aug. 6-8. The race is the fourth of six races in NHRA North Central Division competition. The event will feature more than 550 drivers in eight categories competing for points leading to divisional and national championships.

Classes will include 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) as well as Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Coming into the event at Edgewater, Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) pilot Bill Reichert leads the points. Reichert, a resident of Owasso, Mich., won the NHRA North Central Division race in Stanton, Mich., as well as an out-of-division race in Houston.

Just behind Reichert in the TAD point standings is defending North Central Division Lucas Oil Champion Jeff Wilson of Winfield, Mo., who runs in the North Central Division despite living within the boundaries of NHRA's West Central Division. Reichert has a large lead at this point, but Wilson, who won the North Central opener in Indianapolis, has run fewer total events to this point, so a win could go a long way to reeling in Reichert.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), Mick Snyder, the 22-year-old Demotte, Ind., driver who began his NHRA career in the Jr. Drag Racing League, added some new blood to the top of the points list. His win in Indianapolis and a runner-up in Stanton left him the surprise leader in the Funny Car points with Danny Townsend, the veteran from Muncie, Ind., who has returned to action this year, in second. Snyder finished sixth in the division in 2003.

Defending Division Champion Chuck Cheeseman, of Galena, Ohio, who failed to qualify at the North Central season opener in Indianapolis rebounded with a win in Stanton. He's currently in the No. 3 points position and hopes to repeat his 2003 win at Edgewater and move back into contention for another championship.

In other Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series categories of racing, Terry Smith, of Williamstown, W.V., leads the points in Comp; Brad Zaskowski, of Grand Rapids, Mich., leads in Super Stock; while Kyle Riley, of Chicago, leads Stock. They will all be on part of the 550-plus entries expected to compete at Edgewater Sport Park.

Gates at Edgewater Sports Park open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials begin Friday at 10:30 a.m. with Top Sportsman qualifying at 4 p.m., and TAD and TAFC running at 5 p.m. The action continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman is scheduled to run at 4 and 7:30 p.m. while TAD and TAFC will qualify at 5 and 8:30 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $15 Friday, $25 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Edgewater Sports Park is located just a few miles west of Cincinnati at 4819 East Miami River Road in Cleves, Ohio. Take exit No. 7, off I-74 & I-275. For more information call the track, (513) 353-4666, or visit the web site, www.EdgewaterRace.com.

North Central division racers will be in Bowling Green, Ky., for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Beech Bend Raceway will host the festivities Aug. 27-29.

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 NHRA Summer Thunder is the fourth of six in North Central Division competition. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Edgewater Sports Park, Cleves, Ohio. Track is located off I-75. Take I-75 to Cleves-Miamitown exit. Continue through Miamitown, right to SR 128 and U.S. 52. Turn right on East Miami Road to racetrack entrance.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 6-8, 2004

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Aug. 6 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10:30 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is at 4 p.m. with Comp Eliminator qualifying at 4:30 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled for 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 7 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with Top Sportsman qualifying at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Top Sportsman Fast 4 Showdown is at 8 and 9 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 and 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 8 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $25 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 6-12 are $5 each day. Children 5 and under are free. For more information please call Edgewater Sports Park, (513) 353-4666.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $162,010, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Jeff Wilson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Chuck Cheeseman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Jerry Arnold, Comp Eliminator; Joe Covert, Super Stock; Joey Wilkes, Stock Eliminator; Mike Coughlin, Super Comp; Steven Bailey, Super Gas; Bill Webb, 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.

NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION TOP SPORTSMAN CLASS: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,200 event purse as well as points leading to a divisional championship.

Top Sportsman racers may run the six North Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or South Central Divisions.

The North Central Division Top Sportsman year-end champion will earn $2,000, No. 2 points finisher will receive $1,000 and the third place competitor will earn $500.

FEATURES: More than 550 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. Additionally, the NHRA North Central Division's highly modified Top Sportsman cars.