FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Putz, Moats score big at Tri-State Raceway

EARLVILLE, Iowa - Top Alcohol Dragster driver Richard Putz and Top Alcohol Funny Car veteran Vern Moats closed out the NHRA West Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season by scoring their first wins of the year at Tri-State Raceway.

Earlville resident Putz was the No. 2 qualifier in Top Alcohol Dragster and went on to knock out the rest of the eight-car field. In the final, he faced Denver's Bruce Bowler. Putz's 5.479-second, 259.66 mph pass was more than enough to give him the win light. Prior to this race, his best finish had been a semifinal round effort.

Moats carried his No. 1 qualifying effort all the way to the winner's circle. In the final against Bedford, Ind., resident Greg Elliot, Moats ran 5.811 seconds at 245.96 mph.

In Comp Eliminator, defending division champion Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., wrapped up his first win of the year as did Super Stock competitor Gary Stinnett of Emporia, Kan. In Stock Eliminator, Scott Dugdale, Circle Pines, Minn., made his first final round appearance of the year, taking the win. Super Comp driver Brian Percival, Littleton, Colo., and Super Gas racer Jarod Bowman, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also made it to the winner's circle. Frank Nichols Jr., Grand Island, Neb., made his third final round showing of the year, taking home his second trophy and Tim Pazour, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, earned the win in the Kerker Motorcyle class.

This was the last NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event on the West Central division's schedule but racers can compete in out-of-division events.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers event at Tri-State Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.417, 258.69 def. 
8) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., foul

2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.450, 259.66 def. 
7) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.537, 251.04

5) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.502, 259.44 def. 
4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.721, 251.88

6) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.557, 253.02 def. 
3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.523, 255.97

Semifinals
Putz, 5.611, 231.36 def. Schmeeckle, 6.318, 182.92
Bowler, 5.512, 257.21 def. Wells, 5.532, 253.66;

Final
Putz, 5.479, 259.66 def. Bowler, 5.538, 257.58

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.815, 243.63 def. 
8) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '98 Firebird, foul

2) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.904, 229.35 def. 
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 9.455, 80.81

3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 8.184, 100.17 def. 
6) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '97 Firebird, broke

4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.842, 249.58 def. 
5) Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '01 Firebird, 6.002, 212.66

Semifinals
Elliott, 5.909, 243.50 def. Branch, 6.001, 245.03; 
Moats, 5.951, 241.61 def. Williams, 8.678, 106.48

Final
Moats, 5.811, 245.96 def. Elliott, 8.757, 100.41

COMP ELIMINATOR
Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., dragster, D/ED, 7.480, 175.43 def. 
Scott Benham, La Grange, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.535, 157.28.

SUPER STOCK
Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., '92 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.477, 137.76  def. 
Terry Johnson, Maple Grove, Minn., '93 Mustang, GT/J, 10.668, 124.49.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Scott Dugdale, Circle Pines, Minn., '67 Chevelle, I/SA, 11.957, 110.61 def. 
Nick Folk, Durand, Ill., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, 11.198, 115.17.

SUPER COMP
Brian Percival, Littleton, Colo., dragster, 8.866, 166.72 def. 
Nick Folk, Durand, Ill., dragster, broke.

SUPER GAS
Jarod Bowman, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '59 Corvette, 9.924, 145.58 def. 
Joe Roubicek, Westlake Village, Calif., '63 Corvette, 9.927, 155.57.

SUPER STREET
Frank Nichols Jr., Grand Island, Neb., '91 Daytona, 10.893, 142.45 def.
Craig Schultz, Winona, Minn., '79 Monza, 10.879, 132.68.

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Tim Pazour, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '86 Suzuki, 8.886, 139.64 def. 
Stan Johnson, Sioux Falls, S.D., '78 Kawasaki, 9.482, 135.03.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wells, Moats dig deep, to come out No. 1

EARLVILLE, Iowa - David Wells and Vern Moats lead the qualifiers at Tri-State Raceway's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers. The drivers are atop the eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, respectively.

Wells, who lives in Lemars, Iowa, started the day in the No. 11 position but improved on both of today's runs, finishing the day with a 5.382-second, 262.69 mph pass. Friday's No. 1 qualifier, Robert Perkins of Bluffdale, Utah, wound up in the No. 3 spot. For Wells, this is his first No. 1 qualifying effort in division competition. He goes into eliminations tomorrow looking for his third win of the year.

Des Moines Iowa driver Moats, was No. 1 after Friday's qualifying session and improved today, finishing with a 5.786-second, 245.96 mph pass. Moats was the best qualifier at the division's last Lucas Oil race in Topeka, Kan. Tomorrow's competition will finally see the name of a different Top Alcohol Funny Car driver in the win column. So far, the division has been swept by Cy Chesterman, who is leading the points. Chesterman, however, did not make the trip to Earlville.

In Comp Eliminator, Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., is in the top spot while in Super Stock, Charlie Westcott of Parma, Mich., remained No. 1. Super Stock competitor Bob Shaw of Sedalia, Mo., and Kerker Motorcycle rider Joe Heron, Fremont, Neb., also kept their top rankings.

Racing continues Sunday at Tri-State Raceway. Gates open at 7 a.m. and eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and children 6 to 12 are $5. For more information, call Tri-State Raceway, (563) 923-3724.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers at Tri-State Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.382 seconds, 262.69 mph
2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.463, 259.59
3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.509, 256.55
4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.553, 245.16
5) Bruce Bowler, Denver, 5.554, 257.58
6) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.575, 252.24
7) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Man., 5.575, 249.58
8) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.591, 260.64 

Not Qualified
9) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.608, 252.10
10) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.610, 254.52
11) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.784, 248.41
12) Denny Hummel, Clinton Twp., Mich., 5.816, 240.00
13) Dana Stripe, Galesburg, Ill., 5.964, 232.97

First round TAD pairings
1) David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.382 seconds, 262.69 mph vs. 
8) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.591, 260.64

2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.463, 259.59 vs. 
7) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Man., 5.575, 249.58

3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.509, 256.55 vs. 
6) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.575, 252.24

4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.553, 245.16 vs. 
5) Bruce Bowler, Denver, 5.554, 257.58

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.786 seconds, 245.96 mph
2) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.850, 245.90
3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.851, 249.93
4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.867, 249.44
5) Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '01 Firebird, 5.887, 243.44
6) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Man., '97 Firebird, 6.031, 245.16
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.063, 240.57
8) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '98 Firebird, 6.065, 236.34 

Not Qualified
9) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.074, 239.42
10) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.131, 235.35
11) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Manit., '00 Avenger, 6.150, 231.18

First round TAFC pairings
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.786 seconds, 245.96 mph vs.
8) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '98 Firebird, 6.065, 236.34

2) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.850, 245.90 vs. 
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.063, 240.57

3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.851, 249.93 vs. 
6) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Man., '97 Firebird, 6.031, 245.16

4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.867, 249.44 vs. 
5) Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '01 Firebird, 5.887, 243.44

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 7.010 seconds, -0.620 (under index)
2) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.641, -0.619
3) Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., '99 Firebird, B/EA, 7.919, -0.611
4) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.223, -0.607
5) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 6.793, -0.597
6) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.400, -0.590
7) Bob Book, Frankfort, Ill., dragster, A/D, 6.520, -0.590
8) Scott Benham, La Grange, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.451, -0.569
9) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '97 Firebird, B/A, 7.227, -0.553
10) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '33 Dodge, A/SR, 8.042, -0.548

SUPER STOCK
1) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '99 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.536 seconds, -1.264 (under index)
2) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 11.705, -1.245
3) Charlie Wescott Jr, Parma, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.658, -1.242
4) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.112, -1.188
5) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 9.985, -1.165
6) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.026, -1.124
7) Bob Jaspersen, Lakeville, Minn., '67 Chevy II, SS/IA, 9.924, -1.076
8) Carroll Warling, Arvada, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.076, -1.074
9) Ernie Penner, Osborne, Man., '99 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.441, -1.059
10) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.243, -1.057

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '80 Capri, V/SA, 14.437 seconds, -1.363 (under index)
2) Bob Mulry, Gilroy, Calif., '74 Firebird, K/SA, 11.594, -1.356
3) Greg Greening, Columbia, Mo., '96 S-10, J/FIA, 13.075, -1.275
4) Richard Myers, Faribault, Minn., '65 Belvedere, U/SA, 13.884, -1.266
5) Lisa Stephenson, Danville, Ill., '91 Delta 88, CF/S, 14.671, -1.229
6) Debra Fickler, Huntley, Ill., '85 El Camino, K/FIA, 13.947, -1.203
7) Ron Mattson, Cloquet, Minn., '72 Camaro, J/SA, 11.559, -1.191
8) Bill Rink, Naperville, Ill., '74 GTO, J/SA, 11.566, -1.184
9) Jerry Stealy, E Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, G/SA, 11.118, -1.182
10) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 10.819, -1.181

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Joe Heron, Fremont, Neb., '06 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Robert Cooper, Omaha, Neb., '88 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001
3) Dale Detlie, Owatonna, Minn., '03 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
4) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '02 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
5) Larry Christianson, Vinton, Iowa, '91 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
6) Chris Oravecz, Chanel Winchester, Ohio, '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.005
7) Al Wright, Van Horne, Iowa, '80 Suzuki, KMC, 0.006
8) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.007
9) Tim Pazour, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.007
10) Jeff Lanoue, Zimmerman, Mexico, '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First rounds of qualifying complete

EARLVILLE, Iowa - NHRA West Central division racers close out the 2004 season at Tri-State Raceway this weekend. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers runs Friday through Sunday.

In the initial rounds of qualifying, Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, leads the Top Alcohol Dragster field and Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, sets the pace in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Drivers in both classes are vying for eight qualifying positions.

Perkins' 5.509-second, 256.55 mph effort was just enough to put him ahead of No. 2 qualifying driver, Ed Schmeekle of Gothenburg, Neb., who ran 5.575 seconds at 252.24 mph. Moats made a 5.850-second, 239.87 mph run to pass Glenwood, Iowa, racer Kirk Williams who posted a 6.054-second, 242.00 mph run.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Comp Eliminator driver Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., and Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., in Super Stock. In Stock Eliminator, Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., is in the No. 1 spot while Joe Heron, Fremont, Neb., leads the Kerker Motorcycle class.

Racing continues Saturday at Tri-State Raceway. Gates open at 7 a.m. and qualifying resumes at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car will each have two qualifying runs, at noon and 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 years old. For more information, call Tri-State Raceway, (563) 923-3724. Eliminations are slated for Sunday morning.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers at Tri-State Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.509 seconds, 256.55 mph
2) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.575, 252.24
3) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Man., 5.575, 249.58
4) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.591, 260.56
5) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.610, 254.52
6) Bruce Bowler, Denver, 5.677, 250.27
7) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.780, 237.84
8) Denny Hummel, Clinton Twp., Mich., 5.896, 236.40

Not Qualified
9) Dana Stripe, Galesburg, Ill., 5.984, 232.97
10) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 6.724, 175.33
11) David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 8.618, 99.30

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.850 seconds, 239.87 mph
2) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.054, 242.00
3) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.063, 240.57
4) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.203, 239.42
5) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.293, 232.49
6) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '98 Firebird, 6.561, 162.68
7) Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '01 Firebird, 6.963, 144.90
8) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Man., '00 Avenger, 7.701, 119.47 

Not Qualified
9) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 9.737, 91.25

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., '99 Firebird, B/EA, 7.919 seconds, -0.611 (under index)
2) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.223, -0.607
3) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 6.793, -0.597
4) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '97 Firebird, B/A, 7.227, -0.553
5) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.439, -0.551
6) Scott Benham, La Grange, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.471, -0.549
7) Allen Wilson, Kokomo, Ind., dragster, A/ND, 7.095, -0.535
8) Jerry Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.249, -0.531
9) Daniel Mikel, Cypress, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.499, -0.521
10) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.261, -0.519

SUPER STOCK
1) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '99 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.569 seconds, -1.231 (under index)
2) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 11.748, -1.202
3) Charlie Wescott Jr., Parma, Mich., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.730, -1.170
4) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.161, -1.139
5) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.042, -1.108
6) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.054, -1.096
7) Carroll Warling, Arvada, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.083, -1.067
8) Ernie Penner, Osborne, Man., '99 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.471, -1.029
9) Bob Jaspersen, Lakeville, Minn., '67 Chevy II, SS/IA, 9.973, -1.027
10) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.289, -1.011

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '80 Capri, V/SA, 14.437 seconds, -1.363 (under index)
2) Bob Mulry, Gilroy, Calif., '74 Firebird, K/SA, 11.715, -1.235
3) Richard Myers, Faribault, Minn., '65 Belvedere, U/SA, 13.919, -1.231
4) Bill Rink, Naperville, Ill., '74 GTO, J/SA, 11.566, -1.184
5) Greg Greening, Columbia, Mo., '96 S-10, J/FIA, 13.166, -1.184
6) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 10.819, -1.181
7) Debra Fickler, Huntley, Ill., '85 El Camino, K/FIA, 14.011, -1.139
8) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '71 Firebird, D/SA, 10.715, -1.135
9) Ron Mattson, Cloquet, Minn., '72 Camaro, J/SA, 11.618, -1.132
10) Keith Lynch, West Jordon, Utah, '70 Nova, A/SA, 10.172, -1.128

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Joe Heron, Fremont, Neb., '06 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Dale Detlie, Owatonna, Minn., '03 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
3) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '02 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
4) Larry Christianson, Vinton, Iowa, '91 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003
5) Chris Oravecz, Chanel Winchester, Ohio, '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.005
6) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.007
7) Robert Cooper, Omaha, Neb., '80 Suzuki, KMC, 0.011
8) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.012
9) Ken Kinsella, Paris, Tenn., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.015
10) Dave Kieffer, Spring Lake Park, Minn., '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Central Division racers wrap up fight for Lucas Oil points

EARLVILLE, Iowa - The final round of the NHRA West Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers will be held at Tri-State Raceway, Sept. 10-12. Drivers in eight categories, including the powerful Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, will earn points leading to divisional and national championships. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

Defending West Central Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champion David Wells is trying to earn his fifth division title, but in order to do so must chase down current points leader Randy Meyer of Spring Hill, Kan. Wells won two out-of-division races last year, in Joliet, Ill., and Noble, Okla., and was runner-up at Brainerd, Minn., and Nebraska Motorplex. He won the West Central title last year without benefit of a win in the division. Wins in the division were spread among six different drivers, many of whom were from out of division. Wells has won the Brainerd and Nebraska division events this year, but Meyer and Shelly Howard have the other two wins.

Meyer has been the division's strongest runner in TAD so far. He wasn't behind the wheel last year, but, as crew chief on the car, led the team to the national championship with Alan Bradshaw as their driver. Making good on his NHRA West Central Division return as a driver, Meyer won the first event of the year in Great Bend, Kan. He got a head start on the 2004 season by competing at out-of-division races in Houston and Memphis, Tenn., where he made two final-round appearances. He was runner-up in Houston and won the Memphis event. He was also runner-up to Wells at the second West Central Division event of the year in Brainerd. What's more, he has the best performance of the year in the West Central Division at 5.290 seconds and 261.78 mph at Nebraska.

Meyer is second in the country and Wells third. They are both chasing Northwest campaigner Mitch Myers so points at Tri-State are very important indeed.

Hawkeyes figure mightily in TAFC action. Defending NHRA Lucas Oil Series West Central Division Champion Cy Chesterman, of Sioux City, has already clinched the division title for this year. He began this season by winning at Great Bend, Kan., Brainerd, Minn., Denver, and Scribner, Neb. He has also scored victories at national events in Gainesville, Fla., and Las Vegas. He had an enviable season last year, but has managed to improve on it.

In 2003, Chesterman made it to the final round at all seven of the NHRA Lucas Oil divisional events he attended. He scored wins at Brainerd Int'l Raceway, Nebraska Motorplex, in Scribner, Neb., here at Tri-State Raceway and at an out-of-division event in Las Vegas. He was runner-up at Heartland Park Topeka, Bandimere Speedway in Denver, and at S.R.C.A. Drag Strip in Great Bend, Kan.

Chesterman's most likely challenger at Tri-State will be Kirk Williams of Glenwood, the current No. 2 West Central Division points earner. Williams finished second in the points last year after winning the division TAFC crown in 2002. Last year he beat Chesterman in Denver and was runner-up to him in Brainerd and here in Earlville. Chesterman is currently second in the country in Lucas points, trailing Californian Jay Payne.

Gates at Tri-State Raceway open at 7 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Eliminations will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will qualify at 5 p.m. on Friday and will have two sessions on Saturday, at noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes begin at noon on Sunday.

Tickets to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers, are $15 for Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6-12 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are free.

Tri-State Raceway is located 30 miles west of Dubuque on Highway 20 at exit 285, on the south side of the highway. For more information call the track, (563) 923-3724, or visit www.TriStateRaceway.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, presented by Hustler Turf Equipment and Wright-Way Trailers, 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. This is the final of six events in West Central Division competition. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Tri-State Raceway, Earlville, Iowa. Track is located 30 miles west of Dubuque on Hwy. 20 at exit 285. Tri-State Raceway is on the south side of the highway.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Sept., 10-12, 2004

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Sept. 10 -- 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 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 11 -- 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 noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 12 -- 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 -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children (6-12) $5 each day. For more information please call Tri-State Raceway at (563) 923-3724.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $154,010, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Ed Schmeeckle, Top Alcohol Dragster; Cy Chesterman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Thomas Schmidt, Comp Eliminator; Jeff Stealy, Super Stock; Daryl Bureski, Stock Eliminator; Milt Gedo, Super Comp; Robert Trace, Super Gas; Corey Bentley, 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: $1000 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.

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 $14,800 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 2004, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $2,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $1,000.

Currently, Sportsman Motorcycles are run in NHRA's South Central, West Central, Northwest and Pacific divisions.

FEATURES: More than 450 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.