FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thompson Scores First Career Win

ACTON Mont. - In front a capacity crowd for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at IMSP Clint Thompson and Chris Demke captured wins in their respective categories.

Thompson faced off against Hank Coolidge of Sunburst, Mont., in the final of Top Alcohol Funny Car and took his first ever NHRA win with a 6.121 second pass at 235.68 mph. Coolidge ran quicker with a 5.975 second run at 237.75 mph but it was Thompson's reaction time that was the difference.

"Finally!" exclaimed Thompson after this run. "The car was all over the track and heading toward the wall but I never saw Hank so I pulled it back toward the center and keep my foot in the throttle. Neither of us we sure who won until the NHRA guys told us. This is just great for the whole team. Everyone deserves it."

Demke took out Montana racer Greg Tacke of Great Falls in the semi-finals and thought to be heading into a final round match up with Joey Severance in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Severance out ran Northwest points leader Steve Federlin in his semi-final run but hurt the motor in doing so. The damage was enough to keep Severance from the competing in the final giving Demke a bye and the win with a run of 5.965 seconds at 234.00 mph.

Jeff Lane qualified No. 2 in Comp. Eliminator and took out the No. 1 qualifier Alan Ellis with a run of 8.309 seconds at 161.15 mph to Ellis' 7.180, 188.15.

A pair of local racers advanced to the final round in Top Comp with Worland, Wyo., racer Sarah Smith knocking out Steve Schmidt of Billings, Mont., who ran 8.250 seconds at 159.66 mph. This was the 19 year old's first NHRA divisional win.

Other winner's this weekend were Ernie Penner in Super Stock; Columbus, Mont., racer Ross Allsup in Stock; Bubba Dalrymple in Super Comp; Jeff Taylor in Super Gas; Dudley Gee in Super Street; Brian Preszler in Super Pro; and Steve Miller in the Kerker Motorcycle Series.

The Northwest Division racers head to Southern Oregon Dragway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, October 8-9.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Intermountain Motor Sports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
ROUND ONE
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.601, 253.95 def.
5) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.573, 253.71
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.665, 549.76 was unopposed
2) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.583, 251.86 def.
7) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., broke
3) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.623, 248.20 def.
6) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., broke

SEMI-FINALS
Severance, 5.627, 251.91 def. Federlin, 5.693, 250.18
Demke, 5.683, 248.34 def. Tacke, 5.670, 250.97

FINALS
Demke, 5.965, 234.00 def. Severance, broke

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND ONE
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.895, 237.96 def.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, broke
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 8.602, 118.99 def.
7) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, broke
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.830, 248.02 def.
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 7.175, 146.00
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.932, 240.64 def. 
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.063, 241.11

SEMI-FINALS
Thompson, 6.111, 235.97 def. Austin, 7.033, 146.40
Coolidge, 5.920, 236.51 def. Weaver, 6.299, 176.44

FINALS
Thompson, 6.121, 235.68 def. Coolidge, 5.979, 237.75

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Cutlass, B/EA, 8.309, 161.15  def. 
Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '27  roadster, A/AA, 7.180, 188.15

SUPER STOCK
Ernie Penner, Osborne, Manit., '99 Firebird, GT/IA, 11.033, 120.28  def.
Grant Singer, Regina, Sask., '83 Firebird, SS/CM, 9.793, 137.99

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Ross Allsup, Columbus, Mont., '70 Mustang, B/SA, 11.329, 117.67  def. 
Don Elgin, Des Moines, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, foul

SUPER COMP
Bubba Dalrymple, Sunnyside, Wash., dragster, 9.216, 158.30  def.
Emmett McKillop, Lynnwood, Wash., dragster, 9.197, 162.51

SUPER GAS
Jeff Taylor, Evans, Colo., '90 Camaro, 10.260, 124.69  def.
Todd Litton, Fromberg, Mont., '89 Camaro, 10.134, 139.11

SUPER STREET
Dudley Gee, Canby, Ore., '66 Mustang, 11.323, 126.51  def. Jeff 
Jackson, Wilsonville, Ore., '68 Mustang, 11.288, 138.56

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 9.378, 135.17  def.
Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, 9.324, 140.25

TOP COMP
Sarah Smith, Worland, Wyo., dragster, 7.764, 170.11  def.
Steven Schmidt, Billings, Mont., dragster, foul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Federlin, Austin on Top of the Mountian

ACTON, Mont. - In the final rounds of qualifying for this weekend's Inaugural NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Intermountain Motor Sports Park Steve Federlin and Bucky Austin lead the fields into tomorrow's eliminations.

Federlin, of Oregon City, Ore., laid down a lap of 5.574 seconds at 252.24 mph to lead the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Local favorite Greg Tacke of Great Falls, Mont., is second posting a 5.590 second run at 254.52 mph and is followed by Chris Demke in the No. 3 spot with a 5.605 second, 252.33 mph.

"We hurt the motor on this last run," commented Federlin. "The motor kicked out 2 rods. Better today than during eliminations tomorrow."

Federlin went on to comment how nice the racing surface is and that it was great to see so many fans out at the event.

Austin jumped on top of the Top Alcohol Funny Car class with a 248.43 mph run in 5.817 seconds. The defending Northwest Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion is followed by Hank Coolidge of Sunburst, Mont. in second and John Weaver of Orting, Wash., in third.

Coolidge covered the quarter mile in 5.846 seconds at 244.65 mph while Weaver ran a 5.898 second, 240.98 mph run. Kenneth Kraus of Great Falls, Mont., is fifth in funny car with a run of 6.106 seconds, 238.76 mph.

Alan Ellis of Mapleton, Utah, is qualified No. 1 in Comp. Eliminator with a pass of 7.048 seconds, 0.632 seconds under the index. Ellis is followed by Jeff Lane of North Bend, Wash., with a lap of 8.217 seconds, 0.623 seconds under. Lane, racing in two different classes this weekend, was one step better in Super Stock grabbing the top spot in his '03 Grand Am with a run of 9.181 seconds, 1.239 seconds under the index.

In Top Comp qualifying, Brian Preszler sits on top with a 7.246 second lap at 186.61 mph and is followed by Jeff Wisher of Columbia Falls, Mont., with a run of 7.361, 182.70. Montana drivers make up a third of the field with ten entries in Top Comp, five from neighboring Billings, Mont.

Gary Harper leads the Stock field with a 12.676 second pass while Ken Van Buren is on top in the Kerker Motorcycle class with a .008 second reaction time on his '84 Kawasaki.

Racing continues Sunday at 9 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. with round 1 of Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car scheduled for noon. Tickets are $20. For more information, call IMSP at (406) 861-RACE.

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 Inaugural event at Intermountain Motor Sports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.574 seconds, 252.24 mph
2) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.590, 254.28
3) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.605, 252.33
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.608, 254.52
5) Hillary Will, Scotia, Calif., 5.611, 256.26
6) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.731, 248.20
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.750, 245.58
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.865, 234.70

First round TAD pairings
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.574 seconds, 252.24 mph vs.
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.865, 234.70
2) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.590, 254.28 vs.
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.750, 245.58
3) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.605, 252.33 vs.
6) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.731, 248.20
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.608, 254.52 vs.
5) Hillary Will, Scotia, Calif., 5.611, 256.26

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.817 seconds, 248.43 mph
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.846, 244.87
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.898, 240.98
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.980, 242.02
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.106, 238.76
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.109, 236.63
7) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, 6.151, 235.56
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 6.268, 232.67

First round TAFC pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.817 seconds, 248.43 mph vs.
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 6.268, 232.67
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.846, 244.87 vs.
7) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, 6.151, 235.56
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.898, 240.98 vs.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.109, 236.63
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.980, 242.02 vs. 
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.106, 238.76

Comp. Eliminator
1) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '27 roadster, A/AA, 7.048 seconds, -0.632 (under index)
2) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Cutlass, B/EA, 8.217, -0.623
3) Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., '99 Firebird, B/EA, 8.223, -0.617
4) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, dragster, C/D, 7.290, -0.600
5) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 9.082, -0.598
6) Dean Howerton, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., dragster, C/D, 7.328, -0.562
7) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.556, -0.544
8) Mike Nahan, Sartell, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.956, -0.504
9) Bruce Schmiedl, Regina, Sask., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.896, -0.384
10) Rick Dingle, Olympia, Wash., dragster, C/ED, 7.849, -0.381

Super Stock
1) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.181 seconds, -1.239 (under index)
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.494, -1.236
3) Ernie Penner, Osborne, Manit., '99 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.901, -1.139
4) Tom Nolan, Lacombe, Alb., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.277, -1.133
5) Jim Beuthel, Aurora, Colo., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 10.111, -1.099
6) Bill Ringer, Longmont, Colo., '70 Barracuda, SS/FA, 10.218, -1.042
7) Don Thomas, Spruce Grove, Alb., '87 Camaro, GT/EA, 10.438, -1.032
8) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alb., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 10.339, -0.971
9) Carl Downard, Boise, Idaho, '55 Chevy, SS/N, 11.918, -0.912
10) Abe Loewen, Regina, Sask., '98 Grand Am, SS/DM, 9.770, -0.910

Stock Eliminator
1) Gary Harper, Canon City, Colo., '86 Dodge D-150, O/SA, 12.676 seconds, -1.404 (under index)
2) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.522, -1.308
3) Chad Pope, Pocatello, Idaho, '88 Mustang, F/FI, 12.171, -1.289
4) Glenn Person, Regina, Sask., '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.624, -1.256
5) Gene Mosbek, Elk River, Minn., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.594, -1.236
6) Don Elgin, Des Moines, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.733, -1.197
7) Jim Hughes, Grand Jct, Colo., '67 Camaro, B/S, 10.876, -1.164
8) Mike Pruss, Red Deer, Alb., '67 Camaro, F/S, 11.525, -1.145
9) Bob Swan, Belle Fourche, S.D., '67 Shelby, C/SA, 11.170, -1.080
10) Scott Loge, Brentwood, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 11.175, -1.075

TOP COMP
1) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., dragster, 7.246 seconds, 186.33 mph
2) Jeff Wisher, Columbia Falls, Mont., dragster, 7.361, 182.70
3) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., dragster, 7.398, 180.72
4) Marvin Mueller, Lake Stevens, Wash., dragster, 7.420, 183.10
5) Jessica Juel, Spokane, Wash., dragster, 7.548, 176.90
6) Tom Bailey, Soda Springs, Idaho, dragster, 7.609, 171.97
7) Sarah Smith, Worland, Wyo., dragster, 7.668, 173.56
8) John Evans, North Delta, B.C., dragster, 7.671, 177.56
9) Tom Koenen, North Bend, Ore., dragster, 7.677, 176.26
10) Bill Biggers, Butte, Mont., dragster, 7.685, 174.08

Kerker Motorcycle
1) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, 0.008 seconds reaction time
2) Ray Rains Jr., Garden Grove, Calif., '82 Suzuki, 0.008
3) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, 0.008
4) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '03 Kawasaki, 0.009
5) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 0.012
6) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, 0.014
7) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, 0.015
8) Miles Hauer, Seattle, Wash., '04 Suzuki, 0.017
9) Bobby Trotter, Billings, Mont., '91 Kawasaki, 0.021
10) Mike Pedler, Billings, Mont., '92 Kawasaki, 0.031

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Racing under way for inaugural NHRA event

ACTON, Mont. - Action kicked off today for the Inaugural NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Intermountain Motor Sports Park. The facility, just outside of Billings, Mont., ran its first pair of cars at the opening event in July 2003 then added this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional event to their '04 schedule.

Northwest points leaders Steve Federlin and Bucky Austin grabbed the top spots in today's first rounds of qualifying with Federlin covering the quarter mile in 5.660 seconds at 247.29 mph to lead the Top Alcohol Dragster field. The Oregon City, Ore., racer currently leads the Northwest division point's standings and is looking for his second win of the season to go along with two runner-up finishes.

Chris Demke of Sunland, Calif., and Montana racer Greg Tacke sit in the number two and three spots respectively. Demke ran a 5.675 second pass at 245.72 mph while Tacke of Great Falls, Mont., ran 6.042 seconds at 236.91 mph.

Austin put his '02 Firebird on top in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.857 second pass at 244.60 mph. Austin picked up two of his three wins this year last month, taking home the trophy at the Northwest Division Lucas Oil event in Woodburn, Ore., and in Sonoma Calif., at the Fram Autolite Nationals.

Austin is followed by Sunburst, Mont., resident Hank Coolidge in the No. 2 spot at 5.962 seconds, 239.91 mph and John Weaver in third at 6.042, 236.63. Austin and Weaver are 1-2 in the division points battle with Weaver just 32 points behind Austin. Clint Thompson of Klamath Falls, Ore., is celebrating his 16th wedding anniversary this weekend with his wife Danette and is currently qualified fourth in funny car with a 6.098 second run at 232.47 mph.

William Riemenapp grabbed the top spot in Comp. Eliminator running 8.233 seconds, 0.617 seconds under the index and is followed by Alan Ellis of Mapleton, Utah, with a 7.076 second lap, 0.604 seconds under.

In Super Stock, Jeff Lane leads the field with a run of 9.233 seconds and is followed by Jim Beuthel of Aurora, Colo., with a 10.125 second lap. Stock racer Gary Harper put his '86 Dodge truck on top with a run of 12.676 seconds and is joined by Kerker Motorcycle rider Ken Van Buren who qualified No. 1 with a .008 second reaction time. Billings, Mont., racer Mike Pedler is fifth in the Kerker class on his '92 Kawasaki.

Racing continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $15 Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Children 6-12 are half price and 5 and under are free. For more information, call IMSP at (406) 861-RACE

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Inaugural event at Intermountain Motorsports:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.660 seconds, 247.29 mph
2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.675, 245.72
3) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.680, 250.97
4) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.731, 248.20
5) Hillary Will, Scotia, Calif., 5.775, 247.70
6) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.845, 239.82
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.891, 236.80
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 6.296, 169.89

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.857 seconds, 244.60 mph
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.962, 239.91
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 6.042, 236.63
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.098, 232.47
5) Ken Kraus, Great Falls, Mont., '02 Trans Am, 6.106, 238.76
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.109, 236.63
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '99 Firebird, 6.268, 230.06
8) Bob Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '00 Camaro, 8.356, 106.69

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., '99 Firebird, B/EA, 8.223 seconds,  -0.617 (under index)
2) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '27 roadster, A/AA, 7.076, -0.604
3) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Cutlass, B/EA, 8.244, -0.596
4) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.556, -0.544
5) Dean Howerton,  Lake Havasu City, Ariz., dragster, C/D, 7.355, -0.535
6) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, dragster, C/D, 7.357, -0.533
7) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 9.180, -0.500
8) Mike Nahan, Sartell, Minn., dragster, E/D, 8.044, -0.416
9) Rick Dingle, Olympia, Wash., dragster, C/ED, 7.853, -0.377
10) Bruce Schmiedl, Regina, Sask., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.934, -0.346

SUPER STOCK
1) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.233 seconds,  -1.187 (under index)
2) Jim Beuthel, Aurora, Colo., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 10.125, -1.085
3) Tom Nolan, Lacombe, Alb., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.339, -1.071
4) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.673, -1.057
5) Don Thomas, Spruce Grove, Alb., '87 Camaro, GT/EA, 10.481, -0.989
6) Bill Ringer, Longmont, Colo., '70 Barracuda, SS/FA, 10.276, -0.984
7) Carl Downard, Boise, Idaho, '55 Chevy, SS/N, 11.918, -0.912
8) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alb., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 10.418, -0.892
9) Terry Anderson, Meridian, Idaho, '67 Nova, SS/H, 10.446, -0.864
10) Rob Youngblood, Nampa, Idaho, '77 Corvette, SS/J, 10.758, -0.862

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Gary Harper, Canon City, Colo., '86 Dodge D-150, O/SA, 12.676  seconds, -1.404 (under index)
2) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.522, -1.308
3) Don Elgin, Des Moines, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.733, -1.197
4) Jim Hughes, Grand Jct, Colo., '67 Camaro, B/S, 10.893, -1.147
5) Mike Pruss, Red Deer, Alb., '67 Camaro, F/S, 11.525, -1.145
6) Gene Mosbek, Elk River, Minn., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.713, -1.117
7) Glenn Person, Regina, Sask., '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.767, -1.113
8) Scott Loge, Brentwood, Calif., '72 Barracuda, C/SA, 11.196, -1.054
9) Chad Pope, Pocatello, Idaho, '88 Mustang, F/FI, 12.409, -1.051
10) Bob Swan, Belle Fourche, S.D., '67 Shelby, C/SA, 11.226, -1.024

TOP COMP
1) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., dragster, 7.246 seconds, 186.33  mph
2) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., dragster, 7.398, 180.72
3) Jeff Wisher, Columbia Falls, Mont., dragster, 7.412, 181.76
4) Marvin Mueller, Lake Stevens, Wash., dragster, 7.452, 182.16
5) Jessica Juel, Spokane, Wash., dragster, 7.548, 176.90
6) Tom Bailey, Soda Springs, Idaho, dragster, 7.609, 171.97
7) John Evans, North Delta, B.C., dragster, 7.671, 177.56
8) Tom Koenen, North Bend, Ore., dragster, 7.679, 174.75
9) Bill Biggers, Butte, Mont., dragster, 7.685, 174.08
10) Frank Tamez, Yakima, Wash., '63 Corvette, 7.719, 179.71

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, 0.008 seconds reaction time
2) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '03 Kawasaki, 0.009
3) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 0.012
4) Miles Hauer, Seattle, Wash., '04 Suzuki, 0.017
5) Mike Pedler, Billings, Mont., '92 Kawasaki, 0.031
6) Cory Biggers, Butte, Mont., '78 Kawasaki, 0.031
7) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, 0.032
8) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, 0.034
9) Rick Newport, West Valley, Utah, '97 Suzuki, 0.035
10) Mitchell Lippen, Cave Creek, Ariz., '02 Kawasaki, 0.036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Intermountain to host its inaugural Lucas Oil event

ACTON, Mont. - Intermountain Motor Sports Park, located 10 miles north of Billings, will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Aug. 20-22. The race is the sixth of seven in Northwest Division competition. Drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), will compete for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships and a share of the $561,000 champions' purse. The division's Top Comp and Kerker Sportsman Motorcycle categories will also run in conjunction with the race.

With four events for TAD and TAFC now complete in NHRA's Northwest Division, the battle for points is really starting to heat up in the division's two alcohol classes. In the Top Alcohol Funny Car, defending Northwest Division Champion Bucky Austin, who has won two of four events in the division, hopes to continue his dominance and move into a solid position for his seventh division title. After suffering rare mechanical problems at the season opener in Mission, B.C., Austin bounced back with victories at Woodburn Dragstrip in June and July. He currently leads Mission Raceway Park and Pacific Raceways winner John Weaver by 32 points. The winner in Billings is likely to leave as the points leader with only one event remaining.

Former Northwest Division Champion Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., and Mitch Myers of Hermiston, Ore., are locked in a heated battle in the division's Top Alcohol Dragster category. The two Oregon drivers each have one Northwest Division win and with only two races remaining on the division's tour they are separated only by 22 points with the lead going Federlin. Also figuring into the mix is recent Woodburn winner Mike Cofini who is holding steady in third.

In Competition Eliminator, class standout Gary Anderson drove his '99 Pontiac Firebird to a win at Mission, B.C., the first Woodburn event and Seattle. He comes to Billings hoping to solidify his hold on the division points lead.

Gates at Intermountain Motor Sports Park open at 7 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials will start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying session on Friday at 3 p.m. and two on Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

General admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $15 Friday, $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are half price each day. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Intermountain Motor Sports Park is located 10 miles north of Billings. Take Montana Highway 3 to Mainwaring Rd. Stay on Mainwaring Rd. to front gate. For more information please call Intermountain Motor Sports Park at (406) 861-RACE or visit www.raceimsp.com.

Northwest Division racers will conclude their NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season Oct. 8-9 at Southern Oregon Dragway in Medford, Ore.

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 event is the sixth of seven in Northwest Division competition. The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Intermountain Motor Sports Park, Billings/Acton, Mont. Track is located 10 miles north of Billings. Take Montana Highway 3 to Mainwaring Rd. Stay on Mainwaring Rd. to front gate.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 20-22, 2004

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Aug. 20 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 21 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 22 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday. For more information please call Intermountain Motor Sports Park at (406) 861-RACE.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $148,310, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: This is Intermountain Motor Sports Park's inaugural Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.

The 2003 NHRA Northwest Division Champions are: Joey Severance, Top Alcohol Dragster; Bucky Austin, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Adam Bowdish, Comp Eliminator, Jeff Lane Super Stock; Brad Plourd, Stock; Anthony Castillo, Super Comp; Stefan Kondolay, Super Gas; Tom Manfred , Super Street; Doug Hemenway, Top Comp; Steve Miller, Kerker Motorcycle.

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.

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 350 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.