FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eliminations complete at US 13 Dragway

DELMAR, Del. - Final results are in from the Delaware 1st State Championship, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, at US 13 Dragway. Comp Eliminator national champion Don Stratton won his first event of the season and was joined in the winner's circle today by five other first-time winners: Sal Biondo in Super Stock; Jerry MacNeish in Stock; Dan Northrop in Super Comp; Tom Stalba in Super Gas; and Robert Silfies in Super Street.

Beloit, Ohio, resident Stratton drove his '34 roadster to victory over Patrick Ross of Avon Lake, Ohio, while Biondo, of Maspeth, N.Y., beat Ron Morehead of Newburgh, N.Y. MacNeish, who lives in Eldersburg, Md., took the stripe over John Gray of Hudson, Mass. For Doylestown, Pa., resident Northrop, it was a very narrow margin of victory over Kent Hanley of Newtown, Conn. Stalba of Williamstown, N.J., beat out Tommy Corbett of Hampton, Va. Stalba took the Super Comp win at the division's season opener in Reading, Pa. Easton, Pa.'s Silfies beat Toya Peel of Houston, Del., in the final.

To recap Saturday's eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, Cliff Bozzelli and Frank Manzo each took their second divisional event wins of the season. Bozzelli of Absecon, N.J., took the win in TAD over Billy Gibson of Chaptico, N.J. Morganville, N.J., resident Manzo drove his TAFC around Craig English of Mt. Holly, N.J. The next stop on the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Northeast Division tour is at Atco Raceway, June 21-23, 2002.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at US 13 Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.659 seconds, 251.04 mph def. 
Billy Gibson, Chaptico, N.J., 6.670, 156.87

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Frank Manzo, Morgaville, N.J., '01 Avenger, 6.094, 211.56 def. 
Craig English, Mt. Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, broke

COMP ELIMINATOR
Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, '34 roadster, 8.207, 146.31 def. 
Patrick Ross, '98 Pontiac, 8.456, 160.91

SUPER STOCK
Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '91 Firebird, 10.665, 117.98 def. 
Ron Morehead, Newburgh, N.Y., '90 Camaro, 10.266, 129.21

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jerry MacNeish, Eldersburg, Md., '68 Camaro, 11.161, 114.60 def. 
John Gray, Hudson, Mass., '72 Nova, 11.604, 113.15

SUPER COMP
Dan Nothrop, Doylestown, Pa., '01 dragster, 8.912, 165.86 def. 
Kent Hanley, Newtown, Conn., '01 dragster 8.917, 169.61

SUPER GAS
Tom Stalba, Williamstown, N.J., '63 Corvette, 9.904, 154.93 def. 
Tommy Corbett, Hampton, Va.,  '93 Daytona, 9.891, 156.27

SUPER STREET
Robert Silfies, Easton, Pa., '74 Vega, 10.837, 127.22 def.
Toya Peel, Houston, Del., '69 Camaro, 10.822, 132.84

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bozzelli, Manzo takes wins; other classes to complete Sunday

DELMAR, Del. - Competitors at the Delaware 1st State Championship, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, have finished qualifying and time trials at US 13 Dragway. Today was Race Day for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car drivers and Cliff Bozzelli took the win in TAD and Frank Manzo won in TAFC. Both drivers are now two-for-two in division competition.

Bozzelli, from Absecon, N.J., won here a year ago. This year he defeated Chaptico, Md., resident Billy Gibson. Bozzelli made a 5.659-second, 251.04-mph pass over Gibson's 6.670-second, 156.87-mph effort.

Manzo had a bye in the final when Craig English of Mt. Holly, N.J., was unable to start his car. In the final, Manzo, a resident of Morganville, N.J., ran 6.094 seconds at 211.56 mph.

Taking home the Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonuses are Bozzelli in TAD; Manzo in TAFC; Michele Costa of Freehold, N.J., in Comp Eliminator; Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., in Super Stock; and Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., in Stock.

Racing continues tomorrow at US 13 Dragway. Gates open at 10 a.m. and eliminations for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street begin at 11 a.m.

General admission tickets for the Delaware 1st State Championship are $10 and $18 with a pit pass. Children 14 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call US 13 Dragway, (302) 846-3968, or visit www.DelawareRacing.com.

The following are Saturday's eliminations results for TAD and TAFC and final qualifying for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock at the Delaware 1st Championship at US 13 Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
FIRST ROUND
1) Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.704 seconds, 250.83 mph def. 
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 6.896, 243.11   
 
7) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 5.744, 244.83 def. 
2) Doug Foley, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., 6.278, 161.52

3) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.838, 240.25 def. 
6) Steve Lamplaugh, Severna Park, Md., 6.184, 193.75

4) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 7.004, 174.01 def. 
5) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 11.123, 67.34

SEMIFINALS
Bozzelli, 5.650, 251.18 def. DeAngelis, 5.946, 219.56
Gibson, 6.055, 220.10 def. Benkovich, 5.881, 229.41

FINAL ROUND
Bozzelli, 5.659, 251.04 def. Gibson, 6.670, 156.87

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
FIRST ROUND
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '01 Avenger, 6.075 seconds, 237.71 mph def. 
4) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '01 Corvette, 8.617, 102.76

3) Craig English, Mt. Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.414, 222.44 def. 
2) Kim McKean, Shohola, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.350, 207.42

FINAL ROUND
Manzo, 6.094, 211.56 def. English, broke

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., '01 dragster, G/D, 9.018 seconds, -0.892 under index
2. Dave Northrop, Perkasie, Pa., '96 Cutlass, F/A, 8.148, -0.722
3. Frank Aragona, Franklin Square, N.Y., '01 Kier, F/EA, 8.381, -0.699
4. Tim Northrop, Doylestown, Pa., '02 Camaro, T/SM, 9.112, -0.648
5. Michael Hardee, Wilmington, N.C., '97 Firebird, E/SMA, 8.776, -0.644
6. Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 8.931, -0.619
7. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, '34 roadster, B/SR, 8.033, -0.617
8. Douglas Harris, Millville, N.J., '00 S-10, D/AA, 7.830, -0.590
9. Jonathan Aloisio, West Chester, Pa., '98 Grand Am, 8.266, -0.574
10. Carl Miller, Stockholm, N.J., '98 Corvette, F/A, 8.335, -0.535

SUPER STOCK
1. Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J. '97 Probe, GT/H, 9.984 seconds, -1.166 under index 
2. Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill, W.Va., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.859, -1.141
3. Howard Barsky, Levittown, Pa., '57 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.322, -1.128
4. James Zane, Bordentown, N.J., '99 S-10, SS/TD, 10.584, -1.116
5. Richard Oakes, Woolwich Twp., N.J., '92 Camaro, SS/BX, 9.739, -1.111
6. Leon Miranian, Davidsonville, Md., '68 Corvette, SS/EA, 9.605, -1.045
7. Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '90 Camaro, 9.908, -1.042
8. Steve Hurley, Mardella Springs, Md., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 11.909,  -1.041
9. Frank Lupo, North East, Md., '93 Achieva, GT/GA, 10.162, -1.038
10. David Barton, Wenersville, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.966, -1.034

STOCK
1. Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., '72 Camaro, I/SA, 11.276 seconds, -1.324 under index
2. Bill Nees, Millmont, Pa., '70 Nova, V/SA, 14.536, -1.264
3. Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., '85 Camaro, J/SA, 11.490, -1.260
4. Tim Bishop, Queenstown, Md., '97 Firehawk, C/S, 10.435, -1.215
5. Doug Chervnik, Sunbury, Pa., '81 Camaro, O/SA, 12.244, -1.206
6. Rusty Canfield, Downington, Pa., '84 Charger, FF/SA, 14.814, -1.186
7. Evan Smith, Matawan, N.J., '93 Mustang, I/S, 11.331, -1.169
8. Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.788, -1.162
9. Richard Hoerth, Old Bridge, N.J., '78 Volare, K/SA, 11.788, -1.162
10. Brian Van Poppel, Perry Hall, Md., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.295, -1.155

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Qualifying under way at US 13 Dragway

DELMAR, Del. - After one round of qualifying at the Delaware 1st State Championship, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Cliff Bozzelli and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Frank Manzo were in the no. 1 qualifying positions in their classes. Bozzelli, of Absecon, N.J., is the defending division champion and he took the win here last year. He outran the field with a pass of 5.671 seconds at 254.23 mph. Morganville, N.J., resident Manzo made a 5.896-second, 245.83 mph run to take the pole. Manzo is the defending divisional and national champion. He has seven national championships in his career.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 2 p.m. for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. Gates at U.S. 13 Dragway open at noon. TAD and TAFC will run all rounds of eliminations, starting at 6 p.m.

General admission tickets for the Delaware 1st State Championship are $12 Saturday, $20 with a pit pass. Sunday tickets are $10 for general admission and $18 with a pit pass. A two-day ticket, with a pit pass, is $35. Children 14 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call the track, (302) 846-3968, or visit www.DelawareRacing.com.

The following are Friday's final qualifying results from the Delaware 1st State Championship event at U.S. 13 Dragway as well as First Round pairings for TAD and TAFC:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1. Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.671 seconds, 254.23 mph
2. Doug Foley, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., 5.728, 242.39
3. Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.854, 220.04
4. Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.875, 213.87 
5. Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.994, 238.47
6. Steve Lamplaugh, Severna Park, Md., 6.022, 224.49
7. Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 6.055, 220.10
8. Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 6.088, 234.25            
Not Qualified
9. Fran Monaghan, Meadowbrook, Pa., 6.090, 171.39
10. Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 6.170, 212.46

PAIRINGS
1) Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.671 seconds, 254.23 mph vs. 
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 6.088, 234.25   
 
2) Doug Foley, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., 5.728, 242.39 vs. 
7) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 6.055, 220.10

3) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.854, 220.04 vs. 
6) Steve Lamplaugh, Severna Park, Md., 6.022, 224.49

4) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.875, 213.87 vs. 
5) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.994, 238.47

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '01 Avenger, 5.896 seconds, 245.83 mph
2. Kim McKean, Shohola, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.521, 183.56 
3. Craig English, Mt. Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.917, 216.60
4. Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '01 Corvette, 12.983, 60.89

PAIRINGS
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '01 Avenger, 5.896 seconds, 245.83 mph vs.
4) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '01 Corvette, 12.983, 60.89

2) Kim McKean, Shohola, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.521, 183.56 vs. 
3) Craig English, Mt. Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.917, 216.60

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., '01 dragster, G/D, 9.018 seconds, -0.892 under index
2. Dave Northrop, Perkasie, Pa., '96 Cutlass, F/A, 8.148, -0.722
3. Frank Aragona, Franklin Square, N.Y., '01 Kier, F/EA, 8.381, -0.699
4. Tim Northrop, Doylestown, Pa., '02 Camaro, T/SM, 9.112, -0.648
5. Michael Hardee, Wilmington, N.C., '97 Firebird, E/SMA, 8.781, -0.639
6. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, '34 roadster, B/SR, 8.033, -0.617
7. Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 8.960, -0.590
8. Douglas Harris, Millville, N.J., '00 S-10, D/AA, 7.863, -0.557
9. Jonathan Aloisio, West Chester, Pa., '98 Grand Am, 8.303, -0.537
10. Carl Miller, Stockholm, N.J., '98 Corvette, F/A, 8.337, -0.533

SUPER STOCK
1. Michael Barsky, Levittown, Pa., '84 Camaro, GT/MA, 10.674 seconds, -1.376 under index 
2. Bucky Hess, Bunker Hill, W.Va., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.859, -1.141
3. Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/H, 10.017, -1.133
4. Richard Oakes, Woolwich Twp., N.J., '92 Camaro, SS/BX, 9.739, -1.111
5. Howard Barsky, Levittown, Pa., '57 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.344, -1.106
6. Leon Miranian, Davidsonville, Md., '68 Corvette, SS/EA, 9.605, -1.045
7. Steve Hurley, Mardella Springs, Md., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 11.909, -1.041
8. Frank Lupo, North East, Md., '93 Achieva, GT/GA, 10.162, -1.038
9. David Barton, Wenersville, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.966, -1.034
10. Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '90 Camaro, 9.926, -1.024

STOCK
1. Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., '72 Camaro, I/SA, 11.276 seconds, -1.324 under index
2. Bill Nees, Millmont, Pa., '70 Nova, V/SA, 14.536, -1.264
3. Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., '85 Camaro, J/SA, 11.529, -1.221
4. Tim Bishop, Queenstown, Md., '97 Firehawk, C/S, 10.435, -1.215
5. Rusty Canfield, Downington, Pa., '84 Charger, FF/SA, 14.814, -1.186
6. Evan Smith, Matawan, N.J., '93 Mustang, I/S, 11.331, -1.169
7. Brian Van Poppel, Perry Hall, Md., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.295, -1.155
8. Bill Beldon, Linden, N.J., '65 Chevelle, M/S, 11.995, -1.155
9. Marty Rinehart Jr., Thomasville, Pa., P/SA, 12.612, -1.138
10. Tex Miller, Fayetteville, Pa., '72 Mustang, G/SA, 11.172, -1.128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series heads to US 13 Dragway

DELMAR, Del. - The Delaware 1st State Championship, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at US 13 Dragway is the second of seven races in NHRA's Northeast Division. The event, June 7-9, will feature more than 500 drivers in eight racing categories, including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars.

Top Alcohol Funny Car drivers will again have their hands full, competing against defending national and divisional champion Frank Manzo. Manzo, who resides in Morganville, N.J., has seven TAFC national championships, including five in the last five years. He also has 11 division titles to his credit. On his way to the 2001 titles, Manzo won five divisional races and six NHRA national events. However, Schenectady, N.Y., resident Bob Newberry has already run several NHRA events and is always tough competition for Manzo. On the national event level, Manzo has one win this season and Newberry scored runner-up points.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, defending division champion Cliff Bozzelli is on a quest to repeat as champion. The Absecon, N.J., resident has been runner-up at two NHRA national events. Bozzelli won here a year ago on his way to five divisional wins and one national event victory. Several drivers will by trying to take the crown from Bozzelli, including Boxboro, Mass., resident Art Gallant and Billy Gibson of Chaptico, Md.

Gates at US 13 Dragway open at 9 a.m. Friday. Qualifying and time trials begin at 3 p.m. TAD and TAFC will have qualifying sessions at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, gates open at noon and racing begins at 2 p.m. TAD and TAFC will run all rounds of eliminations on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. All remaining classes will begin eliminations Sunday. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and racing begins at 11 a.m.

Adult tickets are $10 Friday, or $15 with a pit pass; $12 on Saturday, $20 with a pit pass; and $10 Sunday, and $22 with a pit pass. A Saturday/Sunday ticket, including pit pass, is $35 and a ticket and pit pass for all three days is $50. Children 14 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

The event is part of a 45-race, $6.5 million series contested across the country. Drivers are competing for a part of a $561,000 champions' purse. They will earn points leading to national and divisional titles as well as a berth on the team that will represent the Northeast Division at the Jeg's Allstar event in September.

US 13 Dragway is located on US 13, just ½ mile north of the Delaware/Maryland state line. For more information, call the track, (302) 846-3968, or visit the web site, www.DelawareRacing.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Delaware 1st State Championship, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the second of seven in Northeast Division competition.

WHERE: US 13 Dragway, Delmar, Del. Track is located on U.S. 13, just ½ mile north of the Delaware-Maryland state line.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, June 7-9, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Delaware 1st State Championship:
FRIDAY, June 7 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 3 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 8 -- Gates open at noon. Final qualifying and time trials in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run all rounds of eliminations. First round is at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 9 -- Gates open at 10 a.m. Eliminations for all remaining classes begin at 11 a.m.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $159,300, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2001 EVENT WINNERS: Cliff Bozzelli, Top Alcohol Dragster; Paul Lee, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Don Stratton, Comp Eliminator; Peter Biondo, Super Stock; Wallace Dent, Stock Eliminator; Tom Stalba, Super Comp; Jeff Brooks, Super Gas; Keith Bowers, 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 2002 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 $220,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 16 of 23 national events.)

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2002 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 2002 Jeg's Allstars, held in conjunction with the NHRA Nationals in Chicago, Sept. 26-29, 2002. 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.

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.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION -- $10 Friday, $15 with pit pass; $12 Saturday, $20 with pit pass; $10 Sunday, $18 with pit pass; a Saturday/Sunday ticket with a pit pass is $35; a three-day ticket with a pit pass is $50. Children 14 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call US 13 Dragway, (302) 846-3968.