FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cannon and Billington top off Southeast Division season with a pair of wins

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the final results at the 2nd Annual Carolina Nationals, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, being held at Darlington International Dragway, Jason Cannon and Mark Billington both earned wins in their respective fields.

Cannon, of Middleburg, Fla., claimed his first NHRA Southeast Division win of the year when he defeated Fran Monaghan in the class final. Cannon, used a 5.474 second time at 258.24 mph to take out Monaghan, who laid down a 5.571-second pass at 242.78 mph.

"We were very focused coming into this race and it paid off for us." said Cannon, who after today's win now leads NHRA Southeast Division points.

Despite his loss to Cannon in the final, Monaghan was still positive about the team's weekend. "Of course we would have loved to have won, but a runner up clinched my first NHRA Northeast Division Championship, so I'm still very excited," said Monaghan.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Billington nabbed his second Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series win of the year when he defeated Claremont, Calif., racer Jay Payne in the class final. Billington, who qualified second, ran a 5.997-second pass at 242.13 mph to take out Payne, who struggled to a 6.131-second pass at 182.77 mph, after breaking his engine.

"I got pretty sideways and saw lot of the wall in the final, but when I didn't see him beside me I didn't want to lift," said Billington. "We're just thrilled to get our second win of the year," he added.

Winners in other categories are Dennis Mitchell of Huntsville, Ala., in Competition Eliminator; Charles Clifford of Apopka, Fla., in Super Stock; Brien Radley of Belleview, Fla., in Stock Eliminator; Steve Cohen of Trilby, Fla., in Super Comp; John Martin of Columbus, N.J., in Super Gas; and Quentin Holloway of Greensboro, N.C., in Super Street.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, the win went to Jerry Duke Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. In the final he defeated Byron, Ga., racer Jerry Barker.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Darlington International Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
6) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.501, 248.68 def. 
3) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.555, 248.34 

4) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.450, 259.21 def. 
5) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.668, 200.00

1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.388, 265.48 def. 
8) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.747, 241.80 

2) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.491, 259.59 def. 
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.805, 245.49

Semifinal
Monaghan Jr., 5.543, 249.72 def. Kelly, foul 
Cannon, 5.413, 261.47 def. Bartone, 5.415, 263.77

Final
Cannon, 5.474, 258.24 def. Monaghan Jr., 5.571, 242.78. 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND ONE 
2) Mark Billington, Apopka, Fla., Dodge Avenger, 5.838, 245.83 def. 
3) Philip Hooper, Chesterfield, Va., Chevy Camaro, 11.055, 90.25 

1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., Camaro, 5.809, 213.98 def. 
4) Gregory Beckner, Chester, Va., Chevy Corvette, 6.530, 212.81

Final 
Billington, 5.997, 242.13 def. Payne, 6.131, 182.77

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Dennis Mitchell, Huntsville, Ala., '92 Cavalier, F/A, 8.263, 161.81  def. 
Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '03 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.232, 151.74 

SUPER STOCK
Charles Clifford, Apopka, Fla., '68 Camaro, SS/IA, 10.458, 125.61  def. 
Joe LoCicero, Snellville, Ga., '88 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.836, 130.07

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Brien Radley, Belleview, Fla., '69 Camaro, F/SA, 12.699, 75.44  def. 
Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, broke

SUPER COMP
Steve Cohen, Trilby, Fla., Dragster, 8.939, 168.72  def. 
James Nash, Ooltewah, Tenn., Dragster, 8.964, 147.68

SUPER GAS
John Martin, Columbus, N.J., '63 Corvette, 9.900, 155.92  def. 
Ralph Barrett, Gainesville, Fla., '02 Corvette, 9.923, 153.45 

SUPER STREET
Quentin Holloway, Greensboro, N.C., '67 Chevelle, 10.912, 132.91  def. 
David Anspach, Chesapeake, Va., '73 Duster, 10.926, 135.37 

TOP SPORTSMAN
Jerry Duke Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., '00 Firebird, 7.721, 142.56  def. 
Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.247, 190.63

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set at Carolina Nationals at Darlinton Dragway

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the final rounds of qualifying at the 2nd Annual Carolina Nationals, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, being held at Darlington International Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Tony Bartone and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Jay Payne, are leading their fields.

Bartone, of Manhassett, N.Y., laid down a 5.391-second pass at 265.95 mph to qualify in the No. 1 spot in the class. Qualified closely in second at a 5.391 second pass at 262.85 mph is the blown-dragster of Guy Kelly of Wadley, Ala. North Central Division runner, Bill Reichert of Owosso, Mich., is third.

"Considering the track conditions I feel like we made a good run today. Hopefully we can come out tomorrow and win," said Bartone.

Payne, typically a front runner in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class, qualified at the top of his field with a 5.777 second pass at 243.17 mph. In the second spot is Mark Billington of Apopka, Fla., while Phillip Hooper of Chesterfield, Va., is third.

In Competition Eliminator, Larry Pritchett of Clarkrange, Tenn., maintained his lead in the class with a run of 8.149 seconds. Behind Pritchett in the No. 2 spot is Van Puckett of Snellville, Ga. Qualified third is the '92 Cutlass of reining National Champion Mike Saye, of Johnston, S.C.

The No. 1 spot in Super Stock was earned by Floyds Knobs, Ind., racer Bo Butner. Butner ran an 8.444 seconds pass behind the wheel of his '02 Grand Am to take the top spot. Qualified second is the '67 Camaro of Andy Fogle of Norway, S.C. Matt Hensley of Knoxville, Tenn. is qualified third with his '68 Barracuda.

Moving up from the second spot, to pass yesterday's Stock Eliminator top qualifier, Bud Rowe, was Woodro Josey of Byron, Ga. Rowe, of Bridgeton, N.C., is now in the second spot, while Bobby Warren of Clinton, N.C., is qualified third with his '97 Firebird.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman Series action, Ronnie Davis of Commerce, Ga., qualified his '63 Corvette in the top spot with a 6.875 second pass at 199.37 mph. Trailing Davis in the No. 2 spot is the '97 Pontiac of Michael Allen of Surgoinsville, Tenn. Taking the third spot is Jeffery Rudisill of Rutherford College, N.C., in his '92 Trans Am.

As a reward for their qualifying efforts, Bartone and Payne each earned $1250 as part of the Sealed Power Low Qualifier Bonus. Pritchett and Butner earned $400 each, while Josey earned $200 as part of the bonus from Sealed Power.

Gates at Darlington Int'l Dragway will open tomorrow at 9 a.m. with eliminations set to begin at noon. The opening rounds of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Admission Sunday is $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. All tickets include a pit pass. For more information please call Darlington International Dragway at (843) 332-0123 or visit them on the web at www.darlingtondragway.com

The following are Saturday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Darlington International Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.391 seconds, 265.95 mph
2) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.398, 262.85
3) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.421, 268.33
4) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.433, 261.09
5) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.442, 262.62
6) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.537, 258.17
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.636, 252.31
8) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.638, 249.72

Not Qualified
9) Don Fiorelli, Palm Bay, Fla., 5.814, 234.31

First-round TAD pairings
1) Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., 5.391 seconds, 265.95 mph vs. 
8) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.638, 249.72

2) Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., 5.398, 262.85 vs. 
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.636, 252.31

3) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.421, 268.33 vs. 
6) Fran Monaghan Jr., Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.537, 258.17

4) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.433, 261.09 vs. 
5) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.442, 262.62

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.777 seconds, 243.17 mph
2) Mark Billington, Apopka, Fla., '01 Avenger, 5.955, 244.56
3) Philip Hooper, Chesterfield, Va., '97 Camaro, 6.191, 235.47
4) Gregory Beckner, Chester, Va., '02 Corvette, 6.719, 204.63

First-round TAFC pairings
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.777 seconds, 243.17 mph vs. 
4) Gregory Beckner, Chester, Va., '02 Corvette, 6.719, 204.63

2) Mark Billington, Apopka, Fla., '01 Avenger, 5.955, 244.56 vs. 
3) Philip Hooper, Chesterfield, Va., '97 Camaro, 6.191, 235.47

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '34 Chevy, A/SR, 7.919 seconds, -0.771 (under index)
2) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '03 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.149, -0.681
3) Van Puckett, Monroe, Ga., '99 Firebird, H/AA, 8.853, -0.647
4) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, H/A, 8.818, -0.642
5) Dennis Mitchell, Huntsville, Ala., '92 Cavalier, F/A, 8.219, -0.621
6) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.371, -0.619
7) Jerry Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.171, -0.609
8) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.394, -0.606
9) Don Eberly, Brunswick, Ga., '96 Achieva, F/SMA, 8.945, -0.605
10) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 Roadster, E/EA, 8.484, -0.596

SUPER STOCK
1) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.444 seconds, -1.256 (under index)
2) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.692, -1.208
3) Matt Hensley, Knoxville, Tenn., '68 Barracuda, SS/A, 8.784, -1.166
4) James Ellis, Heath Spgs, N.C., '92 Camaro, SS/AM, 8.417, -1.133
5) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '93 Acheiva, GT/BA, 9.418, -1.132
6) James Holland, Forest City, N.C., '03 Grand Am, GT/EA, 9.855, -1.095
7) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 8.977, -1.073
8) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.629, -1.071
9) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/I, 10.180, -1.070
10) Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.490, -1.060

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Woodro Josey, Byron, Ga., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.355 seconds, -1.345 (under index)
2) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.735, -1.265
3) Bobby Warren, Clinton, N.C., '97 Firebird, B/FI, 10.412, -1.238
4) Tom Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '66 Malibu, L/S, 11.771, -1.229
5) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 11.945, -1.205
6) Randy Taylor, Beavercreek, Ohio, '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.413, -1.187
7) Garry Glazener, Jackson, S.C., '72 Mustang, G/SA, 11.144, -1.156
8) Harold Culpepper, Pine Mtn. Valley, Ga., '94 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.544, -1.156
9) Mike McGinley, Lebanon, Ind., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.174, -1.126
10) Brian Rowe, New Bern, N.C., '69 Camaro, G/SA, 11.177, -1.123

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Ronnie Davis, Commerce, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.875 seconds, 199.37 mph
2) Michael Allen, Surgoinsville, Tenn., '97 Pontiac, 6.960, 196.03
3) Jeffrey Rudisill, Rutherford College, N.C., '92 Trans Am, 7.100, 194.38
4) Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.107, 193.21
5) Larry Vickers, Rogersville, Tenn., '63 Corvette, 7.164, 191.28
6) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.218, 190.71
7) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.278, 187.93
8) Jay Marshall, Monroe, N.C., '87 Firebird, 7.283, 185.29
9) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.291, 186.87
10) Jerry Duke Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., '00 Firebird, 7.297, 189.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carolina Nationals underway at Darlington Dragway

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the opening rounds of qualifying at the 2nd Annual Carolina Nationals, a round of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, being held at Darlington International Dragway, Larry Pritchett, Bo Butner and Bud Rowe are leading their respective fields.

In Comp Eliminator, Pritchett, of Clarkrange, Tenn., took his '03 Sunfire to the top spot in the class with a run of 8.149 seconds. Qualified in the second spot is the '92 Cutlass of reining National Champion Mike Saye, of Johnston, S.C. Third is Dennis Mitchell of Huntsville, Ala.

The No. 1 spot in Super Stock went to Floyds Knobs, Ind., racer Bo Butner. To claim the top spot, Butner ran an 8.444 seconds pass behind the wheel of his '02 Grand Am. Qualified second is the '67 Camaro of Andy Fogle of Norway, S.C. Matt Hensley of Knoxville, Tenn. is qualified third with his '68 Barracuda.

In Stock Eliminator, Rowe, of Bridgeton, N.C., earned the No. 1 spot behind the wheel of his '95 Camaro with a 10.735 seconds pass. Qualified second is Byron, Ga., racer Woodro Josey with his '98 Firebird with a 10.459 second pass. Bobby Warren of Clinton, N.C., is qualified third with his '97 Firebird.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman Series action, Ronnie Davis of Commerce, Ga., qualified his '63 Corvette in the top spot with a 6.875 second pass at 199.37 mph. Trailing Davis in the No. 2 spot is the '97 Pontiac of Michael Allen of Surgoinsville, Tenn. Taking the third spot is Jeffery Rudisill of Rutherford College, N.C., in his '92 Trans Am.

Gates at Darlington Int'l Dragway will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to continue at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The opening rounds of qualifying for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled for 3 and 6 p.m.

Admission prices are $20 Saturday and $15 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. All tickets include a pit pass. For more information please call Darlington International Dragway at (843) 332-0123 or visit them on the web at www.darlingtondragway.com

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Darlington International Dragway:

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division 2nd annual NHRA Carolina Nationals:

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., '03 Sunfire, B/SM, 8.149 seconds, -0.681 (under index)
2) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, H/A, 8.818, -0.642
3) Dennis Mitchell, Huntsville, Ala., '92 Cavalier, F/A, 8.219, -0.621
4) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.371, -0.619
5) Jerry Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.171, -0.609
6) Santo Volpe, Cocoa, Fla., '34 Chevy, A/SR, 8.033, -0.597
7) Kenneth Horne, Fayetteville, N.C., '97 Achieva, H/SMA, 9.314, -0.586
8) George Supinski Jr., Freehold, N.J., '01 S-10, B/T, 8.130, -0.580
9) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 Roadster, E/EA, 8.516, -0.564
10) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.444, -0.556

SUPER STOCK
1) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.444 seconds, -1.256 (under index)
2) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.692, -1.208
3) Matt Hensley, Knoxville, Tenn., '68 Barracuda, SS/A, 8.784, -1.166
4) Don Barber, Hohenwald, Tenn., '93 Acheiva, GT/BA, 9.435, -1.115
5) James Ellis, Heath Springs, N.C., '92 Camaro, SS/AM, 8.446, -1.104
6) James Holland, Forest City, N.C., '03 Grand Am, GT/EA, 9.855, -1.095
7) Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 8.977, -1.073
8) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/I, 10.180, -1.070
9) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.651, -1.049
10) Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.517, -1.033

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.735 seconds, -1.265 (under index)
2) Woodro Josey, Byron, Ga., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.459, -1.241
3) Bobby Warren, Clinton, N.C., '97 Firebird, B/FI, 10.412, -1.238
4) Tom Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., '66 Malibu, L/S, 11.771, -1.229
5) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 11.951, -1.199
6) Randy Taylor, Beavercreek, Ohio, '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.413, -1.187
7) Garry Glazener, Jackson, S.C., '72 Mustang, G/SA, 11.144, -1.156
8) Harold Culpepper, Pine Mountain Valley, Ga., '94 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.544, -1.156
9) Brian Rowe, New Bern, N.C., '69 Camaro, G/SA, 11.195, -1.105
10) Rod Johnson, Palmetto, Fla., '73 Nova, J/SA, 11.646, -1.104

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Ronnie Davis, Commerce, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.875 seconds, 199.37 mph
2) Michael Allen, Surgoinsville, Tenn., '97 Pontiac, 7.000, 195.27
3) Jeffrey Rudisill, Rutherford College, N.C., '92 Trans Am, 7.100, 192.51
4) Corey Glidewell, Corinth, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.278, 187.93
5) Jay Marshall, Monroe, N.C., '87 Firebird, 7.283, 185.29
6) Jerry Duke Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., '96 Firebird, 7.297, 189.99
7) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.320, 186.06
8) Will Roberson, Williston, S.C., '57 Bel Air, 7.333, 179.42
9) William Bridges, Tallapoosa, Ga., '02 Mustang, 7.424, 186.02
10) Jeffrey Harker, Byron, Ga., '01 S-10, 7.707, 177.27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DID hosts final NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil race

DARLINGTON, S.C. - Darlington Int'l Dragway will host the 2nd Annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Oct. 3-5. The event is the last of seven in Southeast Division competition and will feature more than 400 drivers in eight racing categories including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC) as well as the division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman Series.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, only 19 points separate first place from third place in the point standings. With a runner-up finish at the division's last Lucas Oil Race in Atlanta, Guy Kelly took the lead in the point standings over defending division champion, Tony Bartone. Kelly, a Wadley, Ala., racer, won the event in Montgomery, Ala., and made semifinal-round appearances in Reynolds, Ga., and at an out-of-division race in Bowling Green, Ky. Although the race at Darlington is the last in the Southeast division, Kelly is still eligible to earn points outside the division - a luxury Bartone does not enjoy because he has been to his allotted number (2) of out-of-division races.

Bartone, a Manhasset, N.Y., resident, won the division's season opener in Gainesville, Fla., and made it to the semis at two out-of-division races; in Joliet, Ill., and in Atco, N.J.

Hot on their trail is Wayzata, Minn., racer John Haley. Haley has won the division's last two races, in Bristol, Tenn., and in Atlanta. Like Kelly, Haley can still earn points at an out-of-division race so if he continues his hot streak he could overtake the competition.

The race in Top Alcohol Funny Car has come down to two drivers: Jim Sickles, who is currently leading the points, and defending division champion Jay Payne. Sickles, of Caledonia, N.Y., has three wins on the season, all of them over Payne, and has been runner-up twice - once to Payne and once to Mark Billington of Apopka, Fla.

Payne, a Claremont, Calif., resident, won an out-of-division race in Dallas and again in Bristol. He has been runner-up four times.

Peter Biondo, who competes in both Super Stock and Stock, has scored a win at all six of the division's races. In Super Stock he won in Gainesville, Orlando, Fla., and in Reynolds. He took the Stock wins in Montgomery and Atlanta. In Bristol, the former national champion doubled his pleasure, winning in both categories. The Mt. Laurel, N.J., racer is the defending division champion in Stock. Currently, he is No. 1 in the division's point standings in both classes and on the national level, he is leading in Super Stock and is four points out of first place in Stock.

Gates at Darlington Int'l Dragway open at 9 a.m. Friday. Qualifying begins at noon and the Top Sportsman class will have one qualifying session at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m. and qualifying continues at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and TAD and TAFC will run at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Top Sportsman competitors will run first round of eliminations at 7 p.m.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Sunday and eliminations will continue at noon. TAD and TAFC will run first round of eliminations at 1 p.m.

General admission, including pit pass, is $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $15 Sunday.

A three-day ticket is $40 and a two-day pass is $30. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Darlington Int'l Dragway is located six miles west of Darlington at 2056 E. Bobo Newsome Highway in Hartsville, S.C. For more information call (843) 332-0123 or visit the web site at www.DarlingtonDragway.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: The 2nd Annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, 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 (TAD), Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the last of seven in Southeast Division competition. The division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman (TS) Series will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Darlington International Dragway, Hartsville, S.C. Track is located at 2056 E. Bobo Newsome Hwy. in Hartsville, S.C., six miles west of Darlington, S.C., on Highway 151.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 3-5, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:

FRIDAY, Oct. 3 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at noon. TS qualifying is scheduled at 6 p.m., and Comp Eliminator will qualify at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. TAD, TAFC, TS, and Comp Eliminator will each have two qualifying sessions. TS is at 2 and 5 p.m., and Comp Eliminator is scheduled at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. TAD and TAFC are scheduled at 3 and 6 p.m. TS will run first round of eliminations at 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 5 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Eliminations begin at noon with TAD and TAFC running first round at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $40 and a two-day pass is $30. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Darlington International Dragway, (843) 332-0123, or visit www.DarlingtonDragway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Marty Thacker, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Harker, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Mike Saye, Comp Eliminator; Andy Fogle, Super Stock; Brandon Wood, Stock Eliminator; Frank Altillio, Super Comp; Steven Furr, Super Gas; Kevin MacNichol, 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 2003 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 $215,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at 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 43 of 45 divisional events and 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 2003 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 2003 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.

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTOR HOMES TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,500 purse. Top Sportsman racers may run the seven Southeast Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the North Central or South Central Divisions.

FEATURES: More than 400 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.