FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Callaway, Jones victorious in Lucas Oil Series

BATON ROUGE, La. - Lee Callaway and Jimmy Jones combined good racing with some old fashion luck to take home wins at State Capitol Dragway as the NHRA South Central Division kicked off the second half of its Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series this weekend.

Callaway knocked off Carl Magee in round one of Top Alcohol Dragster with a pass of 5.646 seconds before recording a 5.757 second run against Shelly Howard who left early (red lighted) handing Callaway the win in round two. Callaway then meet up with number one qualifier Gene Snow and recorded his best run of the day at 5.564 seconds, 253.23 mph to Snow's 5.647, 251.53 for the win.

Local Top Alcohol Dragster driver Erica Creduer suffered mechanical problems in round one, losing to Darryl Hitchman.

Jones faced off with defending Top Alcohol Funny Car Division Champion Tate Branch in the final round and took the win with a 6.098 second run at 234.37 mph to Branch's 6.124 at 236.15 mph. Jones had luck on his side today when Todd Simpson and Kebin Kinsley were both no shows in round one and two respectively. Simpson suffered car problems during Saturday's final qualifying, while Kinsley had irreparable damage in his first round win over Ron Morrison.

Jones and Callaway's wins mark the fourth different winner in each class this year in the NHRA South Central Division Lucas Oil Series.

The South Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop in Belle rose, La., September 12-14, 2003.

The following are final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at State Capitol Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round One
1) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 31.942 seconds, no speed recorded def. 
8) Duke Mc Donald, Gainesville, Fla., no time recorded

2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.646, 250.13 def. 
7) Carl Magee, Victoria, Texas, 6.714, 204.82

3) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.716, 246.71 def. 
6) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 7.044, 136.81

5) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.759, 241.35 def. 
4) Erica Credeur, Lafayette, La., no time recorded.
 
Semifinal
Snow, 5.666, 246.23 def. Hitchman, 5.790, 237.78
Callaway, 5.757, 246.84 def. Howard, 10.240, 68.47 red light
 
Final Round
Callaway, 5.564, 253.23 def. 5.647, 251.53
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round One
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 6.006 seconds, 241.41 mph def. 
6) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, '96 Daytona, 6.568, 211.76

2) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 6.098, 231.00 def.  
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '97 Camaro, 6.384, 200.44

3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '98 Camaro, 6.167, 234.92 def. 
4) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, no show.
 
Semifinal
Branch, def. Bye
Jones def. Kinsley, no show
 
Final Round
Jones, 6.098, 234.37 def. Branch, 6.124, 236.15
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
Buddy Nickens, Spring, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.494 def. 
Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunfire, A/SMA, 8.228
 
SUPER STOCK
Terry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.392, 122.73 def. 
Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.206, 137.84.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Harvey Emmons III, Friendswood, Texas, '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.613, 109.95 def. 
Jeff Hefler, Mansfield, Texas, '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.942, 111.71.
 
SUPER COMP
Terry Cochran, Tyler, Texas, Dragster, 8.912, 170.71 def. 
Gary Risk, Waxahachie, Texas, Dragster, broke.
 
SUPER GAS
Jonathan Johnson, Beaumont, Texas, '01 Firebird, 9.890, 149.05 def. 
Joe Harper, Florence, Miss., '96 Avenger, 9.889, 157.56.
 
SUPER STREET
Brian Hughes, Hughes Springs, Texas, '67 Camaro, 10.903, 131.08 def. 
Trevor Land, West Monroe, La., '82 Mustang, 10.888, 129.18.
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Bernard LeBouef, Lafayette, La., '85 Suzuki, 9.015, 132.45 def. 
Eric Cook, Houston, '85 Suzuki, 10.011, 120.03.
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
Bert Prejean, Saint Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.535 def. 
Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '00 Dodge, 7.776
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set at State Capitol Dragway

BATON ROUGE, La. - Points leaders Tate Branch and Gene Snow grabbed the number one qualifying spots for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at State Capitol Dragway.

Branch, who leads both the National and the NHRA South Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car points, leads the Funny Car field with a pass of 5.897 seconds at 244.69 mph and is followed by Kebin Kinsley with a run of 5.979 at 237.84 mph. Branch picked up a win at the season opener and hopes to return to the winner's circle at this, the fourth event in the six race series.

Snow is on top of the Top Alcohol Dragster class qualifying with a 5.558-second pass at 237.65 mph. Snow leads the division points standings but is still looking for his first win of the season. There has yet to be a repeat winner in the NHRA South Central Division's dragster or funny car classes this year.

Lee Callaway and Shelly Howard follow Snow in the second and third qualifying spots respectively with Lafayette, La., resident Erica Credeur in fourth. Credeur covered the quarter mile in 5.743 seconds at a speed of 244.69 mph.

Buddy Nickens of Spring, Texas is number one in Comp. Eliminator, Buz Post is on top in Super Stock with his '02 Pontiac, and local driver Sam Lusco Jr. of Houma, La., leads the field in Stock.

Harold Laird of Baton Rouge leads the Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman qualifying and Rob Bennett in on top in the Kerker Motorcycle Series.

Eliminations begin on Sunday at 9 a.m. Gates at State Capitol Dragway open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car round one is scheduled for noon. For more information call the track, (225) 627-4574.

The following are final qualifying results and first round pairings for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at State Capitol Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.558 seconds, 239.23 mph
2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.612, 252.52
3) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.654, 253.87
4) Erica Credeur, Lafayette, La., 5.743, 244.69
5) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.759, 241.35
6) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.849, 250.97
7) Carl Magee, Victoria, Texas, 6.852, 207.42
8) Duke Mc Donald, Gainesville, Fla., 7.732, 150.40
 
First-round TAD pairings
1) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.558 seconds, 239.23 mph vs. 
8) Duke Mc Donald, Gainesville, Fla., 7.732, 150.40

2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.612, 252.52 vs. 
7) Carl Magee, Victoria, Texas, 6.852, 207.42

3) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.654, 253.87 vs. 
6) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.849, 250.97

4) Erica Credeur, Lafayette, La., 5.743, 244.69 vs. 
5) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.759, 241.35
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.897 seconds, 244.69 mph
2) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 5.979, 237.84
3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '98 Camaro, 6.056, 236.46
4) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.086, 233.22
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '97 Camaro, 6.201, 230.71
6) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, '96 Daytona, 7.158, 173.41
 
First-round TAFC pairings
1) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.897 seconds, 244.69 mph vs. 
6) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, '96 Daytona, 7.158, 173.41

2) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 5.979, 237.84 vs. 
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '97 Camaro, 6.201, 230.71

3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '98 Camaro, 6.056, 236.46 vs. 
4) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.086, 233.22
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Buddy Nickens, Spring, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.518 seconds, -0.602 (under index)
2) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.435, -0.595
3) Scott Brown, Odesa, Mo., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.029, -0.581
4) Al Weiss, Wichita Falls, Texas, '32 Bantam, E/EA, 8.504, -0.576
5) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '03 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.265, -0.565
6) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunfire, A/SMA, 8.192, -0.558
7) Greg Williams, Carthage, Texas, '02 Cavalier, C/SMA, 8.456, -0.544
8) Brian Self, Spring, Texas, '02 S-10, B/T, 8.187, -0.543
9) Donald Manichia, Houston, Boulton, A/ND, 7.218, -0.522
10) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 7.853, -0.507
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '02 Pontiac, SS/AM, 8.313 seconds, -1.237 (under index)
2) Steven Reynolds, Pasadena, Texas, '66 Impala, SS/NA, 11.245, -1.205
3) Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.580, -1.070
4) Butch Marlow, Canton, Texas, '90 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.652, -0.998
5) Terry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.314, -0.986
6) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.584, -0.966
7) Bobby Cassard, Donaldsonville, La., '86 Firebird, SS/LA, 10.817, -0.933
8) Shaun LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.384, -0.916
9) Larry Stewart, Clinton, Miss., '67 Nova, SS/HA, 9.985, -0.915
10) James Caro, Houma, La., '00 Avenger, GT/CA, 9.803, -0.897
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Sam Lusco Jr, Houma, La., '96 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.622 seconds, -1.378 (under index)
2) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Pontiac, B/FIA, 10.498, -1.202
3) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.682, -1.168
4) Steve Haulman, Navarre, Fla., '85 Camaro, J/S, 11.506, -1.144
5) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, H/SA, 11.372, -1.078
6) Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., '90 Firebird, F/FIA, 11.906, -1.044
7) Amy Faulk, Memphis, Tenn., '01 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.962, -1.038
8) Sammy LaPorte, New Iberia, La., '87 Firebird, G/FIA, 12.147, -1.003
9) Bobby Brannon, Bossier City, La., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.322, -0.978
10) Brad Bogues, Keithville, La., '72 Nova, I/SA, 11.629, -0.971
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Harold Laird, Baton Rouge, La., '63 Corvette, 6.638 seconds, 216.60 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '02 Grand Am, 7.092, 196.37
3) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.552, 178.64
4) Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '92 Pontiac, 7.581, 179.89
5) Steve Wheeler, Ventress, La., '93 S-10, 7.661, 180.90
6) Larry J. Smith, Ridgeland, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.692, 180.07
7) Craig Hughes, Portales, N.M., '79 Charger, 7.724, 181.70
8) Thomas Clarke, Richland, Miss., '98 Corvette, 7.736, 176.40
9) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '00 Firebird, 7.743, 174.21
10) Ed Ridenhour, Fort Worth, Texas, '98 Pontiac, 7.751, 177.13
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Robert Bennett, Plano, Texas, '84 Suzuki
2) Curtis Nichols III, Alvin, Texas, '95 Kawasaki
3) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki
4) Eric Cook, Houston, '85 Suzuki
5) Eddie Glaze, Houston, '90 Suzuki
6) Demetria Brooks-Glaze, Houston, '90 Suzuki
7) Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas, '84 Suzuki
8) Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '01 Kawasaki
9) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas
10) David Latino, Donaldsville, Texas, 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Snow and Simpson on top at State Capitol Dragway

BATON ROUGE, La. - In the first rounds of qualifying at State Capitol Dragway, Gene Snow leads the Top Alcohol Dragster class after the first round of qualifying for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Snow is joined by Todd Simpson who took the top spot in Top Alcohol Funny Car in his 2000 Dodge Avenger.

Snow recorded a 5.558-second pass at 237.65 mph to lead the field and is followed by Lee Callaway who sits in the number two spot with a 5.612, 252.52 mph run. Local favorite Erica Credeur of La Fayette, La., clocked in at 5.818 seconds at 244.69 mph which lands her in the number four spot in the dragster class.

Jimmy Jones follows Simpson's 6.086-second pass at 233.22 mph with a 6.170, 234.13 mph run. Defending series Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion Tate Branch is qualified fourth at 6.501 seconds, 146.46 mph.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Scott Brown of Odessa, Mo., in Comp; Buz Post of Arlington, Texas, in Super Stock; and Sam Lusco Jr. of Houma, La., in Stock.

Robert Bennett and Greg Lair qualified number one in the Kerker Motorcycle Series and the Sunset Racing Engines Series respectively, which run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Gates at State Capitol Dragway open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information call the track, (225) 627-4574.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1. Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.558 seconds, 237.65 miles per hour
2. Lee Callway, Channelview, Texas, 5.612, 252.52
3. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.773, 236.59
4. Erica Credeur, LaFayette, La., 5.818, 244.69
5. James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.849, 250.97
6. Carl Magee, Victporia, Texas, 7.013, 198.10
7. Duke Mc Donald, Gainesville, Fla., 7.905, 126.33

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.086, 233.22
2. Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '98 Camaro, 6.170, 234.13
3. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Camaro, 6.239, 225.22
4. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 6.501, 146.46
5. Ronald Rice, Oklahoma City, Okla., '96 Daytona, 7.158, 173.41
6. Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 7.712, 122.41

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Scott Brown, Odessa, Mont., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.029 seconds, 0.581 seconds under the index
2. Mike Trumble Jr., Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunbird, A/SMA, 8.204, -0.546
3. Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '03 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.286, -0.544
4. Greg Williams, Carthage, Texas, '02 Cavilier, C/SMA, 8.456, -0.544
5. Buddy Nickens, Spring, Texas, '02 Chevy S-10, B/TA, 8.586, -0.534
6. Alfred Weiss, Wichita Falls, Texas, '32 roadster, E/EA, 8.556, -0.524
7. Brian Self, Spring, Texas, '02 Chevy S-10, B/T, 8.218, -0.512
8. Robert Freeman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '02 Chevy, C/A, 7.504, -0.484
9. Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 7l876, -0.484
10. David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Roadster, A/EA, 7.573, -0.457

SUPER STOCK
1. Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '02 Pontiac, SS/AM, 8.381, -1.169
2. Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.580, -1.070
3. Butch Marlow, Canton, Texas., '90 Camaro, 10.652, -0.998
4. Jerry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.608, -0.942
5. Terry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.381, -0.919
6. Larry Stewart Jr., Clinton, Miss., '67 Chevy, SS/HA, 9.985, -0.915
7. Bobby Cassard, Donaldsonville, La., '86 Pontiac, SS/LA,10.852, -0.898
8. Shawn Le Blanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.408, -0.892
9. Mike Crutchfield, Montgomery, Ala., '90 Camaro, SS/BS, 9.165, -0.885
10. James Caro, Houma, La., '00 Avenger, GT/CA, 9.825, -0.875

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Sam Lusco, Jr. Houma, La., '96 Dodge, CT/SA, 11.622, -1.378
2. Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.682, -1.168
3. Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Pontiac, B/FIA, 10.546, -1.154
4. Mike Cotton, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, H/SA, 11.443, -1.007
5. Jimmy Hidalgo, Donaldsonville, La., '97 Camaro, C/FIA, 11.035, -0.965
6. Amy Faulk, Collierville, Ind., '01 Pontiac, C/FIA, 11.037, -0.963
7. Jerry Davis, Santa Fe, Texas, '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.349, -0.951
8. Brad Bogues, Keithville, La., '72 Nova, I/SA, 11.650, -0.950
9. Kent La Porte, New Iberia, La., '85 Camaro, 12.026, -0.924
10. Bobby Brannon, Bossier City, La., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.382, -0.918

TOP SPORTSMAN
1. Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '02 Grand Am, 7.114, 194.80
2. Bret Prejean, Saint Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.569, 178.25
3. Stephen Wheeler, Ventress, La., '93 S-10, 7.675, 183.00
4. Larry Smith, Ridgeland, Miss., '94 Cutlass, 7.692, 180.07
5. Craig Hughes, Porales, N.M., '79 Charger, 7.724, 181.70
6. Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '00 Firebird, 7.743, 174.21
7. Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '00 Dodge, 7.769, 175.81
8. Ed Ridenhour, Fort Worth, Texas, '98 Pontiac, 7.797, 177.37
9. Todd Drumond, Bay St. Louis, Miss., '03 Firebird, 7.893, 169.26
10. Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '92 Pontiac, 8.224, 162.80

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1. Robert Bennett, Plano, Texas
2. Curtis Nichols III, Alvin, Texas
3. Eddie Glaze, Houston, Texas
4. Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas
5. Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas
6. Lee Paterson, Livingston, Texas
7. Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas
8. Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas
9. Michael Nach, Texarkana, Texas
10. Debert Ready, Houston, Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Racers continue South Central Division season in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. - State Capitol Dragway will host the fourth of six NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events in NHRA's South Central Division, May 16-18. Competitors in eight classes including Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will vie for a share of the $155,520 purse as well as points leading to national and divisional championships.

At the division's last event, at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas, TAD veteran Gene Snow scored runner-up points after suffering first-round losses at the division's first two races. The final-round appearance was enough to move the Ft. Worth, Texas, racer into second place in the point standings behind defending division champion Lee Callaway of Channelview, Texas. Callaway went to the semifinals at the season opener in Houston and was runner-up at the second race on the schedule, in Memphis, Tenn. He then went out in the opening round in Dallas.

Just 22 points out of first place is former division TAD champion Shelly Howard. The registered nurse from Tulsa, Okla., won in Houston, did not make the trip to Memphis, and lost in the first round in Dallas. At the opening race, it looked like the Howard Racing team had started to regain the form that took them to the title in 2001, so it remains to be seen if they can dominate the second half of the season.

In TAFC action, defending division champion Tate Branch is currently leading the points. The Artesia, N.M., racer won the race in Houston but then had a first-round loss in Memphis and went to the semifinals in Dallas.

Just behind Branch are Ponder, Texas, resident Todd Simpson and Jackie Stidham of Chickasha, Okla., respectively. Both former division TAFC champions have both scored runner-up points this season; Simpson in Memphis, and Stidham in Dallas. Both have also lost in the first rounds of the other events they attended. Simpson has three races on the season and Stidham has two.

The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series and the Kerker Motorcycle Series will be run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Top Sportsman and Sportsman Motorcycle competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with the other classes throughout the weekend.

Gates at State Capitol Dragway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying begins Friday at 9 a.m. with Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Top Sportsman qualifying scheduled at 5 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Top Sportsman racers will make two qualifying passes, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Sunday and Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Top Sportsman will run first round at noon.

Tickets, including pit pass, are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 13 and under are admitted free.

State Capitol Dragway is located on U.S. Highway 190, 10 miles west of Baton Rouge, in Erwinville, La. For more information call the track, (225) 627-4574, or visit the web site at www.StateCapitolDragway.com.

The next South Central division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event is scheduled for Sept. 12-14 at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, La.

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 fourth of six in South Central Division competition. The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: State Capitol Dragway, Baton Rouge, La. Track is located on U.S. Highway 190, 10 miles west of Baton Rouge in Erwinville, La.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 16-18, 2003

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

FRIDAY, May 16 -- Gates open at 8 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, May 17 -- Gates open at 8 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 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 18 -- Gates open at 8 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 -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 13 and under are admitted free. For more information call State Capitol Dragway, (225) 627-4574.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $155,895, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: James Copeland, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jackie Stidham, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Mike Saye, Comp Eliminator; Mike Crutchfield, Super Stock; Jeff Hefler, Stock Eliminator; Steve Cohen, Super Comp; Gary Risk, Super Gas; Bryan Sandlin, 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 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 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.

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 $7,400 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 2003, the all-star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Okla.. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $1,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $500.

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

SUNSET RACING ENGINES TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships. The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,000 and the runner-up will get $500. Top Sportsman racers may run the six South Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or North 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.