FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Myers and Austin burn up competition

WOODBURN, Ore. - Mitch Myers and Bucky Austin earned event wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car at the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder, race three of seven in Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Myers of Hermiston, Ore., was forced to take a tough route to the winner's circle on Sunday after qualifying eighth for eliminations. En route to his first win of the year, Myers upset the number one, two, and four seated competitors.

"Anybody can win on any given Sunday in this division," said the EPHA A/Fuel Dragster racer. "The key is to just never give up."

In the Top Alcohol Dragster final, Myers faced off against Joey Severance of Spanaway, Wash. The race was determined at the starting line as Severance left .010-second too early, giving Myers the instant win.

Division points leaders from the Northwest and Pacific Division waged battle as Austin and Doug Gordon met in the Top Alcohol Funny Car final.

Although Gordon had a better reaction time at the starting line, Austin muscled his way into the winner's circle with a 5.899-second, 226.58 mph run.

"It was a real slug fest this weekend in Woodburn," said Austin. "I kind of owed him one after losing to him in the final in Phoenix earlier in the year."

Winners in other racing categories this weekend were Gary Anderson of Graham, Wash., in Comp; Jeffrey Lane of North Bend, Wash., in Super Stock; Brad Plourd of Covington, Wash., in Stock; Jerry Denton Jr. of Tempe, Ariz., in Super Comp; Marty Peterson of W. Richland, Wash., in Super Gas; Leon Elliott of Marysville, Wash., in Super Street; and Shannon Boepple of Meridian, Idaho, in Top Comp.

In Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, Steve Miller of Yakima, Wash., also earned an event win.

Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will make its next in Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash., June 13-15. For more information, call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461.

The following are final results from the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.522 seconds, 244.56 mph def. 
1) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.578, 250.00

2) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.568, 251.60 def. 
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.727, 213.47

3) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.601, 243.90 def. 
6) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.659, 245.63

4) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.739, 236.34 def. 
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.959, 227.96

Semifinals
Myers, 5.598, 245.23 def. Parker, 6.884, 158.84 
Severance, 5.587, 245.56 def. Federlin, 5.634, 250.76

Final
Myers, 5.560, 242.45 def. Severance, 10.703, 73.75

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.836 seconds, 237.21 mph def. 
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 12.622, 63.78

2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.929, 238.15 def. 
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 6.040, 241.54

3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.474, 217.97 def. 
6) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.091, 228.42

4) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.927, 240.19 def. 
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.279, 199.20

Semifinals
Austin, 5.898, 232.85 def. Coolidge, 7.561, 181.37
Gordon, 6.017, 238.79 def. Rupert, 10.402, 78.71

Final
Austin, 5.899, 226.58 def. Gordon, 5.947, 242.32

COMP ELIMINATOR
Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '97 Firebird, F/A, 8.332 seconds, 162.04 mph def. 
Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-roadster, BB/AM, 18.610, 37.63

SUPER STOCK
Jeffrey Lane, North Bend, Wash., '02 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.033, 136.38 def. 
Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.562, 158.28

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.830, 109.89 def. 
Steve Hanby, Salem, Ore., '66 Chevrolet, P/SA, 13.023, 96.23

SUPER COMP
Jerry Denton Jr., Tempe, Ariz., '00 Spitzer, 8.948, 160.62 def. 
Dustin Hentges, Auburn, Wash., '00 Mullis, 8.887, 167.28

SUPER GAS
Marty Peterson, W. Richland, Wash., '27 Roadster, 9.932, 145.67 def. 
Ed De Staute, Rosemead, Calif., '74 Vega, 9.947, 140.88

SUPER STREET
Leon Elliott, Marysville, Wash., '68 Camaro, 10.894, 127.89 def. 
Terry Reed, Spanaway, Wash., '70 Nova, 10.885, 123.27

TOP COMP
Shannon Boepple, Meridian, Idaho, '01 Undercover, 7.786, 162.80 def. 
Doug Hemenway, Auburn, Wash., '97 Undercover, 7.623, 173.21

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 8.788, 138.16 def. 
Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Ninja, 9.617, 133.15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cofini and Austin low qualifiers in Woodburn

WOODBURN, Ore. - Time trials and qualifying concluded at the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder at Woodburn Dragstrip with Michael Cofini and Bucky Austin leading the fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Cofini earned his first event win of his career three weeks ago at Mission Raceway Park in B.C. and tomorrow, he will head into eliminations as low qualifier for the first time in his career.

"After the win earlier this year in Mission and after being low qualifier here this weekend, I feel like I won the lottery two times," exclaimed Cofini. "Someone has to pinch me, it's like a dream."

The Spokane, Wash., resident attributes his early success this season to the support he has received from Dave Smith Motorsports and Mopar. Having earned his first Wally trophy, Cofini will need to set new goals for the rest of the year.

"My main goal this season was to win my first Wally. Now that I have done that, I can't believe it," said the Top Alcohol Dragster racer. "I have to keep looking at it to make sure its still there and that I didn't imagine it. Anything else I accomplish this season will be just gravy."

Cofini made the quickest Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying pass during Saturday's first session, a 5.537-second, 253.52 mph run.

While Austin of Fife, Wash., posted the quickest Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying pass during Saturday's second session, at 5.974-second, 233.52 mph. The "Northwest Hitter" knocked off Doug Gordon for the top spot, which Gordon temporarily held on two occasions during qualifying.

Top qualifiers in other racing categories are Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; Terry Sherrill of Klamath Falls, Ore., in Super Stock; Terry Ryan of Cascade Locks, Ore., in Stock; and Shawn Cowie of Richmond, B.C., in Top Comp. In NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series competition, Jeff Havens of Yakima, Wash., is the number one qualifier in Sportsman Motorcycle competition.

Gates open Sunday for the final day of racing at the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder at 8 a.m. and eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Round one of Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled for noon. Tickets are $25 and children ages six to 14 are $5. For more information, call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461.

The following are final qualifying results and first round pairings in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car from the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.537 seconds, 253.52 mph
2) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.596, 251.46
3) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.599, 249.16
4) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.691, 245.76
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.693, 244.03
6) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.700, 248.27
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.713, 248.07
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.736, 241.87

Not Qualified
9) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.746, 243.11
10) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 8.618, 101.45

First-round TAD pairings
1) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.537 seconds, 253.52 mph vs. 
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.736, 241.87

2) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.596, 251.46 vs. 
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.713, 248.07

3) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.599, 249.16 vs. 
6) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.700, 248.27

4) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.691, 245.76 vs. 
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.693, 244.03

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.974 seconds, 233.52 mph
2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.036, 240.44
3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.042, 235.84
4) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 6.052, 236.46
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.086, 223.8
6) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.096, 229.35
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 6.098, 240.38
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.106, 234.31

Not Qualified
9) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.213, 225.90
10) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., '92 Probe, 6.221, 227.79
11) Robert Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '95 Mustang, 6.784, 205.90

First-round TAFC pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.974 seconds, 233.52 mph vs. 
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.106, 234.31

2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.036, 240.44 vs. 
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 6.098, 240.38

3) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.042, 235.84 vs. 
6) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.096, 229.35

4) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 6.052, 236.46 vs. 
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.086, 223.8

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-roadster, BB/AM, 7.408 seconds, -0.632 under index
2) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Roadster, C/SR, 8.724, -0.546
3) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '97 Firebird, F/A, 8.314, -0.526
4) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, G/A, 8.675, -0.505
5) Doug Lambeck, Irvine, Calif., '03 Pontiac, D/SMA, 8.867, -0.483
6) Ed Schuck Jr., San Ramon, Calif., '00 Sarmento, C/ED, 7.493, -0.467
7) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.765, -0.455
8) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Oldsmobile, D/SMA, 8.913, -0.437
9) Richard Dingle, Olympia, Wash., '90 Swindahl, C/ED, 7.523, -0.437
10) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.811, -0.429

SUPER STOCK
1) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.434 seconds, -1.116 under index
2) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.432, -1.068
3) Jeffrey Lane, North Bend, Wash., '02 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.910, -1.040
4) Brian Tair, Frazier Park, Calif., '99 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.466, -1.034
5) Tony De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.208, -0.992
6) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/EA, 9.989, -0.961
7) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TB, 9.929, -0.921
8) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.084, -0.916
9) Kevin Cour, Hackettstown, N.J., '92 Ciera, GT/EA, 10.056, -0.894
10) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.123, -0.877

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Terry Ryan, Cascade Locks, Ore., '90 Caravan, EF/SA, 14.715 seconds, -1.185 under index
2) Don Elgin, Seattle, Wash., '74 Grand, N/SA, 12.132, -1.168
3) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.584, -1.116
4) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.191, -1.109
5) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.856, -1.094
6) Janis Leatherman, Moses Lake, Wash., '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.573, -1.027
7) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '85 Camaro, K/SA, 11.990, -0.960
8) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '77 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.795, -0.955
9) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Chevrolet, T/SA, 13.751, -0.949
10) Chuck Porter, Neville, Sask., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 13.152, -0.948

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., '01 Dragster, 6.709 seconds, 202.70 mph
2) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '98 Firebird, 7.111, 194.21
3) David Kimrey, Puyallup, Wash., '01 Framework, 7.131, 189.11
4) Rod Langley, Boise, Idaho, '99 Soran, 7.163, 186.02
5) J.R. Leerkamp, Gilbert, Ariz., '01 Mullis, 7.288, 184.91
6) Ralph Wisher, Columbia Falls, Mont., '96 Yancer, 7.344, 183.15
7) Tam Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., '00 Dragster, 7.375, 181.45
8) Tim Ketlinski, Boise, Idaho, '66 Nova, 7.441, 184.01
9) Ken Nelson, Hayden, Idaho, '01 Dragster, 7.446, 183.48
10) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., '00 Dragster, 7.472, 180.86

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, +0.000 second reaction time
2) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, +0.001
3) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '96 Kawasaki, +0.002
4) Wayne Stebing, Marysville, Wash., '78 Kawasaki, +0.002
5) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, +0.003
6) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, +0.004
7) Nick Kroske, Bend, Ore., '89 Suzuki, +0.004
8) Phillip Nasca, Citrus Heights, Calif., '93 Ninja, +0.005
9) Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Ninja, +0.007
10) Dan Tipsword, Aumsville, Ore.,  '78 Kawasaki, +0.010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder sizzles into Woodburn

WOODBURN, Ore. - Over 400 competitors scorched down Woodburn Dragstrip's quarter-mile track during day one of time trials and qualifying at the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder.

After the first day of racing, Joey Severance in Top Alcohol Dragster and Clint Thompson in Top Alcohol Funny Car are the low qualifiers in their respective classes.

"Now that we have made a good baseline run, we'll try a couple adjustments to make the car a little quicker," said Thompson.

The Klamath Falls resident posted a 6.106-second, 234.31 mph run on Friday, the second quickest time of the session in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Low elapsed time honors temporarily went to Doug Gordon for his 6.055-second, 241.09 mph pass, but vehicle inspection later disqualified his run after discovering that his Top Alcohol Funny Car did not satisfy weight requirements.

Currently trailing Severance in Top Alcohol Dragster is Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., who made a 5.737-second, 235.41 mph run during Friday's session.

"This is definitely going to be a tuner's race this weekend," said Federlin. "I have to give credit to my crew chief Mike Robeck for the run we put together today."

After losing a friend in a racing accident and nearly losing his own life due to a life threatening illness this past winter, Federlin admitted that this will be an emotionally difficult race for him.

"This is a very emotional weekend for me because of everything that has happened," said Federlin. "I lost a good friend. Its hard not seeing him and being able to race together at our home track."

In other racing action, Steven Wann of Modesto, Calif., is the low qualifier in both Super Stock and Stock Eliminator. Shawn Cowie is the low qualifier in Top Comp and Jeff Havens is also the low qualifier in Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series. Qualifying results for Comp Eliminator are still pending and therefore will not be posted until tomorrow.

Gates open Saturday at Woodburn Dragstrip at 8 a.m. and day two of time trials and qualifying begins at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled for 12 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and children ages six to fourteen are $5.

For more information, call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.688 seconds, 242.91 mph
2) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.737, 235.41
3) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.767, 220.42
4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.782, 250.20
5) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.809, 238.28
6) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 6.212, 241.41
7) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 6.214, 217.39
8) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 8.618, 101.45

Not Qualified
9) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 10.624, 84.47
10) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 12.826, 59.63

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.106 seconds, 234.31 mph
2) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.143, 233.94
3) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 6.194, 229.65
4) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.233, 215.62
5) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.242, 220.85
6) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.976, 219.45
7) Robert Hurley, Ledger, Mont., '95 Mustang, 8.171, 114.78

SUPER STOCK
1) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '98 Dakota, GT/TB, 9.971 seconds, -1.179 under index
2) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.541, -1.009
3) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.999, -1.001
4) Jeffrey Lane, North Bend, Wash., '02 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.957, -0.993
5) Brian Tait, Frazier Park, Calif., '99 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.517, -0.983
6) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.549, -0.951
7) Tony De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.302, -0.898
8) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '64 Savoy, SS/AA, 9.131, -0.869
9) Mike Blackstone, Castro Valley, Calif., '91 Oldsmobile, SS/BS, 9.236, -0.814
10) James Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '78 Pinto, SS/CC, 12.442, -0.808

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.553 seconds, -1.147 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.851, -1.099
3) Janis Leatherman, Moses Lake, Wash., '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.522, -1.078
4) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '85 Camaro, K/SA, 11.876, -1.074
5) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '77 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.725, -1.025
6) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Chevrolet, T/SA, 13.715, -0.985
7) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.317, -0.983
8) Bernie Plourd, Kent, Wash., '72 Corvette, D/SA, 10.881, -0.969
9) Terry Ryan, Cascade Locks, Ore., '00 Dodge, ET/SA, 14.949, -0.951
10) Chuck Porter, Neville, Sask., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 13.173, -0.927

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 6.803 seconds, 199.55 mph
2) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '98 Firebird, 7.158, 192.38
3) J.R. Leerkamp, Gilbert, Ariz., '01 Mullis, 7.331, 185.37
4) Rod Langley, Boise, Idaho, '99 Soran, 7.359, 185.37
5) Tam Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., '00 Dragster, 7.468, 181.41
6) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., '00 Dragster, 7.472, 180.86
7) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., '93 Spitzer, 7.512, 180.75
8) Todd Hoerner, Spokane, Wash., '00 Worthy, 7.524, 184.08
9) Wes Garvin, Kennewick, Wash., '23 Ford, 7.547, 176.74
10) Tim Ketlinski, Boise, Idaho, '66 Nova, 7.561, 180.57

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, +0.000 second reaction time
2) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '96 Kawasaki, +0.002
3) Wayne Stebing, Marysville, Wash., '78 Kawasaki, +0.002
4) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, +0.004
5) Nick Kroske, Bend, Ore., '89 Suzuki, +0.004
6) Phillip Nasca, Citrus Heights, Calif., '93 Ninja, +0.005
7) Al Omond, Sardis, B.C., '84 Ninja, +0.007
8) Dan Tipsword, Aumsville, Ore.,  '78 Kawasaki, +0.014
9) Dan Partridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.015
10) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, +0.016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Woodburn Dragstrip set for first of two NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events

WOODBURN, Ore. - Woodburn Dragstrip will host Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, June 6-8. The race is the third of seven in Northwest division competition and it is the first of two Lucas Oil events to be held at Woodburn Dragstrip. The second race at Woodburn Dragstrip is scheduled July 11-13.

Drivers in eight categories, including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, 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 class and Sportsman Motorcycle category will also run in conjunction with the race.

Defending division Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) racer Bucky Austin, the "Northwest Hitter," is currently leading the points. After qualifying in the top spot, the Fife, Wash., racer took the win at the division's last event, a rain-delayed affair at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C. Prior to that, he was the runner-up at an out-of-division race in Phoenix.

On the way to the title last year, Austin, a five-time Northwest division TAFC champion, won three races and was the No. 1 qualifier at eight of nine divisional events in which he raced.

Mike Confini of Spokane, Wash., is in first place in the Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) points. Confini won the event in Mission, beating a pair of defending division champions. In the semis he faced Brandon Johnson of Shelton, Wash., the reining Northwest division champ. Then, in the final round, Confini had his hands full with Pacific division champion, Duane Shields, but he pulled ahead for the win. Last year, Shields finished No. 2 in the national point standings.

TAD racer Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., was also back in action in Mission. Prior to the race it was unclear if the former division champ would be competing this season.

Super Stock competitor Sean Cour, a Brush Prairie, Wash., resident, has two wins in two races this year. His closest competitor so far has been Jeff Lane of North Bend, Wash.

Gates at Woodburn Dragstrip open at 8 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 noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

General admission tickets for the Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $25 Sunday. Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Woodburn Dragstrip is located 1½ miles off I-5 at Woodburn exit 271. For more information call the track, (503) 982-4661, or visit www.WoodburnDragstreip.com.

Northwest Division racers will continue their NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season June 11-15 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash.