FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Perry, Fritts get first '04 wins at National Trail Raceway

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ken Perry, of Ontario, and Kim Fritts of Illinois, took the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car titles Sunday in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series 2004 finale for the NHRA's North Central Division at National Trail Raceway.

Perry outlasted a field that included Northeast interloper Art Gallant, the low qualifier, to earn his first win of the season. The win improves on his runner-up Lucas Oil Series finish earlier this year in Chicago. Gallant's attempt to earn some out-of-division points went awry in the first round when he stuck the tires and lost to Rich McPhillips.

Fritts, meanwhile, came from the No. 3 qualifying spot to get to his first final of the season. He took the measure of Paul Lee to nail down the victory. Just as in TAD, the No. 1 qualifier in TAFC, Mick Snyder, had traction trouble in round one and had to shut down his car. Fritts also took out North Central Division heavy hitter Chuck Cheeseman in the semifinals.

Steve Ambrose, out of Michigan, took the Competition Eliminator title on a single run when Brian Browell couldn't repair his broken engine before the final round.

In an exciting all-Ohio Corvette versus Mustang final in Top Sportsman, Glenn Butcher, of Doylestown, drove the early model Corvette to victory at 7.20 seconds and 192 mph. Jerry Spoor, of Van Wert, was runner-up in the '04 Mustang at 7.91 seconds at a little more than 164 mph.

Matt Alvey, of Woodhaven, Mich., was the Super Stock winner. He was joined by fellow Michigan racer Steven Fields in the winner's circle. Fields won in Super Comp.

All of the remaining titles went to New York state racers who came to Columbus to pick up some needed late-season points. Paul Dilcher, of Brockport, won in Stock; Frank Maiolo of Mt. Vernon, won in Super Gas, and Joe Urbino, of Seneca, took Super Street.

The event was the final of six Lucas Oil Series events for 2004 in NHRA's North Central Division. The outcome will have a bearing on not only the North Central Division season championships, but the prestigious Lucas Oil Series national titles as well.

Points from the National Trail event are a component of the national points chase as are points from the other six NHRA divisions and points accumulated at some of the NHRA National Events like the Pontiac Excitement Nationals held earlier this season at National Trail. Thus, the NHRA Lucas Oil Series national titles may not be decided until after the final event of the year, in November, at Pomona Raceway in California.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division event at National Trail Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round One
5) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.738, 234.17 def. 
4) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 13.609, 77.31;

7) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Man., 5.469, 252.66 def. 
2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 10.351, 72.15;

8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.515, 257.43 def. 
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 14.194, 48.42;

3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.421, 266.79 def. 
6) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.482, 260.91;

Semifinals
Perry, 5.608, 242.36 def. McPhillips, 5.597, 254.76; 
Murray, 5.638, 249.07 def. Hirata, 10.040, 83.03;

Finals
Perry, 5.470, 248.93 def. Murray, 5.505, 251.30.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round One
8) Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., '96 Firebird, 6.297, 194.77 def. 
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 12.320, 65.70;

2) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.742, 248.75 def. 
7) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '04 Camaro, 6.351, 181.45;

3) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.789, 250.09 def. 
9) Jody Gucwa, Fowlerville, Mich., '95 Daytona, 6.899, 154.00;

4) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 5.888, 247.88 def. 
5) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 5.973, 250.27;

Semifinals
Fritts, 6.024, 246.17 def. Cheeseman, 7.012, 144.58; 
Lee, 6.208, 239.19, was unopposed;

Finals
Fritts, 5.820, 247.84 def. Lee, 5.936, 240.00.

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23  roadster, J/AA, 17.838, 58.24 def.
 Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, broke.

SUPER STOCK
Matt Alvey, Mt. Washington, Ky., '92 Firebird, GT/DA, 9.962, 128.02 def. 
Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.802, 141.92.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Paul Dilcher, Brockport, N.Y., '77 Firebird, K/SA, 12.030, 107.85  def.
Darrell Steiger, Clayton, Ind., '80 Volare, H/SA, 11.334, 115.02.

SUPER COMP
Steven Fields, Taylor, Mich., dragster, 8.882, 166.29  def. 
Marty Cheeseman, New Albany, Ohio, dragster, 8.881, 160.21.

SUPER GAS
Frank Maiolo, Mt. Vernon, N.Y., '63 Corvette, 9.888, 161.32  def. 
Chuck Siegler, Villa Park, Ill., '04 Corvette, 9.872, 152.38.

SUPER STREET
Joe Urbino, W. Seneca, N.Y., '78 Malibu, 10.898, 127.85  def. 
Roger Weaver, Indianapolis, Ind., '67 Mustang, 10.872, 130.20.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Glenn Butcher, Doylestown, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 7.207, 192.00  def. 
Jerry Spoor, Van Wert, Ohio, '04 Mustang, 7.910, 164.73.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gallant, Snyder top Lucas Series qualifiers heading into eliminations

COLUMBUS, Ohio - After the final two rounds of qualifying for the NHRA North Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at National Trail Raceway former Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster National Champion Art Gallant and current North Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car points leader Mick Snyder hold down the No. 1 qualifying spots heading into Sunday's final eliminations.

Gallant, of Boxboro, Mass., is leading the points chase in the Northeast Division but can still earn points at three more divisional events so he made the trip into North Central territory. He didn't make a run on Friday at National Trail, but was the class of the field on Saturday with a 5.34-second qualifying run. He is also sixth in national points and looking to make a major move up the list with a late-season win streak.

Snyder, meanwhile, is the young lion who leads the North Central Division points and is seventh nationally in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category. The DeMotte Ind., racer is looking for his second North Central Division win of the season. Galena, Ohio's Chuck Cheeseman will have something to say about that as he comes out of the No. 2 qualifying spot. Another veteran who can make a big move in the North Central final points standings is Muncie, Ind., hard-charger Danny Townsend, qualified No. 5 and currently second in the divisional points.

Bo Butner III, of Floyds Knobs, Ind., leads Competition Eliminator qualifying into eliminations Sunday, while Dave Layer, of Dayton, Ohio, took over the lead spot in Super Stock, Joey Wilkes, of Zanesville, Ohio, stayed on top in Stock, and Tom Stultz, of Terra Haute, Ind., remained No. 1 qualifier in Top Sportsman.

Final Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, with the first rounds of action in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car scheduled for 1 p.m.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division event at National Trail Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.341 seconds, 254.09 mph
2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.428, 264.08
3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.432, 267.75
4) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.454, 264.29
5) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.482, 255.19
6) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.487, 255.87
7) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.490, 255.48
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.515, 257.38 

Not Qualified
9) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.522, 257.24
10) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.526, 257.97
11) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.548, 258.71
12) Mark Albert, Pittsburg, Pa., 5.565, 254.47
13) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.584, 255.92
14) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.631, 239.57
15) Noah Condo, Monticello, Ind., 5.728, 228.81
16) Paul Fishburn, Rensselaer, Ind., 5.949, 236.38
17) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 5.975, 220.66
18) Jeff Veale, Stoney Creek, Ont., 6.099, 191.67
19) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 6.139, 226.66
20) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 8.459, 100.88
 
First round TAD pairings
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.341 seconds, 254.09 mph vs. 
8) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.515, 257.38

2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.428, 264.08 vs. 
7) Scott Murray,Winnipeg, Man., 5.490, 255.48

3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.432, 267.75 vs. 
6) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.487, 255.87

4) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.454, 264.29 vs. 
5) Ken Perry, Gormley, Ont., 5.482, 255.19
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.694 seconds, 251.49 mph
2) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.768, 249.86
3) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.807, 250.00
4) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 5.828, 250.69
5) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 5.839, 251.39
6) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.928, 242.10
7) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '04 Camaro, 6.007, 240.21
8) Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., '96 Firebird, 6.156, 239.19 

Not Qualified
9) Jody Gucwa, Fowlerville, Mich., '95 Daytona, 6.298, 220.44
10) Rick Krafft, Union Mills, Ind., '98 Cutlass, 6.354, 204.57
11) Brian Grisham, Memphis, Tenn., '92 Probe, 6.438, 213.87
12) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.723, 231.56
13) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '02 Firebird, 7.059, 145.06
14) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 8.224, 109.21
 
First round TAFC pairings
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.694 seconds, 251.49 mph vs. 
8) Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., '96 Firebird, 6.156, 239.19

2) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.768, 249.86 vs. 
7) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '04 Camaro, 6.007, 240.21

3) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.807, 250.00 vs. 
6) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.928, 242.10

4) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, 5.828, 250.69 vs. 
5) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 5.839, 251.39
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, G/SMA, 8.939 seconds, -0.671 (under index)
2) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, H/SMA, 9.179, -0.601
3) Robert Book, Frankfort, Ill., '32 Bantam, A/D, 6.524, -0.586
4) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.264, -0.566
5) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.429, -0.561
6) Ian Landies Jr, Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.224, -0.556
7) Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.792, -0.548
8) Robert Bailey, Wabash, Ind., dragster, A/ED, 6.747, -0.543
9) Allen Wilson, Kokomo, Ind., dragster, A/ND, 7.092, -0.538
10) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.238, -0.532
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.192 seconds, -1.308 (under index)
2) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.189, -1.261
3) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, SS/JA, 10.086, -1.214
4) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.780, -1.170
5) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.750, -1.100
6) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '92 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.853, -1.097
7) Ronnie Terrell, Hebron, Ky., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.474, -1.076
8) Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.038, -1.062
9) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/JA, 10.547, -1.053
10) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.103, -1.047
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Joey Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.420 seconds, -1.280 (under index)
2) David Edwards, Washington Ct Hs, Ohio, '78 Trans Am, I/SA, 11.327, -1.273
3) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '74 Corvette, I/SA, 11.387, -1.213
4) Steve Polhill, Landon, Ont., '82 Escort, DF/S, 16.540, -1.210
5) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '77 Firebird, J/SA, 11.582, -1.168
6) Darrell Steiger, Clayton, Ind., '80 Volare, H/SA, 11.312, -1.138
7) Ben Wenzel Sr, Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.664, -1.136
8) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.050, -1.100
9) Chuck Beach, Delaware, Ohio, '69 Barracuda, G/SA, 11.205, -1.095
10) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.219, -1.081
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terra Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 6.898 seconds, 200.23 mph
2) Marvin Blaney, Delaware, Ohio, '91 Camaro, 7.115, 192.82
3) Michael Donato, Arlington Hts, Ill., '04 Grand Am, 7.149, 193.71
4) Glenn Butcher, Doylestown, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 7.221, 191.32
5) Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '97 Trans Am, 7.247, 190.14
6) Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 7.288, 190.57
7) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 7.318, 189.39
8) Bill Gibson, Steger, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.362, 189.15
9) Jarod Wenrick, Tipp. City, Ohio, '37 Ford, 7.365, 189.28
10) Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '03 Grand Am, 7.415, 184.83

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Perry, Snyder atop early qualifying list

COLUMBUS, Ohio - After the initial round of qualifying for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at National Trail Raceway Canadian Ken Perry and rising star Mick Snyder of Demotte, Ind., lead the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car fields.

This is the final of six Lucas Oil Series events for 2004 in NHRA's North Central Division. The outcome will determine not only the National Trail Raceway event championships but will figure mightily in the final divisional Lucas Series points standings as well.

Also at stake are points toward the national standings. Points from National Trail are a component of the national points chase as are points from the other six NHRA divisions. Thus, at this time of year, each round of racing becomes very important to the front runners in the points standings. For instance, Snyder, who just a few seasons ago competed in Jr. Dragsters, is currently No. 7 nationally in Top Alcohol Funny Car and is trying to move up with a good showing in Columbus.

North Central Division Top Alcohol Dragster points leader Bill Reichert is not among this weekend's competitors, having already clinched the title, but Jeff Wilson and Marty Thacker are on hand waging a spirited battle for the No. 2 position. Perry is currently No. 4 in the division, but couldn't catch either Thacker or Wilson even if he wins the event.

Arlington, Ohio's Kerri Voges and Zanesville's Joey Wilkes currently lead the Super Stock and Stock Eliminator fields.

More qualifying will be held Saturday. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and time trials and qualifying for many of the more than 700 cars in attendance will begin at 9 a.m. Qualifying rounds for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will be at 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Final Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, with the first rounds of action in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car scheduled for 1 p.m.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, North Central Division event at National Trail Raceway:

 TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.507 seconds, 246.84 mph
2) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.531, 251.34
3) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.550, 254.76
4) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.608, 254.86
5) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.664, 254.18
6) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.844, 186.54
7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 6.139, 226.66
8) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 8.085, 112.64 

Not Qualified
9) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 8.095, 110.02
10) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 8.459, 100.88
11) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 11.029, 73.56
12) Mark Albert, Pittsburg, Pa., 11.193, 72.13
13) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 11.554, 60.96
14) Jeff Veale, Stoney Creek, Ont., 11.992, 74.13
15) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 14.135, 54.61
16) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 18.015, 53.61
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.694 seconds, 251.49 mph
2) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.768, 249.86
3) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 5.839, 251.39
4) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '96 Firebird, 5.928, 242.10
5) Todd Veney, Indianapolis, Ind., '04 Camaro, 6.007, 240.21
6) Rick Krafft, Union Mills, Ind., '98 Cutlass, 8.254, 114.21
7) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '98 Firebird, (no time)
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Rod Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '95 Achieva, H/SMA, 9.189 seconds, -0.591 (under index)
2) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.281, -0.549
3) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, G/SMA, 9.067, -0.543
4) Allen Wilson, Kokomo, Ind., dragster, A/ND, 7.092, -0.538
5) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.455, -0.535
6) Ian Landies Jr, Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.254, -0.526
7) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.500, -0.510
8) Jesse Plant, Terre Haute, Ind., dragster, D/ED, 7.493, -0.507
9) Charlie Yannetti, Alpine, N.J., dragster, C/ED, 7.437, -0.503
10) Wayne Henderson, Fishers, Ind., dragster, A/ED, 6.793, -0.497
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Kerri Voges, Arlington, Ohio, '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.189 seconds, -1.261 (under index)
2) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '87 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.260, -1.240
3) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, SS/JA, 10.110, -1.190
4) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.794, -1.156
5) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.750, -1.100
6) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/JA, 10.547, -1.053
7) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.103, -1.047
8) Wes Leopold Sr., McDonald, Pa., '87 Daytona, GT/HA, 10.307, -1.043
9) Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.507, -1.043
10) Tom Sheehan, Newell, Pa., '00 Sebring, GT/HA, 10.316, -1.034
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1), Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.421 seconds, -1.279 (under index)
2) David Edwards, Washington Ct Hs, Ohio, '78 Trans Am, I/SA, 11.327, -1.273
3) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '74 Corvette, I/SA, 11.387, -1.213
4) Steve Polhill, Landon, Ont., '82 Escort, DF/S, 16.540, -1.210
5) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '77 Firebird, J/SA, 11.582, -1.168
6) Darrell Steiger, Clayton, Ind., '80 Volare, H/SA, 11.312, -1.138
7) Ben Wenzel Sr, Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.664, -1.136
8) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.050, -1.100
9) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.219, -1.081
10) Bert Morgan, Charleston, Ill., '75 Buick Wgn, Q/SA, 13.028, -1.072
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terra Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 6.898 seconds, 200.23 mph
2) Marvin Blaney, Delaware, Ohio, '91 Camaro, 7.115, 192.82
3) Glenn Butcher, Doylestown, Ohio, '63 Corvette, 7.298, 190.11
4) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '04 Cavalier, 7.348, 188.02
5) Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 7.357, 189.12
6) Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '03 Grand Am, 7.455, 183.15
7) Mark Conkle, Etna, Ohio, '87 Sunbird, 7.498, 185.33
8) Danny Osborn, Athens, Ala., '91 Olds, 7.545, 183.12
9) Rod Burgoyne, Coloma, Mich., '00 Trans Am, 7.574, 180.57
10) Scott Fitzgibbono, Lockport, Ill., '04 Stratus, 7.604, 182.60
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA North Central Division wraps up season at National Trail Raceway

HEBRON, Ohio - National Trail Raceway will host the final round of the NHRA North Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Sept. 24-26. The three-day event will feature more than 600 drivers in eight categories competing for points leading to divisional and national championships.

Classes will include 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car as well as Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Coming into the event at Columbus, Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Bill Reichert leads the points. Reichert, a resident of Owasso, Mich., won the NHRA North Central Division races in Stanton, Mich.; Joliet, Ill.; and Cincinnati, as well as an out-of-division race in Houston.

Behind Reichert in the TAD point standings is defending North Central Division Champion Jeff Wilson of Winfield, Mo. Reichert has a large lead at this point, but a win at Columbus for Wilson, who won the North Central opener in Indianapolis, and the most recent event in Bowling Green, Ky., could conceivably give him the lead. Reichert has run eight events and is now merely able to block others from earning points. Wilson has run six events and can earn points at Columbus as well as one more event outside the North Central Division.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Mick Snyder, the 22-year-old Demotte, Ind., driver who began his NHRA career in the Jr. Drag Racing League, has added some new blood to the top of the points list. His win in Indianapolis and runner-ups in Stanton and Bowling Green left him the surprise leader in the Funny Car points. However, Chuck Cheeseman, a two-time winner this season and defending champion at Columbus, is closing in after a win at Bowling Green. Cheeseman, of Galena, Ohio, who failed to qualify at the North Central season opener in Indianapolis rebounded with a win in Stanton and then grabbed the Bowling Green title. A Cheeseman win at Columbus and some out of division success could be parlayed into another North Central Division Championship. Danny Townsend, the veteran from Muncie, Ind., who has returned to action this year, is in second place just barely ahead of the fast-closing Cheeseman. Snyder finished sixth in the division in 2003 and is hoping he can hold off the veterans. He was runner-up to Cheeseman at the most recent event in Bowling Green and the points earned there kept him in the lead.

They will all be on part of the 600-plus entries expected to compete at Columbus. All eight of the NHRA Sportsman categories will be in competition, including the highly modified Competition Eliminator cars and the high-flying, wheelstanding factory hot rods in Super Stock.

Gates at National Trail Raceway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials begin Friday at 10 a.m. Top Sportsman, TAD and TAFC will each have one qualifying session Friday. Top Sportsman runs at 4 p.m. and TAD and TAFC will qualify at 5 p.m.

Qualifying and time trials continue on Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman, TAD, and TAFC will each get two qualifying shots. Top Sportsman is scheduled at noon and 4:30 p.m., and TAD and TAFC are scheduled at 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will run first round at 11 a.m. TAD and TAFC start eliminations at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10 Friday and $15 each Saturday and Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free. Call National Trail Raceway at 740-928-5706 for more information or visit www.nationaltrailraceway.com.

National Trail Raceway is located on U.S. 40 between Highway 158 (exit 122) and Highway 37 (exit 126) off Interstate 70, east of Columbus.

North Central Division racers will be finished for the year after the Columbus event, but some may opt to run at out-of-division events to earn more points.

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 final of six in North Central Division competition. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio. Track is located on U.S. 40 between Highway 158 (exit 122) and Highway 37 (exit 126) off Interstate 70, east of Columbus.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Sept. 24-26, 2004

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

FRIDAY, Sept. 24 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 25 -- 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 1 and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 26 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, $15 Sunday. For more information please call National Trail Raceway, (740) 928-5706.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $164,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Marty Thacker, Top Alcohol Dragster; Chuck Cheeseman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Bo Butner, Comp Eliminator; Joe Covert, Super Stock; Toby Lang, Stock Eliminator; Rock Haas, Super Comp; Ron Erks, Super Gas; Tim Shuck, 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 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.

NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION TOP SPORTSMAN CLASS: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,200 event purse as well as points leading to a divisional championship.

Top Sportsman racers may run the six North Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or South Central Divisions.

The North Central Division Top Sportsman year-end champion will earn $2,000, No. 2 points finisher will receive $1,000 and the third place competitor will earn $500.

FEATURES: More than 550 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.