FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manzo four for four , Gallant scores second win a row

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - In the final results at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Art Gallant and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo won in their respective categories.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Gallant, of Boxboro, Mass., took his dragster into victory lane for the second race in a row when he defeated first-time finalist Dave DeAngelis of Middlesex, N.J. In the final, Gallant ran a 5.552-second pass at 244.03 mph to take out DeAngelis, who ran 5.827 at 196.42 mph.

This was a key win for Gallant, who currently is battling for national championship points with left-coast racer Duane Shields of Las Vegas, Nev., and the defending Northeast Division champion, Cliff Bozzelli of Absecon, N.J. Gallant and Bozzelli are also battling for points within the Northeast Division. This is the third Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series victory for Gallant who scored an NHRA Southeast Division win earlier in the year in Gainesville, Fla.

In repeat match-up of the Top Alcohol Funny Car final just two weeks ago at Atco Raceway, Atco N.J., defending NHRA national champion Manzo of Morganville, N.J., defeated Paul Gill to take home the win in the class. Reacting with a .429, Manzo held off Gill, of Brockton, Mass., with an elapsed time of 5.770 seconds at 250.97 mph to Gill's 5.846-second pass at 245.36 mph. This is the forth 2002 Northeast Division win for Manzo in as many races. He remains unbeaten in 24 consecutive rounds of NHRA Northeast Division competition.

Winners in other categories are Larry Perkins of Collegeville, Pa., in Competition Eliminator; brothers Peter, of Mt. Laurel, N.J., and Sal Biondo, of Maspeth, N.Y., in Super Stock; and Stock Eliminator; Bob Kodadek, Sr., of Aston, Pa., in Super Comp; Duane Fisher of Bloomsburg, Pa., in Super Gas, Paul Panesa, Connelly, N.Y., in Super Street.

In the other NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Special Awards were presented to Paul Ricci of Rockyhill, Conn., Gary Richard of West Islip, N.Y., and Mike Kosky and crew. Ricci received the Competition Photos Best Engineered Car award for his '96 Dodge Avenger, while Richard received the Competition Photos Best Appearing Car award for his 1997 Stock Eliminator Camaro. Top Alcohol Dragster driver Kosky and his crew were given the Parkway Dry Cleaners Best Appearing Crew award.

The next stop on the NHRA Northeast Division tour is Numidia Raceway in Numidia, Pa. The event, which will be held July 26-28, is the fifth of seven races in NHRA's Northeast Division.

The following are Sunday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at the Lebanon Valley Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
Round 1 
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., .557 reaction time, 5.528 seconds, 228.48 mph def. 
8) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., .495, 5.818, 205.62 

7) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., .393 reaction time, 6.078 seconds, 172. 64 mph  def. 
2) Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., (BROKE)

2) Doug Foley, Wappingers, Falls N.Y., .502 reaction time, 5.607 seconds, 249.58 mph def. 
6) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., .438, 5.738, 246.64 

3) Fran Monahan, Meadowbrook, Pa., .474 reaction time, 5.777 seconds, 213.42 mph  def. 
5) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., .404, 5.892, 204.73 

Semifinals 
Gallant, .565 reaction time, 5.586 seconds, 228.25  def. Monahan, 530, 5.689, 248.41 
DeAngelis, .475 reaction time, 5.893 seconds, 229.00 mph def. Foley, .450, 11.452, 63.67 

Final 
Gallant, 532 reaction time, 5.522 seconds, 244.03 def. DeAngelis, .446, 5.827, 196.42 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1 
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., .549 reaction time, 5.792 seconds, 248.07 mph def. 
8) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., .458, 6.004, 237.21 

2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., .493 reaction time, 8.482 seconds, 106.01 def. 
7) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappinger Falls, N.Y., .504, 12931, 60.87 

3) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., .549 reaction time, 12.931 seconds, 60.87 mph def. 
6) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., .415, 6.032, 230.88 

4) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., 556 reaction time, 5.930 seconds, 240.64 def. 
5) John Vouros, Victor, N.Y. (BROKE) 

Semifinals 
Manzo, .481 reaction time, 5.834 seconds, 246.98 mph def. Lourie, .548, 5.859, 244.03 
Gill, .506 reaction time, 5.725 seconds, 250.27 mph def. Newberry, .493, 5.826, 244.69 

Final 
Manzo, .429 reaction time, 5.770 seconds, 250.97 mph def.. Gill, .545, 5.846, 245.36 

COMP ELIMINATOR 
Larry Perkins, Collegeville, Pa., PST/A, '01 S-10, .532 reaction time, 7.826 seconds, 172.24 mph def. 
Frank Aragona, Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., G/ED, '98
Dragster, .494 (red-light), 10.309, 83.59  

SUPER STOCK 
Peter Biondo, Mt. Laurel, N.J., GT/FA, '00 Firebird, .541 reaction time, 10.275, 123.03 mph def. 
John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., Canada, SS/DA, '69 Camaro,
.554, 9.463, 138.37   

STOCK 
Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., K/SA, '78 Firebird, .553 reaction time, 11.988 seconds, 103.63 mph def. 
Phillip Panaritis, Montreal, P.Q., Canada, .593, 10.935, 159.46

SUPER COMP 
Bob Kodadek Sr., Aston, Pa., '99 Dragster, .412 reaction time, 8.939 seconds, 159.46 def. 
Bruce MacDowell, Stevens, Pa., '92 Dragster, .393 (red-light), 8.903, 159.29

SUPER GAS 
Duane Fisher, Bloomsburg, Pa., '78 Datsun, .412 reaction time, 9.874 seconds, 142.13 mph def. 
Mark Parente, Englishtown, N.J., '66 Chevelle, 9.869, 145.96

SUPER STREET 
Paul Panesa, Connelly, N.Y., '67 Chevy, .541 reaction time, 10.994 seconds, 112.26 mph def. 
Larry Pulver, Palmyra, N.Y., '67 Camaro, .569, 11.125, 123.30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gallant steals top spot, while Manzo stays on top at Lebanon Valley

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - In the final rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series being held at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Art Gallant and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo are leading their fields.

Gallant of Boxboro, Mass., took his Top Alcohol Dragster to the pole with a 5.539-second pass at 222.60 mph to claim the top spot in the class. Qualified in the number two spot is defending NHRA Northeast Division Champion Cliff Bozzelli. Bozzelli of Absecon, N.J., qualified with a 5.586 at 251.95 mph.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car defending NHRA National Champion Manzo of Morganville, N.J., rocketed to a 5.732-second pass at 250.06 mph to take the lead in Funny Car. Schenectady, N.Y., driver Bob Newberry is qualified in the number two spot with a 5.811 at 244.69 mph.

During the final Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session, the entries of Karen Benkovich of Fanwood, N.J. and Ken Winward collided when Benkovich's dragster blew a tire and went out of control.

Though both cars sustained significant damage from the crash, both drivers walked away shaken but unharmed. Track medical officials cleared both racers after examination.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Allyn Armstrong of Kingston, Nova Scotia, Canada, in Competition Eliminator; David Barton of Wernersville, Pa., in Super Stock; and local favorite and Lebanon Valley Dragway regular Mike Farrell of East Nassau, N.Y., in Stock.

Gates at Lebanon Valley Dragway will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. with final eliminations in all categories set to begin at 10 a.m. Final eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled to begin at noon.

For more information please contact Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130 or on the web at www.DRAGWAY.com

The following are Saturday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at the Lebanon Valley Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
   1. Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.539 seconds, 222.60 mph 
   2. Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.586,  251.95 
   3. Doug Foley, Wappingers, Falls N.Y., 5.611, 252.95  
   4. Fran Monahan, Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.622, 250.34 
   5. Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md.,  5.639, 250.69 
   6. Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.703, 249.58 
   7. Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J.,  5.705, 246.84 
   8. Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.709, 225.05 

     ------------ Not Qualified ------------ 
   9. Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 5.753, 248.34 
  10. Steve Lamplough, Severna Park, Md.,  5.758, 242.65 
  11. Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J.,  5.785, 240.96 
  12. Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.813, 244.16 
  13. Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del.,  5.924, 233.34 
  14. Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 5.963, 215.05 
  15. Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa.,  6.156, 238.98 
  16. Don Gianquitto, Melrose, Mass., 6.177, 226.87 

First-Round Pairings 

   1. Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass. vs. 8) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J. 
   2. Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J. vs. 7) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J. 
   3. Doug Foley, Wappingers, Falls N.Y. 6) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa. 
   4. Fran Monahan, Meadowbrook, Pa. vs. 5) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md. 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
   1. Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '01 Dodge Avenger, 5.732 seconds, 250.06 mph  
   2. Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Chevy Camaro, 5.811, 244.69 
   3. Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Dodge Avenger, 5.821, 247.45 
   4. Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 5.996, 240.00 
   5. John Vouros, Victor, N.Y., '00 Firebird, 5.999, 194.34 
   6. Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '01 Chevy,  6.014, 231.06 
   7. Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappinger Falls, N.Y., '02 Corvette, 6.072, 232.07 
   8. Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '00 Chevy Camaro, 6.085, 234.07 

     ----------------Not Qualified------------ 
   9. Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.132, 234.31 
  10. Scott Woodington, Delran, N.J., '98 Achieva, 6.196, 207.37 
  11. Ed Fisher, Milford, Conn., '97 Pontiac Firebird, 6.229, 226.41 
  12. Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '99 Chevy, 6.241, 228.31 

First-round Parings
   1.Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., vs. 8) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass. 
   2.Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y. vs. 7) Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappinger Falls, N.Y. 
   3.Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass. vs. 6) Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md. 
   4.Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn. vs. 5) John Vouros, Victor, N.Y. 
 
COMP 
   1. Allyn Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., Canada, L/A, '72 Opel, 9.216 seconds, -0.664 (under index)  
   2. Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., F/D, Dragster, 8.175, -0.645 
   3. Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., G/D, Dragster, 9.219, -0.611 
   4. Frank Aragona, Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., G/ED, Dragster, 8.223, -.577 
   5. Doug Harris, Millville, N.J., PST/A, '01 S-10, 7.781, -0.539 
   6. Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., D/D, Dragster, 7.393, -0.537 
   7. Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, F/A '98 Firebird, 8.378, -0.492 
   8. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, B/SR, '34 Roadster, 8.165, -0.485 
   9. Larry Perkins, Collegeville, Pa., PST/A, '01 S-10, 7.838, -0.482 
  10. Don Eckel III, Piscataway, N.J., C/D, Dragster, 7.154, -0.456 

SUPER STOCK
   1. David Barton, Wernersville, Pa., SS/AA, '68 Dart, 8.966 seconds, -1.034 (under index) 
   2. Richard Diorio, East Brunswick, N.J., SS/PA, '55 Bel Air, 11.934, -1.016 
   3. John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., Canada, SS/DA, '69 Camaro, 9.488, -1.012 
   4. George Vignogna, Salem, N.Y.,SS/AS, '97 Sebring, 8.920, -0.980 
   5. Joseph Mendillo, Jr., Hamden, Conn., GT/G, '90 Camaro, 10.089, -0.961 
   6. Peter Zawadzki, Sodus, N.Y., GT/FA, '82 Camaro, 10.154, -0.946 
   7. Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., GT/FA '90 Camaro, 10.165, -0.935 
   8. Robert Humphreys, Elbridge, N.Y.,  SS/KA, '84 Firebird, 10.622, -0.928 
   9. Dean Ribeiro, Candia, N.H., GT/HA, '85 Firebird, 10.432, -0.918 
  10. Michael Barton, Wernersville, Pa., SS/AA, '68 Barracuda, 9.095, -0.905 

STOCK
   1. Mike Farrell, East Nassau, N.Y., E/SA, '71 Duster 10.794, -1.206 
   2. John Presing, N. Haledon, N.J., L/S, '88 Mustang, 11.854 seconds, -1.146 
   3. John Shaul, Fultonham, N.Y., B/SA, '64 Fury, 10.423, -1.127  
   4. Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., H/SA, '80 Corvette, 11.331, -1.119 
   5. Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., J/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.653, -1.097 
   6. A. Lincoln Morehead, Marlboro, N.Y., E/SA, '97 Firebird, 10.931, -1.069 
   7. Peter Biondo, Mount Laurel, N.J., E/SA, '95 Camaro, 10.976, -1.024 
   8. Fred Thibeault, Annapolis, N.S., Canada, B/SA, '69 Camaro, 10.541, -1.009 
   9. Evan J. Smith, Matawan, N.J., I/S, '93 Mustang, 11.497, -1.003 
  10. Dean Cook, West Warwick, R.I., F/S, '72 Mustang, 11.105, -0.995

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manzo and Bozzelli rule the Valley in opening qualifying

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - In the opening rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series being held at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Cliff Bozzelli and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo are leading their respective fields.

Bozzelli of Absecon, N.J., piloted his Top Alcohol Dragster to a 5.586-second pass at 251.95 mph to claim the top spot in the class. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Manzo of Morganville, N.J., laid down a 5.732-second pass at 250.06 mph to take the lead in Funny Car.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Allyn Armstrong of Kingston, Nova Scotia, Canada, in Competition Eliminator; David Barton of Wernersville, Pa., in Super Stock; and John Presing of North Haledon, N.J., in Stock.

After qualifying was completed, race fans were treated to the 6th Annual Lebanon Valley 4th of July Extravaganza, featuring low 6-second runs at over 200 mph by blower and nitrous-powered Pro Mods, wheelstanders and the car-crushing, fire-breathing, power of Transaurus. The night was capped of with a spectacular fireworks show.

Gates at Lebanon Valley Dragway will open Saturday at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to continue at 9:00 a.m. Final eliminations in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will begin at 1 p.m. and continue on Sunday. Final qualifying sessions for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For more information please contact Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130 or on the web at www.DRAGWAY.com

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at the Atco Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
   1. Cliff Bozzelli, Absecon, N.J., 5.586 seconds,  251.95 mph 
   2. Douglas Foley, Wappingers, Falls N.Y., 5.611, 252.95  
   3. Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md.,  5.639, 250.69 
   4. Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.703, 249.58 
   5. Steve Lamplough, Severna Park, Md.,  5.758, 242.65 
   6. Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J.,  5.791, 240.96 
   7. Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 5.963, 215.05 
   8. Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del.,  5.998, 227.56 

     ------------ Not Qualified ------------ 
   9. Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass.,  6.142, 200.98 
  10. Don Gianquitto, Melrose, Mass., 6.183, 226.87 
  11. Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J.,  6.184, 218.92 
  12. Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa.,  6.347, 238.98 
  13. Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 24.588, 59.90  

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
   1. Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '01 Dodge Avenger, 5.732 seconds, 250.06 mph  
   2. Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Chevy Camaro, 5.838, 243.37 
   3. Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Dodge Avenger, 5.898, 246.77 
   4. John Vouros, Victor, N.Y., '00 Firebird, 5.999, 241.54 
   5. Bruce Peterson Jr., Wappinger Falls, N.Y., '02 Corvette, 6.072, 232.07 
   6. Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '01 Camaro, 6.077, 238.47 
   7. Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 6.174, 232.61 
   8. Scott Woodington, Delran, N.J., '98 Achieva, 6.196, 207.37 

     ----------------Not Qualified------------ 
   9. Ed Fisher, Milford, Conn., '97 Pontiac Firebird, 6.229, 226.41 
  10. Paul Lee, Gaithersburg, Md., '01 Chevy,  7.242, 139.44 
  11. Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '00 Chevy Camaro, 8.523, 104.27 
  12. Michael Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '99 Chevy, 9.604, 81.27 

COMP ELIMINATOR 
   1. Allyn Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., Canada, L/A, '72 Opel, 9.216 seconds, -0.664 (under index)  
   2. Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., F/D, Dragster, 8.175, -0.645 
   3. Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., G/D, Dragster, 9.219, -0.611 
   4. Frank Aragona, Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., G/ED, Dragster, 8.223, -.577 
   5. Doug Harris, Millville, N.J., PST/A, '01 S-10, 7.781, -0.539 
   6. Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., D/D, Dragster, 7.393, -0.537 
   7. Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, F/A '98 Firebird, 8.378, -0.492 
   8. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, B/SR, '34 Roadster, 8.189, -0.461 
   9. Larry Perkins, Collegeville, Pa., PST/A, '01 S-10, 7.870, -0.450 
  10. Don Eckel III, Piscataway, N.J., C/D, Dragster, 7.161, -0.449 

SUPER STOCK 
   1. David Barton, Wernersville, Pa., SS/AA, '68 Dart, 8.966 seconds, -1.034 (under index) 
   2. George Vignogna, Salem, N.Y.,SS/AS, '97 Sebring, 8.920, -0.980 
   3. Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '90 Camaro, 10.169, -0.931 
   4. Peter Zawadzki, Sodus, N.Y., GT/FA, '82 Camaro, 10.175, -0.925 
   5. Michael Barton, Wernersville, Pa., SS/AA, '68 Barracuda, 9.095, -0.905 
   6. Joseph Mendillo, Jr., Hamden, Conn., GT/G, '90 Camaro, 10.148, -0.902 
   7. Brad Huntzberry, Smithburg, Md., SS/JA, '69 Camaro, 10.399, -0.901 
   8. Dean Ribeiro, Candia, N.H., GT/HA, '85 Firebird, 10.456, -0.894 
   9. Frank Lupo, North East, Md., GT/AA, '95 Achieva, 10.307, -0.893 
  10. Dennis Stewart, Dover, Pa., GT/EA, '91 Daytona, 10.066, -0.884 

STOCK 
   1. John Presing, N. Haledon, N.J., L/S, '88 Mustang, 11.870 seconds, -1.130 
   2. John Shaul, Fultonham, N.Y., B/SA, '64 Fury, 10.423, -1.127  
   3. Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., J/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.653, -1.097 
   4. Mike Farrell, East Nassau, N.Y., E/SA, '71 Duster 10.905, -1.095 
   5. Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., H/SA, '80 Corvette, 11.356, -1.094 
   6. A. Lincoln Morehead, Marlboro, N.Y., E/SA, '97 Firebird, 10.931, -1.069 
   7. Peter Biondo, Mount Laurel, N.J., E/SA, '95 Camaro, 10.976, -1.024 
   8. Dean Cook, West Warwick, R.I., F/S, '72 Mustang, 11.105, -0.995 
   9. Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., K/SA, '78 Firebird, 11.956, -0.994 
  10. Jim Reid, Jr., Hanson, Mass., K/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.961, -0.989

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing set at Lebanon Valley Dragway

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - The 6th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, will kick off July 5, 2002. The event, which runs Friday through Sunday, July 5-7, will feature more than 500 cars, including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC), with racers competing for points leading to national and divisional championships.

The 6th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza will begin after Friday's TAD and TAFC qualifying. The show is included in the ticket price and will feature Transoaurus, Pro Mod cars, and a fireworks spectacular.

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

In Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD), defending division champion Cliff Bozzelli hopes to repeat as champion. The Absecon, N.J., resident has been runner-up at two NHRA national events. Last year, Bozzelli won five divisional events and scored one national event victory. Several drivers will by trying to take the crown from Bozzelli, including Boxboro, Mass., resident Art Gallant and Billy Gibson of Chaptico, Md.

Gates at Lebanon Valley Dragway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Friday. TAD and TAFC will run at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, final qualifying and time trials in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. First round of eliminations for those classes are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. TAD and TAFC will qualify at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, eliminations continue at 10 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round of eliminations at noon.

Tickets, including pit pass, for the 6th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza are $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, and $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $40. Children 6-12 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Lebanon Valley Dragway is located off I-90 E on Route 20. For more information, call the track, (518) 794-7130, or visit www.DRAGWAY.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: 6th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the fourth of seven in Northeast Division competition.

WHERE: Lebanon Valley Dragway, West Lebanon, N.Y. Track is located off I-90 E on Route 20. Exit 11E/Route 20, and follow 10-12 miles. The track is just past the oval dirt track on the left-hand side.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 5-7, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:
FRIDAY, July 5 -- 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 7:30 p.m. The 6th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza, featuring Transaurus, Pro Mods and Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled to begin after TAD and TAFC qualifying.
SATURDAY, July 6 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street are scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon. First round of eliminations for those classes are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 7 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations continue at 10 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $45. Children 6-12 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Lebanon Valley Dragway, (518) 794-7130.

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

2001 EVENT WINNERS:
Michael Gunderson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Jim Purseglove, Comp Eliminator; Lincoln Morehead, Super Stock; Lee Zane, Stock Eliminator; John DiBartolomeo, Super Comp; Raymond Sawyer, Super Gas; Lary Willard, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2002 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $220,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 16 of 23 national events.)

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2002 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2002 Jeg's Allstars, held in conjunction with the NHRA Nationals in Chicago, Sept. 26-29, 2002. Points are based on in-division races only.

The winning division's team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.

FEATURES: More than 500 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.