FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thacker finishes season with third NHRA Southeast Division win

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the final results at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Darlington International Dragway, Marty Thacker and Steve Harker both won in their respective fields.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Robinson, Ill., driver Marty Thacker captured his third NHRA Southeast Division win of the year, when he defeated NHRA Northeast Division runner Fran Monaghan of Meadowbrook, Pa. In the final, Thacker used a .419 reaction time and 5.553-second pass at 256.04 mph to take out Monaghan, who reacted with a .512 and ran a quicker 5.519 at 253.02 mph.

In other Top Alcohol Dragster racing action, Las Vegas, Nev., runner Duane Shields' national championship hopes came to an abrupt end when he was defeated in the opening round by top qualifier John Haley. Despite being out of the race for the title, Shields plans to finish the season by competing in the final NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, November 1-3. He also plans to attend the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway, November 7-10.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Steve Harker of Brisbane, Australia nabbed his first Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series win of the year when he defeated Stanford, Conn., racer Micky Ferro in the class final. Harker, who qualified second in the funny car field, ran a 5.870-second pass at 246.50 mph in the final to take out Ferro, who struggled to a 6.184-second pass at 199.51. Despite being eliminated in the final by Harker it was still a huge day for Ferro, who the opening round and semifinals defeated two of the Southeast Division's heaviest hitters, divisional points leader Von Smith and defending Southeast Division champ Jay Payne.

In Comp Eliminator, Mike Saye of Johnston, S.C., defeated Clarkrange, Tenn., driver Larry Pritchett to take the class title and clinch his second divisional championship in a row in the class. This was an important win for Saye who is currently neck and neck with defending NHRA National Champion Don Stratton of Beloit, Ohio, in the race for the Comp Eliminator National Championship.

Winners in other categories are Andy Fogle of Norway, S.C., in Super Stock; Brandon Wood of Tallahassee, Fla., in Stock Eliminator; Frank Altilio of Ocoee, Fla., in Super Comp; Steve Furr of Harrisburg, N.C., in Super Gas; and Kevin Mac Nicol of North Port, Fla., in Super Street.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, the win went to Robert Sellers of Bunnell, Fla. In the final he defeated Knoxville, Tenn., racer Billy Vaughn.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
Round 1 
1) John Haley, St. Louise, Minn., 6.718 seconds, 181.96 mph def. 
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 14.531, 49.95 

2) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.503 seconds, 256.11 mph def. 
7) Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 11.050, 106.81 

3) Fran Monaghan, Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.575 seconds, 249.58 mph def. 
6) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 10.048, 92.58 

4) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.568 seconds, 252.10 mph def. 
5) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 11.882, 85.91 

Semifinals 
Thacker, 5.535 seconds, 256.19 seconds def. Haley, 15.224, 49.22 
Monaghan, 5.543 seconds, 251.95 mph def. Cannon, 5.696, 238.22 

Final 
Thacker, 5.553 seconds, 256.04 mph def. Monaghan, 5.519, 253.02 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
 Round 1 
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.811 seconds, 250.00 mph def. BYE 

2) Steve Harker, Brisbane, Australia, '99 Avenger, 5.741 seconds, 247.72 mph def. 
5) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 9.204, 83.29 

4) Micky Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '98 Avenger, 5.861 seconds, 242.98 mph def. 
3) Von Smith, Oak Ridge, Tenn., '01 Firebird, 5.936, 219.51

Semifinals 
Ferro, 5.873 seconds, 242.71 mph def. Payne, 6.016, 244.03 
Harker, 5.809 seconds, 246.57 mph def. BYE 

Final 
Harker, 5.870 seconds, 246.50 mph def. Ferro, 6.184, 199.51 

COMP ELIMINATOR  
Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., G/A, '92 Cutlass, 8.673 seconds, 153.92 mph def. 
Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., B/SM, '98 Grand Am, 8.351, 159.68

SUPER STOCK 
Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., SS/HA, '67 Camaro, 9.976 seconds, 130.45 mph def. 
Grace Howell, Aiken, S.C., GT/KA, '93 Mustang, 11.074, 114.41 

STOCK 
Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., K/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.882 seconds, 104.99 mph def. 
Tom O'Loughlin, Braintree, Mass., F/SA, '68 Chevelle, 11.419, 113.80

SUPER COMP 
Frank Altilio, Ococee, Fla., '02 Dragster, 8.922 seconds, 165.47 mph def. 
James Perry, Jr., Orlando, Fla., '00 Dragster, 8.911, 155.01

SUPER GAS 
Steven Furr, Harrisburg, N.C., '68 Camaro, 9.906 seconds, 152.77 mph def. 
Jason Wood, Live Oak, Fla., '98 Chevy S-10, 9.893, 153.63 

SUPER STREET 
Kevin Mac Nicol, North Port, Fla., '78 Trans Am, 10.877 seconds, 123.98 mph def. 
Michael Ruff, Orlando, Fla., '92 Camaro, 10.857, 127.65

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN 
Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 10.700 seconds, 81.33 mph def. 
Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '84 Beretta, No Time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Haley and Payne blast to top spots at inaugural Darlington Int'l Dragway

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the final rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Darlington International Dragway, John Haley and Jay Payne are leading their respective fields.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, St. Louise, Minn., driver John Haley rocketed to his third pole in as many races in NHRA's Southeast Division, when he laid down a 5.423-second pass at 257.21 mph to nab the No. 1 spot in the class. 2002 has been a dream season for rookie driver Haley, who has a pair of runner-ups and a win in Southeast Division, as well as a national event win at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. In the opening round Haley will face national championship contender Duane Shields of Las Vegas, Nev.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, defending Southeast Division champion Jay Payne qualified his '02 Camaro in the top spot with a pass of 5.702 seconds at 251.48. In the opening round of competition Payne will have a competition bye. Points leader Von Smith of Oak Ridge, Tenn., will face Micky Ferro of Stanford, Conn.

In Comp Eliminator, Richard Larsen of Tyrone, Ga., piloted his dragster to top spot with a run of 7.116 seconds, to take the pole in the class. Qualified in the second spot is the dragster of Brain Browell, of Lafayette, Ind. He's followed by the Chevy S-10 truck of Doug Harris of Millville, N.J.

The top spot in Super Stock went to Jacksonville, Fla., runner Glen Mace. Mace is followed by Everett Hill of Fayetteville, Ga., and Tim Worner of Duncannon, Pa.

In Stock, Steve Haulman of Navarre, Fla., earned the No. 1 spot behind the wheel of his '85 Camaro. Qualified second is Tallahassee, Fla., racer Brandon Wood with his '85 Camaro. Tom Hemmingson of Concord, N.C., is qualified third.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, Jack Nunez of Daytona Beach, Fla., qualified his '63 Corvette in the top spot with a 6.866 second pass at 196.12 mph. Trailing Nunez in the No. 2 spot is the '97 Avenger of Robert Sellers of Bunnell, Fla. Taking the third spot is Jeffery Lynn Rudisill of Rutherford College, N.C., in his '92 Trans Am.

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

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

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
1) John Haley, St. Louise, Minn., 5.423 seconds, 257.21 mph 
2) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.488, 256.41 
3) Fran Monaghan, Meadowbrook, Pa., 5.498, 253.23 
4) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.522, 253.23 
5) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J., 5.577, 253.02 
6) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 5.579, 252.31 
7) Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 5.622, 239.68 
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.691, 237.40 
Not Qualified 
9) Steve Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.722, 246.77 
10)Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Ohio, 5.832, 202.52 
11)Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.902, 232.43 
12)Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 11.970, 63.70 
13)Guy Kelly, Wadley, Ala., DQ 
14)Michael Gunderson, Middleburg, Fla., DQ 

First-round parings 
1) John Haley, St. Louise, Minn., vs. 
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev. 

2) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., vs. 
7) Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio 

3) Fran Monaghan, Meadowbrook, Pa., vs. 
6) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., 5.579, 252.31 

4) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., vs. 
5) Richard Bourke, Old Tappan, N.J. 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.702 seconds, 251.60 mph 
2) Steve Harker, Brisbane, Australia, '99 Avenger, 5.801, 246.37 
3) Von Smith, Oak Ridge, Tenn., '01 Firebird, 5.852, 248.96 
4) Micky Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '98 Avenger, 5.921, 239.61 
5) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang, 5.927, 236.65 

First-round parings 
1) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '02 Camaro vs. BYE 

2) Steve Harker, Brisbane, Australia, '99 Avenger vs. 
5) Craig English, Mount Holly, N.J., '98 Mustang 

3) Von Smith, Oak Ridge, Tenn., '01 Firebird, vs. 
4) Micky Ferro, Stanford, Conn., '98 Avenger 

COMP ELIMINATOR  
1) Richard Larsen, Tyrone, Ga., A/ND, '02 Dragster, 7.116, -0.674 (under index) 
2) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., D/D, '97 Dragster, 7.280, -0.600 
3) Doug Harris, Millville, N.J., PST/A, '02 S-10, 7.721, -0.579 
4) Tim Freeman, Roan Mountain, Tenn., H/SM, '92 Camaro, 9.207, -0.573 
5) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., J/AA, '23 Ford, 7.909, -0.571 
6) Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., B/SM, '98 Grand Am, 8.283, -0.557 
7) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., F/SM, '91 Calais, 9.006, -0.544 
8) Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., C/A, '02 Grand Am, 7.529,  -0.541 
9) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., A/AP, '32 Bantam, 7.002, -0.528 
10)Michael Hardee, Wilmington, N.C., E/SMA, '98 Grand Am, 8.903, -0.517 

SUPER STOCK 
1) Glenn Mace, Jacksonville, Fla., SS/JA, '84 Pontiac, 9.979 seconds, -1.321 (under index)  
2) Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., SS/M, '64 Grand Am, 10.714, -1.186 
3) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., GT/JA, '88 Cutlass, 10.640, -1.010 
4) Wayne Hayes, Elgin, S.C., SS/OA, '56 Chevy, 11.596, -1.004 
5) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., SS/HA, '67 Camaro, 9.899, -1.001 
6) Blair Patrick, Jasper, Tenn., SS/FA, '68 Mustang, 9.759, -0.991 
7) Ronnie Courtney, Johnston, S.C., GT/F, '80 Sunbird, 9.919, -0.981 
8) Richard Diorio, East Brunswick, N.J, SS/PA, '55 Bel Air, 12.001, -0.949 
9) James Sharron, Greensboro, N.C., GT/CA, '87 Camaro, 9.787, -0.913 
10)Bruce Campbell, Waynesville, N.C., GT/HA, '88 Firebird, 10.458, -0.892 

STOCK 
1) Steve Haulman, Navarre, Fla., K/S, '85 Camaro, 11.418 seconds, -1.464 (under index) 
2) Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., K/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.789, -1.161 
3) Tom Hemmingson, Concord, N.C., L/S, '66 Chevelle, 11.872, -1.128 
4) Sterling Simmons, Midlothian, Va., D/SA, '97 Camaro, 10.755, -1.095 
5) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., O/SA, '87 Trans Am, 12.405, -1.045 
6) Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., I/SA, '72 Camaro, 11.573, -1.027 
7) Jeff McKinney, Carroll, Ohio, E/SA, '97 Firebird, 10.985, -1.015 
8) Robert Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., O/SA, '83 Malibu, 12.436, -1.014 
9) Jason Line, Terrell, N.C., '70 Gran Sport, D/SA, 10.870, -0.980 
10)Mark Lewis, Inman, S.C., J/SA, '73 Nova, 11.774, -0.976 

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN 
1) Jack Nunez, Daytona Beach, Fla., '63 Corvette, 6.866 seconds, 196.12 mph 
2) Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.002,195.95 
3) Jeffery Lynn Rudisill, Rutherford College, N.C., '92 Trans Am, 7.004, 200.17 
4) Ronnie Davis, Lilburn, Ga., '63 Corvette, 7.014, 199.29 
5) Will Roberson, Williston, S.C., '57 Bel Air  7.051, 192.76 
6) Toney Russell, Ardmore, Ala., '55 Normad, 7.109, 185.14 
7) Sandy Wilkins, Faquay Varina, N.C, '01 Camaro, 7.171, 188.67 
8) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '84 Beretta, 7.233, 190.75 
9) Dave Saul, Winter Park, Fla., '93 Beretta, 7.261, 180.32 
10) Jeffery Pittman, Conover, N.C., '68 Chevelle, 7.274, 185.79 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Larsen, Hill and Haulman take top spots at inaugural Darlington Int'l Dragway

DARLINGTON, S.C. - In the opening rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Darlington International Dragway, Richard Larsen, Everett Hill and Steve Haulman are leading their respective fields.

In Comp Eliminator, Larsen of Tyrone, Ga., piloted his dragster to top spot with a run of 7.116 seconds, -0.674 seconds under his competition index, to take the pole in the class. Qualified in the second spot is the dragster of Brain Browell, of Lafayette, Ind. He's followed by the Chevy S-10 truck of Doug Harris of Millville, N.J.

The top spot in Super Stock went to the '64 Mustang of Fayetteville, Ga., runner Everett Hill. Hill, who ran a 10.714-second pass, is -1.186 seconds under his competition index. Qualified second is the '88 Cutlass of Tim Worner of Duncannon, Pa., while Wayne Hayes of Elgin, S.C. is qualified third with his '56 Chevy.

In Stock Steve Haulman of Navarre, Fla., earned the No. 1 spot behind the wheel of his '85 Camaro with an 11.418-second pass, which is -1.432 seconds under his competition index. Qualified second is Tallahassee, Fla., racer Brandon Wood with his '85 Camaro. Bud Rowe of Bridgeton, N.C., is qualified third with his '87 Trans Am.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, Jack Nunez of Daytona Beach, Fla., qualified his '63 Corvette in the top spot with a 6.888-second pass at 191.85 mph. Trailing Nunez in the No. 2 spot is the '97 Avenger of Robert Sellers of Bunnell, Fla. Taking the third spot is Jeffery Lynn Rudisill of Rutherford College, N.C., in his '92 Trans Am.

Gates at Darlington Int'l Dragway will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to continue at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The opening rounds of qualifying for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. A Jet Car exhibition is scheduled for 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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

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

COMP ELIMINATOR 
1. Richard Larsen, Tyrone, Ga., A/ND, '02 Dragster, 7.116, -0.674 (under index) 
2. Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., D/D, '97 Dragster, 7.280, -0.600 
3. Doug Harris, Millville, N.J., PST/A, '02 S-10, 7.721, -0.579 
4. Tim Freeman, Roan Mountain, Tenn., H/SM, '92 Camaro, 9.207, -0.573 
5. Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., J/AA, '23 Ford, 7.909, -0.571 
6. Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., B/SM, '98 Grand Am, 8.284, -0.556 
7. Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., F/SM, '91 Calais, 9.006, -0.544 
8. Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., C/A, '02 Grand Am, 7.529,  -0.541 
9. Johnny Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., E/EA, '23 Ford, 8.580, -0.510 
10. Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., G/A, '92 Cutlass, 8.685, -0.505 

SUPER STOCK 
1. Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., SS/M, '64 Grand Am, 10.714 seconds, -1.186 (under index) 
2. Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., GT/JA, '88 Cutlass, 10.640, -1.010 
3. Wayne Hayes, Elgin, S.C., SS/OA, '56 Chevy, 11.596, -1.004 
4. Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., SS/HA, '67 Camaro, 9.899, -1.001 
5. Ronnie Courtney, Johnston, S.C., GT/F, '80 Sunbird, 9.919, -0.981 
6. Blair Patrick, Jasper, Tenn., SS/FA, '68 Mustang, 9.778, -0.972 
7. Richard Diorio, East Brunswick, N.J, SS/PA, '55 Bel Air, 12.006, -0.944 
8. James Sharron, Greensboro, N.C., GT/CA, '87 Camaro, 9.787, -0.913 
9. Bruce Campbell, Waynesville, N.C., GT/HA, '88 Firebird, 10.458, -0.892 
10. Jimmy Bridges, Nashville, Tenn., SS/C, '66 Corvette,  9.476, -0.874 

STOCK 
1. Steve Haulman, Navarre, Fla., K/S, '85 Camaro, 11.418 seconds, -1.432 (under index) 
2. Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., K/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.843, -1.107 
3. Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., O/SA, '87 Trans Am, 12.409, -1.041 
4. Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., I/SA, '72 Camaro, 11.581, -1.019 
5. Robert Shaw, Douglasville, Ga., O/SA, '83 Malibu, 12.465, -0.985 
6. Jeff McKinney, Carroll, Ohio, E/SA, '97 Firebird, 11.032, -0.968 
7. Mark Lewis, Inman, S.C., J/SA, '73 Nova, 11.793, -0.957 
8. Tom Trippy, Oviedo, Fla., J/SA, '85 Camaro, 11.813, -0.937 
9. Arnold Greene, Matthews, N.C., A/S, '69 Camaro, 10.324, -0.926 
10. Paul Boster, Pataskala, Ohio, E/SA, '97 Firebird, 11.092, -0.908 

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN 
1. Jack Nunez, Daytona Beach, Fla., '63 Corvette, 6.888 seconds, 191.85 mph 
2. Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.002,  195.95 
3. Jeffery Lynn Rudisill, Rutherford College, N.C., '92 Trans Am,  7.004, 200.17 
4. Ronnie Davis, Lilburn, Ga., '63 Corvette, 7.014, 199.29 
5. Will Roberson, Williston, S.C., '57 Bel Air  7.051, 192.76 
6. Sandy Wilkins, Faquay Varina, N.C, '01 Camaro, 7.171, 188.67 
7. Toney Russell, Ardmore, Ala., '55 Normad, 7.222, 185.60 
8. Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '84 Beretta, 7.233, 190.75 
9. Dave Saul, Winter Park, Fla., '93 Beretta, 7.261, 180.32 
10. Jeffery Pittman, Conover, N.C., '68 Chevelle, 7.308, 184.46 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Darlington hosts its first NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil Series event

DARLINGTON, S.C. - Darlington International Dragway will host the Inaugural Carolina Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Oct. 4-6. The event is the last of seven in Southeast Division competition and will feature more than 450 drivers in eight racing categories including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC) as well as the division's newest class, Top Sportsman.

Marty Thacker is currently leading the Top Alcohol Dragster points. The Robinson, Ill., resident is 77 points ahead of Jason Cannon of Middleburg, Fla. Thacker won two consecutive Southeast Division events, at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, Ga., and Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn., and also went to the final round at the last event at Atlanta Dragway in Georgia. Cannon won the second race of the season at Orlando Speed World Dragway in Florida.

The fight for the title in Top Alcohol Funny Car has gone back-and-forth all season between Von Smith of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and defending division champion Jay Payne, from Claremont, Calif. Coming into the event at Darlington International Dragway, Smith has a slim six-point lead over Payne. The two competitors have squared off in the final round at the last three races, with Smith winning at Silver Dollar Raceway and Bristol Dragway, and Payne taking the last one in Atlanta. This is an important race for both drivers because it is the last from which they can claim points toward the championship.

Comp Eliminator driver Larry Pritchett of Clarkrange, Tenn., is leading the points coming into the event. He will be looking for his second consecutive win of the year. Pritchett has also scored runner-up points three times this season.

Racers who have not gone to their maximum number of events can still earn out-of-division points at the final Lucas Oil race of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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

On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m. and qualifying continues at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and TAD and TAFC will have qualifying sessions at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. All other classes will begin first round of eliminations at 4 p.m. A jet car exhibition is scheduled to run at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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

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

A three-day ticket is $45. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

The event is part of a 45-race, $6.5 million series contested across the country. Drivers are competing for a part of a $561,000 champions' purse. They will earn points leading to national and division titles as well as a berth on the team that will represent the Southeast division at the 2003 Jeg's Allstar event.

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

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Inaugural Carolina Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the last of seven in Southeast Division competition.

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

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 4-6, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Inaugural Carolina Nationals:
FRIDAY, Oct. 4 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at noon. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 5 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will run first round of eliminations starting at 4 p.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. A jet car exhibition is scheduled to run at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, Oct. 6 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Eliminations continue at noon. First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $45. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Darlington International Dragway, (843) 332-0123.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,700, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2001 EVENT WINNERS: This is the inaugural NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Darlington International Dragway.

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 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.

FEATURES: More than 450 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.