FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lawrence wins second consecutive Les Schwab event

WOODBURN, Ore. - Over 450 competitors raced down Woodburn Dragstrip's quarter-mile track during the Les Schwab Tires Challenge, race five of seven in Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. As racing concluded at this three-day event, Greg Lawrence and Bucky Austin took home wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

On Sunday, Lawrence and his CBM racing crew used a mechanical combination similar to the one they used during Saturday's first qualifying session, which resulted in a 5.524-second, 242.19-mph pass and a number two qualifying position.

The Salem, Ore., resident then came out of the blocks to set a new track record during the first round of eliminations with a 5.372-second, 255.82 mph run. After coasting through the semifinals where he was uncontested, Lawrence then powered his way past Joey Severance in the finals with a 5.537-second, 247.72 mph pass for the event win.

This was Lawrence's first race of the year and the win earns him a second straight trip to the winner's circle at the Les Schwab Tires Challenge.

Austin of Fife, Wash., earned his fourth Northwest Division event win in as many races by defeating John Weaver in the final with a 5.778-second, 251.18 mph pass.

Although other racers in the Northwest still have a mathematical chance to win the division, Austin has all but secured his fifth division championship with the win this weekend. The win also moves the Top Alcohol Funny Car racer into first place in the national points standings.

Winners in other racing categories were Randy Jones of Monarch Beach, Calif., in Comp; Tibor Kadar of Peoria, Ariz., in Super Stock; Brad Plourd of Covington, Wash., in Stock; Rodger Comstock of Bradbury, Calif., in Super Comp; Ronnie Lahn of Norwalk, Calif., in Super Gas; Dave Smythe of Portland, Ore., in Super Street, Adam Drzayich of Auburn, Wash, in Super Pro; Charlie Tiller of Portland, Wash., in Jr. Lightning; and Sean Holm of Eagle Creek, Ore., in Jr. Thunder. Scott Pollacheck also earned a win in Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series.

Super Comp racer Larry Scarth and Top Comp competitor Wes Garvin III were also each involved in accidents at the top end of the track. Both were taken to the hospital where they were later cleared by medical officials.

Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C., August 22-24. For more information, call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461 or NHRA at (626) 818-1896.

The following are final round results from the Les Schwab Tires Challenge at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.620 seconds, 249.30 mph def. 
8) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 8.499, 128.51

2) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.372, 255.82 def. 
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.531, 255.24

6) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.548 (.022 reaction time), 248.20 def.
3) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.526 (.052 reaction time), 258.54

5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.537, 247.72 def. 
4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 13.020, 61.67

Semifinals
Severance, 5.768, 241.48 def. Lucas, 9.334, 112.07
Lawrence, 5.481, 255.53 def. Cofini, no time

Final
Lawrence, 5.482, 250.27 def. Severance, 7.063, 140.84

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.746 seconds, 252.03 mph def. 
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 11.667, 64.02

2) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.338, 229.35 def. 
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 10.182, 85.16

3) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.874, 243.04 def. 
6) Ed Marx, Discover Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.919, 245.03

4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 8.498, 203.66 def. 
5) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 10.095, 80.00

Semifinals
Austin, 5.796, 249.51 def. Gasparrelli, 6.030, 193.34
Weaver, 5.892, 242.71 def. Evanchuk, 6.038, 232.07

Final
Austin, 5.778, 251.18 def. Weaver, 5.934, 232.43

COMP ELIMINATOR
Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.755 seconds, 135.70 mph def. 
Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 10.215, 97.45

SUPER STOCK
Tibor Kadar, Peoria, Ariz., '92 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.823, 121.67 def. 
Bill Blakeney, Bell, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/IA, 10.134, 128.58

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.789, 111.91 def. 
Steve Hanby, Salem, Ore., '66 Biscayne, P/SA, 13.082, 99.80

SUPER COMP
Rodger Comstock, Bradbury, Calif., '01 Dragster, 8.972, 125.40 def. 
Frank Cervelli, Brentwood, Calif., '97 Santos, 8.894, 161.31

SUPER GAS
Ronnie Lahn, Norwalk, Calif., '88 Corvette, 9.909, 142.09 def. 
Stefan Kondolay, Sardis, B.C., '67 Camaro, 9.987, 146.65

SUPER STREET
Dave Smythe, Portland, Ore., '86 Mustang, 10.904, 131.34 def. 
Stephanie Warn, Danville, Calif., '98 Firebird, 10.930, 142.31

TOP COMP
Andy Morris, Olympia, Wash., '03 Hadman, 7.736, 166.11 def. 
Chris Jaggers, Boise, Idaho, '96 Soran, 7.719, 178.28

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '76 Kawasaki, 8.822, 142.90 def. 
John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '89 Kawasaki, 8.891, 139.72

SUPER PRO
Adam Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '99 Undercover, 8.878, 161.46 def. 
Shane Molinari, Vancouver, Wash., '68 Le Mans, 8.882, 151.61

JR LIGHTNING
Charlie Tiller, Portland, Ore., '01 JD Motorsports, 9.370, 69.68 def. 
Jamie Hoffman, University Place, Wash., '00 Motivational, 7.968, 79.90

JR THUNDER
Sean Holm, Eagle Creek, Ore., Jr. Dragster, 11.745, 52.19 def. 
Kevin Will, Fortuna, Calif., '03 Motivational, 12.866, 48.15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lucas and Austin have quickest cars in qualifying

WOODBURN, Ore. - Morgan Lucas and Bucky Austin continued to have the quickest cars in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car and will head into eliminations tomorrow atop of their fields at the Les Schwab Tires Challenge at Woodburn Dragstrip.

Competition heated up on Saturday as spectators witnessed one of the quickest Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying fields in Northwest Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series history.

"It's pretty cool to be a part of this, but the kicker is that we could have been the number one qualifier," said Greg Lawrence of Salem, Ore. "On the pass where we ran the 5.52, we kicked a couple rods and we weren't running on all eight cylinders."

Lucas, driving the Lucas Oil Products Top Alcohol Dragster made the two quickest runs of the event thus far with times of 5.475 and 5.487-second. The Riverside, Calif., resident ran low elapsed time during all three qualifying sessions and is arguably the favorite to win the event tomorrow.

In Lucas' path is a formidable line-up of competitors that include division champions, former winners at this event, and the track record holder in Mitch Myers.

"We're tickled to death with this race car. It's running good and we think we have one of the baddest hot rods in the division," said the driver of the EPHA A-fuel dragster. "We're going to be hard to beat."

Myers set the track record at Woodburn Dragstrip earlier this spring and won last month's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at the track, despite qualifying as an eighth seat.

Austin bettered his Friday qualifying pass with a 5.775-second, 248.48 mph during Saturday's first session. The Fife, Wash., resident opted to skip Saturday's second session and will face Clint Thompson of Klamath, Falls, Ore., in the first round tomorrow.

Tom Tucker of Bend, Ore., in Comp; Sean Cour of Brush Prairie, Wash., in Super Stock; Ken Etter of Riverside, Calif., in Stock.; and Shawn Cowie of Richmond, B.C., in Top Comp have also secured number one qualifying positions in their respective classes. In Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, Leo Shaver earned top qualifier honors.

Gates open Sunday for the final day of racing at the Les Schwab Tires Challenge at 8 a.m., with eliminations scheduled to 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 fourteen 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 Les Schwab Tires Challenge at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.457 seconds, 251.53 mph
2) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.524, 242.19
3) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.525, 258.24
4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.544, 245.49
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.563, 250.06
6) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.576, 253.73
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.583, 252.31
8) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.590, 243.77

Not Qualified
9) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.632, 247.32
10) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.769, 243.17
11) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 6.221, 199.60
12) Jason Howell, Tacoma, Wash., no time

Round 1
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.457 seconds, 251.53 mph v. 
8) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.590, 243.77

2) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.524, 242.19 v. 
7) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.583, 252.31

3) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.525, 258.24 v. 
6) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.576, 253.73

4) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.544, 245.49 v. 
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.563, 250.06

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.775 seconds, 248.48 mph
2) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 5.892, 238.47
3) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.913, 240.89
4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 5.926, 235.10
5) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.930, 239.48
6) Ed Marx, Discover Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.973, 239.55
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.980, 238.47
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.017, 231.89

Not Qualified
9) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Dodge Avenger, 6.068, 234.61
10) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.078, 235.10
11) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '97 Lumina, 6.107, 236.03
12) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., '92 Probe, 6.132, 230.35

Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.775 seconds, 248.48 mph v. 
8) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.017, 231.89

2) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 5.892, 238.47 v. 
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.980, 238.47

3) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.913, 240.89 v. 
6) Ed Marx, Discover Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.973, 239.55

4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 5.926, 235.10 v. 
5) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.930, 239.48

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, G/A, 8.599 seconds, -0.581 under index
2) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.770, -0.580
3) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.714, -0.556
4) Chuck Smithfield, Battle Ground, Wash., '96 Beretta, BB/A, 7.646, -0.544
5) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.678, -0.532
6) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '97 Firebird, F/A, 8.311, -0.529
7) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.225, -0.515
8) Maureen Jondahl, Battleground, Wash., '96 Beretta, G/AA, 8.702, -0.508
9) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Oldsmobile, B/D, 6.924, -0.476
10) Mike Pessemier, Graham, Wash., N&P, B/D, 6.924, -0.476

SUPER STOCK
1) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '97 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.878 seconds, -1.222 under index
2) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.407, -1.143
3) Tony De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.147, -1.053
4) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.921, -1.029
5) Jimmy De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.362, -0.988
6) Kevin Cour, Hackettstown, N.J., '92 Ciera, GT/EA, 9.974, -0.976
7) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.077, -0.923
8) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '98 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.932, -0.918
9) Art Congdon, Calgary, Alta., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.837, -0.863
10) Bill Blakeney, Bell, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/IA, 10.141, -0.859

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.293 seconds, -1.307 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.732, -1.218
3) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '85 Camaro, J/SA, 11.535, -1.215
4) Terry Ryan, Cascade Locks, Ore., '90 Cavalier, EF/SA, 14.688, -1.212
5) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.491, -1.209
6) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore, '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.502, -1.198
7) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.140, -1.160
8) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.618, -1.132
9) Tim Lisson, Canby, Ore., '72 Camaro, H/SA, 11.521, -0.929
10) Gary Hodges, Salem, Ore., '65 Corvette, J/SA, 11.825, -0.925

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 6.710 seconds, 203.11 mph
2) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., 7.054, 189.07
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., 7.113, 195.14
4) Rod Langley, Boise, Idaho, 7.205, 184.12
5) Todd Hoerner, Spokane, Wash., 7.291, 186.56
6) Jeff Snell, Sandy, Utah, 7.366, 174.01
7) Tom Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., 7.425, 181.01
8) Mike Henderson, Tacoma, Wash., 7.435, 178.89
9) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., 7.447, 179.39
10) Wes Garvin III, Kennewick, Wash., 7.473, 176.12

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, '87 Kawasaki, +0.000-second reaction time
2) Tom Rice, Snohomish, Wash., '80 Suzuki, +0.000
3) Mark Kosler, Keizer, Ore., '84 Suzuki, +0.001
4) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, +0.002
5) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.004
6) David Le Blanc, Port Moody, B.C., '84 Suzuki, +0.004
7) Dan Tipsword, Aumsville, Ore., '78 Kawasaki, +0.007
8) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, +0.008
9) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, +0.009
10) Anita Cunningham, Bellingham, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lucas Oil racers roll into Woodburn for second race

WOODBURN, Ore. - Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series returned to Woodburn Dragstrip as day one of time trials and qualifying concluded for the Les Schwab Tires Challenge. After the first session of qualifying in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, Morgan Lucas and Bucky Austin are atop of their respective fields.

"A lot of people were having problems with the racetrack today," said Lucas. "We backed it down just a little bit and just focused on getting from point A to point B."

The Top Alcohol Dragster competitor powered his way down the track, with an opening pass of 5.656-seconds at 246.77 mph. Lucas of Riverside, Calif., and his Lucas Oil Products team can move into first place in the national points standings if they win the event this weekend.

"We've gone over all the possible points scenarios, especially after the win last weekend in Sonoma," said Lucas. "There's a little bit of pressure because of the national championship implications, but I have to keep thinking that its just another race so that I can stay consistent."

Fife, Wash., resident Austin continued his domination of the Northwest Division by setting low elapsed time in Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying. The "Northwest Hitter" has muscled his way through the first three Northwest NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, winning and earning number one qualifier honors at all three races.

Top qualifiers in other categories are Tom Tucker of Bend, Ore., in Comp; Terry Sherrill of Klamath Falls, Ore., in Super Stock; and Ken Etter of Riverside, Calif., in Stock.

Shawn Cowie of Richmond, B.C., is also the top qualifier in Top Comp and Leo Shaver of Las Vegas is atop of the field in Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series.

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 Les Schwab Tires Challenge at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.656 seconds, 246.77 mph
2) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.675, 237.84
3) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.682, 241.35
4) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.743, 221.29
5) Greg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.997, 224.77
6) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 6.221, 199.60
7) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 8.187, 105.10
8) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 8.496, 104.38

Not Qualified
9) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 9.681, 84.96
10) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 15.487, 54.48

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.912 seconds, 240.12 mph
2) Henry Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.934, 242.06
3) Ed Marx, Discover Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.973, 239.55
4) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.088, 232.49
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.232, 229.12
6) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 8.798, 92.48
7) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 9.008, 113.72
8) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '97 Lumina, 12.970, 53.38

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, G/A, 8.607 seconds, -0.573 under index
2) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.714, -0.556
3) Dennis Myers, Prosser, Wash., '98 Dakota, G/AA, 8.678, -0.532
4) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.833, -0.517
5) Chuck Smithfield, Battle Ground, Wash., '96 Beretta, BB/A, 7.675, -0.515
6) Maureen Jondahl, Battleground, Wash., '96 Beretta, G/AA, 8.703, -0.507
7) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '97 Firebird, F/A, 8.333, -0.507
8) Mike Pessemier, Graham, Wash., N&P, B/D, 6.924, -0.476
9) Richard Dingle, Olympia, Wash., Swindahl, C/ED, 7.490, -0.470
10) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., Dragster, A/ND, 7.273, -0.467

SUPER STOCK
1) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '03 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.450 seconds, -1.100 under index
2) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '97 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.066, -1.034
3) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.921, -1.029
4) Kevin Cour, Hackettstown, N.J., '92 Ciera, GT/EA, 9.974, -0.976
5) Tony De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.237, -0.963
6) Jimmy De Frank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.392, -0.958
7) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.077, -0.923
8) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '98 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.954, -0.896
9) Bill Blakeney, Bell, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/IA, 10.141, -0.859
10) Ray Grossmith, Saanichton, B.C., '90 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.958, -0.842

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.293 seconds, -1.307 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.732, -1.218
3) Tommy Gaynor, Vancouver, Wash., '85 Camaro, J/SA, 11.535, -1.215
4) Terry Ryan, Cascade Locks, Ore., '90 Cavalier, EF/SA, 14.688, -1.212
5) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.491, -1.209
6) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore, '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.502, -1.198
7) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.618, -1.132
8) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.219, -1.081
9) Tim Lisson, Canby, Ore., '72 Camaro, H/SA, 11.521, -0.929
10) Gary Hodges, Salem, Ore., '65 Corvette, J/SA, 11.825, -0.925

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., 6.756 seconds, 202.11 mph
2) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, 7.054, 189.07
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., 7.143, 194.38
4) Rod Langley, Boise, Idaho, 7.205, 184.12
5) Jeff Snell, Sandy, Utah, 7.390, 181.70
6) Tom Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., 7.425, 181.01
7) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., 7.447, 179.39
8) Mike Henderson, Tacoma, Wash., 7.454, 178.25
9) John Evans, Delta, B.C., 7.476, 182.40
10) Wes Garvin III, Kennewick, Wash., 7.491, 172.71

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, '87 Kawasaki, +0.000-second reaction time
2) Tom Rice, Snohomish, Wash., '80 Suzuki, +0.000
3) David Le Blanc, Prairieville, La., +0.004
4) Mark Kosler, Keizer, Ore., '84 Suzuki, +0.005
5) Anita Cunningham, Bellingham, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.011
6) Dan Tipsword, Aumsville, Ore., '78 Kawasaki, +0.012
7) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '97 Suzuki, +0.014
8) Jim Sibley, Edmonds, Wash., 90 Suzuki, +0.015 
9) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, +0.015
10) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, +0.016
>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Division 6 event is twice as nice at Woodburn

WOODBURN, Ore. - The Les Schwab Tires Challenge, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, will be held at Woodburn Dragstrip July 11-13. The race is the fifth of seven in Northwest division competition and it is the second of two Lucas Oil events scheduled at Woodburn Dragstrip this season.

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 TAFC champion Bucky Austin has swept the division so far, winning all three events where the alcohol classes have competed. He is currently leading in the points. Austin, a resident of Fife, Wash., has been the No. 1 TAFC qualifier at all three races as well as setting the best time and fastest speed at each event.

The second place TAFC racer, Dave Germain of Toledo, Wash., is nearly 200 points behind Austin. Germain scored runner-up points in Mission.

TAD pilot Mark Hentges won his first race of the season at the division's last event at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash. Although the former division champion from Federal Way, Wash., has struggled a bit this year, his trip to the winner's circle was enough to put him in a tie with Mitch Myers for first place in the division's TAD point standings. Before the win, Hentges' best performance had been a semifinal round appearance at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C.

Myers took the win at the first race at Woodburn Dragstrip earlier this year. En route to the win the Herminston, Ore., racer posted the best time (5.522 seconds) and the best speed (253.52-mph) of that event.

North Bend, Wash., resident Jeff Lane is in first place in both the Comp Eliminator and Super Stock point standings. He has won a divisional race and been runner-up in Comp Eliminator and in Super Stock he has one win under his belt.

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 Les Schwab Tires Challenge 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 Lucas Oil racers will head north of the boarder to back Mission Raceway Park for the next event

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Les Schwab Tires Challenge, 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 fifth of seven in Northwest Division competition and the second of two scheduled at Woodburn Dragstrip. The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, Ore. Track is located 1½ miles off I-5 at Woodburn exit 271.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 11-13, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Les Schwab Tires Challenge:

FRIDAY, July 11 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 12 -- 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 noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 13 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $25 Sunday. Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Woodburn Dragstrip, (503) 982-4461.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $143,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS (This event was held at Renegade Raceway in Yakima, Wash., last year.): Brandon Johnson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Roger Bateman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Adam Bowdish, Comp Eliminator; Terry Anderson, Super Stock; Jody Lang, Stock Eliminator; Mike Henderson, Super Comp; Steve Apted, Super Gas; Ryan Carlson, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions. Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $215,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 43 of 45 divisional events and 16 of 23 national events.)

JEG'S ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2003 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2003 Jeg's Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.

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

NHRA KERKER MOTORCYCLE SERIES: Run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $7,400 champions' purse posted by Kerker will be paid to first, second and third place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

The top four riders from each division in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will be invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. In 2003, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Okla.. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $1,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $500.

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

FEATURES: More than 400 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.