DIVISION 4
Thunder Valley Raceway Park
Noble, Okla., Oct. 23-25, 2009
Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central
Sunday
NOBLE, Okla. (October 25, 2009) – Hundreds of racers in 11 categories commanded the strip this weekend at Thunder Valley Raceway, which completed the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for the South Central division. In the end, Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Brandon Lewis of Broken Arrow, Okla., took home the final win light and locked down the division Championship. Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Chris Foster out of Davenport, Iowa, also picked up a victory and is making a last minute push for the West Central division title.
Lewis kept the momentum going this weekend as he picked up his third Top Alcohol Dragster victory in a row. He laid down a healthy 5.319 second, 271.00 mph pass to drive around Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa, and grab the NHRA Wally trophy.
In the all-Iowa final, Foster's 5.735=second, 248.07 mph lap was more than enough to take out the struggling Lance Van Hauen of Reinbeck. This marks Foster's third divisional win of the year and places him in strong contention with Andrew Bohl for NHRA's division five title.
Other top honors went to Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., in Comp Eliminator; Jason Tinberg, Shawnee, Kan., won in Super Stock; and Jerry Hefler of Kennedale, Texas, earned the title in Stock with every opponent faced in eliminations taking a red light on the tree. The Super Gas trophy was awarded to Lonnie Grim, Benton, Ark., in his '63 Corvette; Gary Stinnett of Emporia, Kan., wheeled his dragster to another Super Comp win; and Val Harmon from Luling, La., was victorious in Super Street.
The Sunset Racecraft Top Sportsman Series trophy went to Jerry Helfrich of Forney, Texas, and Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., jumped up to the No.2 spot in the divisional rankings with his victory in the TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series. The Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson was mastered by Alex Barmettler, Maplewood, Minn., with a 9.408 second, 138.27 mph pass.
The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
6) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.496, 258.17 def. 3) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 6.303, 162.71;
2) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.484, 270.35 def. 7) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 9.281, 88.04;
4) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.537, 256.70 def. 5) Dan Mercier, Laprairie, Quebec, 19.668, 37.51;
8) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.612, 261.17 def. 1) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.690, 269.13;
Semifinals
Putz, 5.502, 258.39 def. Pierce, 5.613, 266.90;
Lewis, 5.273, 272.14 def. Hitchman, 5.969, 204.31;
Final
Lewis, 5.319, 271.00 def. Putz, 5.486, 260.71.
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.685, 252.38 def.
7) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.979, 243.11
;
3) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.723, 251.18 def.
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.983, 235.04;
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '05 Firebird, 5.824, 247.25 def.
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.921, 203.25;
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, broke was unopposed;
Semifinals
Van Hauen, 5.788, 246.91 def. Moats, 5.685, 254.38;
Foster, 5.772, 235.41 def. Harker, foul;
Final
Foster, 5.735, 248.07 def. Van Hauen, 10.115, 97.66.
COMP ELIMINATOR
Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.890, 193.09 def.
Kevin Self, Caddo, Okla., '32 Bantam, F/EA, 8.064, 164.62.
SUPER STOCK
Jason Tinberg, Shawnee, Kan., '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.647, 135.13 def.
Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '09 Cobalt, SS/BS, 8.918, 152.10.
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jerry Hefler, Kennedale, Texas, '65 Impala, N/SA, 12.561, 104.90 def.
Verne Buchanan, Conway, Ark., '73 Mustang, H/SA, foul.
SUPER COMP
Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., dragster, 8.920, 180.10 def.
Terry Edwards, Cameron, Mo., dragster, 8.904, 179.78.
SUPER GAS
Lonnie Grim, Benton, Ark., '63 Corvette, 9.893, 161.31 def.
Rustin Mayse, Frost, Texas, '01 Corvette, foul.
SUPER STREET
Val Harmon, Luling, La., '67 Chevy II, 10.879, 134.10 def.
Gordon Abbott, Strawn, Texas, '77 Vega Wgn, 10.878, 132.46.
TOP SPORTSMAN
Jerry Helfrich, Forney, Texas, '90 Cutlass, 7.979, 165.80 def.
Joe Roubicek, Westlake Village, Calif., '68 Camaro, 7.016, 190.31.
TOP DRAGSTER
Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., dragster, 6.846, 194.46 def.
Tim Mazur, St. Joseph, Mo., dragster, foul.
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Alex Barmettler, Maplewood, Minn., '78 Kawasaki, 9.408, 138.27 def.
Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, 8.449, 154.08
Saturday
NOBLE, Okla. (October 24, 2009) – Day two of three is complete of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event hosted at Thunder Valley Raceway. This race is the last of six in South Central division competition with current points leaders making moves to hold onto their rankings. Final qualifying is complete with Top Alcohol Dragster pilot James Thompson of Vernon, Texas, and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, taking the No.1 positions going into Sunday's eliminations.
Thompson comes from the bottom of the pack and blasts a 5.308 second, 274.39 mph pass to grab the top spot. This puts him just ahead of Brandon Lewis from Broken Arrow, Okla., who posted a 5.322 second, 267.85 mph lap. Lewis, the current points leader, has won the last two races he's attended, an out-of-division event in Topeka, Kan., and at No Problem Raceway Park in Belle Rose, La. He holds a slim 32-point lead over Claremore, Okla.'s Malcolm Wahle, who sits in the No.3 qualifying position.
Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., is dropped down to the No.2 slot due to Moats 5.658 second, 256.48 mph run. Moats races out of the West Central division and is searching for his first divisional win of the season. He will be going into Sunday's eliminations with a first round bye.
Top qualifier in Comp Eliminator was Rick Brown of Lebanon, Ohio; Jeff Colvert, Arkadelphia, Ark., jumped up a spot in the Super Stock class and Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., held onto the lead in Stock Eliminator. The Sunset Racecraft Top Sportsman Series is lead by divisional points leader Keith Raftery of Lake Charles, La., and Don Aydelott of Vernon, Texas, held onto the top spot in the TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series. The Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson is still lead by Dan Rollman, Oklahoma City, Okla., with his perfect reaction time.
Gates open at 8 a.m. Sunday for eliminations beginning at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.
General admission with a pit pass is only $20 for adults and children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount. For more information please call Thunder Valley Raceway, (405) 872-3429, or visit www.OkThunder.com.
The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.308 seconds, 274.39 mph
2) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.322, 267.85
3) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.383, 267.14
4) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.455, 262.00
5) Dan Mercier, Laprairie, Quebec, 5.484, 265.64
6) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.550, 261.55
7) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.567, 271.65
8) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.595, 266.98 Not Qualified
9) Buddy Domingue, Port Neches, Texas, 5.692, 247.45
10) Chase Copeland, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.723, 253.30
First round TAD pairings
1) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.308 seconds, 274.39 mph vs.
8) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.595, 266.98
2) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.322, 267.85 vs.
7) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.567, 271.65
3) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.383, 267.14 vs.
6) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.550, 261.55
4) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.455, 262.00 vs.
5) Dan Mercier, Laprairie, Quebec, 5.484, 265.64
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 5.658 seconds, 256.48 mph
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.691, 253.02
3) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.762, 246.30
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.800, 248.89
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '05 Firebird, 5.810, 246.64
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.880, 246.30
7) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.178, 236.90
First round TAFC pairings
1) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 5.658 seconds, 256.48 mph vs. Bye
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.691, 253.02 vs.
7) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.178, 236.90
3) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.762, 246.30 vs.
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.880, 246.30
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.800, 248.89 vs.
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '05 Firebird, 5.810, 246.64
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Rick Brown, Lebanon, Ohio, '00 S-10, B/TA, 8.253 seconds, -0.587 (under index)
2) Adam Hickey, Hammond, La., '06 Cobalt, C/SMA, 8.206, -0.584
3) Kevin Smith, Parker, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.060, -0.570
4) Shane Gray, Artesia, N.M., '07 Stratus, B/A, 7.027, -0.533
5) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.148, -0.532
6) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, A/DA, 6.617, -0.523
7) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, D/A, 7.739, -0.521
8) Chase Williams, Carthage, Texas, '07 GTO, C/A, 7.461, -0.519
9) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.904, -0.516
10) Darin West, Dumas, Texas, '02 Neon, F/AA, 8.027, -0.513
SUPER STOCK
1) Jeff Colvert, Arkadelphia, Ark., '69 Mustang, SS/G, 9.482 seconds, -1.268 (under index)
2) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 9.446, -1.204
3) Allan Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/KA, 10.363, -1.187
4) Larry DeForrest, Ramsey, Minn., '98 Firebird, SS/IA, 9.816, -1.184
5) Tony Cowell, Weatherford, Texas, '81 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.444, -1.156
6) Robert Cruzen, Cleveland, Okla., '02 Cavalier, GT/EA, 9.799, -1.151
7) Rick Brown, Lebanon, Ohio, '92 Cutlass, GT/KA, 10.641, -1.109
8) Jeremy Stock, Sandusky, Ohio, '85 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.501, -1.099
9) Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., '09 Cobalt, GT/CA, 9.605, -1.095
10) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '09 Cobalt, SS/BS, 8.856, -1.094
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '02 Firebird, B/SA, 10.302 seconds, -1.248 (under index)
2) David Buckner, New Waverly, Texas, '72 Duster, F/SA, 10.940, -1.210
3) Dean Oliver, Stuttgart, Ark., '79 Malibu, K/SA, 11.830, -1.120
4) Martin Burke, Leonard, Texas, '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.435, -1.115
5) A.J. Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '97 Camaro, C/SA, 10.590, -1.110
6) Jerry Davis, Santa Fe, Texas, '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.191, -1.109
7) Tom Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.067, -1.083
8) Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '98 Firebird, C/SA, 10.618, -1.082
9) Edmond Richardson, Greenbrier, Tenn., '99 Camaro, B/SA, 10.505, -1.045
10) Bobby Brannon, Bossier City, La., '02 Firebird, B/SA, 10.519, -1.031
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '07 GTO, 6.463 seconds, 216.60 mph
2) Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, '09 GXP, 6.471, 215.20
3) Raymond Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 6.505, 213.37
4) Greg Tucker, Lindsay, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.643, 210.87
5) Keith Haney, Broken Arrow, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.714, 207.08
6) Brian Barnett, Yukon, Okla., '68 Camaro, 6.764, 208.38
7) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 6.815, 201.56
8) Gregory Porter, Edmond, Okla., '08 GXP, 6.829, 200.53
9) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 6.848, 205.62
10) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '08 GXP, 6.854, 201.38
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Don Aydelott, Vernon, Texas, dragster, 6.391 seconds, 215.93 mph
2) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., dragster, 6.594, 204.77
3) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.612, 208.42
4) Howard McCullar, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.627, 202.93
5) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 6.704, 201.02
6) Bradley Thompson, Vernon, Texas, dragster, 6.729, 212.31
7) Jenifer White, Conroe, Texas, dragster, 6.740, 199.02
8) Ray Miller, Spring Hill, Fla., dragster, 6.752, 199.29
9) Jerry Story, Norman, Okla., dragster, 6.755, 200.40
10) John Garner, Houston, Texas, dragster, 6.758, 201.34
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Dan Rollman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas, '09 Koenig, ETMX, 0.003
3) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.005
4) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.009
5) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.009
6) Lisa Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '95 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.010
7) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.017
8) Robert Sanders, Houston, Texas, '04 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.018
9) Rob Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '07 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.019
10) Alex Barmettler, Maplewood, Minn., '78 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.019
Friday
NOBLE, Okla. (October 23, 2009) – NHRA's South Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will close out the 2009 season at the Thunder in the Heartland event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park this weekend. The race is the last of six in the division and it could mean division titles are wrapped up in some categories on Sunday. Top qualifiers include Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa, and Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., in Top Alcohol Funny Car.
In Top Alcohol Dragster, Putz laid down a 5.455 second, 262.00 mph lap to take the top qualifying position. The West Central division racer has one win on the year and is looking to improve on his No.2 overall standing. Harker posted a 5.742 second lap at 241.02 mph to take the pole in Top Alcohol Funny Car. The reining division champ currently holds the lead in the class, yet Kebin Kinsley is within striking distance of the title.
After Friday's qualifying passes and time trials, other leaders include Comp Eliminator driver Kevin Smith, Parker, Colo.; David Bogner of Kearney, Neb., in his '92 Daytona Super Stocker; and Pacific division's Brian McClanahan from Alta Loma, Calif., in Stock.
Broken Arrow, Okla., resident Keith Haney clocked a 6.714 second, 207.08 mph pass in his '09 GXP to take the pole in the division's Sunset Racecraft Top Sportsman Series while Don Aydelott of Vernon, Texas, ran a 6.462 second, 212.81 mph lap to take the No.1 spot in the TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series. Also in conjunction with the event was the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series where Dan Rollman of Oklahoma City, Okla., laid down a 0.000 second reaction time off the line.
Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator qualify at noon and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m.
General admission pass is $20 for adults and children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount. For more information please call Thunder Valley Raceway, (405) 872-3429, or visit www.OkThunder.com.
The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.455 seconds, 262.00 mph
2) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.550, 259.59
3) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.553, 252.17
4) Dan Mercier, Laprairie, Quebec, 5.591, 256.48
5) Buddy Domingue, Port Neches, Texas, 5.729, 236.77
6) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.814, 258.39
7) Chase Copeland, Gainesville, Texas, 7.212, 125.15
8) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 12.346, 76.66
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.742 seconds, 241.02 mph
2) Chris Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '07 Monte Carlo, 5.845, 239.68
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Kevin Smith, Parker, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.069 seconds, -0.561 (under index)
2) Rick Brown, Lebanon, Ohio, '00 S-10, B/TA, 8.292, -0.548
3) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.158, -0.522
4) Chase Williams, Carthage, Texas, '07 GTO, C/A, 7.461, -0.519
5) Shane Gray, Artesia, N.M., '07 Stratus, B/A, 7.042, -0.518
6) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, A/DA, 6.646, -0.494
7) Adam Hickey, Hammond, La., '06 Cobalt, C/SMA, 8.316, -0.474
8) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, D/A, 7.793, -0.467
9) Keith Hall, Ravenna, Texas, '05 Cavalier, E/SM, 8.607, -0.463
10) Jody Holland, Harrah, Okla., '72 Opel GT, L/AA, 9.095, -0.455
SUPER STOCK
1) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 9.446 seconds, -1.204 (under index)
2) Larry DeForrest, Ramsey, Minn., '98 Firebird, SS/IA, 9.843, -1.157
3) Robert Cruzen, Cleveland, Okla., '02 Cavalier, GT/EA, 9.799, -1.151
4) Allan Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/KA, 10.434, -1.116
5) Tony Cowell, Weatherford, Texas, '81 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.504, -1.096
6) Jimmy DeFrank, Thousand Oaks, Calif., '09 Cobalt, SS/BS, 8.856, -1.094
7) Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., '09 Cobalt, GT/CA, 9.614, -1.086
8) Jason Tinberg, Shawnee, Kan., '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.635, -1.065
9) Jonathan Womack, Houston, Texas, '07 Cavalier, SS/BS, 8.889, -1.061
10) Jeremy Stock, Sandusky, Ohio, '85 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.547, -1.053
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '02 Firebird, B/SA, 10.302 seconds, -1.248 (under index)
2) Tom Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.067, -1.083
3) A.J. Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '97 Camaro, C/SA, 10.623, -1.077
4) Jerry Davis, Santa Fe, Texas, '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.259, -1.041
5) Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '98 Firebird, C/SA, 10.681, -1.019
6) S.E. Buchanan, Hot Springs, Ark., '67 Barracuda, G/SA, 11.298, -1.002
7) Dean Oliver, Stuttgart, Ark., '79 Malibu, K/SA, 11.949, -1.001
8) Leon Philpot, Grand Prairie, Texas, '71 Corvette, D/SA, 10.864, -0.986
9) Tyler Wudarczyk, Salina, Kan., '73 Camaro, G/SA, 11.317, -0.983
10) Verne Buchanan, Conway, Ark., '73 Mustang, H/SA, 11.499, -0.951
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Keith Haney, Broken Arrow, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.714 seconds, 207.08 mph
2) Raymond Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 6.746, 204.31
3) Brian Barnett, Yukon, Okla., '68 Camaro, 6.764, 208.38
4) Greg Tucker, Lindsay, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.800, (no speed)
5) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 6.874, 199.55
6) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., '08 GTO, 6.875, 204.73
7) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 6.901, 204.63
8) Gregory Porter, Edmond, Okla., '08 GXP, 6.958, 183.07
9) Joe Roubicek, Westlake Village, Calif., '68 Camaro, 7.008, 194.93
10) Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '09 Cobalt, 7.052, 193.84
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Don Aydelott, Vernon, Texas, dragster, 6.462 seconds, 212.81 mph
2) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., dragster, 6.594, 204.77
3) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.670, 204.91
4) Howard Mc Cullar, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.695, 199.68
5) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 6.718, 198.76
6) Jenifer White, Conroe, Texas, dragster, 6.740, 199.02
7) Ray Miller, Spring Hill, Fla., dragster, 6.778, 198.15
8) Mike Weaver, Highlands, Texas, dragster, 6.798, 196.67
9) Mark Grame, Overland Park, Kan., dragster, 6.837, 196.33
10) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., dragster, 6.850, 193.59
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Dan Rollman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.009
3) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.013
4) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.017
5) Robert Sanders, Houston, Texas, '04 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.018
6) Brian Johnson, Nowthen, Minn., '05 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.022
7) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.031
8) Lisa Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '95 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.037
9) Rob Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '07 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.188
Preview
NOBLE, Okla. – Thunder Valley Raceway will host Thunder in the Heartland, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, for three days, October 23-25. The race is the last of six on the NHRA South Central division calendar and will feature drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, vying for points leading to divisional and national championships. The division's Sunset RaceCraft Top Sportsman Series,1 TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.
Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Brandon Lewis of Broken Arrow, Okla., has momentum on his side coming into the event. The current points leader has won the last two races he's attended, an out-of-division event in Topeka, Kan., and at No Problem Raceway Park in Belle Rose, La. He holds a slim 32-point lead over Claremore, Okla.'s Malcolm Wahle. Wahle scored a win at his first race of the year, an out-of-division meet in Gainesville, Fla., and was runner-up at the division's season opener at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.
In Top Alcohol Funny Car, reigning division champ Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga., currently holds the lead in that class. However, Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, could pass him at Thunder Valley. The two racers squared off in the final round at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, and Harker took the win. Harker, a native of Victoria, Australia, scored another win at an out-of-division race in Commerce, Ga., and was runner-up at No Problem Raceway. Kinsley has notched one win so far this season, at Houston Raceway Park.
Gates at Thunder Valley Raceway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 9 a.m. and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. Racers in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator will qualify twice on Friday, at noon and 4 p.m., and at the same times on Saturday. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car racers will have one qualifying lap on Friday, at 5 p.m., and two on Saturday, at 1 and 5 p.m. Eliminations start Sunday at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.
Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $50. Children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount each day.
Thunder Valley Raceway is located off Highway 77 South, south of Highway 9E. From I-35 take exit 108A (Hwy. 9E) east to Highway 77 and go south. Follow the signs to the track. For more information call the track, (405) 872-3429, or visit www.OkThunder.com.
Racers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series may continue to earn points toward divisional and national championships at out-of-division races. The final divisional event of the year is in the Pacific division at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in November.
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: Thunder in the Heartland, 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 six in South Central Division competition. The division's Sunset RaceCraft Top Sportsman Series, TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.
WHERE: Thunder Valley Raceway, Noble, Okla. Track is located off Highway 77 South, south of Highway 9E. From I-35 take exit 108A (Hwy. 9E) east to Highway 77 and go south. Follow the signs to the track.
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 23-25, 2009
SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:
FRIDAY, Oct. 23 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator qualify at noon and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 24 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator qualify at noon and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, Oct. 25 -- 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, $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $50. Children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount. For more information please call Thunder Valley Raceway, (405) 872-3429, or visit www.OkThunder.com.
PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $179,475, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.
2008 EVENT WINNERS: Michael Manners, Top Alcohol Dragster; Roger Bateman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Scott Benham, Comp Eliminator; Jonathan Womack, Super Stock; Slate Cummings, Stock Eliminator; Billy Torrence, Super Comp; Rustin Mayse, Super Gas; Greg Parson, 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 2009 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.
JEGS ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $119,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance. The 2010 Jegs Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes as well as Top Sportsman and Top Dragster. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2010 Jegs 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. Winners in Top Sportsman and Top Dragster will each earn $5,000. Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece. Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $25,000 towing fund to get to the event.
Event sponsor, Jegs High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jegs Allstars participants. Any 2010 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.
SUNSET RACECRAFT Top Sportsman Series: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships. The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,000 and the runner-up will get $500. Top Sportsman racers may run the seven South Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in the other NHRA divisions.
TCI COMP CAMS TOP DRAGSTER SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Dragster class are vying for division championships. The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,500 and the runner-up will get $800.
NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE SERIES presented by HARLEY DAVIDSON: The NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $14,000 champions' purse posted by Harley Davidson will be paid to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.
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