FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Demke, Weaver grab wins

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chris Demke recorded his second win in as many years at the NHRA Pacific Division Opener Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series this weekend at Firebird International Raceway with a win over Mike Austin in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Demke qualified No. 2 and ran 5.40 and 5.43 in rounds one and two on his way to a win over Austin who could not make the call in the final round. Austin suffered mechanical problems in his semi-final win over Sean O'Bannon and was unable to repair the car handing Demke the win.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car it was John Weaver with the win over Steve Gasparrelli running 5.758 second, 251.39 mph to Gasparrelli's 6.198 at 191.38 mph. Weaver qualified second with a 5.746 second lap and knocked off Paul Crifasi and Doug Gordon on his way to the finals.

In Comp Eliminator it was Jeff Lane picking up the win with a run of 8.047 at 158.09 mph in his '34 Chevy over Alan Ellis clocking in at 6.860 at 195.34 mph.

Glenn Snow of St. George, Utah, took the Super Stock title, running 10.365 seconds, 125.67 mph over John Calvert of Lancaster, Calif., in his '68 Mustang and Leo Glasbrenner of San Dimas, Calif., outran MJ Quinn for the win in Stock with a 10.993 seconds run at 118.83 mph to Quinn's 11.770, 109.49 mph.

Phoenix resident George Clark fell to Ryan Priddy in the Team Super Stores Top Comp category with Priddy running 7.292 seconds at 176.30 while No. 1 qualifier Greg Liskey took the trophy in the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson with a lap of 9.288 at 118.80 over Jordan Michlette of Garberville, Calif.

Joining the rest of the winner's this weekend at Firebird were Ken Mostowich over Danny Aguayo in Super Comp; Jim DiCarlo in Super Gas over Chris Newman; reigning division champion Gary Thompson of Santa Rosa, Calif., over A.J. Percival in Super Street; and Stewart Koch over Kevin Quinlan in the Korbel Super Eliminator Sereis.

The NHRA Pacific Division racers head to Southwestern International Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, March 24-26.

The following are the final results from the Pacific Division Opener NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
ROUND 1
6) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 6.314, 146.78 def.
3) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 16.524, 45.60

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.403, 266.90 def.
7) Mark Niver, Scottsdale, Ariz., 5.427, 269.35

1) Sean O'Bannon, Alta Loma, Calif., 5.394, 267.59 def.
8) Eric Morris, Sanger, Calif., 5.498, 259.01

5) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.446, 264.44 def.
4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.533, 260.61

SEMIFINALS
Demke, 5.432, 266.32 def. Whiteley, 5.630, 246.71
Austin, 7.517, 129.57 def. O'Bannon, foul

FINAL
Demke, 8.554, 98.81 def. Austin, broke

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND 1
1) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.749, 250.64 def.
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.820, 249.44

3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.786, 248.84 def.
6) Ross Stickler, Gilbert, Ariz., '04 Corvette, 5.940, 244.47

2) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.768, 250.51 def.
7) Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas, '05 Honda, 6.247, 211.59

4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.726, 250.00 def.
5) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Firebird, 5.775, 251.11

SEMIFINALS
Weaver, 5.774, 250.97 def. Gordon, 5.803, 250.09
Gasparrelli, 5.883, 245.54 def. Woznichak, 8.277, 111.19

FINAL
Weaver, 5.758, 251.39 def. Gasparrelli, 6.198, 191.38

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.047, 158.09  def.
Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23  roadster, A/AA, 6.860, 195.34

SUPER STOCK
Glenn Snow, St. George, Utah, '85 Trans Am, GT/EA, 10.365, 125.67  def.
John Calvert, Lancaster, Calif., '68 Mustang, SS/G, 10.087, 124.73

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Leo Glasbrenner, San Dimas, Calif., '68 Firebird, E/SA, 10.993, 118.83  def.
MJ Quinn, Louisville, Ky., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.770, 109.49

SUPER COMP
Ken Mostowich, Calgary, Alb., '02 Cavalier, 8.900, 165.86  def.
Danny Aguayo, Santee, Calif., dragster, 8.913, 168.22

SUPER GAS
Jim DiCarlo, Scottsdale, Ariz., '57 Corvette, 9.894, 157.34  def.
Chris Newman, Lancaster, Calif., '67 Nova, 9.883, 152.80

SUPER STREET
Gary Thompson, Santa Rosa, Calif., '86 Corvette, 10.909, 133.49  def.
A.J. Percival, Litteton, Colo., '69 Dart, 10.939, 136.69

TOP COMP
Ryan Priddy, Chino, Calif., dragster, 7.292, 176.30  def.
George Clark, Phoenix, dragster, 6.804, 197.51

MOTORCYCLE
Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, 9.288, 118.80  def.
Jordan Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '92 Suzuki, 9.940, 121.32

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Stewart Koch, San Francisco, dragster, 7.904, 169.44  def.
Kevin Quinlan, Yucca Valley, Calif., dragster, 7.912, 172.36

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set for final eliminations

CHANDLER, Ariz. – In the final rounds of qualifying for the NHRA Pacific Division Opener Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Firebird International Raceway Sean O'Bannon grabbed the top spot in Top Alcohol Dragster and Mark Woznichak leads in funny car.

O'Bannon raced to a 5.356 second pass at 269.03 mph and leads a pair of Pacific Division Champions in Chris Demke and Duane Shields. Demke, defending champion the last two years, jumped from outside the field to the No. 2 spot with a 5.389 second run at 267.64 mph with the 2002 Champion Shields landing in third at 5.416 seconds, 252.85 mph. Mark Niver of Scottsdale, Ariz., is seventh, running 5.539 seconds, 256.80 mph.

Woznichak, of Ontario, Calif., leads the eight-car Top Alcohol Funny Car field posting a 5.739 second lap at 251.11 mph with John Weaver in second at 5.746, 250.88 mph. Local favorites John Patton of Peoria, Ariz., and Ross Stickler of Gilbert, Ariz., are fifth and sixth respectively.

Colorado racer Lou Ficco Jr. bettered his Friday qualifying time with a 7.157 second lap in final qualifying to lead the Comp Eliminator field, 0.623 seconds under the index. Ficco is followed by Tom Huggins in his '06 GTO with a lap of 7.136 seconds, 0.604 seconds under.

Ron Roddel and Robert Schroeder are on top in Super Stock and Stock respectively with Roddel running 10.819 seconds, 1.231 under and Schroeder clocking in at 10.378 seconds, 1.172 under.

In the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, Greg Liskey is No. 1 with Tucson, Ariz., rider Tom Lannie in second. Chip Rumis put his dragster on top in the Team Superstores Top Comp class running 6.842 seconds at 197.39 mph with Todd Hoerner landing in the No. 2 spot being the only car over 200 mph in Top Comp at 203.12 mph, 6.846 seconds.

Racing continues Sunday at 8:30 a.m. with round one of Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car set for noon.  Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are $26.  For more information, call Firebird International Raceway (602) 268-0200.

The following are Saturday's qualifying results and first-round pairings for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car at the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Opener at Firebird International Raceway.

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Sean O'Bannon, Alta Loma, Calif., 5.356 seconds, 269.03 mph
2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.389, 267.64
3) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.416, 252.90
4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.461, 263.87
5) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.472, 261.72
6) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.499, 257.87
7) Mark Niver, Scottsdale, Ariz., 5.539, 261.42
8) Eric Morris, Sanger, Calif., 5.601, 240.04
Not Qualified
9) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.616, 248.48
10) Joe Windham, Fairfield, Calif., 5.673, 224.21
11) Jeff Isbell, Erda, Utah, 5.771, 250.18
12) Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach, Calif., 5.779, 235.51
13) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 5.859, 241.97
14) Dennis Swearingen, Valencia, Calif., 5.900, 235.89
15) Johnny Ahten, Saugus, Calif., 6.383, 229.20
16) Bobby Mirizio, Las Vegas, 7.214, 183.54

First round TAD pairings
1) Sean O'Bannon, Alta Loma, Calif., 5.356 seconds, 269.03 mph vs.
8) Eric Morris, Sanger,Calif., 5.601, 240.04

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.389, 267.64 vs.
7) Mark Niver Scottsdale, Ariz., 5.539, 261.42

3) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.416, 252.90 vs.
6) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.499, 257.87

4) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.461, 263.87 vs.
5) Mike Austin Medford, Ore., 5.472, 261.72

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.739 seconds, 251.11 mph
2) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.746, 250.88
3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.771, 250.18
4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.777 249.76
5) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Firebird, 5.792, 247.84
6) Ross Stickler, Gilbert, Ariz., '04 Corvette, 5.866, 245.76
7) Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas, '05 Honda, 5.869, 246.80
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.881, 249.72
Not Qualified
9) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.944 240.08
10) Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton, Calif., '98 Cutlass, 6.016, 243.15
11) Charles McLaws, Winslow, Ariz., '02 Firebird, 6.390, 211.06
12) Pete Rivera, Mesa, Ariz., '97 Firebird, 7.353, 194.88
13) Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '01 Avenger, 7.794, 98.64

First round TAFC pairings
1) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.739 seconds, 251.11 mph vs.
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.881, 249.72

2) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.746, 250.88 vs.
7) Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas, '05 Honda, 5.869, 246.80

3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.771, 250.18 vs.
6) Ross Stickler, Gilbert, Ariz., '04 Corvette, 5.866, 245.76

4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.777 249.76 vs.
5) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Firebird, 5.792, 247.84

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Lou Ficco Jr., Wheat Ridge, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.157 seconds, -0.623 (under index)
2) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '06 GTO, B/A, 7.136, -0.604
3) Doug Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., '05 Pontiac, D/SMA, 8.487, -0.603
4) Jim Cowan, Dewey, Ariz., '04 Cavalier, D/EA, 8.390, -0.600
5) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.471, -0.599
6) Ken Justice Sr., Scottsdale, Ariz., '99 Firebird, B/AA, 7.189 -0.591
7) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.188 -0.572
8) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23 roadster, A/AA, 6.852, -0.558
9) Doug Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., '03 Stratus, B/SMA, 8.232, -0.558
10) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 6.985, -0.555

SUPER STOCK
1) Ron Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/MA, 10.819 seconds -1.231 (under index)
2) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.363, -1.137
3) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 8.956 -1.094
4) Roy Whittemore, Denver, Colo., '88 Mustang, GT/EA, 9.861, -1.089
5) John Borden, Redlands, Calif., '66 Nova, SS/HA, 9.844, -1.056
6) Jack Bystrom, Alta Loma, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.702, -1.048
7) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '05 Sunfire, GT/AA, 9.357, -1.043
8) Don Bevers, Tucson, Ariz., '91 Probe, SS/BM, 8.676, -1.024
9) Bryan Broaddus, Yorba Linda, Calif., '71 Monte Carlo, SS/EA, 9.626 -1.024
10) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 9.738 -1.012

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Robert Schroeder, Peconic, N.Y., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.378 seconds -1.172 (under index)
2) Charlie Smith, Modesto, Calif., '69 Dart, C/SA, 10.534, -1.166
3) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.419, -1.131
4) Ryan McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '02 Firebird, A/FIA, 10.196 -1.104
5) Rusty Hall, Sweeny, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.607, -1.093
6) Duane Dickens, San Clemente, Calif., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.610 -1.090
7) Bill Howell, Aiken, S.C., '90 Caravan, CF/S, 14.361, -1.089
8) Rick Kagawa, Huntington Beach, Calif., '70 Chevelle, C/SA, 10.613 -1.087
9) Tony Hernandez, Denver, '65 Corvette, F/S, 11.022, -1.078
10) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.228, -1.072

TOP COMP
1) Chip Rumis, Ramona, dragster, 6.842 seconds, 197.88 mph
2) Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '04 Grand Am, 6.846, 203.12
3) George Clark, Phoenix, dragster, 6.852, 196.90
4) Paul Gladden, Tracy, Calif., dragster, 6.855, 194.60
5) Jim Luttrell, Apache Junction, Ariz., dragster, 6.860, 190.35
6) Tracy Holt, Rivertown, Utah, dragster, 7.029, 190.65
7) Dan Borg, San Francisco, '99 Monte Carlo, 7.086, 198.17
8) Jonathan Fiello, Yucaipa, Calif., dragster, 7.152, 186.51
9) John Propp, Granite Bay, Calif., dragster, 7.174, 187.34
10) Tom Yancer, Chancler, Ariz., dragster, 7.177, 187.21

MOTORCYCLE
1) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.022 seconds reaction time
2) Tom Lannie, Tucson, Ariz., '81 Suzuki, SMC, 0.022
3) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.022
4) John Widman, Garberville, Calif., '92 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.025
5) Bill Wilson, Phoenix, '82 Suzuki, SMC, 0.027
6) Tom Patterson, Tucson, Ariz., '94 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.033
7) Craig Wood, Tucson, Ariz., '97 Suzuki, SMC, 0.037
8) Eddy Plamer, Orangevale, Calif., '86 Suzuki, SMC, 0.044
9) Sean Conner, Boulder City, Nev., '98 Koenig, SMC, 0.047
10) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '96 Suzuki, SMC, 0.048

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
O'Bannon, Woznichak lead fields

CHANDLER, Ariz. – In the first rounds of qualifying at Firebird International Raceway for the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing season opener, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Sean O'Bannon and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Mark Woznichak took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

O'Bannon, of Alto Loma, Calif., outran the field with a pass of 5.438 seconds at 264.55 mph, nearly a tenth of a second ahead of No. 2 qualifier Mike Austin. O'Bannon's father and team owner Jack O'Bannon recorded five NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster National Championships from 1997-2001 with Rick Santos performing the driving duties.

Austin, of Medford Ore., ran 5.523 seconds at 260.41 mph and local racer Mark Niver of Scottsdale, Ariz., is fourth with a lap of 5.539 seconds at 256.80 mph.

Woznichak, of Ontario, Calif., recorded a 5.739 second pass at 251.11 mph to lead the Funny Car field over Pacific Division Champion and second generation driver Steve Gasparrelli with a run of 5.783 seconds, 249.76 mph.

Veteran racer John Weaver is third, running 5.915, 248.98 while Ross Stickler of Chandler, Ariz., and John Patton of Peoria, Ariz., are fifth and sixth respectively. Stickler clocked in at 6.110 at 237.13 mph and Patton ran 7.788 seconds at 121.14 mph.

Comp Eliminator racer Lou Ficco Jr. joined the top qualifiers with a 7.169 second pass, 0.631 seconds under the index in his '04 Cavalier and Ron Roddel of Sioux Falls, S.D., is No. 1 in Super Stock running 10.819 seconds, 1.231 seconds under. Ficco picked up a win at the NHRA POWERade Series season opener in Pomona in early February over Division Champion Dean Carter.

Phoenix racer Darrell Nicholas put his '84 Mustang on top in Stock Eliminator with a 13.121 second run, 1.129 seconds under and is followed by New York racer Robert Schroeder and his '69 Camaro with a 10.431 second run, 1.119 seconds under.

In the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, Greg Liskey leads the field with a 0.022 second reaction time while Chip Rumis leads the Team Superstores Top Comp field with a 6.842 second pass at 197.39 mph followed by Phoenix runner George Clark with a 6.852, 196.90 mph pass.

Racing continues Saturday at 8 a.m.  Gates open at 7:30 a.m.  Tickets are $26 Saturday or Sunday. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call Firebird Raceway, (602) 268-0200.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Sean O'Bannon, Alta Loma, Calif., 5.438 seconds, 264.55 mph
2) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.523, 260.41
3) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.524, 259.36
4) Mark Niver, Scottsdale, Ariz., 5.539, 256.80
5) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.569, 248.25
6) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.584, 247.16
7) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.816, 199.20
8) Eric Morris, Sanger, Calif., 5.832, 189.12
Not Qualified
9) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 6.505, 211.99
10) Johnny Ahten, Saugus, Calif., 6.688, 210.34
11) Bobby Mirizio, Las Vegas, 7.214, 183.54
12) Jeff Isbell, Erda, Utah, 8.577, 93.38
13) Larry Miersch, Huntington Beach, Calif., 8.882, 96.55
14) Dennis Swearingen, Valencia, Calif., 18.101, 36.14
15) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., (no time)

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.739 seconds, 251.11 mph
2) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.783, 249.76
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '02 Camaro, 5.915, 248.98
4) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.012, 244.47
5) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '04 Corvette, 6.110, 237.13
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Firebird, 7.788, 121.14
7) Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '01 Avenger, 7.794, 98.64
8) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 8.537, 105.59
Not Qualified
9) Paul Crifasi, Las Vegas, '04 Toyota, 8.818, 97.98
10) Sean Bellemeur, Fullerton, Calif., '98 Cutlass, 10.438, 81.27

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Lou Ficco Jr., Wheat Ridge, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.169 seconds, -0.631 (under index)
2) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.471, -0.599
3) Jim Cowan, Dewey, Ariz., '04 Cavalier, D/EA, 8.395, -0.595
4) Ken Justice Sr., Scottsdale, Ariz., '99 Firebird, B/AA, 7.199, -0.581
5) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.188, -0.572
6) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 6.985, -0.555
7) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23 roadster, A/AA, 6.867, -0.543
8) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, dragster, C/D, 7.068, -0.542
9) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.085, -0.515
10) Doug Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., '05 Pontiac, D/SMA, 8.583, -0.507

SUPER STOCK
1) Ron Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/MA, 10.819 seconds, -1.231 (under index)
2) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 8.963, -1.087
3) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '05 Sunfire, GT/AA, 9.357, -1.043
4) Roy Whittemore, Denver, '88 Mustang, GT/EA, 9.915, -1.035
5) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.478, -1.022
6) John Borden, Redlands, Calif., '66 Nova, SS/HA, 9.893, -1.007
7) Jack Bystrom, Alta Loma, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.754, -0.996
8) Don Bevers, Tucson, Ariz., '91 Probe, SS/BM, 8.706, -0.994
9) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 9.758, -0.992
10) Kip Martin, Phoenix, '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.576, -0.974

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Darrell Nicholas, Phoenix, '84 Mustang, J/FI, 13.121 seconds, -1.129 (under index)
2) Robert Schroeder, Peconic, N.Y., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.431, -1.119
3) Ryan McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '02 Firebird, A/FIA, 10.196, -1.104
4) Rusty Hall, Sweeny, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.607, -1.093
5) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.457, -1.093
6) Charlie Smith, Modesto, Calif., '69 Dart, C/SA, 10.609, -1.091
7) Duane Dickens, San Clemente, Calif., '98 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.610, -1.090
8) Tony Hernandez, Denver, '65 Corvette, F/S, 11.022, -1.078
9) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.228, -1.072
10) Nick Arotti, Bolder City, Nev., '77 Volare, H/SA, 11.395, -1.055

TOP COMP
1) Chip Rumis, Ramona, dragster, 6.842 seconds, 197.39 mph
2) George Clark, Phoenix, dragster, 6.852, 196.90
3) Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '04 Grand Am, 6.868, 202.70
4) Jim Luttrell, Apache Junction, Ariz., dragster, 6.908, 182.53
5) Paul Gladden, Tracy, Calif., dragster, 6.927, 194.21
6) Tracy Holt, Rivertown, Utah, dragster, 7.029, 190.65
7) Dan Borg, San Francisco, '99 Monte Carlo, 7.086, 198.17
8) Jonathan Fiello, Yucaipa, Calif., dragster, 7.152, 185.64
9) John Propp, Granite Bay, Calif., dragster, 7.174, 187.34
10) Tom Yancer, Chancler, Ariz., dragster, 7.202, 187.21

MOTORCYCLE
1) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.022 seconds reaction time
2) Tom Lannie, Tucson, Ariz., '81 Suzuki, SMC, 0.022
3) John Widman, Garberville, Calif., '92 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.025
4) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.026
5) Bill Wilson, Phoenix, '82 Suzuki, SMC, 0.027
6) Tom Patterson, Tucson, Ariz., '94 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.033
7) Sean Conner, Boulder City, Nev., '98 Koenig, SMC, 0.047
8) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '96 Suzuki, SMC, 0.048
9) Wayne Cox, Eureka, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.052
10) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, '87 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.054

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Division 7 opener set for Arizona supertrack

CHANDLER, Ariz. – NHRA's Pacific division will start its 2006 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season March 3-5 at Firebird International Raceway.  The race is the first of seven on the division schedule and will feature more than 500 cars, including the powerful Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes.

Top Alcohol Dragster champ Chris Demke (Sunland, Calif.) will be back in the seat to defend his title.  He started 2005 with three straight wins, including at FIR, before suffering a season-ending crash at the event in Sonoma, Calif.  Demke did get in the car late last season for one lap in order to earn enough points to keep him in the lead in his quest for his second consecutive championship. 

 In Top Alcohol Funny Car, the division's defending champion Steve Gasparrelli (West Covina, Calif.) had a car fire in pre-season testing that but a question mark on when he would make his season debut.  However, he was back on-track for the season opening national event in Pomona, Calif. 

Last year Gasparrelli opened the season at FIR with a runner-up showing to Dennis Taylor (Anaheim Hills, Calif.).  He won the next event, in Tucson, Ariz., and made three more final-round appearances, scoring another win at an out-of-division race in Belle Rose, La. It was his third Pacific division championship.

Comp Eliminator driver Dean Carter (Glendale, Ariz.) earned his third straight division title in 2005.  He took the win at the division's final race of the year in Las Vegas to secure his championship.

 Gerald Turczyn Jr. (Surprise, Ariz.) scored his first divisional Super Gas title in 2005.  He opened the year with a third round appearance at FIR but then had wins in Tucson and Bakersfield, Calif.

Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. each day.  Qualifying and time trials start at 8 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday morning at 8.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car have one qualifying session on Friday, at 4 p.m., and two on Saturday, at 1:30 and 4 p.m.  Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run first round of eliminations at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway are $12 Friday, $26 Saturday, and $26 Sunday.  A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $44 and a three-day pass is $54.  Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

 Firebird International Raceway is located at 20000 S. Maricopa Road.  Take I-10 to Maricopa Road exit (#162).  For more information call the track, (602) 268-0200, or visit www.FirebirdRaceway.com.

The NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series continues at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson.  The three day race is scheduled March 24-26, 2006.

WHERE:  Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz. Track is located at 20000 S. Maricopa Road. Take I-10 to Maricopa Road exit (#162).

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, March 3-5, 2006

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

FRIDAY, Mar. 3 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Mar. 4 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Mar. 5 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $12 Friday, $26 Saturday, $26 Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $44 and a three-day pass is $54. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Firebird Int'l Raceway, (602) 268-0200.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $147,825, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2005 EVENT WINNERS: Chris Demke, Top Alcohol Dragster; Dennis Taylor, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Vinnie Deceglie, Comp Eliminator; Tony DeFrank, Super Stock; Ken Etter, Stock Eliminator; Robert Naber, Super Comp; Bryan Downing, Super Gas; Troy Grant, 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 2006 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.

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 2006 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 2006 Jeg's Allstars. Points are based on in-division races only.

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

This year, event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jeg's Allstars participants. Any 2006 Jeg's Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled

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 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

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.