FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bourke, Pomponio take wins at season opener

READING, Pa. – Richard Bourke in Top Alcohol Dragster and Dan Pomponio in Top Alcohol Funny Car picked up big wins this weekend at the season opener for the NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Maple Grove Raceway.

Bourke ran 5.30s and 5.40s all weekend to qualify third and work his way through the field taking out Dan Mercier in the final round. The Old Tapper, N.J., racer crossed the finish line just ahead of Mercier with a lap of 5.491 seconds at 263.62 mph to Mercier's 5.507 at 266.85 mph.

Bourke recorded the quickest lap of the event in a round one win over Karen Benkovich with a 5.368 second run at 264.18 mph.

Pomponio knocked off veteran racer and former Division Champion Bob Newberry in the funny car final with a run of 5.974 seconds at 242.54 mph. Pomponio ousted Paul Gill and Duane Beers in rounds one and two on his way to the match up with Newberry where Newberry shook the tires off the start and could not catch the quicker Pomponio.

Defending Division Champion Frank Manzo fell in round one with a red-light start against Newberry.

Local favorite Tommy Ciccarone Jr. of West Chester, Pa., took the win in Comp Eliminator with a run of 8.632 seconds at 155.78 mph over Sal Biondo of Maspeth, N.Y. Both drivers had great reaction times with Biondo taking a 0.006 second advantage at the start but it was not enough to hold off Ciccarone.

Byron Worner of Duncannon, Pa., grabbed the win in Super Stock over Angelo Ditocco while defending NHRA Stock National Champion and 2004 event champion Lee Zane defeated Brent Darroch in his '73 Apollo. In Super Comp it was Division Champion Tom Stalba taking out Scott Lukowski for the win. This is Stalba's second visit to the Maple Grove winner's circle in as many years picking up the win in Super Gas last year.

Chuck Rothermel won over Craig Porter in Super Gas with a 9.913 second lap at 157.76 mph to Porter's 9.934 at 138.10 and Ken Puckett rounded out the event winners with a victory over Kenny Edgar.

The Northeast Division racers head to Lebanon Valley Dragway, July 1-3 before returning to Maple Grove for a second Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event presented by Parkway and Glick Fire Equipment, August 5-7.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
ROUND ONE
4) Dan Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.427, 269.73 def.
5) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.037, 196.47

3) Richard Bourke, Old Tappen, N.J., 5.368, 264.18 def.
6) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.610, 251.53

1) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 9.412, 98.01 def.
8) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., foul

2) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.456, 257.19 def.
7) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.618, 250.78

SEMIFINALS
Mercier, 5.375, 270.54 def. Bohr, 5.418, 262.03;
Bourke, 5.420, 262.18 def. Perry, 5.466, 260.16

FINAL
Bourke, 5.491, 263.62 def. Mercier, 5.507, 266.85

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND ONE
8) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '05 Monte Carlo, 13.421, 58.81 def.
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '04 Firebird, foul

5) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 6.497, 232.71 def.
13) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '93 Saab, 7.044, 197.62

6) Duane Beers, Monroe, N.J., '02 Camaro, 5.906, 242.41 def.
3) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '01 Avenger, 5.976, 241.41

7) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '00 Camaro, 6.012, 242.06
def. 2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 6.194, 244.96

SEMIFINALS
Newberry, 5.669, 235.19 def. Stickler, 6.530, 233.03;
Pomponio, 5.947, 244.07 def. Beers, 12.808, 61.40

FINAL
Pomponio, 5.974, 242.54 def. Newberry, 6.181, 246.89

COMP ELIMINATOR
Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.632, 155.78  def.
Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '01 Firebird, D/EA, 8.396, 156.97

SUPER STOCK
Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '90 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.118, 130.22 def.
Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.874, 133.22

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, J/SA, 12.003, 85.10 def.
Brent Darroch, Monaca, Pa., '96 Impala, F/FIA, 27.201, 30.41

SUPER COMP
Thomas Stalba Jr., Williamstown, N.J., dragster, 8.884, 168.62 def.
Scott Lukowski, Revenna, Ohio, dragster, 8.918, 173.07

SUPER GAS
Chuck Rothermel, Kinderhook, N.Y., '03 Grand Am, 9.913, 157.76 def.
Craig Porter, Silver Spring, Md., '93 Mustang, 9.934, 138.10

SUPER STREET
Ken Puckett, BelAir, Md., '89 Cavalier, 10.937, 151.58 def.
Kenny Edgar, Enfield, Conn., '73 Mustang, 10.895, 130.78

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bohr, Manzo lead final qualifying

READING, Pa. – In the final rounds of qualifying for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Northeast Division season opener, Jeff Bohr jumped ahead of Ken Perry for the top spot in Top Alcohol Dragster. Bohr, of Plymouth Mich., covered the quarter-mile in 5.450 seconds at 258.62 mph to Perry's 5.467 second run at 258.71 mph.

Richard Bourke of Old Tapper, N.J., is qualified third with a run of 5.497 seconds at 260.56 mph while defending Northeast Division Champion Arthur Gallant and defending event champion Steve Cantrell ran in the 5.60's and did not make the eight car filed.

Phoenixville, Pa., racer Rich McPillips sits in the No. 7 spot with a 5.558 second pass at 206.48

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Frank Manzo posted the only run in the 5.60's with a 5.695 second lap at 256.94 mph for the top spot. The Morganville, N.J., resident and 9-time National Champion is followed by Brockton, Mass., racer Paul Gill in second with a 5.708 second run at 253.04 and David Ray in third with a 5.717 at 250.92.

Veteran Funny Car racer Bob Newberry used the final qualifying session to jump into the field landing in the No. 8 spot with a 5.972 second, 246.98 mph run.

Allyn Armstrong held on to the top spot in Comp Eliminator with a run of 8.958 seconds, 0.792 seconds under the index and is followed by Gerry Russo of Saddle River, N.J., in second with an 8.570 second run, 0.660 under the index.

Dennis Steward and Tom Baird joined in as top qualifiers and will pick up their share of the Areomotive Low Qualifier bonus money. Steward, of Dover, Pa., ran a 10.208 second lap in his '91 Daytona while Baird put his '69 Camaro on top with a 10.277 second run.

Racing continues Sunday at 9:00.  Gates open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $20.  For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway, (610) 856-7200.

The following are Saturday's qualifying results and first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
1) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.450 seconds, 258.62 mph
2) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.467, 258.71
3) Richard Bourke, Old Tapper, N.J., 5.497, 260.56
4) Dan Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.499, 265.48
5) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.524, 259.21
6) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.545, 253.33
7) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.558, 206.48
8) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.580, 254.18

Not Qualified
9) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.590, 255.63
10) Wayne Morris, Lincoln University, Pa., 5.605, 252.00
11) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.647, 248.48
12) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.689, 259.26
13) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.693, 238.13
14) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.895, 238.89
15) Ed Fisher, Milford, Conn., 7.191, 161.23
16) Donald Gianquitto, Melrose, Mass., (no time)
17) Jeff Veale, Stoney Creek, Ont., (no time)

First round TAD pairings
1) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.450 seconds, 258.62 mph vs.
8) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., 5.580, 254.18

2) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.467, 258.71 vs.
7) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.558, 206.48

3) Richard Bourke, Old Tapper, N.J., 5.497, 260.56 vs.
6) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.545, 253.33

4) Dan Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.499, 265.48 vs.
5) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.524, 259.21

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '04 Firebird, 5.695 seconds, 256.94 mph
2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.708, 253.04
3) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '01 Avenger, 5.715, 250.92
4) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 5.897, 229.86
5) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 5.899, 238.72
6) Duane Beers, Monroe, N.J., '02 Camaro, 5.942, 243.59
7) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '00 Camaro, 5.953, 241.50
8) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.972, 246.98

Not Qualified
9) Bruce Mullins, Fredericksburg, Va., '02 Avenger, 5.992, 209.30
10) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '02 Camaro, 6.020, 226.92
11) Darrel Cox, Whiteford, Md., '01 Firebird, 6.028, 234.66
12) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 6.269, 235.97
13) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '93 Saab, 6.532, 215.51
14) Ron Zavarella, Woodstock Valley, Conn., '04 Firebird, 8.029, 124.98
15) Chris Brown, Ivyland, Pa., '00 Avenger, 15.751, 42.17

First round TAFC pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '04 Firebird, 5.695 seconds, 256.94 mph vs.
8) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.972, 246.98

2) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.708, 253.04 vs.
7) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '00 Camaro, 5.953, 241.50

3) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '01 Avenger, 5.715, 250.92 vs.
6) Duane Beers, Monroe, N.J., '02 Camaro, 5.942, 243.59

4) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 5.897, 229.86 vs.
5) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 5.899, 238.72

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Allyn Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '72 GT, L/A, 8.958 seconds, -0.792 (under index)
2) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '04 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.570, -0.660
3) Frank Aragona Jr, Franklin Square, N.Y., dragster, G/EA, 8.581, -0.619
4) Vinny Barone, Dix Hills, N.Y., '34 Roadster, A/SR, 7.924, -0.616
5) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, H/SM, 9.136, -0.604
6) Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.643, -0.587
7) Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/EA, 7.917, -0.583
8) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.749, -0.571
9) Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '01 Firebird, D/EA, 8.423, -0.567
10) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., dragster, G/ED, 8.196, -0.554

SUPER STOCK
1) Dennis Steward, Dover, Pa., '91 Daytona, GT/IA, 10.208 seconds, -1.292 (under index)
2) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 8.982, -1.218
3) Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.900, -1.200
4) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.053, -1.147
5) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.077, -1.123
6) Jim Boburka, Coraopolis, Pa., '04 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.582, -1.118
7) David Barton, Robesonia, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.799, -1.101
8) Guy DesJardins, St. Bruno, Quebec, '67 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.650, -1.100
9) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/H, 10.055, -1.095
10) Paul Ricci, Rocky Hill, Conn., '96 Avenger, SS/AM, 8.358, -1.092

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Tom Baird, Blue Point, N.Y., '69 Camaro, B/S, 10.277 seconds, -1.223 (under index)
2) Mike Farrell, E Nassau, N.Y., '71 Duster, E/SA, 10.780, -1.220
3) Jack Matyas, Bethlehem, Pa., '00 Trans Am, B/FIA, 10.509, -1.191
4) Clayton Wright, Newportville, Pa., '65 Plymouth Wgn, U/SA, 13.986, -1.164
5) Fred Thibeault, Annapolis, N.S., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.387, -1.163
6) David LeBrun, Uncasville, Conn., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.426, -1.124
7) Ed Horensky, Sugarloaf, Pa., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 10.580, -1.120
8) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.593, -1.107
9) Victor Guilmino III, Martinsburg, W.V., '71 Mustang, D/SA, 10.76

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Perry, Gill grab top spots

READING, Pa. – In the first rounds of qualifying at Maple Grove Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Ken Perry and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Paul Gill took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Perry, of Toronto, Ont., outran the field with a pass of 5.467 seconds at 258.71 mph. Perry, racing out of the NHRA North Central Division, is followed by Richard Bourke of Old Tapper, N.J., with a run of 5.503 seconds at 257.38 mph. Racers can claim points from events both in and outside of their home division toward championships.

Brockton, Mass., resident Gill clocked in at 5.708 seconds at 253.04 mph to hold off veteran racer Frank Manzo, a multi National Champion, who laid down a 5.742-second lap at 254.47 mph for the No. 2 spot.

Defending Northeast Division Dragster Champion Arthur Gallant and former National Funny Car Champion Bob Newberry are currently not qualified and will need solid runs in tomorrow's final qualifying session if they hope to be apart of tomorrow evening's eliminations.

Canadian racer Allyn Armstrong of Kingston, Nova Scotia, grabbed the No. 1 spot in Comp Eliminator with a pass of 9.003 seconds, 0.747 seconds under the index and will pick up the Aeromovtive Low Qualifier Bonus if he can hold onto it through Saturday's final qualifying sessions. Armstrong is followed by Frank Aragona Jr. and Gerry Russo in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots respectively.

John Armstrong sits on top of the Super Stock filed with a run of 8.982 seconds in his '69 Corvette, 1.218 seconds under the index and is followed by Angelo Ditocco of Mahopac, N.Y., and Dennis Steward of Dover, Pa., in second and third qualifying spots.

Pennsylvania racer Jack Matyas, of Bethlehem, grabbed the No. 1 spot in Stock Eliminator with a 10.509 second lap and is followed by Clayton Wright of Newportville, Pa., and his '65 Plymouth in second.      

Racing continues Saturday at 8:30 a.m.  Gates open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars receive a final qualifying pass at 1:30 p.m. followed by all rounds of eliminations beginning at 5 p.m. The final round of dragsters and funny cars will be followed by a fireworks show. Tickets are $20.  For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway (610)856-7200.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Ken Perry, Toronto, Ont., 5.467 seconds, 258.71 mph
2) Richard Bourke, Old Tapper, N.J., 5.503, 257.38
3) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.545, 253.33
4) Dan Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.555, 261.47
5) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 5.590, 258.67
6) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.590, 255.63
7) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.669, 248.48
8) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.689, 247.16

Not Qualified
9) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.693, 238.13
10) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 6.009, 206.48
11) Ed Fisher, Milford, Conn., 8.587, 110.61
12) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., (no time)
13) Mark Albert, Baldwin, Pa., (no time)
14) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., (no time)

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '01 Avenger, 5.708 seconds, 253.04 mph
2) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '04 Firebird, 5.742, 254.47
3) Duane Beers, Monroe, N.J., '02 Camaro, 5.942, 243.59
4) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '00 Camaro, 5.959, 240.04
5) David Ray, Plaistow, N.H., '01 Avenger, 5.976, 214.21
6) Bruce Mullins, Fredericksburg, Va., '02 Avenger, 5.992, 209.30
7) Ross Stickler, Chandler, Ariz., '03 Corvette, 5.999, 236.01
8) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '02 Camaro, 6.020, 226.92

Not Qualified
9) Darrel Cox, Whiteford, Md., '01 Firebird, 6.075, 232.15
10) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 6.269, 235.97
11) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 6.339, 210.21
12) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '93 Saab, 7.323, 172.61
13) Ron Zavarella, Woodstock Valley, Conn., '04 Firebird, (no time)
14) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '05 Monte Carlo, (no time)

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Allyn Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '72 GT, L/A, 9.003 seconds, -0.747 (under index)
2) Frank Aragona Jr, Franklin Square, N.Y., dragster, G/EA, 8.586, -0.614
3) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '04 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.645, -0.585
4) Tony Stephenson, Willow Sprg, N.C., '02 Cavalier, B/EA, 7.937, -0.563
5) Sal Biondo, Maspeth, N.Y., '01 Firebird, D/EA, 8.427, -0.563
6) Tommy Ciccarone Jr., West Chester, Pa., '03 Cavalier, E/SMA, 8.682, -0.548
7) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, H/SM, 9.199, -0.541
8) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.473, -0.517
9) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.806, -0.514
10) Pat Ross Sr., Avon Lake, Ohio, '05 Grand Am, F/A, 8.282, -0.498

SUPER STOCK
1) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 8.982 seconds, -1.218 (under index)
2) Angelo Ditocco, Mahopac, N.Y., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.908, -1.192
3) Dennis Steward, Dover, Pa., '91 Daytona, GT/IA, 10.310, -1.190
4) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.068, -1.132
5) Jim Boburka, Coraopolis, Pa., '04 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.582, -1.118
6) David Barton, Robesonia, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.799, -1.101
7) Ray Scardelli, Manalapan, N.J., '97 Probe, GT/H, 10.055, -1.095
8) Paul Ricci, Rocky Hill, Conn., '96 Avenger, SS/AM, 8.358, -1.092
9) Bob Wolkwitz, Darien, Conn., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.814, -1.086
10) Brian Oakes, Williamstown, N.J., '69 Camaro, SS/EA, 9.565, -1.085

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Jack Matyas, Bethlehem, Pa., '00 Trans Am, B/FIA, 10.509 seconds, -1.191 (under index)
2) Clayton Wright, Newportville, Pa., '65 Plymouth Wgn, U/SA, 13.986, -1.164
3) Fred Thibeault, Annapolis, N.S., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.387, -1.163
4) Tom Baird, Blue Point, N.Y., '69 Camaro, B/S, 10.369, -1.131
5) David LeBrun, Uncasville, Conn., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.426, -1.124
6) Ed Horensky, Sugarloaf, Pa., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 10.580, -1.120
7) Victor Guilmino III, Martinsburg, W.V., '71 Mustang, D/SA, 10.760, -1.090
8) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.615, -1.085
9) Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., '72 Camaro, I/SA, 11.517, -1.083
10) John Presing, N Haledon, N.J., '88 Mustang, F/FI, 11.772, -1.078

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Division 1 kicks off Lucas Oil season

READING, Pa. – Maple Grove Raceway will host the first of seven NHRA Northeast division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, May 27-29.  Drivers in eight classes, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, will begin their quest for points leading to divisional and national championships.

Defending division Top Alcohol Dragster champion Arthur Gallant and Top Alcohol Funny Car champ Frank Manzo will start the campaign to regain their titles.  In 2004, Gallant earned his second divisional title while Manzo marked No. 15, making it 10 straight division crowns for the Morganville, N.J., resident.

In division competition last year, Gallant of Boxboro, Mass., opened his season with a first round loss at an out-of-division race in Gainesville, Fla.  He then made two final-round appearances, at Maple Grove Raceway and at Lebanon Valley Dragway in West Lebanon, N.Y., before scoring a win at Numidia Raceway in Pennsylvania.

Manzo went to the final round of all six of the Northeast division Lucas Oil Races he attended, going  to the winner's circle at Maple Grove Raceway; Lebanon Valley Dragway; Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J.;  Cecil County Raceway in Rising Sun, Md.; and at Atco Raceway in New Jersey.  He was runner-up at Numidia Raceway. 

With the exception of the division's Super Gas champion Tom Stalba of Williamstown, N.J., who claimed the division Super Comp title in 2000 and 2001 and the Super Gas the next three years, the champions in each of the other classes were first time winners. 

Al Ackerman of Saddle Brook, N.J., is the defending Comp Eliminator champion and Marlboro, N.Y., racer Lincoln Morehead took the Super Stock crown.  Another Williamstown racer, Shane Carr, earned the Stock Eliminator title while Doug Doll Jr. of Litiz, Pa., won in Super Comp, and Ray Balian of Long Island, N.Y., took the Super Street honors.

 Racing starts Friday with qualifying and time trials at 8:30 a.m.  Gates open at 7:30 a.m.  On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m. and qualifying and time trials continue from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  First round of eliminations for all classes start at 3:30 p.m. 

Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have one qualifying session on Friday at 6 p.m. and one on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.  They will run all rounds of eliminations Saturday starting at 5 p.m.  A fireworks display will start after the final round of alcohol eliminations.

General admission tickets, including pit pass, are $20 each day for adults and $10 for children 6 to 11 years old.  A two-day pass is $35 for adults, $15 for kids and a three-day ticket is $55 for adults, $20 for kids.  Saturday will feature a special price of $25 per car load for spectator-side-only admission.

Maple Grove Raceway is located 10 miles south of Reading, off Route 10.  From the Pennsylvania Turnpike take exit 298 and go north on route 10 for six miles.  For more information call the track, (610) 856-7812, or visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

NHRA Northeast division racers will continue the 2005 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season in West Lebanon, N.Y.  The July 1-3 race will be held at Labanon Valley Dragway.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: 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 first of seven in Northeast Division competition.

WHERE: Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pa.  Track is located 10 miles south of Reading, off Route 10.  From Pennsylvania Turnpike take exit 298 and go north on Route 10 for six miles.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 27-29, 2005

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

FRIDAY, May 27 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 8:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 28 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  First round of eliminations will start at 3:30 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have one qualifying run, at 1:30 p.m., and will run all rounds of eliminations beginning at 5 p.m.  A fireworks display will follow the finals of Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car.

SUNDAY, May 29 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Eliminations continue at 9 a.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $20 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday.  Children 6 to 11 are $10 each day.  A two-day ticket is $35 for adults, $15 for children and a three-day pass is $55 for adults, $20 for kids.  Saturday will feature a special price of $25 per car load for spectator-side-only passes.  For more information please call Maple Grove Raceway, (610) 856-7812.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $155,790, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2004 EVENT WINNERS: Steve Cantrell, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Terry Smith, Comp Eliminator; Wes Leopold Jr., Super Stock; Lee Zane, Stock Eliminator; Donald Bangs, Super Comp; Tom Stalba, Super Gas; Carl Juliano, 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 2005 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.

AEROMOTIVE LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: A $3,500 bonus fund paid to the low qualifiers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator at each of the division's seven races. The best qualifying driver in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock will each get $200 per event, while the best qualifier in Stock Eliminator will get $100 per race.

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 2005 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 2005 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, has offered a "double up" bonus to Allstars competitors.  Winners in each individual class who go on to win the national event will have their Allstars prize money doubled.

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.