DIVISION 1
Virginia Motorsports Park
Richmond, Va., May 2-4, 2008 

Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central

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Saturday

PETERSBURG, VA. – Due to inclement weather predictions for Sunday May 4 NHRA and track officials extended racing hours both Friday and today in order to complete all racing action. In the final round of Top Alcohol Dragster Arthur Gallant of Boxboro, Mass., took home the hardware with a time of 5.451 seconds at 270.92 mph narrowly defeating Dan Mercier from Montreal, Quebec. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Morganville, N.J., resident Frank Manzo came from the No. 1 qualifying position to take top honors. Manzo's time of 6.493 seconds was good enough to defeat Marty Nothstein of Orefield, Pa., who ran into problems in the finals.

In Comp Eliminator Louisa, Va., resident Russell Joly fell one step short of victory falling in the finals to Tony Terry from Forest, Va., driving an '03 Cavalier. In Super Stock action James Antonette Jr. who hails from New Hyde Park, N.Y., took the top spot with a time of 9.615 seconds at 124.60 mph. Jim Harrington accomplished the same feat in Stock Eliminator piloting his '90 Camaro to victory. Pete Luciano of Malvern, Pa., handed the win over to Brian Forrester from Parrish, Fla., when he fouled at the tree.

The '70 Dart of William Nycz from Pilesgrove Twp., N.J., made its way to winners circle much to the dismay of Vinny Laudicina of Boca Raton, Fla., who lost in the final round to Nycz. Tommy Daras took the win in the Top Sportsman category with a time of 7.510 seconds at 181.20 mph. Lastly Todd Wilkins who hails from Petersburg, Va., was one win light short of victory when he fell to Joe DiPasquale from Palmyra, N.J.

Northeast Division racers head to Maple Grove Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, May 23-25.

The following are Saturday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northeast Division LODRS at Virginia Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
ROUND ONE
4) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.501, 263.62 def
5) Arthur Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.667, 254.04;

3) Dan Mercier, Montreal, Quebec, 5.631, 258.57 def
6) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 8.934, 92.64;

2) Peter Gallen, Broomall, Pa., 12.813, 86.56 def
7) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., broke;

1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.492, 246.75 def
8) Jackie Fricke, Flemington, N.J., 5.910, 201.01;

Semifinals
Mercier, 5.497, 254.90 def Gallen, 5.573, 252.61;
Gallant, 5.472, 250.55 def Finke, 5.531, 264.08;

Finals
Gallant, 5.451, 270.92 def Mercier, 5.468, 260.11.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.668, 256.70 def
8) Wayne Morris, Lincoln Univ, Pa., '05 Stratus, 6.267, 218.97;

2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.924, 248.29 def
7) Scott McNiece, Brick, N.J., '01 Cutlass, foul;

3) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '02 Firebird, 5.819, 252.10 def
6) Melinda Green-King, Norfolk, Va., '08 Mustang, 8.666, 92.91;

4) DJ Cox Jr., Whiteford, Md., '02 Firebird, 5.758, 250.23 def
5) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 6.471, 156.70;

Semifinals
Nothstein, 5.662, 254.62 def Schuster, 6.561, 153.46;
Manzo, 5.570, 260.36 def Cox Jr., foul;

Finals
Manzo, 6.493, 156.61 def Nothstein, 9.634, 88.93.

COMP ELIMINATOR
Tony Terry, Forest, Va., '03 Cavalier, F/AA, 8.065, 160.19 def
Russell Joly, Louisa, Va., '07 Cobalt, F/AA, 8.155, 149.40.

SUPER STOCK
James Antonette Jr., New Hyde Park, N.Y., '98 Grand Am, SS/CS, 9.615, 124.60 def Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '96 Camaro, SS/IA, 9.891, 125.63.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jim Harrington, Chapel Hill, N.C., '90 Camaro, K/SA, 13.028, 78.18 def
Don Pires Jr, Dighton, Mass., '72 Nova, H/SA, foul.

SUPER COMP
Chris DePascale, Parlin, N.J., dragster, 8.918, 157.36 def
Cameron Manuel, Winston Salem,N.C., dragster, 8.891, 166.91.

SUPER GAS
Brian Forrester, Parrish, Fla., '63 Corvette, 15.637, 60.73 def
Pete Luciano, Malvern, Pa., '68 Camaro, foul.

SUPER STREET
William Nycz, Pilesgrove Twp., N.J., '70 Dart, 10.927, 122.68 def
Vinny Laudicina, Boca Raton, Fla., '83 Camaro, 10.900, 129.40.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Tommy Daras, Acokeek, N.D., '62 Bel Air, 7.510, 181.20 def
Ed Foley, Warminster, Pa., '03 Cougar, 7.441, 185.46.

TOP DRAGSTER
Joe DiPasquale, Palmyra, N.J., dragster, 7.228, 179.80 def
Todd Wilkins, Petersburg, Va., dragster, 7.493, 178.05.

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Friday

PETERSBURG, VA. – Weather predictions for Petersburg, Va., are calling for a high possibility of rain on Sunday May 4 and NHRA and track officials have decided to extend racing hours on Friday and Saturday eliminating the need for Sunday. This extended time has allowed the fields to set in both Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car at Virginia Motorsports Park. Top Alcohol Dragster Arthur Gallant from Boxboro, Mass., and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Frank Manzo of Morganville, N.J., took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Gallant took the No. 1 qualifying spot with a time of 5.313 seconds at 272.34 mph, Jackie Fricke of Flemington, N.J., will have the difficult job of facing him in first round competition tomorrow. Orefield, Pa., resident Marty Nothstein slotted in the No. 2 spot behind the seemingly invincible Frank Manzo who took home the time of the day with a 5.535 second run at 261.52 mph.

In Stock Eliminator action Bill Hawk of Manassas, Va., took best in class with his '67 Shelby with a time of 10.353 seconds. He would not be the only Va., resident to stand atop their respective class, Mike Gardner a Haymarket, Va., resident accomplished this same feat in the Top Dragster category. Gardner blazed the drag strip at 197.74 mph which was fast enough to keep Alan O'Brien, of Roncerverte, W.V., in the No. 2 spot.

In other action Michael Hardee who calls Hampstead, N.C., home piloted his '05 Sunfire to the top spot in Comp Eliminator. The '69 Camaro of Brian Oakes from Williamstown, N.J., took the same honors in Super Stock with a time of 9.108 seconds. Last but not least in the Top Sportsman category Chris Rini who hails from Carmel, N.Y., took top honors by keeping the car in the grove resulting in an impressive time of 6.503 seconds at 212.43 mph.

Racing continues Saturday at Virginia Motorsports Park.  Gates open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $15 and children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.  For more information, call Virginia Motorsports Park at (804) 862-3174 or visit http://www.virginiamotorsportspk.com/drag/.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northeast Division LODRS 1-1 at Virginia Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.313 seconds, 272.34 mph
2) Peter Gallen, Broomall, Pa., 5.414, 258.52
3) Dan Mercier, Montreal, Quebec, 5.420, 524.95
4) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.466, 267.22
5) Arthur Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.624, 255.34
6) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 5.711, 247.02
7) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.201, 166.87
8) Jackie Fricke, Flemington, N.J., 7.550, 117.84
 
First round TAD pairings
1) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.313 seconds, 272.34 mph vs.
8) Jackie Fricke, Flemington, N.J., 7.550, 117.84

2) Peter Gallen, Broomall, Pa., 5.414, 258.52 vs.
7) Dave DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.201, 166.87

3) Dan Mercier, Montreal, Quebec, 5.420, 524.95 vs.
6) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 5.711, 247.02

4) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.466, 267.22 vs.
5) Arthur Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.624,
255.34

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.535 seconds, 261.52 mph
2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.725, 256.65
3) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '02 Firebird, 5.764, 247.57
4) DJ Cox Jr., Whiteford, Md., '02 Firebird, 5.773, 248.11
5) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.794, 251.25
6) Melinda Green-King, Norfolk, Va., '08 Mustang, 5.942, 237.50
7) Scott McNiece, Brick, N.J., '01 Cutlass, 6.018, 235.27
8) Wayne Morris, Lincoln Univ, Pa., '05 Stratus, 6.097, 216.55
Not Qualified
9) William Fulford, Virginia Beach, Va., '03 Corvette, 6.415, 218.87
10) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '06 Monte Carlo, 10.373, 251.06
 
First round TAFC pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.535 seconds, 261.52 mph vs.
8) Wayne Morris, Lincoln Univ, Pa., '05 Stratus, 6.097, 216.55

2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.725, 256.65 vs.
7) Scott McNiece, Brick, N.J., '01 Cutlass, 6.018, 235.27

3) Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., '02 Firebird, 5.764, 247.57 vs.
6) Melinda Green-King, Norfolk, Va., '08 Mustang, 5.942, 237.50

4) DJ Cox Jr., Whiteford, Md., '02 Firebird, 5.773, 248.11 vs.
5) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.794, 251.25
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Michael Hardee, Hampstead, N.C., '05 Sunfire, E/SM, 8.508 seconds, -0.652 (under index)
2) Pete Hanratty, Speonk, N.Y., dragster, A/DA, 6.529, -0.651
3) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '05 Cavalier, C/SMA, 8.227, -0.633
4) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.078, -0.612
5) Frank Cervelli, Mt. Holly, N.C., dragster, C/DA, 7.033, -0.597
6) Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., '33 Roadster, B/SR, 7.952, -0.578
7) Frank Aragona, Freehold, N.J., '32 Bantam, G/EA, 8.329, -0.571
8) Charlie Greco, Berwyn, Pa., '06 GTO, D/AA, 7.713, -0.567
9) Lonnie Johnson, Ettrick, Va., '99 Neon R/T, B/AA, 7.073, -0.567
10) Tony Terry, Forest, Va., '03 Cavalier, F/AA, 8.074, -0.566
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Brian Oakes, Williamstown, N.J., '69 Camaro, SS/CA, 9.108 seconds, -1.242 (under index)
2) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.118, -1.232
3) Paul Adams, Barboursville, W.V., '64 Fairlane, SS/B, 8.975, -1.225
4) Frank Aragona, Freehold, N.J., '05 Sunfire, SS/BS, 8.849, -1.201
5) Norm Hall, Waldorf, Md., '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.522, -1.178
6) Paul Hellenberg, Dry Ridge, Ky., '05 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.381, -1.169
7) Tom Sheehan, Belle Vernon, Pa., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.343, -1.157
8) Leon Miranian, Queensbury, N.Y., '68 Corvette, SS/DA, 9.357, -1.143
9) Byron Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '96 Camaro, SS/IA, 9.860, -1.140
10) Guy DesJardins, St. Bruno, Quebec, '67 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.611, -1.139
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Hawk, Manassas, Va., '67 Shelby, B/SA, 10.353 seconds, -1.197 (under index)
2) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '95 Camaro, D/SA, 10.673, -1.177
3) Katie Sepanek, Moosic, Pa., '72 Chevelle, I/SA, 11.467, -1.133
4) Bobby Warren, Clinton, N.C., '98 Firebird, C/SA, 10.569, -1.131
5) David Ficacci, E. Hanover, N.J., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.191, -1.109
6) Raymond Skipper Jr., Richmond, Va., '95 Camaro, B/SA, 10.446, -1.104
7) Gary Parker, Southwick, Mass., '77 Camaro, H/SA, 11.355, -1.095
8) Monty Bogan, Manassas, S.C., '01 Firebird, A/SA, 10.206, -1.094
9) Barry Parker, Southwick, Mass., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.209, -1.091
10) Victor Guilmino, Martinsburg, W.V., '71 Mustang, C/SA, 10.628, -1.072
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Chris Rini, Carmel, N.Y., '07 Stratus, 6.503 seconds, 212.43 mph
2) John Benoit, Montpelier, Vt., '57 Bel Air, 6.571, 211.79
3) John Prime, Thomastown, Conn., '68 Camaro, 6.713, 206.92
4) Fred Gallo, Shirley, N.Y., '08 Cobalt, 6.887, 197.13
5) Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg, Va., '51 Henry J, 6.966, 197.65
6) Ronnie Proctor, Harpers Ferry, W.V., '02 Mustang, 7.001, 199.29
7) Bo Kenney, Manassas, Va., '08 Cobalt, 7.082, 191.67
8) Frank Patille, Landenberg, Pa., '02 Firebird, 7.123, 191.89
9) Tommy Daras, Acokeek, N.D., '62 Bel Air, 7.176, 191.62
10) Michael Kaufman, Woodcliff Lake, N.J., '67 Corvette, 7.266, 189.92
 
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Mike Gardner, Haymarket, Va., dragster, 6.693 seconds, 197.74 mph
2) Alan O'Brien, Roncerverte, W.V., dragster, 6.923, 190.16
3) Bill Empke, W Palm Beach, Fla., dragster, 6.986, 195.05
4) Malinda Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., dragster, 7.010, 190.24
5) Wade Lanier, Palm Bch Gardens, Fla., dragster, 7.090, 188.75
6) Gary Koebbe, Fairfield, Conn., dragster, 7.094, 189.34
7) Nick Rakowski, Phoenixville, Pa., dragster, 7.130, 189.76
8) John Maggiulli Jr, Chester, N.J., dragster, 7.135, 188.89
9) John Weidner, Lake Worth, Fla., dragster, 7.196, 190.27
10) Joe DiPasquale, Palmyra, N.J., dragster, 7.199, 184.35

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Preview

PETERSBURG, Va. – Virginia Motorsports Park will host the North vs. South Full Throttle Shootout, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, May 2-4.  The race, which will feature drivers in eight categories from NHRA's Northeast division, is the first of seven in the region.  Competing classes include 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars.  The division's Foxwoods Resort & Casino Top Sportsman Series and Northeast Division Top Dragster Challenge will run in conjunction with the event as well.

The division's reigning Top Alcohol Dragster champion is one of those racers.  John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., leads the points after scoring a win at a Southeast division race in Gainesville, Fla., and reaching the semis in Bradenton, Fla.  Finke was the No. 1 qualifier at VMP a year ago but suffered a first-round loss.  Former division champion Dan Mercier, Montreal, Que., is second in the point standings after scoring runner-up points in Bradenton.

Coming into this event, Mickey Ferro leads the Top Alcohol Funny Car points.  The Stamford, Conn., resident earned the win in Bradenton and went to the semis in Gainesville.  Frank Schuster, Chesterfield, N.J., is in second place after a runner-up finish in Gainesville. 

However, defending divisional and national Top Alcohol Funny Car champ, Frank Manzo of Morganville, N.J., has yet to make an appearance on the divisional level.  In 2007, Manzo racked up his 11th national championship and his 16th division title.  So far this year he has won the two NHRA national events he has attended.  Manzo was the No. 1 qualifier here a year ago and was runner-up behind Bob Tasca III who is now campaigning a Funny Car in NHRA's PowerAde Series.

Another development in the division's Top Alcohol Funny Car ranks this year has Marty Nothstein driving the Follow a Dream entry of Jay Blake.  Nothstein is no stranger to competition. The Orefield, Pa., resident was a professional cyclist until 2006 when he traded two wheels for four.  In his cycling career Nothstein earned 35 national championships as well as Olympic gold and silver medals in Sydney and Atlanta, respectively.  In 2006 and 2007 Nothstein drove a Top Alcohol Funny Car in NHRA's North Central division earning a third place finish in the points last year. 

If Nothstein's background in cycling is not noteworthy enough for the team then the accomplishments of team owner Blake add to the team's cache.  According to the team's web site, Blake "is the only totally blind crew chief in the worldwide sport of auto racing."  After being blinded in an industrial accident in 1997 Blake formed Follow a Dream, an organization dedicated to inspire people to shift into positive thinking, and to follow and achieve their dreams through self-determination and teamwork.

Gates at Virginia Motorsports Park open at 7:30 a.m. Friday, and at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Qualifying and time trials begin Friday at 8:30 a.m. and continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Racers in Comp Eliminator, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will have one qualifying pass on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m., and two on Saturday, starting at noon.  Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will each run two rounds of eliminations on Saturday, at 7:15 and 8 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car competitors will have two qualifying laps on Friday, at 3 and 6:30 p.m., and run all three rounds of eliminations on Saturday, starting at 5 p.m.  Eliminations will continue Sunday morning at 8.  Racers in Comp Eliminator will run first round at 11 a.m.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Virginia Motorsports Park are $15 each day.  Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. 

Virginia Motorsports Park is located approximately 30 minutes south of Richmond at 8018 Boydton Plank Road.  Take I-95 to I-85 Exit 51, then to Route 1 Exit 63A.  Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Road.  VMP is approximately 4 miles on the left.  For more information call the track, (804) 862-3174, or visit www.VirginiaMotorsports.com.

NHRA Northeast division Lucas Oil Series racers will continue the 2008 season in Reading, Pa.  They will hit the quarter-mile at Maple Grove Raceway, May 23-25.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: The North vs. South Full Throttle Shootout, 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 first of seven in Northeast Division competition.  The division's Foxwoods Resort & Casino Top Sportsman Series and Northeast Division Top Dragster Challenge will run in conjunction with the event as well.

WHERE: Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, Va.  Track is located approximately 30 minutes south of Richmond at 8018 Boydton Plank Road.  Take I-95 to I-85 Exit 51, then to Route 1 Exit 63A.  Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Rd.  Drive 4.0 miles and VMP is on the left.

WHEN:  Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, 2008

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

FRIDAY, May 2 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 8:30 a.m.  Comp Eliminator, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will qualify beginning at 5 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 and 6:30 p.m.

 

SATURDAY, May 3 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Comp Eliminator, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will each have two qualifying passes starting at noon.  Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will each run two rounds of eliminations, at 7:15 and 8 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run all three rounds of eliminations at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Eliminations continue at 10:15 a.m.  Comp Eliminator runs first round at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $15 Sunday.  Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.  For more information please call Virginia Motorsports Park, (804) 862-3174.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $229,375, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2007 EVENT WINNERS: Dave DeAngelis, Top Alcohol Dragster; Bob Tasca III, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Sal Biondo, Comp Eliminator; Marc LeBrecque, Super Stock; Dan Fletcher, Stock Eliminator; Frank Aragona Jr., Super Comp; Derek Clark, Super Gas; Peter Kivett, 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 2008 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 $100,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance.  The 2008 Jegs 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 2008 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.  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.

Event sponsor, Jegs High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jegs Allstars participants.  Any 2008 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

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