Aragona, Walleigh win in Reading Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event
5/24/2009


DIVISION 1
Maple Grove Raceway
Reading, Pa., May 22-24 2009 

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

Sunday

READING, Pa. (May 24, 2009) – In the final results from Maple Grove Raceway and the NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series former division champion Frank Aragona Jr., Freehold, N.J., won in Comp Eliminator and local racer Dan Walleigh of Reading, Pa., won in Super Street.

Aragona turned on the win light with his '32 roadster when Stephen Szupka, Willow Grove, Pa., broke in the final round.

Walleigh picked up his first NHRA win driving his '60 Falcon past Scott Steiner of New York, while defending division champion Mike Sawyer of Acton, Mass., drove to the win over Jason Kenny, Kingston, Ont., in Super Gas.

Joining in with victories of their own were John Benoit, Montpelier, Vt., and Don Milson of Richmond, R.I. Benoit went 6.801 seconds, 203.37 mph in beating Robert Tagliareni, Oakland, N.J., in the Speed Shop Top Sportsman class and Milson held off Laura Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., in the Mx Industrial.com Top Dragster class running 78.450 seconds, 181.50 mph

Three racers had to go seven rounds before heading to the winner's circle as James Antonette Jr., New Hyde Park, N.Y., beat Sean Gaffney in Super Stock, David Barton, Robesonia, Pa., won over Ken Kopecky in Stock, and Thomas Slater, Colonia, N.J., ousted Derek Clark in Super Comp.

Saturday night's action included the first pair of racers taking home trophies this weekend when Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., outran John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., in Top Alcohol Dragster with the quickest lap of the event at 5.310 seconds, 270.70 mph.  In Top Alcohol Funny Car it was Mickey Ferro knocking out the reigning national champion and defending event champion Frank Manzo in the money round. Ferro used a holeshot starting line advantage to win with a 5.650 second, 256.45 mph run.

Northeast Division racers head to Atco Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, June 19-21.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.466, 259.31 def.
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 6.295, 170.02

2) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.515, 259.96 def.
7) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 6.183, 166.95

3) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.418, 265.64 def.
6) Darvin Martinets, Lake Jackson, Texas, 5.664, 213.23

4) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.423, 265.90 def.
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.514, 259.11

Semifinal
Reichert, 5.323, 271.19 def. Kosky, 5.429, 246.75
Finke, 5.288, 271.52 def. Evans, 5.397, 264.80

Final
Reichert, 5.310, 270.70 def. Finke, 5.435, 270.37

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
4) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.638, 255.05 def.
5) Dan Roman, Wolcott, Conn., '97 Firebird, 5.740, 242.63

3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.655, 255.82 def.
6) John Anderika, Pittson, Pa., '02 Camaro, 11.506, 76.54

2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.741, 253.04 def.
7) Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.726, 253.04

1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.595, 258.02 def.
8) Lou Sgro, Slatington, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 7.358, 121.69

Semifinals
Ferro, 5.671, 255.68 def. Nothstein, foul
Manzo, 5.578, 258.27 def. White, 5.630, 254.71

Final
Ferro, 5.650, 256.45 def. Manzo, 5.638, 255.77

COMP ELIMINATOR
Frank Aragona Jr., Freehold, N.J., '34 Bantam, G/EA, 10.444, 85.13 def.
Stephen Szupka, Willow Grove, Pa., dragster, F/ED, broke.

SUPER STOCK
James Antonette Jr., New Hyde Park, N.Y., '98 Grand Am, SS/CS, 9.702, 131.69 def.
Sean Gaffney, Clarence Creek, Ont., '66 Chevy II, SS/GA, 9.915, 130.18.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
David Barton, Robesonia, Pa., '65 Coronet, AA/S, 9.881, 131.60 def.
Ken Kopecky, Edison, N.J.,'71 Demon, E/SA, 10.846, 120.27.

SUPER COMP
Thomas Slater, Colonia, N.J., dragster, 8.902, 170.34 def.
Derek Clark, Maugansville, Md., dragster, 8.884, 165.38.

SUPER GAS
Mike Sawyer, Acton, Mass., '03 Cavalier, 9.893, 162.06 def.
Jason Kenny, Kingston, Ont., '03 Corvette, 9.892, 163.10.

SUPER STREET
Dan Walleigh, Reading, Pa., '60 Falcon, 10.902, 107.44 def.
Scott Steiner, New York, '72 Chevelle, 10.910, 125.83.

TOP SPORTSMAN
John Benoit, Montpelier, Vt., dragster, 6.801, 203.37 def.
Robert Tagliareni, Oakland, N.J., '63 Corvette, foul.

TOP DRAGSTER
Don Milson, Richmond, R.I., dragster, 7.450, 181.50 def.
Laura Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., dragster, 7.093, 187.42.

Saturday

READING, Pa. (May 23, 2009) – Bill Reichert and Mickey Ferro both picked up big wins this weekend for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Maple Grove Raceway.

Reichert, of Owosso, Mich., ran the quickest pass of the event in the final round against John Finke of Selkirk, N.Y., with a 5.310 second, 270.70 mph run.  Reichert also took out the No. 1 qualifier Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., in round 2 with a 5.323, 271.19 mph pass.

Ferro, Stamford, Conn., grabbed the holeshot and held on to beat reigning National and Northeast Division Funny Car champion Frank Manzo running 5.650 second, 256.45 mph.  Manzo had the quicker time at 5.638 seconds but Ferro's reaction time of 0.020 seconds gave him nearly four-hundredths of a second lead.  Ferro out ran Marty Nothstein of Orefield, Pa., in his semi-final match up while Manzo took out Marc White of Glendale Heights, Ill., in his semi-finals run.

Charlie Greco remained on top in qualifying for the Comp Eliminator class out of Berwyn, Pa., in his '06 GTO while John Benoit and Frank Zeffiro also held on to the top spots in Top Sportsman and Top Dragster respectively.  Benoit of Montpelier, Vt., drove his '57 Bel Air to a lap of 6.490 seconds at 213.10 mph and Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., clocked in at 6.334, 223.62.

In Super Stock it was Jeff Lawrence of Qougue , N.Y., leading the pack in his '88 Mustang and Tewksbury, Mass., resident Jim Boudreau is No. 1 in Stock Eliminator.

Racing continues Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway at 9 a.m.  Gates open at 8 a.m. 

Tickets are $20 for adults, children 13-15 are just $10 and kids 12 and under are free.  For more information, call (610) 856-7200 or visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com

The following are Saturday's elimination results for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car along along with final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.466, 259.31 def.
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 6.295, 170.02

2) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.515, 259.96 def.
7) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 6.183, 166.95

3) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.418, 265.64 def.
6) Darvin Martinets, Lake Jackson, Texas, 5.664, 213.23

4) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.423, 265.90 def.
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.514, 259.11

Semifinal
Reichert, 5.323, 271.19 def. Kosky, 5.429, 246.75
Finke, 5.288, 271.52 def. Evans, 5.397, 264.80

Final
Reichert, 5.310, 270.70 def. Finke, 5.435, 270.37

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
4) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.638, 255.05 def.
5) Dan Roman, Wolcott,
Conn., '97 Firebird, 5.740, 242.63

3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.655, 255.82 def.
6) John Anderika, Pittson, Pa., '02 Camaro, 11.506, 76.54

2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.741, 253.04 def.
7) Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.726, 253.04

1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.595, 258.02 def.
8) Lou Sgro, Slatington, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 7.358, 121.69

Semifinals
Ferro, 5.671, 255.68 def. Nothstein, foul
Manzo, 5.578, 258.27 def. White, 5.630, 254.71

Final
Ferro, 5.650, 256.45 def. Manzo, 5.638, 255.77

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Charlie Greco, Berwyn, Pa., '06 GTO, D/AA, 7.630 seconds, -0.650 (under index)
2) Vinny Barone, Dix Hills, N.Y., '34 Chevrolet, A/SR, 7.788, -0.612
3) Dave Yediny, Nazareth, Pa., '71 Opel, L/A, 8.885, -0.605
4) Patrick Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, '05 Grand Am, F/A, 8.043, -0.577
5) Allen Stanfield, Fredericksburg, Va., '98 Grand Am, H/SM, 8.973, -0.567
6) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '05 Cavalier, C/SMA, 8.264, -0.566
7) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.087, -0.563
8) Frank Affronti, Ontario, N.Y., '05 Cavalier, E/A, 7.794, -0.536
9) Brian Darcy, Newburgh, N.Y., dragster, A/ND, 6.935, -0.525
10) Frank Aragona Jr., Freehold, N.J., '34 Bantam, G/EA, 8.364, -0.516

SUPER STOCK
1) Jeff Lawrence, Qougue, N.Y., '88 Mustang, GT/AA, 9.153 seconds, -1.247 (under index)
2) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/AA, 8.767, -1.233
3) Russ Linke, Old Bridge, N.J., '73 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.087, -1.213
4) James Evanuik, N. Versailles, Pa., '02 Ford, GT/A, 9.103, -1.197
5) Mark LaBrecque, W. Springfield, Mass., '95 S-10, GT/TC, 10.231, -1.169
6) Gary Wolkwitz, Annandale, N.J., '68 Dart, SS/AH, 8.594, -1.156
7) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.210, -1.140
8) Jim Daniels, Bristol, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AH, 8.630, -1.120
9) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.088, -1.112
10) Vic Santos, N. Reading, Pa., '85 Firebird, GT/HA, 10.239, -1.111

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.254 seconds, -1.296 (under index)
2) Gene Monahan, Brockton, Mass., '90 Formula, J/SA, 11.493, -1.257
3) Dave Casey, Hampden, Mass., '86 Camaro, G/S, 10.949, -1.251
4) Gary Parker, Westfield, Mass., '75 Camaro, H/SA, 11.202, -1.248
5) Jeffrey Bardekoff, Commack, N.Y., '64 Fury, B/SA, 10.311, -1.239
6) James Conte, Pearl River, N.Y., '69 Mustang, C/SA, 10.470, -1.230
7) Marty Bernard, Brewerton, N.Y., '66 Caprice, P/SA, 12.531, -1.219
8) Jack Matyas, Bethlehem, Pa., '02 Trans Am, B/SA, 10.337, -1.213
9) Mike Farrell, E. Nassau, N.Y., '65 Coronet, I/SA, 11.395, -1.205
10) Keith Sansone, Wynanskill, N.Y., '66 Nova, D/SA, 10.675, -1.175

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) John Benoit, Montpelier, Vt., '57 Bel Air, 6.490 seconds, 213.10 mph
2) John Prime, Thomastown, Conn., '68 Camaro, 6.516, 215.00
3) Rob Nicola, Medford, N.Y., '53 Corvette, 6.826, 202.12
4) Joe Dunne, Wolcott, Conn., '04 Grand Am, 6.828, 203.25
5) Ryan Ondrejko, Roslindale, Mass., '08 GTO, 6.878, 202.58
6) Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg, Va., '51 Henry J, 6.981, 197.51
7) Ronnie Proctor, Harpers Ferry, W.V., '02 Mustang, 7.075, 194.35
8) Dennis Gaboriault, Millbury, Mass., '07 Mustang, 7.076, 196.67
9) Alexander Thomson, New Providence, N.J., '63 Corvette, 7.085, 194.27
10) Tony Arcuni, W. Babylon, N.Y., '95 Cutlass, 7.086, 194.69

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Frank Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., dragster, 6.334 seconds, 224.51 mph
2) Joe DeCuara, Nesconcest, N.Y., dragster, 6.928, 202.30
3) Warren Heaps, Ashland, Mass., dragster, 6.928, 194.44
4) Wayne Hofmann, New Preston, Conn., dragster, 6.930, 195.05
5) Glenn Flack, Sewell, N.J., dragster, 6.941, 194.04
6) Al Czerniak Jr, Levittown, Pa., dragster, 6.971, 194.18
7) Glen Puluse, W Patterson, N.J., dragster, 7.041, 188.67
8) Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 7.044, 189.10
9) Jason Hoff, Littlestown, Pa., dragster, 7.056, 187.76
10) Laura Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., dragster, 7.089, 188.33

Friday

READING, Pa. (May 22, 2009) – Twelve-time NHRA National Champion Frank Manzo and Mike Kosky grabbed the top spots for this weekend's NHRA Northeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway.

Manzo put his Lucas Oil-sponsored '08 Monte Carlo in the No. 1 qualifying position of the Top Alcohol Funny Car field running 5.568 seconds at 258.81 mph. The Morganville, N.J., racer, who picked up his 100th NHRA divisional win last weekend in Norwalk, Ohio, is followed by Olympic gold medalist Marty Nothstein. Nothstein, who was born in Allentown, Pa., and now calls Orefield, Pa., home, clocked in at 5.649, 255.82 mph, good enough for the No. 2 position in funny car.

Kosky of Cuddy, Pa., covered the quarter mile in 5.441 seconds, 263.77 mph in his Top Alcohol Dragster for the top spot.  Bill Evan, Miramar, Fla., is right on Kosky's heels running 5.449 seconds at 262.39 mph and John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., sits in the No. 3 spot at 5.453, 262.39.

Charlie Greco, Berwyn, Pa., leads in Comp Eliminator taking his '06 GTO to a pass of 7.630 seconds and John Benoit of Montpelier, Vt., paced the Speed Shop at Atco Raceway sponsored Top Sportsman class with a lap of 6.490 seconds at 213.10 mph in his '51 Bel Air. In the MX Industrial.com Top Dragster class it was Winchester Center, Conn., resident Frank Zeffiro on top at 6.334 seconds, 223.62 mph.

Top qualifiers in other classes were Jeff Lawrence, Qougue, N.Y., in Super Stock and Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., with his '69 Camaro in Stock Eliminator.

Saturday's action will be highlighted by all three rounds of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car. Round one is set for 5 p.m. A special $25 car load spectator admission after 3 p.m. has been offered for Saturday that includes a Fireworks Spectacular show.

Racing begins on Saturday with final qualifying and time trials at 8:30 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, children 13-15 are just $10 and kids 12 and under are free. For more information, call Maple Grove Raceway (610) 856-7200 or visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.441 seconds, 263.77 mph
2) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.449, 262.39
3) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.453, 266.00
4) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.469, 264.91
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.478, 258.81
6) Darvin Martinets, Lake Jackson, Texas, 5.592, 245.00
7) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 5.677, 248.25
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.699, 239.36
Not Qualified
9) Gene Arrigoni, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., 5.736, 230.29
10) Tom Pickett, Salem, N.H., 5.756, 247.61
11) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 6.040, 244.65
12) Dan Mercier, Montreal, Quebec, 6.151, 254.57

First round TAD pairings
1) Mike Kosky, Cuddy, Pa., 5.441 seconds, 263.77 mph vs.
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.699, 239.36

2) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.449, 262.39 vs.
7) Ken Winward, Wilmington, Del., 5.677, 248.25

3) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.453, 266.00 vs.
6) Darvin Martinets, Lake Jackson, Texas, 5.592, 245.00

4) Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.469, 264.91 vs.
5) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.478, 258.81

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.568 seconds, 258.81 mph
2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.649, 255.82
3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.650, 255.48
4) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.684, 253.66
5) Dan Roman, Wolcott, Conn., '97 Firebird, 5.739, 237.05
6) John Anderika, Pittson, Pa., '02 Camaro, 5.753, 248.25
7) Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.759, 251.16
8) Lou Sgro, Slatington, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.782, 248.57
Not Qualified
9) Larry Dobbs, Welland, Ont., '01 Corvette, 5.839, 237.75
10) Scott McNiece, Brick, N.J., '08 Mustang, 5.849, 248.11
11) Neal Parker, Millville, N.J., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.861, 240.25
12) Jason McKnight, Barrie, Ont., '08 Impala, 5.930, 247.25
13) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 5.951, 242.41
14) Paul Gill, Brockton, Mass., '08 Mustang, 6.022, 213.84
15) John Headley, Newportville, Pa., '00 Mustang, 6.081, 197.88
16) John Fiorini, Dalton, Mass., '00 Avenger, 6.398, 229.82
17) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '01 Avenger, 12.558, 105.08

First round TAFC pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '08 Monte Carlo, 5.568 seconds, 258.81 mph vs.
8) Lou Sgro, Slatington, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.782, 248.57

2) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '08 Impala, 5.649, 255.82 vs.
7) Terry Munroe, Beaver, Pa., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.759, 251.16

3) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.650, 255.48 vs.
6) John Anderika, Pittson, Pa., '02 Camaro, 5.753, 248.25

4) Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '08 Mustang, 5.684, 253.66 vs.
5) Dan Roman, Wolcott, Conn., '97 Firebird, 5.739, 237.05

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Charlie Greco, Berwyn, Pa., '06 GTO, D/AA, 7.630 seconds, -0.650 (under index)
2) Vinny Barone, Dix Hills, N.Y., '34 Chevrolet, A/SR, 7.788, -0.612
3) Dave Yediny, Nazareth, Pa., '71 Opel, L/A, 8.896, -0.594
4) Patrick Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, '05 Grand Am, F/A, 8.043, -0.577
5) Allen Stanfield, Fredericksburg, Va., '98 Grand Am, H/SM, 8.973, -0.567
6) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '05 Cavalier, C/SMA, 8.264, -0.566
7) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.087, -0.563
8) Frank Affronti, Ontario, N.Y., '05 Cavalier, E/A, 7.794, -0.536
9) Brian Darcy, Newburgh, N.Y., dragster, A/ND, 6.935, -0.525
10) Pete Hanratty, Speonk, N.Y., dragster, A/DA, 6.627, -0.513

SUPER STOCK
1) Jeff Lawrence, Qougue, N.Y., '88 Mustang, GT/AA, 9.153 seconds, -1.247 (under index)
2) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/AA, 8.767, -1.233
3) James Evanuik, N. Versailles, Pa., '02 Ford, GT/A, 9.103, -1.197
4) Mark LaBrecque, W. Springfield, Mass., '95 S-10, GT/TC, 10.231, -1.169
5) Gary Wolkwitz, Annandale, N.J., '68 Dart, SS/AH, 8.594, -1.156
6) Joseph Franco III, N. Babylon, N.Y., '85 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.210, -1.140
7) Carl Milano, Bath, Pa., '65 Mustang, GT/KA, 10.623, -1.127
8) Jim Daniels, Bristol, Pa., '68 Dart, SS/AH, 8.630, -1.120
9) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.088, -1.112
10) Vic Santos, N. Reading, Pa., '85 Firebird, GT/HA, 10.239, -1.111

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.254 seconds, -1.296 (under index)
2) Gene Monahan, Brockton, Mass., '90 Formula, J/SA, 11.493, -1.257
3) Dave Casey, Hampden, Mass., '86 Camaro, G/S, 10.949, -1.251
4) Gary Parker, Westfield, Mass., '75 Camaro, H/SA, 11.202, -1.248
5) Jeffrey Bardekoff, Commack, N.Y., '64 Fury, B/SA, 10.311, -1.239
6) James Conte, Pearl River, N.Y., '69 Mustang, C/SA, 10.470, -1.230
7) Marty Bernard, Brewerton, N.Y., '66 Caprice, P/SA, 12.531, -1.219
8) Jack Matyas, Bethlehem, Pa., '02 Trans Am, B/SA, 10.337, -1.213
9) Mike Farrell, E. Nassau, N.Y., '65 Nova, I/SA, 11.395, -1.205
10) Keith Sansone, Wynanskill, N.Y., '66 Nova, D/SA, 10.675, -1.175

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) John Benoit, Montpelier, Vt., '57 Bel Air, 6.490 seconds, 213.10 mph
2) John Prime, Thomastown, Conn., '68 Camaro, 6.516, 215.00
3) Rob Nicola, Medford, N.Y., '53 Corvette, 6.826, 202.12
4) Joe Dunne, Wolcott, Conn., '04 Grand Am, 6.868, 200.71
5) Ryan Ondrejko, Roslindale, Mass., '08 GTO, 6.878, 202.58
6) Jeff Brooks, Fredericksburg, Va., '51 Henry J, 6.981, 197.51
7) Ronnie Proctor, Harpers Ferry, W.V., '02 Mustang, 7.075, 194.35
8) Dennis Gaboriault, Millbury, Mass., '07 Mustang, 7.076, 196.67
9) Alexander Thomson, New Providence, N.J., '63 Corvette, 7.108, 194.27
10) Daniel Hill, Thomaston, Conn., '69 Camaro, 7.109, 188.62

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Frank Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., dragster, 6.334 seconds, 224.51 mph
2) Warren Heaps, Ashland, Mass., dragster, 6.928, 194.44
3) Wayne Hofmann, New Preston, Conn., dragster, 6.930, 195.05
4) Glenn Flack, Sewell, N.J., dragster, 6.941, 194.04
5) Glen Puluse, W Patterson, N.J., dragster, 7.041, 188.67
6) Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 7.044, 189.10
7) Joe DeCuara, Nesconcest, N.Y., dragster, 7.054, 202.30
8) Jason Hoff, Littlestown, Pa., dragster, 7.056, 187.76
9) Laura Zeffiro, Winchester Center, Conn., dragster, 7.089, 188.33
10) Joe DiPasquale, Palmyra, N.J., dragster, 7.118, 185.03

Preview

READING, Pa. – Maple Grove Raceway will host the NHRA Northeast division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, May 22-24, 2009.  The race is the second of seven in the division and will feature drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, vying for points leading to division and national championships.  The division's Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes will also run in conjunction with the event.

Top Alcohol Funny Car ace Frank Manzo comes in to the event leading in the standings after booking a win at the division's season opener at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va.  The veteran racer from Morganville, N.J., earned his 18th division title in 2008 along with his 12th national crown.  Terry Monroe of Beaver, Pa., is 10 points behind Manzo after hitting two out-of-division races, in Cecil, Ga., and Indianapolis, and going to the first round and semis, respectively.  John Anderika, Pittston, Pa., was runner-up to Manzo in Richmond putting him in third place in the point standings.

John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., is leading in the division's Top Alcohol Dragster points.  Finke won an out-of-division race in Bradenton, Fla., to start the year and went to the semis in Richmond.  He is 53 points ahead of reigning division champ Arthur Gallant of Boxboro, Mass.  Gallant has been to four races but his best showing was a semifinal-round appearance at the out-of-division race in Cecil, Ga.

There's potential for a family feud brewing in a couple of classes in the Northeast division.  Super Comp points leader Al Kenny, Kingston, Ont., is also leading in the Super Gas points. In Super Comp, Raymond Skipper Jr. of Richmond, Va., is No. 2 in the standings, just 20 points back, and Jason Kenny, Al's son – also from Kingston, is No. 3, 22 points off the pace.  Jason Kenny is in second place in the Super Gas points standings, just 25 points behind his dad.

Gates at Maple Grove Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Qualifying and time trials begin Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m.  Racers in Top Dragster and Top Sportsman will have qualifying runs at noon and 4:30 p.m. on Friday and at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.  Comp Eliminator racers will qualify once on Friday, at 5:30 p.m., and twice on Saturday at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car competitors will have two qualifying sessions, at 1 and 6 p.m. Friday.  Racers in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator will run one round of eliminations on Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m.  The Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories will run all three rounds of eliminations on Saturday, at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.  Eliminations will continue Sunday at 9 a.m.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Maple Grove Raceway are $20 each day.  Children 13 to 15 years old are $10 each day and kids 12 and under are admitted free.

A Fireworks Spectacular Show will follow final eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car on Saturday night.  A special Saturday Night ticket price of $25 per carload is available after 3 p.m.  The carload price is good for the spectator side of the track and includes eliminations in the Top Alcohol classes and the Fireworks Spectacular afterward.

For more information call Maple Grove Raceway, (610) 856-7200, or visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

The battle for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points will continue when Northeast division racers head to Atco (N.J.) Raceway for the first of two events slated for the venue.  The first will be June 19-21 and the second Atco race is in October.

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 second of seven in Northeast Division competition.  The division's Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes will run in conjunction with the event as well.

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 22-24, 2009

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

FRIDAY, May 22 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 8:30 a.m. Top Dragster and Top Sportsman qualify beginning at noon and 4:30 p.m.  Comp Eliminator qualifying is at 5:30 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 and 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 23 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8:30 a.m. Top Dragster and Top Sportsman qualify beginning at 11:30 a.m. and run one round of eliminations starting at 6 p.m.  Comp Eliminator qualifying is at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.  They will run one round of eliminations at 7:30 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run all three rounds of eliminations at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.  A Fireworks Spectacular will follow the final round of TAD and TAFC.

SUNDAY, May 24 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Eliminations continue at 9 a.m. 

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $20 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday.  Children 13 to15 years old are $10 Friday, $10 Saturday, $10 Sunday.  Kids12 and under are admitted free. 

 A special Saturday night price of $25 per carload is available after 3 p.m. for the spectator side of the track.  Carload admission price includes the Fireworks Spectacular at the end of the night.

For more information please call Maple Grove Raceway, (610) 856-7200, or visit www.MapleGroveRaceway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $168,025, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2008 EVENT WINNERS: Bill Reichert, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Anthony Bertozzi, Comp Eliminator; Jeff Tripp, Super Stock; Allison Smyth, Stock Eliminator; Jason Kenny, Super Comp; Tom Stalba, Super Gas; Eric Reiff, 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 $100,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance.  The 2009 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 2009 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 2009 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

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