FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bowler, Moats jump to early lead in points chase

TOPEKA, Kan - Bruce Bowler and Vern Moats took home big wins at the All-Pro Auto Parts Championships, the NHRA West Central Division Opener for the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series. Bowler, of Denver, blew past Billy Bybee in the Federal-Mogul Dragster final with a quarter mile time of 5.682 seconds at 248.20 mph. Bybee lost a blower belt at half track and coasted to a 7.418 at 116.38.

"Friday was great, like a dream!" said Bowler. "Everything was perfect including the track, but that all changed on Saturday. We had two different problems with the car, leaving us in the dark for Sunday's eliminations. My crew was phenomenal though and here we are in Winner's Circle."

Vern Moats took out South Central Division Federal-Mogul Funny Car Champion Jackie Stidham in the first round then got a bye run in the semi-final when number one qualifier Cy Chesterman hurt his motor in the first round and was a no show. Moats outran Randy Fleming in the final with a 5.974 second pass at 240.00 mph to Fleming's 6.107, 218.65.

"It didn't really run like we wanted it to this weekend, but it's great to start out the season with a win" said Moats, a fifteen time Funny Car Division Champion. Cy (Chesterman) runs his car real hard and it got him this weekend. I run pretty conservatively and it worked out."

Rob Wendland who ran Federal-Mogul Dragster last year and has worked as a crew chief for many years has joined forces with Moats this year and is currently working on his Funny Car license. The team is still not sure who will drive the car, but it looks as though Wendland will see some driving time later this year.

The NHRA West Central Division Allstar team was finalized this weekend, as this was the final event to earn points for the event held in June. Locking up positions on the 2000 team were Gary Stinnett of Emporia, Kan, in both Super Stock and Super Comp., Billy Bybee in Federal-Mogul Dragster, Vern Moats in Federal-Mogul Funny Car, Thomas Snyder in Comp. Eliminator, Kevin Helms in Stock, and Tim Law in Super Street. The drivers have not yet been confirmed as to whether they will attend and compete in the Allstars held at National Trails Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.

The following are final round results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series All-Pro Auto Parts Championships at Heartland Park Topeka:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER

Round 1
1. Bruce Bowler, Denver. Colo., 5.781 seconds, 235.91 mph def.
8. Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 6.613, 154.42

2. Billy Bybee, McLean, Texas, 5.681, 249.44 def. 
7. Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.885, 239.55

3. Calvin Friesen, Winnipes, Man CAN, 5.638, 230.47 def.
 6. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5736, 246.50

4. David Wells, La Mars, Iowa, 5.6.376, 246.98 def.
 5. Bob McCosh, Columbia, Mo., 16.930, 46.25

Round 2
Bowler, 5.672, 244.43 def. Wells, 7.469, 125.48
Bybee, 5.702, 246.57 def. Friesen, 6.021, 219.78

Final
Bowler, 5.682, 248.20, Bybee, 7.418, 116.38

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR

Round 1
1.Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.783 seconds, 250.76 mph def.
 8. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass 6.319, 227.38

4. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.967, 242.78 vs. 
5. Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.008, 240.00

7. Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '97 Pontiac, 6.211, 230.29 def. 
2. Steve
Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '97 Firebird, 6.453, 242.72

6. Randy Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 6.020, 237.65 def. 
5. Kirk Williams, Gleenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.870, 144.48 

Round 2
Moats, 7.480, 220.85 def. Chesterman, no show-broke
Fleming, 6.083, 236.46 def. Hool, 9.468, 86.68


Final
Moats, 5.974 240.00 def. Fleming 6.107 218.65

COMPETITION
Tom Snyder Longmont, Colo., A/A '23 roadster, 6.977, 189.55 def. 
Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., D/ED '98 dragster, 7.726, 170.61
  
SUPER STOCK
Randall, Klein, Lincoln, Neb., SS/NA '56 Nomad, 11.772, 110.07 def. 
James Kunkel, Benton, Kan., SS/TB '99 S10, 9.819, 136.98

STOCK
Kevin Helms, Mineola, Texas, B/S '69 Camaro, 10.823, 121.34 def. 
Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., 11.629, 111.24

SUPER COMP
Steve Swenson, Valley Springs, S.D., '95 dragster, 8.938, 164.65, def
Bob Sackuvich, Kansas City, Mo., 8.937, 160.42

SUPER GAS 
Gary Risk, Waxahachie, Texas, '87 Buick, 9.931, 148.53 def.
 Gary Hagan, Sapulpa, Okla., 9.907, 144.36
 
SUPER STREET
Dolly Wilson, York, Neb., '72 Camaro, 11.035, 109.80 def. 
Tom Richters, Seward, Neb., '69 Nova, broke

MOTORCYCLE
Chris Oravecz, Arlington, Texas, '81 Suzuki, 10.224, 113.35 def. 
Donnie Durenberger, Dayton, Minn., 9.898, 131.06

JR. DRAGSTERS 13-17(B) 
Porscha Waggle, Topeka, Kan., 8.152, 74.46 def. 
John Pelfrey, Rossville, Kan., 10.029, 63.65

JR DRAGSTER 8-12(A)
Michelle Brewer, Osawatomie, Kan., 9.427, 67.49 def., 
Ryan, Curran, McPerson, Kan., 10.148, 60.68 red light

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set for All-Pro Auto Parts Championships

TOPEKA, Kan.- Bruce Bowler has been involved with racing in one way or another since the 1950's. He started off as a racer, went to track operation, was an NHRA Division Director and is now back in the drivers seat of a Federal-Mogul Dragster and sits in the number one qualifying position going into tomorrow's eliminations at the All-Pro Auto Parts Championships at Heartland Park Topeka.

Bowler's first qualifying pass of 5.431 seconds at 253.37 mph held up through today's final qualifying for the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series.

"We ran the .43 (5.43 seconds) right out of the trailer, then today have had a few problems" said Bowler of the two days of qualifying here in Topeka. "That was our best engine that we ran on Friday, then we shook the tires today, I stayed in it too long and blew the motor. I should have lifted. The crews a little mad at me.

"Drag racing's a persistent game. If you're not persistent, you're in the wrong sport. The track is great though, very smooth. We hope to have a good day tomorrow."

Bowler is followed by Billy Bybee who was clocked at 5.633 seconds at 248.34 mph. Calvin Friesen of Winnipeg is in third at 5.656, 236.46.

Cy Chesterman is number one in Federal-Mogul Funny Car covering the quarter-mile in 5.729 seconds at 252.80 mph while Steve Addleman qualified his Valvoline Firebird in the number two spot at 5.884 seconds, 247.72 mph.

Gary Stinnett of Emporia, Kan., is competing in two categories this weekend: Super Comp, where he is the reigning division champion, and in Super Gas which is a new class for him this year. Stinnett was also the West Central Division Super Stock Champion last year but has elected to campaign a Super Gas car this year instead.

Top qualifiers in other categories include Doug Engels in Comp Eliminator, Dan Larson in Super Stock, and Steve Couch in Stock.

Gates open at 8 a.m. with eliminations also scheduled to for 8 a.m. Round one of Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car are set for 1 p.m.

The following are Saturday's qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Heartland Park Topeka:

The following are first round pairings and final qualifying
results
from the NHRA
Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series All-Pro Auto Parts Championships at
Heartland Park Topeka:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Bruce Bowler, Denver. Colo., 5.431 seconds, 253.37 miles per hour vs.
8.
Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 6.197, 189.11
2. Billy Bybee, McLean, Texas, 5.633, 248.34 vs. 7. Ed Schmeeckle,
Gothenburg, Neb., 5.823, 241.87
3. Calvin Friesen, Winnipes, Man CAN, 5.656, 236.46 vs. 6. Shelly
Howard,
Tulsa, Okla., 5.773, 245.70
4. David Wells, La Mars, Iowa, 5.673, 250.90 vs. 5. Bob McCosh,
Columbia,
Mo., 5.761, 236.77

Not qualified:
10. Brian Bodgett, Maryland Hts., Minn., 6.468, 213.37
11.Mark Kinser, Grines, Iowa, 6.487, 169.65
12.Bill Ancona, Mansfield, Texas, 28.572, 24.58

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR
1. Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.729 seconds, 252.80
miles per hour vs. 8. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass
6.186, 229.18
2. Steve Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '97 Firebird, 5.884, 247.72 vs. 7.

Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '97 Pontiac, 6.093, 235.41
3. Kirk Williams, Gleenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.888, 242.98 vs. Randy

Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 6.027, 242.13
4. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.967, 242.78 vs. 5.
Jackie
Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.008, 240.00

Not qualified:
9. Lynn Engles, Watertown, S.D., '00 Camaro, 6.194, 239.04
10. Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '98 Avenger, 6.243, 236.77
11. Scott Palmer, Highlandville, Mo., '98 Achieva, 6.327, 220.75
12. Michael Heckert, Pittsburgh, Kan., '97 Firebird, 6.334, 237.36
13. Ken Davis, Corrales, N.M., '94 Daytona, 6.422, 219.03
14. Ban Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '98 Firebird, 9.039, 93.64
15. Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, '96 Achieva, 11.256, 59.76

COMPETITION
1. Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., D/ED '98 dragster, 7.630 seconds,
(-0.570
seconds under index)
2. Tom Snyder, Longmont, Colo., A/A '23 Chevy roadster, 6.899, (-0.541)
3. Bub Miller, Edwardsville, Kan., D/EA '97 Cutlass, 8.549, (-0.531)
4. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., A/ED '98 dragster, 6.961, (-0.489)
5. Clint Sallee, Glendie, Mich., C/D '00 dragster, 7.196, (-0.474)
6. David Meyers, Dallas, Texas, C/A '99 Camaro, 7.786, (0.434)
7. Jeff Perrella, Hibbing, Minn., A/EA '32 roadster, 7.663, (-0,417)
8. Anthony Busch, Manitoba, Canada, C/SM '92 Camaro, 9.317, (-0.413)
9. Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., C/EA '96 Grand Prix, 8.483, (-0.407)
10. Maryann Austin, Lowell, Ark., C/ED '97 dragster, 7.633, (-0.377)


SUPER STOCK
1. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn. SS/KA '85 Camaro, 10.545, (-1.005 seconds

under the index)
2. John Dusenbery, Lakewood, Colo., SS/DS '68 Mustang, 10.954, (-0.846)
3. Rick Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., SS/NA '88 Cutlass, 11.612, (-0.838)
4. Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., SS/NA '56 Nomad, 11.649, (-0.801)
5. Tom Cassen, Berryton, Kan., GT/BA '98 Achieva, 9.765, (-0.785)
6. Ritch Ahrens, Greeley, Colo., GT/EA '87 Firbird, 10.187, (-0.763)
7. Dennis Nelson, Hugo, Minn., SS/LA '81 Malibu, 11.022, (-0.728)
8. Abe Loewen, Regina, SK CAN, SS/DM '98 Grand Am, 9.480, (-0.720)
9. Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., SS/K '66 Chevy II, 10.596, (-0.704)
10. Bob Jaspersen, Lakeville, Minn., SS/IA '67 Nova, 10.308, (-0.692)

STOCK
1. Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., DT/SA '00 Dodge, 12.374, (-1.126 seconds
under the index)
2. Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., U/SA '85 Chevy, 14.103, (-1.047)
3. Steve Koppien, Sioux Falls, S.D., B/SA '69 Camaro, 10.610, (-0.940)
4. Stewart Tiggs, Fremont, Neb., GF/S ''83 Dodge, 16.060, (-0.940)
5. Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., B/SA '69 Mustang, 10.687, (-0.863)
6. Steve Brock, Lawrence, Kan., I/S '86 Camaro, 11.651, (-0.849)
7. Steven Hall, Sweeny, Texas, B/SA '68 Mustang, 10.730, (-0.820)
8. Marty Burke, Flower Mounds, Texas, C/SA '69 Mustang, 10.882, (-0.818)

9. John Cooper, Laporte, Colo., A/SA '67 Fairlane, 10.484, (-0.816)
10. Kevin Helms, Mineola, Texas, B/S '69 Camaro, 10.701, (-0.799)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEDERAL-MOGUL SERIES OPENS AT HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA
TOPEKA, Kan.- Veteran driver Cy Chesterman and Denver's Bruce Bowler grabbed the pole positions after first round qualifying at Heartland Park Topeka as the NHRA West Central Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series kicks off the season this weekend. Chesterman recorded a time of 5.729 seconds at 252.80 mph in his Federal-Mogul Funny Car to out qualify division rival and defending division champion Vern Moats. Moats sits in the number two spot with a pass of 5.981 seconds, 238.22 mph.

"The track did some work on the quarter-mile during the off-season and we really hooked up", said the Iowa resident. "That was basically the first run of the season; we're real happy but it's a long season. We're just going to take it one lap at a time.

Bowler jumped out to the early lead in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category as he covered the quarter mile in 5.431 seconds at 253.37 mph to lead Billy Bybee and David Wells who are number two and three respectively. Bybee was clocked at 5.645, 251.88 while Wells ran 5.673 seconds at 250.90 mph.

The real action came from the Super Gas category as Tony Jackson of Shawnee, Kan., had a wild ride in his '97 Camaro. Jackson got into the right wall just past the finish line then came up on two wheels as the car crossed the track and hit the left guardwall before coming to a stop on the track. He was checked out by paramedics at the track and was released.

In a separate incident, the Super Gas entry of Mike Ricke rolled several times after his car got loose in the shut down area, causing the car to get sideways and barrel roll. Ricke, the Super Gas Champion at the 1999 Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., was transported to a local hospital where he was checked out and released.

Qualifying continues at Heartland Park Topeka, the first of six events in the NHRA West Central Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, Saturday with the Federal-Mogul Dragsters and Funny Cars receiving two more qualifying laps, at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. with racing beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Heartland Park Topeka:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Bruce Bowler, Denver. Colo., 5.431, 253.37
2. Billy Bybee, McLean, Texas, 5.645, 251.88
3. David Wells, La Mars, Iowa, 5.673, 250.90
4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.773, 245.70
5. Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.846, 235.78
6. Bob McCosh, Columbia, Mo., 6.122, 227.61
7. Mark Kinser, Grines, Iowa, 6.487, 169.65
8. Calvin Friesen, Winnipes, Man CAN, 7.059, 201.92
Not qualified:
9. Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 7.406, 121.76
10. Bill Ancona, Mansfield, Texas, 28.572, 24.58

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR
1. Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.729, 252.80
2. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.981, 238.22
3. Randy Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 6.098, 226.07
4. Kirk Williams, Gleenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.115, 243.11
5. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass 6.186, 229.18
6. Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '97 Pontiac, 6.415, 227.67
7. Ken Davis, Corrales, N.M., '94 Daytona, 6.422, 219.03
8. Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '98 Avenger, 6.506, 222.82
Not qualified:
9. Michael Heckert, Pittsburgh, Kan., '97 Firebird, 7.834, 113.59
10. Ban Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '98 Firebird, 9.039, 93.64
11. Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 11.355, 72.53
12. Lynn Engles, Watertown, S.D., '00 Camaro, 17.426, 53.60
13. Steve Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '97 Firebird, no time recorded

COMPETITION
1. Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., D/ED '98 dragster, 7.630 seconds, (-0.570)
2. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., A/ED '98 dragster, 6.961, (-0.489)
3. Clint Sallee, Glendie, Mich., C/D '00 dragster, 7.196, (-0.474)
4. Bub Miller, Edwardsville, Kan., D/EA '97 Cutlass, 8.607, (-0.473)
5. Tom Snyder, Longmont, Colo., A/A '23 Chevy roadster, 6.992, (-0.448)
6. David Meyers, Dallas, Texas, C/A '99 Camaro, 7.786, (0.434)
7. Jeff Perrella, Hibbing, Minn., A/EA '32 roadster, 7.663, (-0,417)
8. Anthony Busch, Manitoba, Canada, C/SM '92 Camaro, 9.317, (-0.413)
9. Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., C/EA '96 Grand Prix, 8.516, (-0.374)
10. Mike Nahan, Sartell, Minn, E/D '47 roadster, 7.822, (-0.348)
  
SUPER STOCK
1. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn. SS/KA '85 Camaro, 10.545, (-1.005)
2. Rick Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., SS/NA '88 Cutlass, 11.612, (-0.838)
3. Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., SS/NA '56 Nomad, 11.649, (-0.801)
4. Ritch Ahrens, Greeley, Colo., GT/EA '87 Firbird, 10.187, (-0.763)
5. Tom Cassen, Berryton, Kan., GT/BA '98 Achieva, 9.810, (-0.740)
6. Dennis Nelson, Hugo, Minn., SS/LA '81 Malibu, 11.022, (-0.728)
7. Abe Loewen, Regina, SK CAN, SS/DM '98 Grand Am, 9.481, (-0.719)
8. Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., SS/K '66 Chevy II, 10.596, (-0.704)
9. Bob Jaspersen, Lakeville, Minn., SS/IA '67 Nova, 10.308, (-0.692)
10. Delmar Wood, Tulsa, Okla., GT/GA '90 Camaro, 10.529, (-0.671)

STOCK
1. Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., DT/SA '00 Dodge, 12.374, (-1.126)
2. Bob Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., U/SA '85 Chevy, 14.103, (-1.047)
3. Steve Koppien, Sioux Falls, S.D., B/SA '69 Camaro, 10.610, (-0.940)
4. Stewart Tiggs, Fremont, Neb., GF/S ''83 Dodge, 16.060, (-0.940)
5. Steve Brock, Lawrence, Kan., I/S '86 Camaro, 11.651, (-0.849)
6. Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., B/SA '69 Mustang, 10.716, (-0.834)
7. Marty Burke, Flower Mounds, Texas, C/SA '69 Mustang, 10.882, (-0.818)
8. John Cooper, Laporte, Colo., A/SA '67 Fairlane, 10.484, (-0.816)
9. Lawrence Line, Wright, Minn., K/SA '85 Monte Carlo, 12.154, (-0.796)
10. Neal Roberts, Aurora, Colo., F/SA '67 Ford, 11.358, (-0.792)