FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Howard, Cheeseman victorious on Route 66

JOLIET, Ill. - Defending NHRA South Central Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champion Shelly Howard picked up her first win of the season at this weekend's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway.

Howard took out Russ Lindert in the final with her best run of the day covering the quarter-mile in 5.605 seconds at 254.42. It was Howard's 0.484-second reaction time, however, that gave her the lead she needed and sent her to the winner's circle. Howard ran 5.60s throughout eliminations, defeating Jeff Wilson and Ken Perry on her way to the final.

Lindert ended a long weekend for Marty Thacker in their semifinal match-up when Thacker lost a blower belt, giving Lindert the win and the trip to the finals to face Howard. Thacker competed in the NHRA Southeastern Division event in Bristol, Tenn. on Saturday where he took home the win over number one qualifier John Haley.

Multiple Top Alcohol Funny Car Champions faced off in the final at Route 66 with defending Division Champion Chuck Cheeseman taking the win over Very Moats with a pass of 5.923-seconds at 245.36 mph to Moats' 5.946, 241.89. Cheeseman has four North Central Funny Car Championships to his name while Moats is a multiple Funny Car champion in the NHRA West Central Division. Decatur, Ill., resident David Billingsley took the win in Comp Eliminator over Fred Allen with a run of 7.634 at 178.19 mph.

Winners from Saturday's eliminations were Craig Michael of Coshoeton, Ohio, in Super Stock; Larry Hodge of LaPlace, Ill., in Stock; Brian Folk of Durand, Ill., in Super Comp; Robert Zimmerman of Fon du Lac, Wis., in Super Gas; and Wayne Christopher of Milan, Ill., in Super Street.

The NHRA North Central Division makes its next stop on the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Edgewater Sports Park, August 2-4.

The following are final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
8. Ken Perry, Gormley, ONT CAN, 5.678 seconds, 251.63 mph def. 
1. Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.810, 220.84

2. Russ Lindert, Manteno, Ill., 5.590, 252.14 def. 
7. Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 10.908, 76.17

3. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.593, 259.16 def. 
6. David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.759, 250.55

4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.624, 255.15 def. 
5. Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 6.074, 188.04

Semifinals
Howard, 5.652, 253.14 def. Perry, 5.810, 209.79
Lindert, 5.943, 228.73 def. Thacker, 9.944, 82.49

Finals
Howard, 5.605, 254.42 def. Lindert, 5.587, 251.11

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1. Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.857 seconds, 241.84 mph def. 
8. Ray Drew, Union Grove, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.513, 163.89

7. John Reikas, Glendale Hts., Ill., '97 Camaro, 6.176, 230.69 def. 
2. Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.587, 179.92

3. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '01 Firebird, 6.031, 242.63 def. 
6. Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 6.215, 237.38

5. Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, 5.928, 243.85 def. 
4. Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 Dodge, 5.942, 243.63

Semifinals
Cheeseman, 5.912, 245.00 def. White, no time recorded
Moats, 6.056, 241.11 def. Reikas, 6.629, 214.93

Finals
Cheeseman, 5.923, 245.36 def. Moats, 5.946, 241.89

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
David Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., '93 Cutlass C/AA, 7.634, 178.19 def. 
Fred Allen, Winamac, Ind., '23 Ford A/EA, 7.622, 173.34

SUPER STOCK
Craig Michael, Coshocton, Ohio, '66 Belvedere SS/EA, 10.631, 122.30 def.
Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '87 Camaro GT/I, 10.505, 127.44

STOCK
Larry Hodge, LaPlace, Ill., '75 Skylark M/SA, 12.577, 104.15 def. 
Keith Lynch, Mount Ayr, Ill., '69 Camaro H/SA, 12.114, 108.30

SUPER COMP
Brian Folk, Durand, Ill., '99 dragster, 8.920, 157.39 def. 
Shannon Mingee, St. Joe, Ill., '01 dragster, 8.880, 155.63

SUPER GAS
Robert Zimmerman, Fon du Lac, Wis., '92 Cavalier, 9.905, 140.24 def. 
Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 11.226, 102.39

SUPER STREET
Wayne Christopher, Milan, Ill., '84 Monte Carlo, 10.913, 120.24 def. 
Robert Richardson, Fort Wayne, Ind., '68 Camaro, 10.911, 138.58

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael, Hodge pick up wins; Thacker attempts double

JOLIET, Ill. - Racing resumed today for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Route 66 Raceway after a two-month delay. The event, originally scheduled for late April, was postponed due to rain and re-scheduled for this weekend.

Craig Michael did not seem to mind the wait picking up his first career win as he took home the famed NHRA Wally trophy in Super Stock. Michael outran Brad Zaskowski with a run of 10.631 seconds at 122.30 mph.

In Stock Eliminator it was Larry Hodge heading to the winner's circle with his win over Keith Lynch. Brian Folk, who picked up a national event victory last month in St. Louis, took the Super Comp honors over Shannon Mingee and Bob Zimmerman beat Keith McPherson in Super Gas.

In Super Street, Wayne Christopher joined Michael as a first-time winner taking out Robert Richardson with a run of 10.913 at 120.24 mph.

Three other NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series classes wrapped up their qualifying for the event and will run eliminations on Sunday.

Keith Stark sits in the number one spot of the Top Alcohol Dragster class with a 5.307-second pass at 273.94 mph. The Danville, Ill., resident is followed by Russ Lindert with a 5.346, 260.21.

Robinson, Ill. Resident, Marty Thacker is qualified number three in the dragster class with a qualifying run back in April prior to the event being rescheduled for this weekend. Already being safe in the field, Thacker elected to compete in the NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Bristol, Tenn., yesterday and today. Thacker took the win over John Haley in Bristol today and will now make the trip back to Chicago to compete in tomorrow's eliminations.

Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Marc White leads the field with a 5.648-second pass at 253.42 mph and is followed by Kim Fritts of Greenup, Ill., in second with a lap of 5.870 at 244.12 mph.

Coming off a July 4th win in Indianapolis, Steve Ambrose qualified number one in Comp Eliminator and is followed by Bo Butner in second. Ambrose defeated Butner in the final at Indianapolis.

Eliminations continue on Saturday at 8 a.m. with Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car scheduled for noon. Gates at Route 66 Raceway open at 7 a.m.

Tickets, including pit pass, for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event are $10 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information call the track, (815) 727-RACE, or visit the web site, www.Route66Raceway.com.

The following are Saturday's final elimination results and final qualifying from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway:

FINALS
SUPER STOCK
Craig Michael, Coshocton, Ohio, '66 Belvedere SS/EA, 10.631, 122.30 def.
Brad Zaskowski, Grand Raids, Mich., '87 Camaro GT/I, 10.505, 127.44

STOCK
Larry Hodge, LaPlace, Ill., '75 Skylark M/SA, 12.577, 104.15 def. 
Keith Lynch, Mount Ayr, Ill., '69 Camaro H/SA, 12.114, 108.30

SUPER COMP
Brian Folk, Durand, Ill., '99 dragster, 8.920, 157.39 def. 
Shannon Mingee, St. Joe, Ill., '01 dragster, 8.880, 155.63

SUPER GAS
Robert Zimmerman, Fon du Lac, Wis., '92 Cavalier, 9.905, 140.24 def. 
Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 11.226, 102.39

SUPER STREET
Wayne Christopher, Milan, Ill., '84 Monte Carlo, 10.913, 120.24 def. 
Robert Richardson, Fort Wayne, Ind., '68 Camaro, 10.911, 138.58

Pairings and Final Qualifying
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Parings
1. Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.307 seconds, 273.94 mph 
8. Ken Perry, Gormley, ONT CAN, 5.602, 244.92

2. Russ Lindert, Maneno, Ill., 5.346, 260.21 
7. Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 5.588, 234.17

3. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.386, 264.70 
6. David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.534, 259.51

4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.519, 260.21 
5. Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.530, 257.48

Qualifying Order
1. Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.307 seconds, 273.94 mph
2. Russ Lindert, Maneno, Ill., 5.346, 260.21
3. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.386, 264.70
4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.519, 260.21
5. Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.530, 257.48
6. David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.534, 259.51
7. Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 5.588, 234.17
8. Ken Perry, Gormley, ONT CAN, 5.602, 244.92

Not Qualified
9. Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.681, 251.25
10. Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.703, 258.57
11. Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.705, 252.33
12. Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.769, 230.13
13. Timothy Bowgren, Valparaiso, Ind., 5.774, 231.20 
14. Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.840, 232.59
15. T.J. Zizzo, Round Lake, Ill., 5.901, 236.71
16. Dave Hedges, Plainwell, Mich., 6.184, 219.58
17. Gary Ward, Cincinnati, 9.240, 93.14

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Pairings
1. Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.648 seconds, 253.42 mph 
8. Ray Drew, Union Grove, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.083, 231.08

2. Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.870, 244.12 
7. Dave Kovar, Frankfort, Ill., '00 Pontiac, 6.045, 215.03

3. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '01 Firebird, 5.930, 242.93 
6. Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 6.043, 241.80

4. Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 Dodge, 5.938, 244.21 
5. Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, 5.949, 245.94

Qualifying Order
1. Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.648 seconds, 253.42 mph
2. Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.870, 244.12
3. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '01 Firebird, 5.930, 242.93
4. Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 Dodge, 5.938, 244.21
5. Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, 5.949, 245.94
6. Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 6.043, 241.80
7. Dave Kovar, Frankfort, Ill., '00 Pontiac, 6.045, 215.03
8. Ray Drew, Union Grove, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.083, 231.08

Not Qualified
9. Steve Addleman, Fishers, Ind., '01 Firebird, 6.198, 199.32
10. John Reikas, Glendale Hts., Ill., '98 Camaro, 6.203, 231.52
11. Wayne Butler, Manito, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.283, 220.80

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Ambrose, Woodhave, Mich., '23 Ford, J/AA, 7.818 seconds,  -0.662 under index
2. Fred Allen, Winamac, Ind., '23 T roadster, A/EA, 7.412, -0.618
3. Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.008, -0.542
4. Mike Clarahan, Farmington Hills, Mich., '32 Austin, A/AA, 6.878,  -0.532
5. David Billingsley, Decatur, Ill., '93 Cutlass, C/AA, 7.591, -0.509
6. Douglas Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., '00 dragster, B/ED, 7.004,  -0.506
7. Brian Antony, Northfield, Minn., '00 Avenger, C/A, 7.593, -0.487
8. Larry Mayes, Greenwood, Ind., '63 Corvette B/A, 7.321, -0.479
9. Bill Riemenapp, LaCross, Wis., '97 Firebird C/EA, 8.442, -0.478
10. Norman Saibene, Canton, Ohio, '90 dragster F/ED, 8.569, -0.421

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mother Nature 1, NHRA North Central Division 0

JOLIET, Ill. - Cold weather and wind forced officials at Route 66 Raceway to postpone eliminations in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event today. The race has been rescheduled for two days during the weekend of July 20. However, details and the exact dates were not immediately available.

According to North Central Division Director Jay Hullinger, they completed the first round of eliminations in Stock and were part way through the first round of Super Street when it began to mist, putting an end to racing.

"It's dry now but with the cold temperatures and the wind gusting like it is we just don't feel the conditions are good enough to race," explained Hullinger. "I would rather err on the side of caution and finish the event at a later date."

When the Route 66 Raceway event resumes in July, racers will pick up where they left off in either qualifying or eliminations, depending on the class. No new entries will be accepted for the race.

WHAT: Make up of the rain-delayed Route 66 Season Opener, 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 completion of the rain-delayed race originally scheduled April 26-28.

WHERE: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Ill. Track is located in Joliet off Interstate 80 at Hwy. 53. Go south on Hwy. 53; track is on the left at 3200 S. Chicago Street.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:
SATURDAY, July 20 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials will begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations in Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 21 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations continue at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHRA racers can't outrun Mother Nature

JOLIET, Ill. - Qualifying was cut short today at the Route 66 Season Opener, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Competitors in Super Stock and Stock were able to finish their qualifying laps, but rain forced officials to pull the plug on Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD), Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) and Comp Eliminator.

Racing will continue Sunday morning, as scheduled. Racers in Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will begin eliminations at 8 a.m. TAD, TAFC and Comp Eliminator drivers will get one qualifying run beginning at 10 a.m. and will go into eliminations at 1 p.m., starting with Comp Eliminator.

In Super Stock, Bo Butner of Floyds Knobs, Ind., remained in the No. 1 position as did East Moline, Ill., resident Jerry Stealy in Stock.

On Friday, Keith Stark of Danville, Ill., made a 5.307-second, 273.94 mph pass to put him in the top spot. In TAFC, Glendale Hts., Ill., resident Marc White is No. 1 with a 5.648-second, 253.42 mph effort. In Comp Eliminator Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., made a 7.818-second run to put him -0.662 seconds under his index, and in the top qualifying position.

Gates at Route 66 Raceway open at 7 a.m. Sunday and racing action begins at 8 a.m. The track is also scheduled to host its Tech School Pit Crew Competition at noon.

Tickets, including pit pass, are $20. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call Route 66 Raceway, (815) 727-RACE, or visit the web site, www.Route66Raceway.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results for Super Stock and Stock and Friday's qualifying results in TAD, TAFC and Comp Eliminator:

SUPER STOCK
1. Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/BM, 8.420 seconds, -1.280 under index
2. Michael Mans, Rogers, Minn., '00 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.295, -1.205
3. Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '99 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.633, -1.167
4. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.413, -1.137
5. Teresa Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/DM, 9.009, -1.111
6. Gary Tompa, Saginaw, Mich., '84 Firebird, SS/J, 10.003, -1.097
7. Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.212, -1.088
8. Rodney Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/EM, 9.450, -1.050
9. Rock Running, Lapeer, Mich., '96 Achieva, GT/HA, 10.312, -1.038
10. Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '02 S-10, GT/TB, 10.112, -1.038

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Jerry Stealy, East Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.113 seconds, -1.487 under index
2. Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.469, -1.481
3. Bert Morgan, Charleston, Ill., '75 Buick, R/SA, 13.036, -1.314
4. Bruce Parsons, Lewisburg, Ohio, '85 Camaro, K/SA, 11.650, -1.300
5. Travis Gusso, Sioux Falls, S.D., '88 Mustang, M/S, 11.883, -1.267
6. Robert Downing, Britton, Mich., '83 Malibu Wagon, O/SA, 12.194,  -1.256
7. Sam Hamod, Hobart, Ind., '84 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.569, -1.181
8. Darwin Hardy, Muskegon, Mich., '84 Buick, U/SA, 13.972, -1.178
9. Ben Wenzel Sr., Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, E/S, 10.779, -1.171
10. Chris Hill, Warren, Mich., '86 S-10, HT/SA, 13.281, -1.169 

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1. Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.307 seconds, 273.94 mph
2. Russ Lindert, Maneno, Ill., 5.346, 260.21
3. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.386, 264.70
4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.519, 260.21
5. David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.534, 259.51
6. Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 5.588, 234.17
7. Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.703, 258.57
8. Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.705, 257.33                                  

NOT QUALIFIED
9. Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.762, 240.51
10. Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.769, 230.13
11. Shawn Bowen, Grand Blanc, Mich., 5.822, 246.35
12. Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.837, 246.75
13. Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.058, 218.72
14. Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., 6.288, 243.02
15. Ben Marshall, New Carlisle, Ohio, 6.354, 217.67
16. Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 10.473, 79.66
17. T.J. Zizzo, Round Lake, Ill., 12.479, 95.29
18. Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell, Mich., 12.823, 90.27
19. Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Disqualified
20. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., Disqualified  

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.648 seconds, 253.42 mph
2. Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 Dodge, 5.985, 245.81
3. Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 6.043, 241.80
4. Dave Kovar, Frankfort, Ill., '00 Pontiac, 6.045, 215.03
5. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '01 Firebird, 6.069, 241.76
6. Ray Drew, Union Grove, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.083, 231.08
7. Todd Veney, Indianapolis, '98 Firebird, 6.110, 216.20
8. John Reikas, Glendale Hts., Ill., '98 Camaro, 6.264, 221.60
NOT QUALIFIED
9. Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., Can., '96 Firebird, 6.398, 222.80
10. Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.657, 101.03
11. Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, 28.00, 0.00

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 Ford, J/AA, 7.818 seconds, -0.662 under index
2. Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '01 Firebird, D/AA, 7.763, -0.657
3. Fred Allen, Winamac, Ind., '23 T roadster, A/EA, 7.412, -0.618
4. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., '99 dragster, A/ED, 6.782, -0.568
5. Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.008, -0.542
6. Mike Clarahan, Farmington Hills, Mich., '32 Austin, A/AA, 6.878,  -0.532
7. Joe Swearengin, Overland Pk., Kan., '97 Olds, D/EA, 8.491. -0.529
8. Douglas Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., '00 dragster, B/ED, 7.004,  -0.506
9. Brian Antony, Northfield, Minn., '00 Avenger, C/A, 7.593, -0.497
10. Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, H/SM, 9.297, -0.483

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Glendale Heights resident White leads qualifying

JOLIET, Ill. - In the first rounds of qualifying at the Route 66 Season Opener, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, local favorite Marc White is in the No. 1 spot in Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) and Keith Stark is in the top spot in Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD).

White, who resides in Glendale Heights, Ill., ran more than three-tenths of a second quicker than the second qualifier. That may not seem like a lot but in a sport where times are measured to the thousandth of a second, it is significant. White's 5.648-second, 253.42-mph effort may carry him into eliminations Sunday, especially if the predicted rain shortens qualifying.

Meanwhile, TAD pilot Stark's 273.94-mph run is the fifth all-time fastest pass in the class. But it was the Danville, Ill., resident's time, 5.307 seconds, which gave him the top qualifying position.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Steve Ambrose of Woodhaven, Mich., in Comp Eliminator; Bo Butner of Floyds Knobs, Ind., in Super Stock; and Jerry Stealy of East Moline, Ill., in Stock.

Qualifying at the Route 66 Season Opener continues Saturday. Gates at Route 66 Raceway open at 8 a.m. and racing begins immediately. TAD and TAFC are schedule to make two qualifying runs; at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. A Jet Car exhibition is planned at 5 p.m.

Route 66 Raceway will host its High School Pit Crew Competition on Saturday as well. It is scheduled at noon and 2 p.m.

Tickets, including pit pass, for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event are $18 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information call the track, (815) 727-RACE, or visit the web site, www.Route66Raceway.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Route 66 Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1. Keith Stark, Danville, Ill., 5.307 seconds, 273.94 mph
2. Russ Lindert, Maneno, Ill., 5.346, 260.21
3. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.386, 264.70
4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.519, 260.21
5. David Wells, Lemars, Iowa, 5.534, 259.51
6. Tim Rudy, Mason, Ohio, 5.588, 234.17
7. Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., 5.703, 258.57
8. Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.705, 257.33

NOT QUALIFIED
9. Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.762, 240.51
10. Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.769, 230.13
11. Shawn Bowen, Grand Blanc, Mich., 5.822, 246.35
12. Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.837, 246.75
13. Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.058, 218.72
14. Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., 6.288, 243.02
15. Ben Marshall, New Carlisle, Ohio, 6.354, 217.67
16. Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 10.473, 79.66
17. T.J. Zizzo, Round Lake, Ill., 12.479, 95.29
18. Dave Hedges Jr., Plainwell, Mich., 12.823, 90.27
19. Gary Ward, Cincinnati, Disqualified
20. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., Disqualified  

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Marc White, Glendale Hts., Ill., '01 Firebird, 5.648 seconds, 253.42 mph
2. Jeff Craig, Muncie, Ind., '01 Dodge, 5.985, 245.81
3. Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '00 Avenger, 6.043, 241.80
4. Dave Kovar, Frankfort, Ill., '00 Pontiac, 6.045, 215.03
5. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '01 Firebird, 6.069, 241.76
6. Ray Drew, Union Grove, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.083, 231.08
7. Todd Veney, Indianapolis, '98 Firebird, 6.110, 216.20
8. John Reikas, Glendale Hts., Ill., '98 Camaro, 6.264, 221.60
NOT QUALIFIED
9. Jeff Lancaster, Hamilton, Ont., Can., '96 Firebird, 6.398, 222.80
10. Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 6.657, 101.03
11. Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '01 Firebird, 28.00, 0.00

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Ambrose, Woodhave, Mich., '23 Ford, J/AA, 7.818 seconds, -0.662 under index
2. Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '01 Firebird, D/AA, 7.763, -0.657
3. Fred Allen, Winamac, Ind., '23 T roadster, A/EA, 7.412, -0.618
4. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., '99 dragster, A/ED, 6.782, -0.568
5. Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.008, -0.542
6. Mike Clarahan, Farmington Hills, Mich., '32 Austin, A/AA, 6.878,  -0.532
7. Joe Swearengin, Overland Pk., Kan., '97 Olds, D/EA, 8.491. -0.529
8. Douglas Stewart, Edwardsburg, Mich., '00 dragster, B/ED, 7.004, -0.506
9. Brian Antony, Northfield, Minn., '00 Avenger, C/A, 7.593, -0.497
10. Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, H/SM, 9.297, -0.483

SUPER STOCK
1. Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/BM, 8.420 seconds, -1.280 under index
2. Michael Manns, Rogers, Minn., '00 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.295, -1.205
3. Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '99 Grand Am, GT/E, 9.633, -1.167
4. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.413, -1.137
5. Teresa Butner, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/DM, 9.009, -1.111
6. Gary Tompa, Saginaw, Mich., '84 Firebird, SS/J, 10.003, -1.097
7. Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.212, -1.088
8. Rodney Dorsey, North Judson, Ind., '96 Achieva, SS/EM, 9.450, -1.050
9. Rock Running, Lapeer, Mich., '96 Achieva, GT/HA, 10.312, -1.038
10. Brad Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '87 Camaro, GT/I, 10.213, -1.037

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Jerry Stealy, East Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, I/SA, 11.113 seconds, -1.487 under index
2. Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '78 Firebird, K/SA, 11.469, -1.481
3. Bert Morgan, Charleston, Ill., '75 Buick, R/SA, 13.036, -1.314
4. Bruce Parsons, Lewisburg, Ohio, '85 Camaro, K/SA, 11.650, -1.300
5. Travis Gusso, Sioux Falls, S.D., '88 Mustang, M/S, 11.883, -1.267
6. Robert Downing, Britton, Mich., '83 Malibu Wagon, O/SA, 12.194, -1.256
7. Sam Hamod, Hobart, Ind., '84 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.569, -1.181
8. Darwin Hardy, Muskegon, Mich., '84 Buick, U/SA, 13.972, -1.178
9. Ben Wenzel Sr., Freeland, Mich., '67 Camaro, E/S, 10.779, -1.171
10. Chris Hill, Warren, Mich., '86 S-10, HT/SA, 13.281, -1.169