FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Callaway, Stidham take home inaugural wins

BELLE ROSE, La.- Lee Callaway and Jackie Stidham both took home wins at this weekend's Inaugural NHRA O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge at No Problem Raceway and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Callaway moved closer to the Top Alcohol Dragster NHRA South Central Championship with a win over Shelly Howard in the final round. Callaway ran a 5.650-second, 249.95 mph pass after taking the win at the staring line when Howard red lighted handing Callaway his third win in a row. The Channelview, Texas resident picked up wins in Scribner, Neb., and Earlville, Iowa earlier this year.

"I thought I red lighted," said Callaway after the win. "The car just keeps handing us trophies. I lover her to death."

Stidham came from the number one qualifying position in Top Alcohol Funny Car and took out Eddie McDow and Jimmy Jones on his way to a final round match-up with division points leader Tate Branch.

Branch had the early lead but Stidham slipped by at the finish line with a 5.829-second pass at 243.19 mph to Branch's 5.907 at 244.03. Stidham also leaves the event with both ends of the Top Alcohol Funny Car track record at 5.741 seconds and 246.03 mph.

Scott Tidwell took out Edward Shalkowski in Comp Eliminator with a run of 7.510 seconds at 180.69 mph; Brent Johnson knocked off Jr Lambert in Super Stock; Chris Jackson picked up his first win in Stock over Brian Ponveille; Ricky Kyles took the win in Super Comp over Frank Kohutek; Randy Blackwell beat Jason Covington in Super Gas; and Brian Hughes won in Super Street over Darrell Harwick.

Henry Keele took the win in the Kerker Motorcycle Series over Robert Sanders.

The NHRA South Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Okla., Oct. 4-6 for their final race of the 2002 season.

The following are final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge at No Problem Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.540, 256.16 def. 
8) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 11.728, 69.13

2) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.576, 253.71 def. 
7) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 6.926, 152.00

6) Erica Credeur, La Fayette, La., 5.769, 235.10 def. 
3) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 7.290, 130.34

4) Lee Callway, Channelview, Texas, 5.586, 253.90 def. 
5) James Copeland III, Red Oak, Texas, 5.720, 247.29

Semifinals
Callaway, 5.616, 252.52 def. Buff, 5.685, 216.90
Howard, 5.633, 252.28 def. Credeur (broke)

Finals
Callaway, 5.650, 249.95 def. Howard, 9.742, 68.95 red light

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.856, 245.32 def. 
8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.676, 217.91

2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 6.008, 236.88 def. 
7) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.333, 221.89

3) Richard Shaver, San Antonio, Texas, '95 Camaro, 6.034, 240.64 def.
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.139, 230.61

4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas., '98 Camaro, 6.037, 234.78 def. 
5) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.121, 221.74

Semifinals
Stidham, 5.925, 242.06 def. Jones, 6.025, 235.80
Branch, 5.930, 240.77 def. Shaver, 6.907, 146.37

Finals
Stidham, 5.829, 243.19 def. Branch, 5.907, 244.03

COMP ELIMINATOR
Scott Tidwell,k Pinson, Ala., '02 Grand Am, C/A, 7.510, 180.69 def. Edward
Joe Shalkowski, Hawley, Texas, '96 dragster, F/ED, 8.428, 153.70

SUPER STOCK
Brent Johnson, LeCompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.642, 125.34 def. 
Jr. Lambert, Louisville, Ky., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.936, 131.06

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Chris Jackson, Epps, La., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.754, 104.62 def. Brian,
Ponville, Belle Rose, La., '94 Camaro, E/SA, 11.399, 116.97

SUPER COMP
Ricky Kyles, Forney, Texas, '99 dragster, 8.901, 173.83 def. Frank Kohutek,
Mesquite, Texas, '02 dragster, 8.920, 157.71

SUPER GAS
Randy Blackwell, Houston, Texas, '89 Fiero, 9.895, 143.57 def. Jason
Covington, Center, Texas, '00 Corvette, 9.892, 145.50

SUPER STREET
Brian Hughes, Hughes Springs, Texas, '67 Camaro, 10.917, 120.37 def.
Darrell Hartwick, Dickinson, Texas, '67 Mustang, 10.928, 112.58

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Henry Keele, San Antonio, Texas, 9.359, 136.83 def. Robert Sanders,
Houston, Texas, 8.084, 156.83

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Heat "no problem" for Buff and Stidham

BELLE ROSE, La. - In the final rounds of qualifying at No Problem Raceway Park, Troy Buff and Jackie Stidham took the number one spots in Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, respectively, at this weekend's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge.

Several drivers jumped to the number one spot during the final dragster qualifying session before Buff took the spot for good with a run of 5.549 seconds at 255.39 mph.

"The car really hooked up," said Buff of his qualifying run. "The track is great and our combination was right. We really wanted the number one spot. I wish we were going into eliminations right now. Conditions should be the same tomorrow so we should be in good shape"

The Spring, Texas, resident is followed by Shelly Howard with a pass 5.565 at 252.95 in second and Jason Cannon in third at 5.653, 249.86

Stidham, who was number one after Friday's opening round of qualifying, lost the top spot to division points leader Tate Branch in Saturday's early session but took it back in the afternoon session with a strong 5.741-second pass at 246.03 mph. Branch held on to second, but is more than a tenth of a second behind Stidham at 5.909, 244.21 and is followed by Richard Shaver in third with a run of 5.967, 231.12.

Tyrone, Ga., resident Richard Larsen is number one in Comp Eliminator with a run of 7.147 seconds while Steve Reynolds took the top spot in Super Stock with a lap of 10.946 seconds. Richard Taylor is number one in Stock at 15.415 in his '01 S-10.

Racing continues Sunday at No Problem Raceway Park at 9 a.m. with Top Alcohol eliminations set for noon. Gates open at 8 a.m. For more information, call No Problem Raceway at (985) 396-3692.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge at No Problem Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.549 seconds, 255.39 mph
2) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.565, 252.39
3) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.573, 255.43
4) Lee Callway, Channelview, Texas, 5.588, 252.28
5) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.653, 249.86
6) Erica Credeur, La Fayette, La., 5.680, 247.61
7) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolie, Texas, 5.802, 245.40
8) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.816, 241.11

Not Qualified
9) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 6.319, 195.99
10)Larry Becktold, Luther, Okla., 6.490, 224.40
11) Vitali Kazakevich, Houston, Texas, 6.705, 208.07

SUNDAY'S TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER PAIRINGS
1) Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.549, 255.39 vs. 
8) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.816, 241.11

2) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.565, 252.39 vs. 
7) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.802, 245.40

3) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 5.573, 255.43 vs. 
6) Erica Credeur, La Fayette, La., 5.680, 247.61

4) Lee Callway, Channelview, Texas, 5.588, 252.28 vs. 
5) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.653, 249.86

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.741, 246.03
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.909, 244.21
3) Richard Shaver, San Antonio, Texas, '95 Camaro, 5.967, 231.12
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas., '98 Camaro, 6.058, 234.53
5) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.093, 232.75
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.162, 228.58
7) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.481, 216.45
8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.605, 189.90

Not Qualified
9) Bob Alberty, Muskogee, Okla., '97 Firebird, 6.949, 217.67

SUNDAY'S TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR PAIRINGS
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.741, 246.03 vs. 
8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.605, 189.90

2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.909, 244.21 vs. 
7) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.481, 216.45

3) Richard Shaver, San Antonio, Texas, '95 Camaro, 5.967, 231.12 vs. 
6) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 6.162, 228.58

4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas., '98 Camaro, 6.058, 234.53 vs. 
5) Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.093, 232.75


COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Richard Larsen, Tyrone, Ga., '02 dragster, A/ND, 7.147 seconds, -0.643 under the index
2) Al Weiss, Witchita Falls, Texas, '34 roadster, E/EA, 8.448, -0.642
3) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '02 Chevy, A/SM, 7.987, -0.623
4) Robert Freeman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '02 Cavalier, C/A, 7.492, -0.588
5) Donald Manichia, Houston, Texas, '00 dragster, A/ND, 7.222, -0.568
6) Jeff Taylor, Lumberton, N.C., '02 Chevrolet, D/SMA, 8.784, -0.566
7) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '02 roadster, B/AA, 7.249, -0.561
8) Buddy Nickens, Spring, Texas, '01 S-10, B/TA, 8.592, -0.558
9) Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., '02 Grand Am, C/A, 7.550, -0.530
10) Michael Johnson, Lowell, Ark., '97 dragster, C/ED, 7.491, -0.519

SUPER STOCK
1) Steven Reynolds, Pasadena, Texas, '86 Monte Carlo, GT/MA 10.946, -1.104
2) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.606, -1.094
3) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.695, -1.055
4) Delmer Wood, Tulsa, Okla., '90 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.637, -1.013
5) Red Le Blanc, Memphis, Tenn., '69 Mustang, SS/G, 9.751, -0.999
6) Sid Bonnecarrere, Gray, La., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.026, -0.974
7) Joe Teuton Jr., Holma, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.030, -0.970
8) Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.696, -0.954
9) Gilbert Johnson Jr., Lecompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.967, -0.953 
10) Shaun Le Blanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.359, -0.941

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Richard Taylor, Byhalia, Miss., '01 S-10, JT/SA, 15.415, -1.385
2) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Trans Am, D/SA, 10.564, -1.286
3) Billy Lynn, Searcy, Ark., '95 S-10, GT/SA, 12.686, -1.264
4) Amy Faulk, Collierville, Tenn., '01 Firebird, F/SA, 10.932, -1.218
5) Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., '90 Firebird, K/SA, 11.817, -1.133
6) Jeff Teuton, Houma, La., '69 Dodge, ET/SA, 12.091, -1.109
7) Al Corda, Elk Mound, Wis., '01 Firebird, B/SA, 10.449, -1.101
8) Debbie Cardwell, Ruston, La., '90 Pontiac, K/SA, 11.879, -1.071
9) Sam Lusco Jr., Houma, La., '96 Dakota, CT/SA, 12.001, -1.049
10) Jimmy Hidalgo, Donaldsonville, La., '97 Camaro, E/SA, 10.995, -1.005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Racing kicks off for inaugural event at No Problem Raceway

BELLE ROSE, La. - In the first rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Lee Callaway and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Jackie Stidham took the no. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Callaway, of Channelview, Texas, outran the field with a pass of 5.588 seconds at 252.28 mph. Callaway is followed by defending NHRA South Central Division Champion Shelly Howard in second with a run of 5.599 at 249.44 mph and Troy Buff in third at 5.601 seconds, 253.66 mph. Local racer Erica Credeur of La Fayette, La., qualified 5th covering the quarter mile in 5.741 seconds, at 240.85 mph.

Chickasha, Okla., resident Stidham made a 6.021-second, 236.80 mph run to take the pole. Division points leader Tate Branch sits in the number two spot at 6.077, 231.00 and is followed by Todd Simpson in third with a run of 6.172 seconds, 228.50 mph. Stidham trails Branch by just 31 points for the division points championship coming into this weekend's event.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Richard Larson of Tyrone, Ga., in Comp Eliminator with a pass of 7.193 seconds, Buz Post of Arlington, Texas in Super Stock with an 8.667-second lap, and Floyd Russo of Gonzales, La., in Stock with a run of 10.569 seconds.

Racing continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars will make their final qualifying runs at 1 and 5 p.m. For more information, call No Problem Raceway at (985) 369-3692

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series O'Reilly's Cajun Challenge at No Problem Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Lee Callway, Channelview, Texas, 5.588 seconds, 252.28 mph
2) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.599, 249.44
3) Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.601, 253.66
4) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.721, 246.48
5) Erica Credeur, La Fayette, La., 5.741, 240.85
6) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolie, Texas, 5.802, 245.40
7) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.871, 239.61
8) Jason Cannon, Middleburg, Fla., 6.003, 245.94

Not Qualified
9) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 6.319, 195.99
10)Vitali Kazakevich, Houston, Texas, 11.088, 91.90

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.021, 236.80
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 6.077, 231.00
3) Todd simpson, Ponder, Texas, '00 Avenger, 6.172, 228.50
4) Richard Shaver, San Antonio, Texas, '95 Camaro, 6.207, 198.26
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas., '98 Camaro, 6.326, 221.09
6) Bob Alberty, Muskogee, Okla., '97 Firebird, 6.949, 217.67
7) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '98 Avenger, 7.154, 153.72
8) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 7.200, 162.78

Not Qualified
9) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '98 Avenger, 7.516, 127.98

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Richard Larsen, Tyrone, Ga., '02 dragster, A/ND, 7.193 seconds, -0.597 under the index
2) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '02 Chevy, A/SM, 8.042, -0.568
3) Al Weiss, Witchita Falls, Texas, '34 roadster, E/EA, 8.526, -0.564
4) Buddy Nickens, Spring, Texas, '01 S-10, B/TA, 8.592, -0.558
5) Robert Freeman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '02 Cavalier, C/A, 7.523,  -0.557
6) Scott Tidwell, Pinson, Ala., '02 Grand Am, C/A, 7.600, -0.480
7) Michael Johnson, Lowell, Ark., '97 dragster, C/ED, 7.536, -0.474
8) Joey Tanksley, Grnwell Sprs, La., '02 dragster, B/ED, 7.044, -0.466
9) Brian Self, Spring, Texas, '01 S-10, PST, 7.656, -0.464
10) Edward Joe Shalkowski, Hawley, Texas, '96 dragster, F/ED 8.562,  -0.428

SUPER STOCK
1) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.667, -1.033
2) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.731, -1.019
3) Steven Reynolds, Pasadena, Texas, '86 Monte Carlo, GT/MA 11.051, -0.999
4) Delmer Wood, Tulsa, Okla., '90 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.681, -0.969
5) Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., '91 Calais, GT/JA, 10.711, -0.939
6) Sid Bonnecarrere, Gray, La., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.069, -0.931
7) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '89 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.427, -0.923
8) Red Le Blanc, Memphis, Tenn., '69 Mustang, SS/G, 9.827, -0.923
9) Joe Teuton Jr., Holma, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.092, -0.908
10) Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.799, -0.901

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Trans Am, D/SA, 10.569, -1.281
2) Amy Faulk, Collierville, Tenn., '01 Firebird, F/SA, 10.975, -1.175
3) Richard Taylor, Byhalia, Miss., '01 S-10, JT/SA, 15.717, -1.083
4) Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., '90 Firebird, K/SA, 11.878, -1.072
5) Debbie Cardwell, Ruston, La., '90 Pontiac, K/SA, 11.84, -1.066
6) Jeff Teuton, Houma, La., '69 Dodge, ET/SA, 12.162, -1.038
7) Al Corda, Elk Mound, Wis., '01 Firebird, B/SA, 10.513, -1.037
8) Sam Lusco Jr., Houma, La., '96 Dakota, CT/SA, 12.088, -0.962
9) Jimmy Hidalgo, Donaldsonville, La., '97 Camaro, E/SA, 11.051, -0.949
10) Brandon Wood, Tallahassee, Fla., '85 Camaro, K/SA, 12.021, -0.929

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No Problem Raceway hosts NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series

BELLE ROSE, La. - No Problem Raceway will host the fifth stop in NHRA's South Central division's 2002 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Sept. 13-15. The Inaugural O'Reilly Cajun Challenge will feature more than 450 drivers in eight racing categories including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC).

With just two races left on the NHRA South Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series schedule, drivers in Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) are still fighting for division championships. Just 36 points separate No. 1 from No. 3 in the TAD points while in TAFC there are only 31 points between first and second place.

In TAD, Red Oak, Texas, resident James Copeland is currently leading the division after scoring back-to-back wins at the Lucas Oil events at State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, La., and at Houston Raceway Park in Houston. Copeland is looking for his third straight win this weekend. Lee Callaway of Channelview, Texas, is right on Copland's heels after scoring a win at an out-of-division race in Scribner, Neb. Defending division champion Shelly Howard comes into the race in third place. The Registered Nurse from Tulsa, Okla., has struggled somewhat this season but has made two final-round appearances. She won an out-of-division race in Joliet, Ill., and was runner-up to Copeland in Houston.

The battle for the championship in TAFC is between defending champion Tate Branch and former champion Jackie Stidham. Branch, a resident of Artesia, N.M., has been in the final round of every South Central division race this year. He scored wins at the season-opener at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tenn., at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, and in Houston. Chickasha, Okla., resident Stidham has two out-of-division wins, in Topeka, Kan., and in Scribner, Neb. He also beat Branch in the final round at State Capitol Dragway.

Gates at No Problem Raceway open at 8 a.m. each day and qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will qualify at 5 p.m. Friday, and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will begin eliminations at noon.

Adult tickets, including pit pass, are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $45. Children, under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult.

The event is part of a 45-race, $6.5 million series contested across the country. Drivers are competing for a part of a $561,000 champions' purse. They will earn points leading to national and divisional titles as well as a berth on the team that will represent the South Central division at the 2003 Jeg's Allstar race.

The other classes competing in the event are Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. Sportsman Motorcycles compete in the division as well.

The track is located at 6470 Highway 996 just north of Highway 70. For more information call No Problem Raceway, (985) 369-3692, or visit www.NoProblemRaceway.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Inaugural O'Reilly Cajun Challenge, 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 fifth of six in South Central Division competition.

WHERE: No Problem Raceway, Belle Rose, La. Track is located at 6470 Hwy. 996 just north of Hwy. 70 in Belle Rose.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Inaugural O'Reilly Cajun Challenge:
FRIDAY, Sept. 13 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, Sept. 14 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1p.m. and 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, Sept. 15 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $45. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call No Problem Raceway, (985) 369-3692.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $156,450, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2001 EVENT WINNERS: This is the first year No Problem Raceway has hosted the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2002 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.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $220,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 45 Lucas Oil events and the 23 NHRA national events: $1,250 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $400 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $200 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 16 of 23 national events.)

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 2003 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 2003 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.

NHRA KERKER MOTORCYCLE SERIES: Run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $7,400 champions' purse posted by Kerker will be paid to first, second and third place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

The top four riders from each division in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series will be invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. In 2002, the All-Star invitational will be run during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in November. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $1,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $500.

Currently, Sportsman Motorcycles are run in NHRA's South Central, West Central, Northwest and Pacific divisions.

FEATURES: More than 450 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.