FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hudson, Gasparrelli score wins

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Don Hudson picked up his first win of his six-year career at this weekend's Napa Auto Parts Western States Championship at Sacramento Raceway. Hudson knocked off Duane Shields who entered the weekend number two in the points chase for the NHRA Lucas Oil National Championship in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Hudson's 5.560-second pass at 257.79 held off Shields who recorded a 5.586 at 257.79 in the final round.

In the Funny Car category, it was second-generation driver Steve Gasparrelli taking the win over Bret Williamson. Gasparrelli, who picked up his third win of the season, ran a 5.789 second pass at 251.57 mph to Williamson's 6.011 at 251.57. Gasparrelli took home victories earlier this year at the O'Reilly Spring Nationals in Houston and the season opener Pacific Division Lucas Oil event in Phoenix, Ariz.

In Comp Eliminator, Bob Lambeck took the win over Ed Sigmon with a 8.982-second, 149.90-mph pass to Sigmon's 8.794 at 148.94

No one told Super Stock winner Kyle Seipel that it was Jim DeFrank's birthday this weekend as Seipel took out DeFrank's entire team during eliminations. Jimmy DeFrank lost to Seipel in round one, then John Schiess went down to Seipel in the third round. Tony DeFrank was looking for revenge in the final, but it was not to be as Seipel posted a 9.083 at 134.89 for the win to Tony's 10.186, 130.61. Winners in other categories were Don Durham in Stock; Rick Beckstrom, who also won the event last year, in Super Comp; Pete Bothe of Long Beach, Calif., in Super Gas; Dennis Paz in Super Street; and Ron Anderson in Super Eliminator. Trace St. Germain in Sportsman Motorcycle took the win in the Kerker Motorcycle Series that is held in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

In round two action of Super Comp, Gary Forkner looked to be on a nice pass until his Pontiac made a hard turn near the quarter-mile mark throwing Gary and the car into a tremendous barrel roll. Emergency services were on site immediately to help Forkner form the car where he was alert and talking with officials. Forkner was transported to UC Davis Medical Center. Forkner is in Stable condition and will be held overnight for observation.

The Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Sears Point Raceway, June, 28-30.

The following are final elimination results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Sacramento Raceway

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1. Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.954conds, 183.10 mph def. bye
7. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.831, 238.04 def. 2. Brandon Johnson,
Shelton, Wash., 7.908, 108.46
3.   Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.591, 254.96 def. 6. Darryl Hitchman,
Hanford, Calif., 6.089, 203.52
4.   Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.612, 254.53 def. 5. Chris
Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.591, 255.03

Semifinals
Shields, 5.555, 257.31 def. Nicholson, 5.674, 245.76
Hudson, 5.543, 257.71 def. Buff, 5.585, 255.55

Finals
Hudson, 5.560, 257.22 def. Shields 5.586, 257.79

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.811, 248.77 def.
8. Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev. '98 Oldsmobile, 5.940, 242.21 
7. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., '01 Camaro, 6.353 186.99 def. 2. Jason
Rupert, 
Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 10.804, 77.80
3.   Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.988, 242.66 def. 6.
John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '00 Firebird, 6.225, 191.60
4.   Ron August Jr. Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.069, 241.52 def. 5.
Norm Hill, Brea, Calif., '01 Avenger 6.082, 236.91

Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 5.865, 250.47 def. August, 5.953, 242.55
Williamson, 6.130, 227.47 def. Andreotti, 9.963, 85.57

Finals
Gasparrelli, 5.789, 251.57 def. Williamson, 6.011, 241.00

COMP ELIMINATOR
Bob Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., D/SMA '98 Oldsmobile, 8.982, 149.90 def.
Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., C/SR '34 Roadster, 8.794, 148.20

SUPER STOCK
Kyle Seipel, San Lorenzo, Calif., SS/BM '89 Camaro, 9.083, 134.89 def. Tony
DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.186, 130.61

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., G/SA '73 Plymouth, 11.051, 120.32 def.
Darrin Grossi, Soulsbyville, Calif., B/SA '71 Barracuda, 10.510, 126.31,
red light

SUPER COMP
Rick Beckstrom, Novato, Calif., '00 dragster, 9.054, 146.58 def. Frank
Cervelli, Brentwood, Calif., '97 dragster, 9.152, 163.61

SUPER GAS
Pete Bothe, Long Beach, Calif., '78 Porsche, 9.913, 130.88 def. Dave
Thompson, Queen Creek, Ariz., '67 Nova, 9.866, 148.82

SUPER STREET
Dennis Paz, Stockton, Calif., '41 Williys, 10.930, 128.26, def. John
Uyeyama, Davis, Calif., '55 Healey, 10.930, 128.26

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Ron Anderson, Sausalito, Calif., '00 dragster, 7.906, 181.46 def. Carolyn
Hills, Gilbert, Ariz., 7.888, 185,16

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, 9.570, 135.60 def. Eddy
Palmer, Salinas, Calif., '91 Suzuki, 9.922, 132.26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gasparrelli 2 for 2, Hudson knocks off Shields

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Don Hudson and Steve Gasparrelli both took home big wins at this weekend's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Napa Auto Parts Western States Championship at Sacramento Raceway.

Hudson of Stockton, Calif., took out number one qualifier Duane Shields to take home the win in Top Alcohol Dragster with a run of 5.560 seconds at 257.79 mph to Shield's 5.586, 257.79.

Hudson, who has been racing for six years in the alcohol classes, was thrilled with this his first win noting that nearly everything on the car was new for this event.

"It's a new engine combination, new paint, new tires. This is great. I'm so happy for the whole team," exclaimed Hudson.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car it was Gasparrelli who defended his title picking up his second win in as many years at Sacramento Raceway. Gasparrelli lead the field through qualifying and eliminations before tripping the clocks at 5.789 seconds, 251.57 mph to take out Bret Williamson's 6.011, 251.57 in the final.

"The weekend and this track has been great to me and the team. We love the cold weather. The car runs great in the cold," commented Gasparrelli when asked about the twenty-degree drop in temperature between Friday's qualifying and today's eliminations.

Eliminations continue on Sunday at Sacramento Raceway for the remaining classes in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series. Top qualifiers in other classes going into Sunday's eliminations are Adam Bowdish of Linn, Ore., in Comp; Don Studley of Orange, Calif., in Super Stock; and Gary Harper of San Jose, Calif., in Stock. Sunday's eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Gates at Sacramento Raceway open at 11 a.m. For more information call the track, (916) 363-2653.

The following are Saturday's eliminations and final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Sacramento Raceway.

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1. Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.954conds, 183.10 mph def. bye

7. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.831, 238.04 def. 
2. Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 7.908, 108.46

3. Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.591, 254.96 def. 
6. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 6.089, 203.52

4. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.612, 254.53 def. 
5. Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.591, 255.03

Semifinals
Shields, 5.555, 257.31 def. Nicholson, 5.674, 245.76
Hudson, 5.543, 257.71 def. Buff, 5.585, 255.55

Finals
Hudson, 5.560, 257.22 def. Shields 5.586, 257.79

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.811, 248.77 def.
8. Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev. '98 Oldsmobile, 5.940, 242.21 

7. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., '01 Camaro, 6.353 186.99 def. 
2. Jason Rupert,  Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 10.804, 77.80

3. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.988, 242.66 def. 
6. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '00 Firebird, 6.225, 191.60

4. Ron August Jr. Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.069, 241.52 def. 
5. Norm Hill, Brea, Calif., '01 Avenger 6.082, 236.91

Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 5.865, 250.47 def. August, 5.953, 242.55
Williamson, 6.130, 227.47 def. Andreotti, 9.963, 85.57

Finals
Gasparrelli, 5.789, 251.57 def. Williamson, 6.011, 241.00

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., F/SM '89 Trans Am, 8.908 seconds, -0.642 under the index
2. Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif., C/EA '01 Firebird, 8.289, -0.641
3. Ross Wilson, Alta Loma, Calif., D/SMA '95 Achieva, 8.794, -0.606
4. Fred Gross, La Crecenta, Calif., G/A '98 Firebird, 8.639, -0.601
5. John Chaberlin, Napa, Calif., B/D '00 dragster, 6.826, -0.594
6. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., C/SR '34 roadster 8.783, -0.567
7. Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., G/A '98 Lumina, 8.674, -0.566
8. Andy Manna Jr., Laguna Niguel, Calif., C/SR '33 roadster, 8.792, -0.558
9. Mike DePalma, Glendale, Ariz., C/A'91 Lumina, 7.535, -0.545
10. Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 roadster, 8.858, -0.492

SUPER STOCK
1. Don Studley, Orange, Calif., GT/TC '99 Dakota, 10.331 seconds, 1.119 under the index
2. Curt Auman, Yorba Linda, Calif., SS/AM '90 Beretta, 8.492, -1.058
3.  Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., GT/BA '01 Grand Am, 9.537, -1.013
4. Bill Bennett, Mountain View, Calif., GT/EA '87 Camaro, 9.969, -0.981
5. Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., SS/AA '68 Dart, 9.026, -0.974
6. John Schiess, North Hills, Calif., GT/AA '91 Oldsmobile, 9.449, -0.951
7. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.204, -0.946
8. Richard Salcido, Whittier, Calif., GT/JA '95 Achieva, 10.725, -0.925 
9. Bryan Broaddus, Yorba Linda, Calif., SS/FA '71 Monte Carlo, 9.836, -0.914
10. Tony DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.194, -0.906

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., FT/SA '81 Dodge, 12.429 seconds, 1.221 under the index
2. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., G/SA '73 Plymouth, 11.171, -1.129
3. Bob Mulry, Hollister, Calif., K/SA '74 Firebird, 11.858, -1.092
4. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '00 Dakota, 11.924, -1.076
5. Clark Holroyd, Chino, Calif., B/SA '68 Nova, 10.483, -1.067
6. Jim Meador, Yorba Linda., Calif., D/SA '67 Camaro, 10.791, -1.059
7. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.694, -1.056
8. Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., I/SA '76 Plymouth, 11.548, -1.052
9. Paul Wong, Las Vegas, Nev., F/SA '97 Camaro, 11.114, -1.036
10. Gary Humrighouse, Livermore, Calif., F/SA '69 Camaro, 11.117, -1.033

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cool temperatures produce faster speeds

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the first rounds of qualifying for the Napa Auto Parts Western States Championship at Sacramento Raceway, Duane Shields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Steve Gasparelli in Top Alcohol Funny Car are leading the fields in this, the third event in the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Dragster pilot Shields, of Las Vegas, Nev., made a 5.500-second, 260.28 mph run to put him ahead of his competitors. Shields, who is number two in points for the national championship, is followed by rookie driver Brandon Johnson with a pass of 5.572 seconds at 245.44 mph. Don Hudson of Stockton, Calif., landed in the number three spot with a run of 5.626, 250.58

Defending event champion Gasparrelli took advantage of cooler evening temperatures to jump to the number one spot and claim the Sealed Power $1,250 low qualifier award money.

Jason Rupert knocked three tenths off his qualifying time to jump to the number two position covering the quarter mile in 5.866 seconds at 237.09 mph.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Rick Braun of Redlands, Calif., in Comp; Curt Auman of Yorba Linda, Calif., in Super Stock; and Gary Harper of San Jose, Calif., in Stock.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 11 a.m. Gates at Sacramento Raceway open at 11 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car eliminations are scheduled for 3 p.m. For more information call the track, (916) 363-2653.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1. Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.500 seconds, 260.28 mph
2. Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.572, 245.44
3. Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.626, 250.58
4. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.656, 245.44
5. Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.664, 251.07
6. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.740, 240.61
7. Chris Lane, San Leandro, Calif., 5.743, 206.35
8. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.881, 239.09
9. Mike Austin, Phoenix, Ore., 6.080, 235.95
10. Matthew Seltzer, Brea, Calif., 6.519, 195.20

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.802, 247.20
2. Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.866, 237.09
3. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.917. 242.81
4. Ron August Jr. Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.955, 233.89
5. Norm Hill, Brea, Calif., '01 Avenger 6.001, 229.84
6. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '00 Firebird, 6.015, 241.39
7.  Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., '01 Camaro, 6.022, 240.65
8. Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev. '98 Oldsmobile, 6.031, 238.37
9. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 6.086, 239.00
10. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '99 Camaro, 6.118, 232.75
11. Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '95 Firebird, 6.129, 231.05
12. Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.793, 152.50

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif., C/EA '01 Firebird, 8.334 seconds, -0.596 under the index
2. Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., F/SM '89 Trans Am, 8.959, -0.591
3. Ross Wilson, Alta Loma, Calif., D/SMA '95 Achieva, 8.814, -0.586
4. Andy Manna Jr., Laguna Niguel, Calif., C/SR '33 roadster, 8.795, -0.555
5. Mike DePalma, Glendale, Ariz., C/A'91 Lumina, 7.539, -0.541
5. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., C/SR '34 roadster 8.825, -0.525
6. Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., G/A '98 Lumina, 8.728, -0.512
7. Bob Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., D/SMA '98 Oldsmobile, 8.935, -0.465 
8. Jeff Lion, Fresno, Calif., F/A '98 Firebird, 8.445, -0.425 
9. Fred Gross, La Crecenta, Calif., G/A '98 Firebird, 8.816, -0.424
10. Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 roadster, 8.945, -0.405

SUPER STOCK
1. Curt Auman, Yorba Linda, Calif., SS/AM '90 Beretta, 8.524 seconds, 1.026 under the index
2. Don Studley, Orange, Calif., GT/TC '99 Dakota, 10.468, -0.982
3. Bill Bennett, Mountain View, Calif., GT/EA '87 Camaro, 10.009, -0.941
4. Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., GT/BA '01 Grand Am, 9.619, -0.931
5. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.236, -0.914
6. John Schiess, North Hills, Calif., GT/AA '91 Oldsmobile, 9.494, -0.906
7. Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., SS/AA '68 Dart, 9.108, -0.892
8. Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., GT/HA '89 Camaro, 10.474, -0.876
9. Fred Moreno, LaVerne, Calif., SS/GA '69 Mustang, 10.001, -0.849
10. Doug Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., SS/BS '92 Camaro, 9.162, -0.838

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., FT/SA '81 Dodge, 12.429 seconds, 1.221 under the index
2. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '00 Dakota, 11.950, -1.050
3. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., G/SA '73 Plymouth, 11.256, -1.044
4. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.733, -1.017
5. Bob Mulry, Hollister, Calif., K/SA '74 Firebird, 11.960, -0.990
6. Jim Meador, Yorba Linda., Calif., D/SA '67 Camaro, 10.868, -0.982
7. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., E/SA '70 Plymouth, 11.022, -0.978
8. Gary Humrighouse, Livermore, Calif., F/SA '69 Camaro, 11.202, -0.948
9. Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., I/SA '73 Plymouth, 11.655, -0.945
10. Dave Bridgewater, Devore, Calif., F/SA '93 Firebird, 11.214, -0.936

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento Raceway is site of NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Event

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - NHRA's Pacific division will continue its 2002 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at the Napa Auto Parts Western States Championships at Sacramento Raceway May 31-June 2. The event will feature more than 500 drivers in eight racing categories including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC).

In TAD, we first wondered if it was true that the five-time national champion Rick Santos would be sitting out the season. It seems the answer is, yes, he is.

Then, we wondered if any of the other drivers could step up and be as dominant a force in the class as Santos had been. The answer there is, possibly. Darren Nicholson has made two final round appearances in the two events he's attended, winning at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz., and Duane Shields took the win at the only division race he has attended so far, the season-opener at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix. Paul Jones, at the wheel of the dragster owned by Jerry Darien and Ken Meadows, is currently leading the points, but he has left the team and doesn't look like he'll be back in competition this season.

Jones' sudden departure from the Darien/Meadows team leaves the car owners looking for a replacement driver. They've found someone to drive at the NHRA national event in Topeka, Kan., but it's not known if Troy Buff is an interim driver or will be in the driver's seat permanently. If the team can find a driver before too many races go by, they can still make a run for the division title.

The Darien/Meadows team is generally considered to be the unofficial training ground for drivers hoping to make the move to Top Fuel or Funny Car. Gary Scelzi, Frank Pedregon and Melanie Troxel all drove for Darien/Meadows before moving into the professional ranks, and Brandon Bernstein, who is slated to take the helm of dad Kenny's Top Fuel car next season, drove the car to the Pacific Division championship in 2001.

In TAFC, veteran driver Mert Littlefield is currently leading the points with a runner-up finish at Southwestern International Raceway. However, defending division champion Steve Gasparrelli is one-for-one on the divisional level. He won the season-opener at Firebird International Raceway. Doug Gordon and John Weaver also have the potential to win the division if they can find the consistency that has eluded them to this point.

Gates at Sacramento Raceway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials for Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street begin Friday at noon. TAD and TAFC will make three qualifying passes Friday at 3:30, 6, and 8 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 11 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run all rounds of eliminations Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, eliminations in all remaining classes begin at 11 a.m.

No single-day admission tickets will be sold Friday. Saturday tickets are $25 including a pit pass. Sunday tickets are $20 with a pit pass and $15 without a pit pass. A four-day credential, including pit pass and admission to Thursday's Test & Tune session, is $50. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call Sacramento Raceway, (916) 363-2653, or visit, www.SacramentoRaceway.com.

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 division titles as well as a berth on the team that will represent the Pacific division at the Jeg's Allstar event held at the NHRA National at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago in September.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Napa Auto Parts Western States Championships, 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 third of six in Pacific Division competition.

WHERE: Sacramento Raceway, Sacramento, Calif. Track is located at 5305 Excelsior Road, Sacramento.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 31-June 2, 2002

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Napa Auto Parts Western States Championships:
FRIDAY, May 31 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at noon. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 1 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin eliminations at 3 p.m. They will continue eliminations at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 2 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations for all remaining classes begin at 11 a.m.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $148,700, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2001 EVENT WINNERS: Rick Santos, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Gasparrelli, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Adam Bowdish, Comp Eliminator; Bill Blakeney, Super Stock; John Hennessay, Stock Eliminator; Rick Beckstrom, Super Comp; Eric Reyes, Super Gas; Dave Whooley, 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 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 2002 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 2002 Jeg's Allstars, held in conjunction with the NHRA Nationals in Chicago, Sept. 26-29, 2002. 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 500 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.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION - Friday: Single day tickets are not available; Saturday: $25, including pit pass; Sunday: $15 without pit pass, $20 with pit pass. A four-day credential, including pit pass and admission to Thursday's Test & Tune session, is $50. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Sacramento Raceway, (916) 363-2653.