FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Biondo and Wilkins claim two wins in a row

ORLANDO, Fla. - In the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held at Orlando Speed World Dragway, David Rampy, Peter Biondo, Lee Zane, David Marcus Jr., Billy Leber Jr., Scott Fifield and Sandy Wilkins all claimed victory in their respective categories.

In Comp Eliminator, former NHRA national champion Rampy defeated No. 1 qualifier Gerry Russo of Saddle River, N.J. In the final, Rampy ran a 7.692-second pass at 144.00 mph to defeat Russo, who fouled.

In Super Stock, reigning NHRA Southeast Division Stock Eliminator champion Biondo took home his second Southeast Division win of the year in the class. In the final, Biondo defeated Bridgeport, Pa., driver Wes Leopold Jr., with a time of 12.127 seconds at 79.15 mph.

In Stock, Pittsgrove, N.J., racer Lee Zane took home his first win of the year when he defeated Alan Peter Sr., of Bokeelia, Fla. In Super Comp, David Marcus Jr., of Sarasota, Fla., used a perfect 8.900 run on his 8.90 dial to take out Greg Kamplain of North Salem, Ind.

The final in Super Gas featured yet another north verses south match-up with Billy Leber Jr., of Tonawanda, N.Y., defeating Jonathan Joiner Jr., of Cocoa, Fla.

Making his way to the winner's circle in Super Street was Cocoa, Fla., racer Scott Fifield. In the class final Fifield defeated Ocala, Fla., runner Mike Griggs.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, Sandy Wilkins of Fuquay Varina, N.C., took home his second win of the season, when defeated Largo, Fla., racer Corky Markwart. Wilkins was also the winner at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event held two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway.

The following are Monday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, event being held at Orlando Speed World Dragway:

COMP ELIMINATOR
David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32  Bantam, 7.692, 144.00  def. 
Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '02  Grand Am, foul

SUPER STOCK
Peter Biondo, Mt Laurel, N.J., '00 Firebird, 12.127, 79.15  def.
 Wes Leopold Jr., Bridgeville, Pa., '93 Daytona, foul

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Lee Zane, Pittsgrove, N.J., '73 Apollo, 11.916, 102.43  def. 
Alan Peters Sr., Bokeelia, Fla., '69 Camaro, 11.732, 112.69

SUPER COMP
David Marcus Jr., Sarasota, Fla., Dragster, 8.900, 159.80  def. 
Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., Dragster, 9.025, 152.43

SUPER GAS
Billy Leber Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y., '03 Corvette, 9.919, 148.27  def. 
Jonathan Joiner Jr, Cocoa, Fla., '81 Camaro, 9.945, 149.52

SUPER STREET
Scott Fifield, Cocoa, Fla., '69 Camaro, 10.871, 135.76  def. 
Mike Griggs, Ocala, Fla., '67 Chevy II, 10.838, 122.85

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN
Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.589, 178.28  def. 
Corky Markwart, Largo, Fla., '02 Cavalier, 7.840, 176.33

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set at Orlando Speed World Dragway

ORLANDO, Fla. - In the finals rounds of qualifying at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event being held this weekend at Orlando Speed World Dragway, Gerry Russo, Dave Layer and David Edwards lead qualifying in their respective fields.

In Comp Eliminator, Russo of Saddle River, N.J., maintained his top qualifying position from Friday and leads the Comp Eliminator field with a time of 8.827 seconds. In the No. 2 spot is the '32 Bantam roadster of former NHRA national champion David Rampy of Piedmont, Ala. Rampy is trailed by Kevin Houghtaling of Ashland, Va. As the top qualifier Russo earns $400 from Sealed Power.

In Super Stock competition, Dayton, Ohio's Layer took over the top spot in the class, from Parma, Mich., racer Charlie Westcott, with a 9.957-second pass. Westcott is now qualified second, while the third spot is held by Chuck Gallagher of Holly, Mich. For qualifying in the top spot, Layer earns $400 from Sealed Power.

In Stock Eliminator, Edwards of Washington Court House, Ohio, held onto the top spot in the class with a pass of 11.510 seconds. Behind Edwards is Christopher Sniesak of Wales, Mich. Jason McCormack of Oxford, Mich. rounds out the top three. Edwards earned $200 from Sealed Power for qualifying in the No. 1 position in the class.

In John Bleakley Motorhomes, Gainesville Champion Sandy Wilkins of Fuquay Varina, N.C., moved from the second spot in the class to the top of the field, with a pass of 7.255 seconds. In the second position is Robert Sellers of Bunnell, Fla. Third is claimed by Ross Morris of Sorrento, Fla.

Sunday's racing action will feature eliminations in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street and John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman.

Gates at Orlando Speed World Dragway will open Sunday at 8 a.m. with eliminations set to begin at 9 a.m. For more information please contact Orlando Speed World Dragway at (407) 568-2717 or visit them on the web at www.OrlandoSpeedWorldDragway.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, event being held at Orlando Speed World Dragway:

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '02 Grand Am, E/SMA, 8.827 seconds, -0.593 (under index)
2) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.452, -0.578
3) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 8.995, -0.555
4) Charlie Westcott Jr., Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, F/SM, 9.004, -0.546
5) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, G/A, 8.656, -0.524
6) Patrick Ross Sr., Avon Lake, Ohio, '03 Grand Am, F/A, 8.372, -0.498
7) Tim Freeman, Roan Mountain, Tenn., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.283, -0.497
8) Van Puckett, Snellville, Ga., '99 Firebird, H/AA, 9.097, -0.493
9) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 7.043, -0.487
10) Bill Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '92 Camaro, F/SM, 9.083, -0.467

SUPER STOCK
1) Dave Layer, Dayton, Ohio, '90 Cavalier, GT/GA, 9.957 seconds, -1.243 (under index)
2) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, GT/C, 9.389, -1.111
3) Chuck Gallagher, Holly, Mich., '94 Sunbird, SS/AM, 8.454, -1.096
4) Ernie Price, Navarre, Ohio, '69 Camaro, SS/FM, 9.707, -1.093
5) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/JA, 10.565, -1.085
6) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/JA, 10.585, -1.065
7) Vito Savino, Brewster, N.Y., '85 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.286, -1.064
8) Bob Butter, McKees Rocks, Pa., '98 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.044, -1.056
9) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.251, -1.049
10) Joe Scott, Sunbury, Pa., '03 S-10, GT/TD, 10.608, -1.042

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) David Edwards, Washington Court House, Ohio, '78 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.510 seconds, -1.240 (under index)
2) Christopher Sniesak, Wales, Mich., '99 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.788, -1.212
3) Jason McCormack, Oxford, Mich., '66 Plymouth, B/S, 10.338, -1.162
4) Bret Velde, Farmington, Ill., '87 Mustang, G/FIA, 11.999, -1.151
5) Bobby Warren, Clinton, N.C., '97 Firebird, B/FI, 10.510, -1.140
6) Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, C/SA, 10.562, -1.138
7) Eric Wingo, Springfield, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.826, -1.124
8) Mike Welfel, Nashville, Tenn., '69 Camaro, G/SA, 11.178, -1.122
9) Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., '72 Camaro, I/SA, 11.485, -1.115
10) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.186, -1.114

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.255 seconds, 185.52 mph
2) Robert Sellers, Bunnell, Fla., '97 Avenger, 7.307, 188.40
3) Ross Morris, Sorrento, Fla., '93 Lumina, 7.328, 191.24
4) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.375, 188.60
5) Dale Ashley, Cape Coral, Fla., '00 Firebird, 7.470, 184.01
6) Mike Rahilly, Cape Coral, Fla., '01 Grand Am, 7.517, 183.26
7) Tom Waters, Orlando, Fla., '86 Thunderbird, 7.784, 175.78
8) Jim Harrington, Navarre, Fla., '90 Beretta, 7.803, 177.27
9) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '97 Camaro, 7.814, 177.65
10) Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '97 Cutlass, 7.817, 170.29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Russo, Westcott and Edwards tops fields at Orlando Speed World

ORLANDO, Fla. - The 2002 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series continues this weekend at Orlando Speed World Dragway for the second of seven events in NHRA's Southeast Division.

In the opening rounds of qualifying at the event today, Gerry Russo of Saddle River, N.J., leads the Comp Eliminator field with a time of 8.827 seconds. Behind Russo, in the No. 2 spot, is former NHRA National Champion David Rampy of Piedmont, Ala. Rampy is trailed by Kevin Houghtaling of Ashland, Va., who is third.

Claiming the top spot in Super Stock, with a pass of 9.389 seconds, is Charlie Westcott of Parma, Mich. He leads the field over Navarre, Ohio's Ernie Price and fellow Michigan racer Mark Nowicki of Gaylord.

In Stock Eliminator, Ohio racer David Edwards earned the No. 1 spot behind the wheel of his '78 Trans Am with a pass of 11.510 seconds. Qualified second is Christopher Sniesak of Wales, Mich., while third is occupied by Springfield, Tenn., racer Eric Wingo.

After one round of qualifying in John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman, Jerry Barker of Byron, Ga., leads the field. His 7.375 second time secured him in the top spot over Sandy Wilkins of Fuquay Varina, N.C., the class champion two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla. Jim Harrington of Navarre, Fla., is in the third spot.

Saturday's racing action will feature the continuation of qualifying in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street and John Bleakley Motorhomes Top Sportsman.

Gates at Orlando Speed World Dragway will open Saturday at 8 a.m. with qualifying set to continue at 9 a.m. For more information please contact Orlando Speed World Dragway at (407) 568-2717 or visit them on the web at www.OrlandoSpeedWorldDragway.com. Additional information on the event can also be found at www.nhra.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, event being held at Orlando Speed World Dragway:

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Gerry Russo, Saddle River, N.J., '02 Grand Am, E/SMA, 8.827 seconds, -0.593 (under index)
2) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.452, -0.578
3) Kevin Houghtaling, Ashland, Va., '91 Calais, F/SM, 8.995, -0.555
4) Charlie Westcott Jr., Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, F/SM, 9.014, -0.536
5) Mike Saye, Johnston, S.C., '92 Cutlass, G/A, 8.656, -0.524
6) Van Puckett, Snellville, Ga., '99 Firebird, H/AA, 9.097, -0.493
7) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 7.043, -0.487
8) Charlie Watson, Humble, Texas, '98 Lumina, H/A, 9.006, -0.464
9) Johnny Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 Roadster, E/EA, 8.651, -0.439
10) Richard Larsen, Tyrone, Ga., Dragster, A/ND, 7.357, -0.383

SUPER STOCK
1) Charlie Westcott, Parma, Mich., '98 Grand Am, GT/C, 9.389 seconds, -1.111 (under index)
2) Ernie Price, Navarre, Ohio, '69 Camaro, SS/FM, 9.707, -1.093
3) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/JA, 10.565, -1.085
4) Bob Butter, McKees Rocks, Pa., '98 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.044, -1.056
5) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/JA, 10.601, -1.049
6) Joe Scott, Sunbury, Pa., '03 S-10, GT/TD, 10.608, -1.042
7) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.268, -1.032
8) Vito Savino, Brewster, N.Y., '85 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.334, -1.016
9) Chuck Gallagher, Holly, Mich., '94 Sunbird, SS/AM, 8.537, -1.013
10) Merle Eschman III, Butler, Pa., '98 Grand Am, GT/EA, 9.937, -1.013

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) David Edwards, Washington Ct Hs, Ohio, '78 Trans Am, J/SA, 11.510 seconds, -1.240 (under index)
2) Christopher Sniesak, Wales, Mich., '99 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.823, -1.177
3) Eric Wingo, Springfield, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.826, -1.124
4) Jason McCormack, Oxford, Mich., '66 Plymouth, B/S, 10.379, -1.121
5) David Walther, Lanesville, Ind., '69 Camaro, H/S, 11.186, -1.114
6) Bobby Warren, Clinton, N.C., '97 Firebird, B/FI, 10.545, -1.105
7) Bruce Noland, Leesburg, Va., '72 Camaro, I/SA, 11.503, -1.097
8) Al Provoast, Whittemore, Mich., '79 Buick Wagon, N/SA, 12.212, -1.088
9) Bret Velde, Farmington, Ill., '87 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.084, -1.066
10) Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.536, -1.064

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTORHOMES TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.375 seconds, 188.60 mph
2) Sandy Wilkins, Fuquay Varina, N.C., '01 Camaro, 7.599, 179.35
3) Jim Harrington, Navarre, Fla., '90 Beretta, 7.803, 177.27
4) Tommy Turner, Naples, Fla., '97 Camaro, 7.814, 177.65
5) Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '97 Cutlass, 7.817, 170.29
6) Corky Markwart, Largo, Fla., '02 Cavalier, 7.865, 176.22
7) Jeff Anderson, Casselberry, Fla., '97 Cutlass, 8.035, 168.98
8) Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '97 Cutlass, 8.181, 170.22
9) Ira Hines, Kissimmee, Fla., '81 Camaro, 8.281, 160.48
10) Craig Drinkwater, Orlando, Fla., '96 Cutlass, 8.413, 165.25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series continues in Orlando

NHRA Southeast Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racers will converge on Orlando Speed World Dragway March 7-9. It is the second of seven events in the division where drivers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will compete for points leading to national and divisional championships.

There are two NHRA national champions who claim the Southeast Division as their home. Mike Saye of Johnston, S.C., in Comp Eliminator, and Anthony Bertozzi of Richmond, Va., in Super Stock also claimed the division titles en route to the national crowns.

Saye, a veteran in the Comp Eliminator ranks, made a total of six final-round appearances in divisional and national events, scoring wins in five of them. On the divisional level, Saye was runner-up at Montgomery Motorsports Park in Alabama and won an out-of-division race in Baton Rouge, La. He also took wins at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, Ga., and at Darlington Int'l Dragway in South Carolina. At national events, Saye won at Gainesville Raceway in Florida and at Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee.

Bertozzi, a multi-time IHRA champion, won three divisional races and although he clinched the national title before winning a national event (the NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif.), he won enough rounds in national event competition to put him on top. Bertozzi finished just 22 points ahead of former national champion, Peter Biondo who earned the division's Stock championship. Bertozzi is the defending event champion here and in Montgomery and took an out-of-division win in Noble, Okla., as well.

The division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman Series will be run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Top Sportsman competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with the other classes throughout the weekend.

Gates at Orlando Speed World Dragway open at 9 a.m. Friday, and at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying begins Friday at 10 a.m. and Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. and Top Sportsman will run at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will run first round at noon.

Tickets, including pit pass, are $20 Friday, $25 Saturday and $25 Sunday. A three-day pass is $50. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult.

Orlando Speed World Dragway is located east of Orlando on Highway 50 at East Colonial Road. For more information call the track, (407) 568-2717, or visit www.OrlandoSpeedWorldDragway.com.

The Southeast Division's third NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event will be April 4-6 at Montgomery Motorsports Park.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Florida Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the second of seven in Southeast Division competition. The division's John Bleakley Motor Homes Top Sportsman Series will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Orlando Speed World Dragway, Orlando, Fla. Track is located east of Orlando on Highway 50 at East Colonial Road.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, March 7-9, 2003

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

FRIDAY, Mar. 7 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Mar. 8 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman qualifying is at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, Mar. 9 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will begin eliminations at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $20 Friday, $25 Saturday, $25 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $50. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Orlando Speed World Dragway, (407) 568-2717 or visit www.SpeedWorldDragway.com. or www.NHRA.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,700, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Jason Cannon, Top Alcohol Dragster*; Von Smith, Top Alcohol Funny Car*; Jeff Taylor, Comp Eliminator; Anthony Bertozzi, Super Stock; Bryan Valentine, Stock Eliminator; Shane Carr, Super Comp; Edward Conner, Super Gas; Michael Ruff, Super Street
*class will not compete at 2003 event

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND -- a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2003 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 and runners-up will share a bonus of $190,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $215,500 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at 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 43 of 45 divisional events and 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.

JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTOR HOMES TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,500 purse. Top Sportsman racers may run the seven Southeast Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the North Central or South Central Divisions.