FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wells, Lee win at Thunder Valley

NOBLE, Okla. - David Wells and Robert Lee both won in their respective categories at the Thunder Valley Autumn Classic, which was held this weekend. The event, which drew a total of 581 participants, concluded the season for the NHRA Lucas Oil South Central Division Series.

Wells, of Lemars, Iowa, clinched his fourth division championship in Top Alcohol Dragster with this win. "We struggled early in the year, but with some luck, we've done better and were able to win today," said Wells.

Lee, who traveled from Whittier, Calif., defeated another Calif., resident, Doug Gordon, in the final round of Top Alcohol Funny Car competition. "We came a long way to compete in this race, but it was worth it," said Lee. He also thanked Randy Anderson of APS and Remington Ranch in Texas, who sponsors his car.

Chris LeBouef, of Lafayette, La., won the Kerker King of the Coast motorcycle competition, defeating Brian Johnson in the final round. The top four racers from each division of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series were invited to compete. "The competition was tough, it really is the best of the best," said LeBouef. "I really want to thank Kerker for sponsoring this event and giving us the opportunity to do this."

Brian Self, of Spring, Texas, prevailed in the Competition Eliminator category, while Tim Cole was the winner in Super Stock. Jerry Emmons, of Pasadena, Texas, was the top finisher in Stock Eliminator, and Steve Williams ran 9.087 seconds at 163.16 mph to grab the win in Super Comp.

Martin Brees earned the win in Super Gas, and Oklahoma City resident, Tim Wilson won in Super Street. Todd Drummond prevailed in Top Sportsman, when he defeated Bert Prejean in the final round. Tracy Helmhold was the top finisher in the Motorcycle competition.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round one
4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.492, 259.81 def. 
5) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, foul;

3) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.504, 243.24 def. 
6) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.555, 261.17;

2) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.440, 263.46 def. 
7) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, foul;

1) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 6.246, 156.08 def. 
8) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, foul;

Semifinals
Federlin, 5.534, 259.06 def. Howard, broke;
Wells, 5.433, 265.33 def. Snow, foul;

Finals
Wells, 5.424, 264.47 def. Federlin, foul.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round one
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., Camaro, 5.756, 249.30 def. 
6) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, Chevy Camaro, 6.091, 238.85;

4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., Camaro, 5.697, 250.27 def. 
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., Camaro, 6.087, 236.28;

7) Bob Alberty, Muskogee, Okla., Firebird, 6.491, 189.47 def. 
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M.,Camaro, 7.491, 109.27;

1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., Camaro, 5.751, 252.17 def. 
9) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, Okla., Dodge Daytona, broke
 
Semifinals
Lee, 5.937, 239.04 def. Alberty, 6.046, 219.83;
Gordon, 5.762, 251.18 def. Stidham, 6.251, 175.95;

Finals
Lee, 6.149, 180.57 def. Gordon, 9.293, 95.35.

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Brian Self, Spring, Texas, '02 S-10, PST, 7.547, 178.50  def. 
Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, F/SM, 8.932, 146.10

SUPER STOCK
Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.909, 149.22  def. 
Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., '92 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.566, 140.47

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jerry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '69 Chevelle, I/SA, 11.982, 110.06  def. 
Kevin Stubbs, Searcy, Ark., '71 Chevelle, G/S, 11.679, 111.49

SUPER COMP
Steve Williams, Loma Linda, Calif., Dragster, 9.087, 163.16 def. 
John Brener, Abita Springs, La., Dragster, 8.893, 162.98

SUPER GAS
Martin Brees, Lincoln, Neb., '88 Firenza, 9.901, 151.66 def. 
Clark Mundt, Longview, Texas, '63 Corvette, 9.899, 156.33

SUPER STREET
Tim Wilson, Oklahoma City, '80 Corvette, 10.915, 127.93 def. 
Charles Wier IV, Haltom City, Texas, '71 Camaro, 10.889, 131.67.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Todd Drummond, Bay St. Louis, Miss., '02 Firebird, 7.762, 166.82  def. 
Bert Prejean, St. Aumont, La., '00 Firebird, 7.453, 184.19

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., Kawasaki, 10.032, 122.53 def. 
Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '88 Suzuki, 10.200, 130.32.

KERKER KING OF THE COAST
ROUND ONE
5) Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas, Suzuki 1150, 10.009 seconds, 128.25 mph def. 
1) William H. Keele, Jr., San Antonio, Texas, '82 Kawasaki, 9.588, 135.50

7) Chris LeBouef, Lafayette, La., '85 Suzuki, 8.934, 144.27 def. 
3) Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., 9.912, 130.02

6) Brian Johnson, Burns, Minn., '00 Suzuki GS1150, 9.158, 142.76 def. 
2) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., 9.602, 129.36

8) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Koenig, 8.066, 136.79 def. 
4) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, 9.758, 130.17

Semifinals
LeBouef, 8.936, 142.74 def. Bennett, 10.029, 119.49
Johnson, 9.152, 141.04 def. Eperjesi, 7.998, 153.53

Finals
LeBouef, 8.980, 138.56 def. Johnson, 9.210, 139.27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Howard, Gordon stay on top at Thunder Valley Raceway Park

NOBLE, Okla. - In the final rounds of qualifying at Thunder Valley Raceway Park, Shelly Howard and Doug Gordon remained at the top of their classes. Howard, of Tulsa, Okla., covered the quarter mile in 5.426 seconds at 259.74 mph yesterday, easily securing the number one position for Top Alcohol Dragster. Gordon continued to lead the field in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.746-second, 250.76-mph pass. Gordon, who traveled from Paso Robles, Calif., to compete in this weekend's race, also set a new track record in his category.

In other categories, Rodger Brogdon, of Tomball, Texas, was the top qualifier in Competition Eliminator, while Bobby Dennis, of Shorter, Ala., led the field in Super Stock. Robert Shaw outran the competition to take the top position in Stock Eliminator, and Earle Folse took the number one spot in Top Sportsman.

More than 550 cars came out to participate in the Thunder Valley Autumn Classic, which continues tomorrow at 9 a.m. Round one eliminations for the highly anticipated Kerker King of the Coast motorcycle competition are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Admission is $20 for adults, children 6-12 are $5, and under 6 are free. For more information, call Thunder Valley Raceway Park at (405) 872-3429, or NHRA at (626) 688-9714.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.426 seconds, 259.74 mph
2) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.475, 260.19
3) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.492, 239.36
4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.510, 258.17
5) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.516, 256.55
6) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.555, 259.51
7) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.568, 252.88
8) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.569, 257.65

Not Qualified
9) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.577, 258.10
10) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.591, 253.95
11) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.627, 232.31
12) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.633, 246.71
13) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 5.647, 239.04
14) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.648, 245.36
15) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.772, 255.02
16) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.875, 216.39
17) Brian Ratliff, Hulbert, Okla., 6.015, 224.55
18) Larry Becktold, Luther, Okla., 6.093, 238.72
19) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 6.108, 180.25

First-round TAD pairings
1) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.426 seconds, 259.74 mph vs. 8) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.569, 257.65
2) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.475, 260.19 vs. 7) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.568, 252.88
3) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.492, 239.36 vs. 6) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.555, 259.51
4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.510, 258.17 vs. 5) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.516, 256.55

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.746 seconds, 250.76 mph
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.796, 247.79
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '03 Camaro, 5.842, 248.61
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.854, 250.13
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Camaro, 6.117, 236.46
6) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.191, 237.27
7) Bob Alberty, Muskogee, Okla., '97 Firebird, 6.230, 234.80
8) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 6.230, 185.60

Not Qualified
9) Ron Rice, Oklahoma City, Okla., '96 Daytona, 7.093, 151.23

First-round TAFC pairings
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.746 seconds, 250.76 mph vs. 8) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '98 Achieva, 6.230, 185.60
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.796, 247.79 vs. 7) Bob Alberty, Muskogee, Okla., '97 Firebird, 6.230, 234.80
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '03 Camaro, 5.842, 248.61 vs. 6) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.191, 237.27
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.854, 250.13 vs. 5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Camaro, 6.117, 236.46

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '03 Cavalier, A/SMA, 8.083 seconds, -0.617 (under index)
2) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunfire, A/SMA, 8.127, -0.573
3) Michael Park, Norman, Okla., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.669, -0.571
4) Mike Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, F/SMA, 8.988, -0.562
5) Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, '99 Grand Am, C/SMA, 8.449, -0.551
6) Robert Freeman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.053,  -0.547
7) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, F/SM, 8.967, -0.533
8) Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.250, -0.530
9) Buddy Nickens, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.507, -0.513
10) Brian Self, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, PST, 7.594, -0.506

SUPER STOCK
1) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.469 seconds, -1.281 (under index)
2) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '02 Grand Am, SS/AM, 8.363, -1.187
3) Robert Cruzen, Cleveland, Okla., '03 S-10, GT/TC, 10.321, -1.079
4) Kevin Helms, Mineola, Texas, '97 Achieva, GT/MA, 10.994, -1.056
5) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.847, -1.053
6) Shaun LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.287, -1.013
7) Gary Emmons, Pasedena, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.326, -0.974
8) Chad Guilford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/EA, 9.993, -0.957
9) Fred Henson, Madisonville, Texas, '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.059, -0.941
10) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/KA, 10.611, -0.939

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Robert Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '78 Buick, V/SA, 14.538 seconds, -1.262 (under index)
2) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.517, -1.183
3) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, F/SA, 11.095, -1.055
4) Bill Nelson, Tucson, Ariz., '02 Pontiac, I/FIA, 12.734, -1.016
5) Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.555, -0.995
6) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.858, -0.992
7) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, H/SA, 11.467, -0.983
8) Harry Doolittle, Hillsdale, Mich., '01 Firebird, H/FIA, 12.472, -0.978
9) Fred Suiter, Defiance, Mo., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.573, -0.977
10) Marty Woffard, Gore, Okla., '66 Nova SS, J/S, 11.680, -0.970

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Earle Folse, Raceland, La., '86 Cutlass, 7.213 seconds, 192.26 mph
2) T.J. Tracey, Bartlett, Tenn., '63 Corvette, 7.365, 189.99
3) Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '92 Trans Am, 7.369, 184.08
4) Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, 7.375, 182.33
5) Keith Raferty, Lake Charles, La., '00 Dodge, 7.435, 182.37
6) Rickey Cate, Grand Saline, Texas, '67 Chevy II, 7.467, 181.19
7) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '00 Firebird, 7.473, 184.16
8) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '00 Firebird, 7.589, 181.67
9) Keith Sasich, Highland Village, Texas, '00 Firebird, 7.683, 179.67
10) David Hensley, Norman, Okla., '89 Pontiac, 7.715, 178.85

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Chris LeBouef, Lafayette, La., '85 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Donnie Durenberger, Dayton, Minn., '93 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001
3) Brian Johnson, Burns Township, Minn., '00 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
4) James Roberts, Bentley, Kan., '87 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
5) Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas, '84 Suzuki, KMC, 0.004
6) Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '88 Suzuki, KMC, 0.007
7) William H. Keele Jr., San Antonio, Texas, '82 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.009
8) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.010
9) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Suzuki, KMC, 0.012
10) Eddie Glaze, Bellaire, Texas, '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.014

Kerker King of the Coast Shootout
1) William Keele Jr., San Antonio, Texas, '82 Kawasaki, KMC
2) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '78 Kawasaki, KMC
3) Tracy Hemhold, Morrison, Colo., KMC
4) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, KMC
5) Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas, Suzuki, KMC 
6) Brian Johnson, Ramsey, Minn., '02 GSXR, KMC
7) Chris LeBouef, Lafayette, La., '85 Suzuki, KMC
8) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Koenig, KMC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Record-setting day at Thunder Valley Raceway

NOBLE, Okla. - Shelly Howard and Doug Gordon set track records in their respective categories in the first rounds of qualifying at the Thunder Valley Autumn Classic for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Howard, of Tulsa, Okla., broke the track record for Top Alcohol Dragster with a 5.426-second, 259.74-mph pass, placing her number one in her class. The previous record was held by Gene Snow, who ran 5.482 seconds in 2002. "The track was good, but I was surprised I went that quick," said Howard.

Gordon, who traveled from Paso Robles, Calif., to compete in this weekend's race, also set a new track record in his category. Gordon scored the number one qualifying run in Top Alcohol Funny Car, when he covered the quarter mile in 5.746 seconds at 250.76, eclipsing the previous record of 5.803 seconds. "Today was great, I came out here to earn some points toward the division championship, so we'll see how it goes this weekend," said Gordon.

In other categories, Rodger Brogdon, of Tomball, Texas, was the top qualifier in Competition Eliminator, while Bobby Dennis, of Shorter, Ala., led the field in Super Stock. Robert Shaw outran the competition to take the top position in Stock Eliminator.

Qualifying rounds for the Kerker King of the Coast motorcycle competition were also run today with Chris LeBouef taking the top spot. Eliminations for the Kerker King of the Coast race are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday. The race features the top racers from four divisions competing for the title and a $2,000 payout.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days, with final qualifying and time trials scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday with Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars qualifying at 2 and 5 p.m. Eliminations on Sunday begin at 9 a.m. Admission for spectators is $15 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Children 6-12 are $5, and ages 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Thunder Valley Raceway Park at (405) 872-3429, or NHRA at (626) 688-9714.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division event at Thunder Valley Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.426 seconds, 259.74 mph
2) Gene Snow, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.492, 231.71
3) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.524, 255.75
4) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.535, 260.19
5) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.555, 259.51
6) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.591, 257.65
7) James Copeland II, Red Oak, Texas, 5.600, 256.33
8) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.610, 254.95

Not Qualified
9) Bob Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.619, 252.88
10) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 5.647, 239.04
11) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.648, 239.55
12) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.684, 245.09
13) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.751, 239.80
14) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.967, 243.57
15) Brian Ratliff, Hulbert, Okla., 6.015, 224.55
16) Gary Cooper, Wichita, Kan., 6.108, 180.25
17) Larry Becktold, Luther, Okla., 6.319, 226.58
18) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 6.340, 183.26

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.746 seconds, 250.76 mph
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '03 Camaro, 5.796, 247.79
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '03 Camaro, 5.842, 248.61
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 5.854, 250.13
5) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Camaro, 6.117, 236.46
6) Eddie McDow, Waco, Texas, '00 Camaro, 6.191, 237.27

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '03 Cavalier, A/SMA, 8.096 seconds, -0.604 (under index)
2) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunfire, A/SMA, 8.127, -0.573
3) Mike Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, F/SMA, 9.037, -0.563
4) Buddy Nickens, Hempstead, Texas, '02 S-10, B/TA, 8.507, -0.513
5) Jeff Miller, Pearland, Texas, '99 Grand Am, C/SMA, 8.494, -0.506
6) Michael Park, Norman, Okla., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.755, -0.485
7) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.788, -0.482
8) Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.304, -0.476
9) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 7.889, -0.471
10) Shane Heckel, La Porte, Texas, Dragster, B/D, 6.966, -0.434

SUPER STOCK
1) Bobby Dennis, Shorter, Ala., '95 Achieva, GT/KA, 10.523 seconds, -1.227 (under index)
2) Kevin Helms, Mineola, Texas, '97 Achieva, GT/MA, 11.027, -1.023
3) Tim Cole, Collierville, Tenn., '96 Corvette, SS/AX, 8.921, -0.979
4) Gary Emmons, Pasedena, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.339, -0.961
5) Shaun LeBlanc, Bartlett, Tenn., '88 Mustang, GT/A, 9.352, -0.948
6) Fred Henson, Madisonville, Texas, '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.059, -0.941
7) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '64 Corvette, SS/KA, 10.611, -0.939
8) Brian Tait, Frazier Park, Calif., '96 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.586, -0.914
9) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '02 Cavalier, GT/BA, 9.638, -0.912
10) Gene Bichlmeier, Norkfolk, Neb., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.406, -0.894

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Robert Shaw, Sedalia, Mo., '78 Buick, V/SA, 14.544 seconds, -1.256 (under index)
2) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.607, -1.093
3) Bill Nelson, Tucson, Ariz., '02 Pontiac, I/FIA, 12.734, -1.016
4) Fred Suiter, Defiance, Mo., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.573, -0.977
5) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.891, -0.959
6) Harry Doolittle, Hillsdale, Mich., '01 Firebird, H/FIA, 12.493, -0.957
7) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, E/SA, 11.055, -0.945
8) Gene Mosbek, Elk River, Minn., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.382, -0.918
9) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '73 Firebird, F/SA, 11.257, -0.893
10) Carl Brimer, Arlington, Texas, '97 Camaro, C/FIA, 11.108, -0.892

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA South Central Division closes out 2003 season at Thunder Valley Raceway

NOBLE, Okla. - Thunder Valley Raceway will host the Thunder Valley Autumn Classic, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The event is the last of six on the South Central division schedule. Competitors in eight classes including Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will vie for a share of the $155,520 purse as well as points leading to national and divisional championships. The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series and the Kerker Motorcycle Series will be run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.

As the division's Lucas Oil season winds down, the TAD and TAFC division crowns are still up for grabs. In both classes, the defending champions, Lee Callaway of Channelview, Texas, and Tate Branch of Artesia, N.M., are leading the points but both drivers have opponents hot on their heels.

TAD pilot Callaway has a slim two-point lead over Shelly Howard. Both Callaway and Howard have made three final-round appearances this season. Callaway won in Baton Rouge, La., and at an out-of-division race in Scribner, Neb. He was runner-up in Memphis, Tenn. Howard, a registered nurse from Tulsa, Okla., won the division's last event in Belle Rose, La. The former division champ also took the win at the division's season opener in Houston and scored runner-up points at an out-of-division event in Denver.

In TAFC, Branch has 15 points on Jackie Stidham of Chickasha, Okla., but Stidham is on a hot streak having won the last two races he attended. Branch, who is after his third division title, won in Houston and at an out-of-division race in Topeka, Kan. He was runner-up at the division's last two races, in Baton Rouge and Belle Rose. But with five division titles to his owncredit, Stidham is no stranger to championship fights. This year, aside from the wins in Great Bend, Kan., an out-of-division affair, and in Belle Rose, he was runner-up in Dallas and in Scribner.

This is South Central division racers' last opportunity to earn points in their home division. However, they may still be eligible to go outside the region to earn points to bolster their standings.

The 16 top points earning Sportsman Motorcycle competitors from across the country also will be at Thunder Valley Raceway for the Kerker King of the Coast competition. The all-star invitational will pay the winner $1,000 and the runner-up will earn $500.

Gates at Thunder Valley Raceway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying begins Friday at 10 a.m. with Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying scheduled at 5 p.m. Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., while Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Top Sportsman racers are scheduled to run at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Sunday. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.

Tickets are $15 Friday, $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $45. All military personnel and students with valid ID receive a $5 discount each day. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Thunder Valley Raceway is located at 10500 S. 48th Street in Noble, Okla. From Interstate 35, take Highway 9E (exit 108A) east to Highway 77 and go south. Follow the signs to the track. For more information call the track, (403) 872-3429, or visit www.okthunder.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Thunder Valley Autumn Classic, 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 last of six in South Central Division competition. The division's Sunset Racing Engines Top Sportsman Series will also be run in conjunction with the event. Also, the top points earning Sportsman Motorcycle competitors from NHRA divisions across the country will compete in the Kerker King of the Coast to determine the best of the best.

WHERE: Thunder Valley Raceway, Noble, Okla. Track is located off Highway 77 South, south of Highway 9E. From I-35 take exit 108A (Hwy. 9E) east to Highway 77 and go south. Follow the signs to the track.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 3-5, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Thunder Valley Autumn Classic:

FRIDAY, Oct. 3 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualify at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman will qualify at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2 and 5 p.m. Kerker King of the Coast competitors will run eliminations throughout the day starting at 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 5 -- 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 -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A three-day ticket is $45. Military personnel and students with a valid ID receive a $5 discount. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Thunder Valley Raceway, (403) 872-3429.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $155,895, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Ed Schmeeckle, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Gasparrelli, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Robert Freeman, Comp Eliminator; Anthony Bertozzi, Super Stock; Ron Watson, Stock Eliminator; Jeremy Siffring, Super Comp; Frank Kohutek, Super Gas; Bryan Sandlin, 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 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 will share a bonus of $135,000.

SEALED POWER LOW QUALIFIER BONUS -- a $215,500 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 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.

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 have been invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. 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.

SUNSET RACING ENGINES TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships. The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,000 and the runner-up will get $500. Top Sportsman racers may run the six South Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or North Central 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.