FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chesterman clinches division, Schmeeckle celebrates birthday

EARLVILLE, Iowa - Cy Chesterman clinched his second NHRA West Central Division Top Alcohol Funny Car Championship and Ed Schmeeckle celebrated his 60th birthday with a win in Top Alcohol Dragster at this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Winnebago Industries at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa.

Chesterman grabbed his third win of the year with a final round win over Kirk Williams with a pass of 6.635 seconds at 148.80 mph. The Coca-Cola entry lost traction at half-track but Williams left early, creating a red-light start, handing the win to Chesterman.

Schmeeckle celebrated a trip to winner's circle and his birthday as he took out number one qualifier and national points leader Alan Bradshaw with a run of 5.719 seconds at 249.58 mph. Bradshaw ran quicker in rounds one and two but slowed to a 6.042 in the final.

Local dragster pilot Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa lost in the semi-finals to Bradshaw with a run of 5.701 at 250.41 mph to Bradshaw's quicker 5.602, 245.23.

Jeff Stealy took out Blue Grass, Iowa resident Stephanie Diekema with a run of 10.777 at 103.47 mph to Diekema's 11.883, 95.50 to win the Super Stock class while Tom Schmidt drove his '33 Ford to a win over Doug Engels in Comp Eliminator and Daryl Bureski won in Stock.

Milt Gedo captured his second win of the year in Super Comp, Robert Trace of New Richmond, Ohio won in Super Gas, and Corey Bentley rounded out the super categories with a win in Super Street.

Tracy Helmold of Morrison, Colo., took the win in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series over Ceder Rapids, Iowa resident David Primrose. Helmhold's '98 Kawasaki covered the quarter-mile in 9.921 seconds at 129.73 mph.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Tri-State Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
ROUND ONE
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.657, 253.80 def. 
4) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 8.660, 102.76

7) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.723, 251.32 def. 
2) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 15.537, 60.82

1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.535, 245.03 def. 
8) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 6.209, 208.81

3) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.589, 255.10 def.
 6) William Zivkovich, Litchfield, Minn., 5.814, 247.04
 
Semifinals
Schmeeckle, 5.658, 241.54 def. Mass, 5.752, 250.34;
Bradshaw, 5.602, 245.23 def. Putz, 5.701, 250.41;
 
Final
Schmeeckle, 5.719, 249.58 def. Bradshaw, 6.042, 232.43.
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND ONE
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, Pontiac Trans Am, 5.781, 252.88 def. 
8) Raymond Drew, Milwaukee, Wis., Ford Mustang, broke

7) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., Chevy Camaro, 6.212, 235.35 def. 
2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, Pontiac Firebird, 9.418, 74.08

3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, Firebird, 6.009, 247.86 def.
6) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., Firebird, 6.253, 226.87

4) Wayne Butler, Manito, Ill., Firebird, 6.165, 193.21 def. 
5) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., Firebird, 6.174, 237.84
 
Semifinals
Chesterman, 5.863, 252.38 def. Butler, 6.065, 230.17;
Williams, 5.894, 250.20 def. Jones, 6.223, 233.28;
 
Final
Chesterman, 6.635, 148.80 def. Williams, foul.
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.757, 149.42 def. Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Dragster, D/ED, 9.804, 89.51.
 
SUPER STOCK
Jeff Stealy, E. Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, GT/EA, 10.777, 103.47 def. Stephanie Diekema, Blue Grass, Iowa, '68 Chevelle, SS/LA, 11.883, 95.50.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Daryl Bureski, Elgin, Ill., '70 Cutlass, F/SA, 11.736, 111.89 def. Kevin Zaskowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., '68 Camaro, E/SA, 11.167, 117.24.
 
SUPER COMP
Milton Gedo, Lakewood, Colo., Dragster, 8.950, 154.47 def. Charles Siegler, Villa Park, Ill., Dragster, 8.923, 160.54.
 
SUPER GAS
Robert Trace, New Richmond, Ohio, '97 Cavalier, 9.912, 145.13 def. Charles Siegler, Villa Park, Ill., '34 Roadster, 9.927, 143.58.
 
SUPER STREET
Corey Bentley, Fremont, Neb., '69 Chevy , 10.909, 125.24 def. Steve Mesik, Plainwell, Mich., '67 Nova, 10.934, 110.33.
 
KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., '98 Kawasaki, 9.921, 129.73 def. David Primrose, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '96 Kawasaki, 9.251, 134.79.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set for eliminations at Tri-State Raceway

EARVILLE, Iowa - In the final rounds of qualifying at Tri-State Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Alan Bradshaw lowered his number one qualifying time to 5.365 seconds at 257.36 mph. This weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Winnebago Industries marks the final event in the NHRA West Central Division.

"We came out to Earlville cause we wanted the NHRA West Central Division Championship," said Bradshaw. "We're down eleven points to (David) Wells. We won the championship last year and aren't about to give it up."

"The plan for tomorrow is to concentrate on each run, pick them off one at a time. The weather is cooperating (85 degrees) and the track is great. The track and NHRA officials have done a great job."

Bradshaw is followed by Bruce Bowler in the number two spot with a 5.431 at 257.95, while Earlville, Iowa, resident Richard Putz sits fifth in the eight-car field.

Cy Chesterman is qualified on top of the Top Alcohol Funny Car field and is looking for his third win of the season and his ninth final round appearance. Chesterman picked up wins earlier this year in Brainerd, Minn., and Scribner, Neb.

Vern Moats follows Chesterman in the second spot with a 5.814-second lap at 247.66 mph and Glenwood, Iowa, resident Kirk Williams is in third with a 5.848, 250.97.

Clint Sallee of Glendive, Mont., qualified on top of the Comp. Eliminator field while Jerry Ryan and Gary Gokey grabbed the top spots in Super Stock and Stock respectively. The five competitors will share the $3,500 Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus.

Waterloo, Iowa, residents Tim Ketels and Jack Briner are eighth and ninth in Stock with runs of 11.451 and 11.456 seconds.

Running in conjunction with this weekend's event is the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series with Joe Herron qualified on top with his '81 Suzuki and a perfect 0.000 second reaction time.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates at Tri-State Raceway open at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars run at noon. For more information call the track, (563) 923-3724.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Tri-State Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.365 seconds, 257.36 mph 
2) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.431, 257.95 
3) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.521, 256.99 
4) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.556, 249.30 
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.574, 256.62 
6) William Zivkovich, Litchfield, Minn., 5.680, 254.30 
7) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.688, 251.46 
8) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.749, 236.03 

Not Qualified 
9) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.785, 214.08 
10) Klaus Zimmer, Wildwood, Ill., 6.494, 212.76 

First-round TAD pairings 
1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.365 seconds, 257.36 mph vs. 
8) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind.,  5.749, 236.03 

2) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.431, 257.95 vs. 
7) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.688, 251.46 

3) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.521, 256.99 vs. 
6) William Zivkovich, Litchfield, Minn.,  5.680, 254.30 

4) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.556, 249.30 vs. 
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.574, 256.62 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Trans Am, 5.763 seconds, 253.73 mph 
2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.814, 247.66 
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.848, 250.97 
4) Wayne Butler, Manito, Ill., '99 Firebird, 6.040, 230.71 
5) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '97 Firebird, 6.040, 228.19 
6) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '00 Firebird, 6.173, 229.88 
7) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Camaro, 6.285, 237.90 
8) Raymond Drew, Milwaukee, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.294, 229.12 

Not Qualified 
9) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.399, 229.00 
10) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.652, 187.42 
11) Larry Bakke, Madison, Wis., '01 Firebird, 9.971, 92.53 

First-round TAFC pairings 
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Trans Am, 5.763 seconds, 253.73 mph vs. 
8) Raymond Drew,  Milwaukee, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.294, 229.12 

2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.814, 247.66 vs. 
7) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque,  N.M., '02 Camaro, 6.285, 237.90 

3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.848, 250.97 vs. 
6) David Kovar, New Lenox,  Ill., '00 Firebird, 6.173, 229.88 

4) Wayne Butler, Manito, Ill., '99 Firebird, 6.040, 230.71 vs. 
5) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg,  Man., '97 Firebird, 6.040, 228.19 

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR 
1) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.826 seconds, -0.574 (under index) 
2) Doug Kjono, Grand Forks, N.D., Fritz, F/D, 8.204, -0.566 
3) Robert Book, Frankfort, Ill., Dragster, A/D, 6.545, -0.565 
4) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.709, -0.561 
5) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.467, -0.543 
6) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., Herndon, F/ED, 8.463, -0.527 
7) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., McKinney, D/D, 7.308, -0.522 
8) Jeffrey Miller, Pearland, Texas, '99 Grand Am, C/SMA, 8.483, -0.517 
9) Larry Larson, Oak Grove, Mo., '98 Camaro, B/A, 7.306, -0.494 
10) William Riemenapp, Lacrosse, Wis., '99 Firebird, C/EA, 8.382, -0.458 

SUPER STOCK 
1) Jerry Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.303 seconds, -1.147 (under index) 
2) James Weakland, Morrison, Colo., '68 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.714, -1.136 
3) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.186, -1.114 
4) Carroll Warling, Arvada, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.044, -1.106 
5) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 11.894, -1.056 
6) Brent Voges, Defiance, Mo., '91 Calais, GT/GA, 10.187, -1.013 
7) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.713, -0.987 
8) Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., '56 Nomad, SS/NA, 11.479, -0.971 
9) Randy Quam, Eagan, Minn., '96 Achieva, SS/BS, 9.092, -0.958 
10) William DeVore, Rock Island, Ill., '85 Camaro, GT/H, 10.196, -0.954 

STOCK ELIMINATOR 
1) Gary Gokey, Denver, Colo., '86 Omni, BF/S, 13.304 seconds, -1.846 (under index) 
2) Jerry Stealy, E Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.090, -1.360 
3) Darwin Hardy, Muskegon, Mich., '84 LaSabre, U/SA, 13.962, -1.188 
4) Larry Hill, Hickory, Ky., '79 Dodge, I/SA, 11.428, -1.172 
5) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 10.835, -1.165 
6) Richard Myers, Faribault, Minn., '65 Belvedere, U/SA, 13.997, -1.153 
7) Larry Hodge, LaPlace, Ill., '75 Skylark, K/FIA, 13.999, -1.151 
8) Tim Ketels, Waterloo, Iowa, '69 Nova, I/SA, 11.451, -1.149 
9) Jack Briner, Waterloo, Iowa, '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.456, -1.144 
10) Jim Kramer, Waverly, Iowa, '67 Mustang, D/SA, 10.714, -1.136 

KERKER MOTORCYCLE 
1) Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time 
2) David Primrose, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '96 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.002 
3) Robert Cooper, Plattsmouth, Neb., '80 Suzuki, KMC, 0.003 
4) Tim Pazour, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008 
5) Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '00 Polaris, KMC, 0.010 
6) Donnie Durenberger, Dayton, Minn., '93 Suzuki, KMC, 0.011 
7) Jeff Lanoue, Zimmerman, Minn., '00 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.013 
8) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.019 
9) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.020 
10) Larry Christianson, Vinton, Iowa, '91 Suzuki, KMC, 0.021 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bradshaw gives up Indy to chase points

EARLVILLE, Iowa - In the first rounds of qualifying at Tri-State Raceway, Alan Bradshaw in Top Alcohol Dragster and Cy Chesterman in Top Alcohol Funny Car are leading the fields.

Dragster pilot Bradshaw, of Odessa, Texas, made a 5.435-second, 250.41 mph run to put him ahead of his competitors. Bradshaw currently leads the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol national points chase which is based off both national and divisional events, but sits in second in the NHRA West Central Division points chase. Divisional standings are based solely from divisional events.

Bradshaw opted to withdraw from the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals which were rescheduled for this weekend after sever weather caused the postponement of last weekend's originally scheduled event. Bradshaw, who was qualified third in Indy, looks to over take David Wells in the division points in the race. Bradshaw trails Wells by just 11 points for the division.

Wells, taking a different approached to the points chase, forfeited this weekend's final West Central Division event at Tri-State Raceway in order to finish out the U.S. National in Indianapolis, Ind. Wells is currently fourth in national points and looks to move up in the national standing by remaining in Indianapolis. Wells can pick up additional divisional points by attending out of division events later this season, while this will be Bradshaw's last chance to gain points toward the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Divisional Championship.

Wells is followed by Ed Schmeeckle at Tri-State Raceway with a run of 5.521 seconds at 256.99 mph.

Local racer Richard Putz of Earville, Iowa sits in the 6th spot, posting a time of 5.728 at 256.62 mph.

Cy Chesterman of Sioux City, Iowa, qualified his Coca-Cola Top Alcohol Funny Car entry on top with a 5.791 second pass at 252.38 mph. Chesterman looks to wrap up the West Central Division Championship this weekend as he currently leads Kirk Williams who is qualified fourth and Vern Moats who sits in the number two qualified position with a run of 5.814, at 247.66. Chesterman leads Williams by 95 points and Moats, by an additional 66 points in the division.

Doug Kjono of Grand Forks, N.D. grabbed the top spot in Comp. Eliminator with a run of 8.204, Jerry Ryan is number one in Super Stock at 11.306 in his '88 Cutlass, and Gary Gokey leads the Stock class at 13.401 seconds. Tim Ketels of Waterloo, Iowa, is qualified seventh in Stock.

Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., is qualified number one in the Kerker Motorcycle Series on his '81 Suzuki.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 8 a.m. Gates at Tri-State Raceway open at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information call the track, (563) 923-3724.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.435 seconds, 250.41 mph
2) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.521, 256.99
3) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.618, 237.46
4) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.627, 243.30
5) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.688, 231.18
6) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.728, 256.62
7) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.749, 236.03
8) Klaus Zimmer, Wildwood, Ill., 6.494, 212.76

Not Qualified
9) William Zivkovich, Litchfield, Minn., 6.664, 193.92
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Trans Am, 5.791 seconds, 252.38 mph
2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 5.814, 247.66
3) Kevin Richardson, Winnipeg, Manit., '97 Firebird, 6.140, 228.19
4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.237, 244.03
5) Gage Chaffee, Big Lake, Minn., '02 Corvette, 6.399, 229.00
6) Raymond Drew, Milwaukee, Wis., '98 Mustang, 6.713, 266.07
7) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '00 Firebird, 7.956, 111.34
8) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Camaro, 8.394, 110.25

Not Qualified
9) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 8.495, 131.73
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Doug Kjono, Grand Forks, N.D., Fritz, F/D, 8.204 seconds, -0.566 (under index)
2) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.709, -0.561
3) Robert Book, Frankfort, Ill., Dragster, A/D, 6.560, -0.550
4) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.852, -0.548
5) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.474, -0.536
6) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., McKinney, D/D, 7.308, -0.522
7) Jeffrey Miller, Pearland, Texas, '99 Grand Am, C/SMA, 8.483, -0.517
8) Larry Larson, Oak Grove, Mo., '98 Camaro, B/A, 7.313, -0.487
9) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., Herndon, F/ED, 8.522, -0.468
10) J.R. Lobner, DeSoto, Kan., '97 Cutlass, D/EA, 8.566, -0.454
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Jerry Ryan, Aberdeen, S.D., '88 Cutlass, SS/NA, 11.306 seconds, -1.144 (under index)
2) James Weakland, Morrison, Colo., '68 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.714, -1.136
3) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.186, -1.114
4) Carroll Warling, Arvada, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.044, -1.106
5) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 11.925, -1.025
6) Brent Voges, Defiance, Mo., '91 Calais, GT/GA, 10.187, -1.013
7) Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., '56 Nomad, SS/NA, 11.479, -0.971
8) Randy Quam, Eagan, Minn., '96 Achieva, SS/BS, 9.097, -0.953
9) Ricky Ray, Savannah, Mo., '98 Firebird, SS/BS, 9.103, -0.947
10) Donald Duke, Indianola, Iowa, '66 Nova, SS/H, 9.868, -0.932
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Gary Gokey, Denver, Colo., '86 Omni, BF/S, 13.401 seconds, -1.749 (under index)
2) Jerry Stealy, E Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, H/SA, 11.116, -1.334
3) Larry Hill, Hickory, Ky., '79 Dodge, I/SA, 11.428, -1.172
4) Darwin Hardy, Muskegon, Mich., '84 LaSabre, U/SA, 13.986, -1.164
5) Richard Myers, Faribault, Minn., '65 Belvedere, U/SA, 13.997, -1.153
6) Larry Hodge, LaPlace, Ill., '75 Skylark, K/FIA, 13.999, -1.151
7) Tim Ketels, Waterloo, Iowa, '69 Nova, I/SA, 11.451, -1.149
8) Bill Rink Jr, Naperville, Ill., '74 GTO, J/SA, 11.630, -1.120
9) Lawrence Line, Wright, Minn., '85 Monte Carlo, K/SA, 11.839, -1.111
10) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 10.890, -1.110
 
KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) David Primrose, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '96 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.002
3) Tim Pazour, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008
4) Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '00 Polaris, KMC, 0.010
5) Donnie Durenberger, Dayton, Minn., '93 Suzuki, KMC, 0.011
6) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.019
7) Larry Christianson, Vinton, Iowa, '91 Suzuki, KMC, 0.021
8) Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., '98 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.023
9) Robert Cooper, Plattsmouth, Neb., '80 Suzuki, KMC, 0.034
10) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tri-State Raceway to host NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series

EARLVILLE, Iowa - The final round of the NHRA West Central division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will be held at Tri-State Raceway, September 5-7. Drivers in eight categories, including the powerful Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, will earn points leading to divisional and national championships. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

In Top Alcohol Dragster competition, two racers are battling it out for the division title while in Top Alcohol Funny Car there are four drivers still in the hunt for the crown.

Defending division TAD champion Alan Bradshaw and former division champ David Wells have traded the points lead throughout the season. Bradshaw, a resident of Odessa, Texas, won an out-of-division race in Dallas and then won the division's season opener in Topeka, Kan. He also has two semifinal round appearances and two losses in the opening round and in Scribner, Neb., he failed to make the eight-car fields. Bradshaw's nemesis, LeMars, Iowa, resident Wells, won an out-of-division meet in Joliet, Ill., and was runner-up at the division's race in Brainerd, Minn., and in Scribner. Wells also made it to the semis twice and suffered a first round loss.

In TAFC, Kirk Williams is trying to defend his division title against former division champs Cy Chesterman and Vern Moats. Division newcomer Dale Brand could also make a move for the crown.

Williams has finished better at every race he's attended this season until Scribner. After losing in the first round in Joliet, he went to the semifinals in Topeka. Then, the Glenwood, Iowa, resident was runner-up in Brainerd and made his first trip to the winner's circle in Denver. In Scribner, he suffered another first round loss.

Chesterman, of Sioux City, Iowa, was runner-up in Topeka and beat Williams in Brainerd. At the next race in Denver the tables were turned and Chesterman was runner-up. He took the win in Scribner.

With 15 division titles to his credit, Moats has more than any other racer in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The best performances for the veteran racer out of Des Moines, Iowa, have been in Joliet and Denver where he went to the semis. Although Moats suffered a series of first-round losses in between, if he does well in the final stretch, he could add to his cache of division titles.

Sully, Iowa, racer Brand is a former IHRA competitor who is running in the NHRA's West Central division this year. He has made it to the semis in all four races he's attended including two out-of-division meets, in Joliet and in Stanton, Mich. He was also in Brainerd and Denver.

Gates at Tri-State Raceway open at 8 a.m. on Friday, and at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Eliminations will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will qualify at 5 p.m. on Friday and will have two sessions on Saturday, at noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes begin at noon on Sunday.

Tickets to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Winnebago Industries are $15 for Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $35 and a three-day ticket is $45. Children 7-12 are $5 each day and children under 6 are free.

Tri-State Raceway is located 30 miles west of Dubuque on Highway 20 at exit 285, on the south side of the highway. For more information call the track, (563) 923-3724, or visit www.TriStateRaceway.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Winnebago Industries, 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 West Central Division competition. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Tri-State Raceway, Earlville, Iowa. Track is located 30 miles west of Dubuque on Hwy. 20 at exit 285. Tri-State Raceway is on the south side of the highway.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, September 5-7, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series presented by Winnebago Industries:

FRIDAY, Sept. 5 -- 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. 6 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 7 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A Saturday/Sunday ticket is $35 and a three-day ticket is $45. Children 7-12 are $5 each day and kids 6 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Tri-State Raceway, (563) 923-3724.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $152,705, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Lee Callaway, Top Alcohol Dragster; Kirk Williams, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Doug Engels, Comp Eliminator; Brent Voges, Super Stock; Scott Dugdale, Stock Eliminator; Jim Hughes, Super Comp; Scott Zimmerman, Super Gas; Steve Domingues, 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 2004 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 2003, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Okla.. 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.