FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHRA champions crowned at Great Bend

GREAT BEND, Kan. - For the first time in nearly 50 years, NHRA crowned nine champions at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' "Back to the Bend" event. Taking home top honors were Robert Perkins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Jackie Stidham in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Perkins recorded the first win of his career with a run of 5.759 seconds at 244.52 mph over number one qualifier Ed Schmeeckle running a 6.221, 226.28.

"This is unbelievable. To come to Great Bend with all the NHRA history and take home the win is just incredible" said Perkins. "After our crash in Topeka last year we thought we were done, but thanks to some great people and great sponsors, we were able to get back to where we are now."

Stidham from Chickasha, Okla., took his victory with on a holeshot, running a 6.089 at 234.94 mph to Cy Chesterman's quicker 6.078 at 236.75. Stidham's .053 second reaction time was the difference as he took a two-hundredths of a second lead right off the starting line.

"We've had some engine problems earlier this year but I think we've figured things out" commented Stidham. "We still have a few events left this year. Hopefully we can finish up the year with some more wins."

Wamego, Kan., racer Larry Piper took the win in Super Comp with a run of 9.049 seconds at 159.70 mph over Jon Freeborn with a 9.065, 167.28. Jason Novacek of Wichita, Kan., advanced to the final round in Super Stock before falling to Ricky Ray who put his '98 Firebird in the winner's circle with a pass of 9.448, 143.89.

Winners in other categories were Dean Carter in Comp. Eliminator; Jeffery Johnson in Stock; Clark Mundt in Super Gas; and Pata Winsler on Super Street.

The NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series ran in conjunction with this weekend's event with Delbert Ready of Houston, Texas, taking the win over Tracy Helmhold of Morrison, Colo.

The West Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, September 5-7.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round one
3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.692, 245.27 def. 
4) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.784, 243.37;

5) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 6.021, 216.69 def. 
2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.786, 245.23;

1) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.953, 242.71 def. 
6) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 5.977, 206.42;
 
Semifinals
Schmeeckle, 5.858, 242.76 was unopposed;
Perkins, 5.779, 236.75 def. Bowers, 5.876, 219.79;
 
Final
Perkins, 5.759, 244.52 def. Schmeeckle, 6.221, 226.28.
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round one
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, Pontiac Trans Am, 6.012, 239.65 def. 
7) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., Pontiac Firebird, 6.271, 201.37;

3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, Firebird, 6.068, 210.31 def. 
6) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., Chevy Camaro, 8.271, 114.98;

5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, Firebird, 6.169, 236.63 def. 
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, Camaro, 6.194, 231.08;

1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., Camaro, 6.048, 235.56 def. 
8) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., Firebird, 6.259, 231.24;
 
Semifinals
Chesterman, 6.062, 237.71 def. Moats, 6.012, 238.93;
Stidham, 6.059, 233.24 def. Williams, 6.130, 236.30;
 
Final
Stidham, 6.089, 234.94 def. Chesterman, 6.078, 236.75.
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Dragster, A/ND, 7.231, 183.37 def. 
Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Dragster, D/ED, 7.733, 170.88.
 
SUPER STOCK
Ricky Ray, Savannah, Mo., '98 Firebird, SS/BS, 9.448, 143.89 def. 
Jason Novacek, Wichita, Kan., '99 S-10, SS/TB, 10.022, 132.45.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jeffrey Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '71 Mustang, D/SA, 11.352, 117.36 def. 
Jay Tittle, Rapid City, S.D., '67 Fairlane, E/S, 11.486, 105.03.
 
SUPER COMP
Larry Piper, Wamego, Kan., Dragster, 9.049, 159.70 def. 
John Freeborn, Lynnville, Iowa, Dragster, 9.065, 167.28.
 
SUPER GAS
Clark Mundt, Longview, Texas, '63 Corvette, 10.144, 149.50 def. 
Justin Allen, Waco, Texas, '92 Firebird, 10.029, 149.95.
 
SUPER STREET
Pat Winsler, Belton, Mo., '68 Camaro, 11.068, 117.16 def. 
Frank Nichols Jr., Grand Island, Neb., '68 Camaro, 11.077, 134.40.
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Delbert Ready, Houston, '82 Kawasaki, 9.826, 134.69 def. 
Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., '98 Kawasaki, 10.139, 125.78.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fields set for eliminations at Great Bend

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In the final rounds of qualifying at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Jackie Stidham jumped to the top of the field and joined Ed Schmeeckle as the low qualifiers for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Back to the Bend event.

Stidham took advantage of a cooler racing surface as the sun went down, posting a time of 6.007 seconds at 235.72 mph for the number one spot. Cy Chesterman, the 2001 Funny Car West Central Division Champion, bettered his qualifying mark with a 6.009 second run at 239.82 mph and sits in the number two position.

Schmeeckle's qualifying run from Friday held up for the pole position in Top Alcohol Dragster with the Gothenburg, Neb., resident on top with a 5.679 second run at 248.57 mph. Lee Callaway narrowed the margin between Schmeeckle and himself with a run of 5.694 at 247.97. Callaway's best previous run was a 5.725 at 247.52.

In Comp Eliminator, it was Dean Carter with the low elapsed time at 7.229 in his '02 dragster. Buz Post held on to the number one spot in Super Stock with a run of 8.537 seconds and Iowa resident Keith Lynch is on top in Stock with a 10.668 second pass. The five low qualifiers will share the $3,500 Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus.

Tony Webster of Topeka, Kan., is qualified number one in the Kerker Motorcycle Series and is followed by Joe Herron of Fremont, Neb.

Jeremy Johnson of Jordan Minn. picked up a victory in today's Super Shootout over Butch Kleewein. Johnson's 11.064 second pass at 125.04 beat Kleewein's 10.071, 149.27. The Super Shootout is a race within a race for the Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street categories.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 8 a.m. Gates at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip open at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars run at noon. For more information call the track, (620) 792-5079.

The following are Sunday's pairing and final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.679 seconds, 248.57 mph
2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.694, 247.97
3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.703, 245.67
4) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.887, 241.24
5) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 5.917, 212.83
6) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 6.244, 224.96
 
First-round TAD pairings
1) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.679 seconds, 248.57 mph vs. 
6) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 6.244, 224.96

2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.694, 247.97 vs. 
5) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 5.917, 212.83

3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.703, 245.67 vs. 
4) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.887, 241.24

 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.007 seconds, 235.72 mph
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Trans Am, 6.009, 239.82
3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.012, 238.89
4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 6.197, 231.48
5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.203, 236.84
6) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '01 Camaro, 6.247, 233.12
7) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 6.395, 228.27
8) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '97 Firebird, 6.421, 229.16

Not Qualified
9) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.652, 210.83
10) Joe Percoco, Conifer, Colo., '98 Camaro, 6.817, 186.41
11) Ronald Rice, Oklahoma City, Okla., '96 Daytona, 20.569, 35.67
 
First-round TAFC pairings
1) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.007 seconds, 235.72 mph vs. 
8) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '97 Firebird, 6.421, 229.16

2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Trans Am, 6.009, 239.82 vs. 
7) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 6.395, 228.27

3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.012, 238.89 vs. 
6) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '01 Camaro, 6.247, 233.12

4) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 6.197, 231.48 vs. 
5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.203, 236.84
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Carter, A/ND, 7.229 seconds, -0.581 (under index)
2) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.974, -0.536
3) Mike Park, Pauls Valley, Okla., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.958, -0.482
4) Robert Freeman, Oklahoma City, Okla., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 8.257, -0.473
5) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.951, -0.459
6) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.654, -0.456
7) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.685, -0.445
8) Clint Neff, Westminster, Colo., Fritz, A/ED, 6.973, -0.427
9) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '01 Firebird, B/A, 7.508, -0.412
10) Cordis Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, F/SMA, 9.331, -0.409
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '01 Grand Am, SS/AM, 8.537 seconds, -1.223 (under index)
2) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/IA, 10.667, -1.093
3) Chad Guilford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/EA, 10.177, -1.013
4) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.560, -0.990
5) Michael Tueffel, Centenial, Colo., '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.960, -0.960
6) Ronald Parness, Conifer, Colo., '67 Chevy II, SS/HA, 10.191, -0.949
7) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 12.296, -0.944
8) Kip Martin, Phoenix, Ariz., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.872, -0.938
9) Ricky Ray, Savannah, Mo., '98 Firebird, SS/BS, 9.362, -0.908
10) Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., '56 Nomad, SS/NA, 11.829, -0.901
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Keith Lynch, Mt Ayr, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.668 seconds, -1.142 (under index)
2) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.920, -1.040
3) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 11.239, -1.031
4) Johnny Diekema, Wilton, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/S, 10.748, -1.012
5) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, E/SA, 11.263, -1.007
6) Steve Brack, Lawrence, Kan., '86 Camaro, E/FI, 11.792, -0.988
7) Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., '00 Dakota, DT/SA, 12.256, -0.984
8) Gene Mosbek, Elk River, Minn., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.574, -0.976
9) Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.863, -0.947
10) Marty Burke, Leonard, Texas, '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.873, -0.937
 
KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Suzuki Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
3) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.002
4) Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., '98 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.004
5) Delbert Ready, Houston, Texas, '82 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.005
6) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.005
7) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008
8) Brian Johnson, Burns Twp, Minn., '03 Suzuki, KMC, 0.011
9) Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, '83 Suzuki, KMC, 0.015
10) Eddie Glaze, Houston, Texas, '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA drag racing returns to Great Bend

GREAT BEND, Kan. - For the first time in nearly 50 years, the National Hot Rod Association returned to Great Bend for the West Central Division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. S.R.C.A. Dragstrip was the site of the first NHRA National Event back in 1955 where Calvin Rice of Santa Ana, Calif., became the first ever NHRA National Champion.

In the first rounds of qualifying for this weekend's "Back to the Bend" event, Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Ed Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, Neb. grabbed the top spot with a run of 5.679 seconds at 248.57 mph.

"The track is really good," commented Schmeeckle. "Even with this heat, the track held, and the car ran good. We came out here earlier this year for some testing. We ran a 5.40 (seconds) then, so I knew we'd do well here. I've been looking forward to this weekend."

Schmeeckle is followed by Lee Callaway of Channelview, Texas with a pass of 5.725 at 247.52 mph.

Veteran racer Cy Chesterman put his Coca-Cola entry on top of the Top Alcohol Funny Car field with a run of 6.094 seconds at 236.30 mph. Chickasha, Okla., resident Jackie Stidham ran a 6.147 at 229.90 mph to put him in the number two spot.

Dean Carter out of Glendale, Ariz., took the top spot in Comp. Eliminator with a run of 7.229 seconds while Buz Post of Arlington, Texas put his '01 Grand Am on top with a 8.604 second pass, and Keith Lynch qualified number one in Stock with his '70 Nova at 10.668 seconds.

Tony Webster of Topeka, Kan., landed on top of the Kerker Motorcycle Series riding a '93 Kawasaki.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 9 a.m. Gates at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information call the track, (620) 792-5079

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.679 seconds, 248.57 mph
2) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.725, 247.52
3) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.843, 227.38
4) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 5.950, 237.88
5) Mike Bowers, Plano, Texas, 6.024, 209.26
6) Chris Ricketts, N. Kansas City, Mo., 6.244, 224.96
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 6.094 seconds, 236.30 mph
2) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.147, 229.90
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 6.203, 236.84
4) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '01 Camaro, 6.247, 233.12
5) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.301, 225.03
6) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '97 Firebird, 6.462, 227.92
7) Thomas Frickenschmidt, Lockwood, Mo., '00 Firebird, 6.466, 187.36
8) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '00 Avenger, 6.652, 210.83

Not Qualified
9) Joe Percoco, Conifer, Colo., '98 Camaro, 8.267, 101.82
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Carter, A/ND, 7.229 seconds, -0.581 (under index)
2) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.974, -0.536
3) Mike Park, Pauls Valley, Okla., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.958, -0.482
4) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '33 Ford, C/SR, 8.961, -0.449
5) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., Spitzer, D/ED, 7.685, -0.445
6) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.673, -0.437
7) Clint Neff, Westminster, Colo., Fritz, A/ED, 6.973, -0.427
8) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '01 Camaro, D/AA, 8.080, -0.400
9) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '03 Sunfire, A/SMA, 8.458, -0.392
10) Tom Snyder, Longmont, Colo., '23 Roadster, A/A, 6.994, -0.346
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '01 Grand Am, SS/AM, 8.604 seconds, -1.156 (under index)
2) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/IA, 10.676, -1.084
3) Chad Guilford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/EA, 10.194, -0.996
4) Tyler Cassil, Belton, Mo., '66 Nova, SS/K, 10.570, -0.980
5) Kip Martin, Phoenix, Ariz., '64 Mustang, SS/L, 10.872, -0.938
6) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 Bel Air, SS/PA, 12.371, -0.869
7) Bill Ringer, Longmont, Colo., '70 Barracuda, SS/FA, 10.130, -0.860
8) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '98 Avenger, GT/FA, 10.509, -0.841
9) Ricky Ray, Savannah, Mo., '98 Firebird, SS/BS, 9.429, -0.841
10) Pete Peery, Bowie, Texas, '91 Calais, GT/CA, 10.112, -0.828
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Keith Lynch, Mt Ayr, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.668 seconds, -1.142 (under index)
2) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Plymouth, E/SA, 11.239, -1.031
3) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, E/SA, 11.263, -1.007
4) Steve Brack, Lawrence, Kan., '86 Camaro, E/FI, 11.792, -0.988
5) Gene Mosbek, Elk River, Minn., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.574, -0.976
6) Stuart Goertzen, Buhler, Kan., '67 Cougar, E/S, 11.291, -0.929
7) Darell Wikle, Wichita, Kan., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.623, -0.927
8) Bob Ruther, Yutan, Neb., '69 Camaro, J/S, 12.010, -0.920
9) Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., '00 Dakota, DT/SA, 12.321, -0.919
10) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 11.083, -0.877
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Tony Webster, Topeka, Kan., '93 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Suzuki Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.002
3) Tracy Helmhold, Morrison, Colo., '98 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.004
4) Delbert Ready, Houston, Texas, '82 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.005
5) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '79 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.007
6) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '86 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008
7) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.009
8) Brian Johnson, Burns Twp, Minn., '03 Suzuki, KMC, 0.011
9) Eddie Glaze, Houston, Texas, '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.016
10) Lisa Bennett, Plano, Texas, '84 Suzuki, KMC, 0.025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It's 'Back to the Bend' for NHRA Lucas Oil competitors

GREAT BEND, Kan. - NHRA championship drag racing will return to Great Bend, Kan., for the first time since 1955 when S.R.C.A. Dragstrip hosts a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Aug. 22-24. The "Back to the Bend" event will feature more than 450 cars in eight categories, including 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Cars (TAFC), racing for points leading to divisional and national championships. The event is the fifth of six in NHRA West Central division competition.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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 S.R.C.A. Dragstrip open at 9 a.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. Sunday. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 10 a.m. and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying pass on Friday at 7 p.m., and two runs Saturday, at 4 and 7 p.m. Eliminations in all classes start Sunday at 8 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

Tickets for the "Back to the Bend" event are $10 Friday and $15 each Saturday and Sunday. A three-day pass is $35 and children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. A free pit pass is included with admission.

S.R.C.A. Dragstrip is located at 455 W. Barton County Road; 2½ miles west of Great Bend on the old Air Force base. For more information call the track, (785) 483-1980, or visit www.srcadragstrip.com.

The last stop on the West Central division schedule is at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, Sept. 5-7.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Back to the Bend hosted by S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The event is the fifth of six in West Central Division competition. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, Great Bend, Kan. Track is located at 455 W. Barton County Rd.; 2½ miles west of Great Bend on the old Air Force base.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 22-24, 2003

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

FRIDAY, Aug. 22 -- Gates open at 9 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 23 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 24 -- 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 -- $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, $15 Sunday. A three-day pass is $35. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, (785) 483-1980.

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: This is S.R.C.A. Dragstrip's first year hosting an NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.

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 $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 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 450 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.