FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cofini and Austin earn wins at Mission

MISSION, B.C. - Racing concluded at the rain-delayed Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals with Michael Cofini and Bucky Austin earning wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Almost two-tenths of a second slower than the number one qualifier, the odds were against Cofini as he headed into eliminations qualified seventh. Competing in eight events last year, the Spokane, Wash., did not have an event win as he finished the season with one final round, three semifinal, and four first round losses.

After defeating Mission, B.C., resident Paul Julien in round one, Cofini went on to defeat last year's Northwest Division champion Brandon Johnson in the semifinal with his career best time at Mission Raceway Park, 5.518-second, 254.81 mph. In the final, Cofini bettered his previous pass, posting a time of 5.512-second, 255.03 mph, to defeat Duane Shields of Las Vegas, Nev., who finished number two in the national points standings last year.

Compared to Cofini, Austin coasted through eliminations. After defeating the Abbotsford, B.C., based Grotek Top Alcohol Funny Car team driven by John Evanchuk in round one of competition, the Fife, Wash., resident enjoyed a bye in the semifinals and was uncontested in the final after David Germain's Top Alcohol Funny Car had mechanical problems at the starting line. With the win, Austin earned his second win this year in three final round appearances.

Winners in other racing categories are Jeff Lane of North Bend, Wash., in Comp; Sean Cour of Brush Prairie, Wash., in Super Stock; Michael Lewis of Sumner, Wash., in Stock; Anthony Castillo of Grandview, Wash., in Super Comp; Mike Ferderer of Buckley, Wash., in Super Gas; Tom Manfred of Liberty Lake, Wash., in Super Street; and Todd Hoerner of Deer Park, Wash., in Top Comp.

David LeBlanc of Coquitlam, B.C., also earned a win in Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series and Brad Plourd earned a win in Super Pro.

Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series makes its next stop at Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore., June 6-8, in Woodburn, Ore., but will return to Mission Raceway Park, August 22-24. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are final round results from the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.479 seconds, 251.60 mph def. 
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., broke

7) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.534, 254.30 def. 
2) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.688, 245.09

3) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.577, 255.60 def. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 8.560, 90.38

4) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.480, 261.78 def. 
5) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.613, 246.91

Semifinals
Cofini, 5.518, 254.81 def. Johnson, 6.848, 135.54
Shields, 5.559, 261.02 def. Hentges, 5.580, 248.07

Final
Cofini, 5.512, 255.03 def. Shields, 5.540, 260.94

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.730, 252.59 def. 
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 5.987, 238.71

5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 5.989, 239.61 def. 

2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, broke
3) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 6.040, 241.15 def. 
4) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '98 Oldsmobile, broke

Semifinals
Austin, 5.925, 244.10 vs. bye
Germain, 6.147, 232.37 def. Bateman, 6.667, 241.41

Final
Austin, 7.501, 124.12 def. Germain, broke

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '95 Oldsmobile, F/AA, 8.326 seconds, 160.59 mph def. Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Oldsmobile, E/SMA, 8.814, 149.62

SUPER STOCK
Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.134, 117.27 def. Raymond Grossmith, Saanichton, B.C., '90 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.897, 135.60

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Michael Lewis, Sumner, Wash., '86 Camaro, 11.911, 110.28 def. Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.626, 125.38

SUPER COMP
Anthony Castillo, Grandview, Wash., '01 Mullis, 8.908, 172.94 def. Ken Peplinski, Veradale, Wash., '91 Probe, 8.872, 163.48

SUPER GAS
Mike Ferderer, Buckley, Wash., '03 Firebird, 9.909, 167.66 def. Kenneth Heard, Ridgefield, Wash., '86 Mustang, 9.864, 142.54

SUPER STREET
Tom Manfred, Liberty Lake, Wash., '81 Mustang, 10.894, 141.77 def. Jim Buell, Federal Way, Wash., '68 Camaro, 10.869, 130.00

TOP COMP
Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.327, 189.07 def. Mike Seekins, Burien, Wash., '98 Mullis, 7.616, 171.59

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
David LeBlanc, Coquitlam, B.C., '84 Kawasaki, 9.825, 129.06 def. Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, 8.642, 149.32

SUPER PRO
Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '64 Corvette, 11.819, 104.85 def. Ron MacKenzie, Vancouver, B.C., '74 Vega, 11.094, 133.51

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hentges and Austin top qualifiers heading into eliminations

MISSION, B.C. - Mark Hentges and Bucky Austin will head into Sunday's eliminations as the top qualifiers in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car as time trials and qualifying concluded at the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals at Mission Raceway Park.

Hentges of Federal Way, Wash., was qualified eleventh after Friday, but made a 5.413-second, 263.38-mph pass on Saturday to take over as the top qualifier. Eight of the 12 Top Alcohol Dragsters including Hentges were able to better their qualifying times during Saturday's first session, and times could have been even better by the end of Saturday had the second session not been canceled due to rain.

"After seeing how everyone ran yesterday, we knew we had to run quicker than a 5.55 to be competitive this weekend," said Joey Severance, driver of the Severance Racing Top Alcohol Dragster. "If the last session didn't rain out, times would have been even better."

Severance improved his standings as well with a 5.414-second run to move into number two, just .001-second behind Hentges. Unfortunately engine problems will sideline the Severance Racing team; Paul Julien of Mission, B.C., will fill his spot in eliminations tomorrow.

Fife, Wash., resident Austin, made a 5.623-second, 251.46-mph run on Saturday, resulting in a qualifying time of at least .301-seconds quicker than any other Top Alcohol Funny Car this weekend.

"There's two classes of Funny Cars: Bucky and then the rest of us," said Roger Bateman, driver of the Bateman & Reynolds Top Alcohol Funny Car. "Right at this moment, he's head and shoulders above the rest."

Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; John Gallina of Henderson, Nev., in Super Stock; Mike Loge of Antioch, Calif., in Stock; and Mike Scott in Sportsman Motorcycle competition of the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series remain the top qualifiers in their respective classes. Shawn Cowie of Richmond, B.C., is the new top qualifier in Top Comp.

Gates open Sunday at 7 a.m. and eliminations for the final day of competition at the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals, race two of seven in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will begin at 8 a.m. Round one of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled for noon. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are final qualifying results and first round pairings in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car from the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.413 seconds, 263.38 mph
2) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.414, 261.85
3) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.453, 258.10
4) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.480, 243.37
5) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.542, 252.80
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.563, 257.58
7) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.603, 251.95
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.660, 243.63

Not Qualified
9) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.661, 249.10
10) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.739, 251.88
11) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.801, 253.80
12) Bob Meek, Calgary, Alta., 5.918, 228.31

Sunday's TAD Pairings
1) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.413 seconds, 263.38 mph vs. 
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.660, 243.63

2) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.414, 261.85 vs. 
7) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.603, 251.95

3) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.453, 258.10 vs. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.563, 257.58

4) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.480, 243.37 vs. 
5) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.542, 252.80

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.623 seconds, 251.46 mph
2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.924, 244.96
3) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.938, 246.57
4) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '98 Oldsmobile, 5.988, 213.67
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.055, 230.59
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.259, 234.74

Sunday's TAFC Pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.623 seconds, 251.46 mph vs. 
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.259, 234.74

2) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.924, 244.96 vs. 
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.055, 230.59

3) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.938, 246.57 vs. 
4) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '98 Oldsmobile, 5.988, 213.67

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-Ford, AA/AM, 6.496 seconds, -0.714 under index
2) Phil Cocuzza, Acton, Calif., '02 Cavalier, B/EA, 7.831, -0.699
3) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Oldsmobile, A/ND, 7.060, -0.680
4) Rick Distefano, Calgary, Atla., '53 Corvette, AA/PM, 6.253, -0.647
5) Doug Lambeck, Corona Del Mar, Calif., '03 Sunfire, D/SMA, 8.710, -0.640
6) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Oldsmobile, E/SMA, 8.798, -0.622
7) Rick Dingle, Olympia, Wash., Dragster-Chevy, C/ED, 7.394, -0.616
8) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.629, -0.611
9) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.743, -0.597
10) Jeff Gillette, Benicia, Calif., Frameworks, B/ED, 6.958, -0.552

SUPER STOCK
1) John Gallina, Henderson, Nev., '87 Grand National, SS/DX, 7.989 seconds, -1.511 under index
2) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.681, -1.319
3) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.735, -1.265
4) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.788, -1.212
5) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.675, -1.175
6) Bob Mazzolini, Grants Pass, Ore., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.332, -1.168
7) Allyn Lee, Red Deer Alta., '68 Barracuda, SS/A, 8.806, -1.144
8) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 9.993, -1.107
9) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alta., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.721, -1.079
10) Jeff Lane, N. Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.881, -1.069

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Mike Loge, Antioch, Calif., '72 Duster, H/SA, 11.110 seconds, -1.340 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.669, -1.281
3) Randy Hutchings, Calgary, Alta., '81 Dodge, ET/SA, 11.878, -1.272
4) Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.450, -1.250
5) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.461, -1.239
6) Jim Waldo, Richland, Wash., '02 Firebird, B/FI, 10.468, -1.182
7) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.541, -1.159
8) Shawn Kvaas, Pitt Meadows, B.C., '78 Trans Am, K/SA, 11.804, -1.146
9) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.670, -1.080
10) Janis Leatherman Moses Lake, Wash., '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.588, -1.012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johnson and Austin top qualifiers at Mission

MISSION, B.C. - Time trials and qualifying kicked off at the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals with Brandon Johnson and Bucky Austin leading their fields after Friday's Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying session.

Although this event is the second of seven races in Northwest Division competition of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, this is the first event for competitors in both Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car to earn points this season. Being the initial event for these two classes, the pressure should be intensified as competitors look to start their seasons on a winning note.

"I think you're going to have to run in the 5.50s to even have a chance to qualify for Sunday's eliminations this weekend," said Paul Julien, driver of the Julien Motorsports Top Alcohol Dragster. "There's seven cars here that have the potential of making 5.40 type runs."

The Mission, B.C., resident is currently qualified seventh after Friday's session with a 5.814 second, 230.94 mph run. There are two more qualifying sessions Saturday before Sunday's eliminations, which features an eight-car field.

"We have lots of work to do but I do believe we can be competitive this weekend," said Julien. "This car is capable running in the 5.50s."

Despite a shaky pass by Austin during Friday's qualifying session, the Fife, Wash., resident posted a 5.934-second, 204.17 mph pass to take the spot after day one of qualifying in Top Alcohol Funny Car. Austin was the runner-up at this event last year, losing to the Abbottsford, B.C.-based Grotek Top Alcohol Funny Car team in the final.

"There's no room to relax, there's six awfully good cars here," said John Evanchuk, driver for the Grotek car. "You set the bar for how well you do on Sunday, by how good your performance was on Friday and Saturday."

Top qualifiers in other categories are Jirka Kaplan of Calgary, Alta., in Comp; John Gallina of Henderson, Nev., in Super Stock; Mike Loge of Antioch, Calif., in Stock; and Nick Drzayich of Auburn, Wash., in Top Comp.

In NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series action, Mike Scott of Sumner, Wash., is the top qualifier in Sportsman Motorcycle competition. Held in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, qualifying is based on reaction time.

Gates open at Mission Raceway Park Saturday at 7 a.m. and day two of time trials and qualifying begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled for noon and 4 p.m. For more information, call Mission Raceway Park at (604) 826-6315.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals at Mission Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.453 seconds, 258.10 mph
2) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.507, 263.15
3) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.553, 251.39
4) Michael Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.603, 251.95
5) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.634, 248.48
6) Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 5.801, 253.80
7) Paul Julien, Mission, B.C., 5.814, 230.94
8) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.891, 241.15

Not Qualified
9) Bob Meek, Calgary, Alta., 5.918, 228.31
10) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.933, 220.69
11) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 6.099, 170.45
12) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 9.598, 81.69

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.934 seconds, 204.17 mph
2) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alta., '97 Firebird, 5.938, 246.57
3) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '97 Firebird, 5.951, 243.37
4) Kevin Therres, Humboldt, Sask., '97 Lumina, 5.988, 213.67
5) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.055, 230.59
6) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alta., '99 Firebird, 6.259, 234.74

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alta., '23 T-Ford, AA/AM, 6.496 seconds, -0.714 under index
2) Phil Cocuzza, Acton, Calif., '02 Cavalier, B/EA, 7.871, -0.659
3) Mark Stewart, Medford, Ore., '98 Oldsmobile, E/SMA, 8.798, -0.622
4) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.767, -0.573
5) Doug Lambeck, Corona Del Mar, Calif., '03 Sunfire, D/SMA, 8.783, -0.567
6) Bruce Perkin, Maple Ridge, B.C., '87 Trans Am, E/SM, 8.790, -0.550
7) Rick Dingle, Olympia, Wash., Dragster-Chevy, C/ED, 7.460, -0.550
8) Rick Distefano, Calgary, Atla., '53 Corvette, AA/PM, 6.354, -0.546
9) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.696, -0.544
10) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.737, -0.533

SUPER STOCK
1) John Gallina, Henderson, Nev., '87 Grand National, SS/DX, 7.989 seconds, -1.511 under index
2) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.732, -1.268
3) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.803, -1.197
4) Bob Mazzolini, Grants Pass, Ore., '00 Sebring, GT/IA, 10.332, -1.168
5) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.697, -1.153
6) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.876, -1.124
7) Allyn Lee, Red Deer Alta., '68 Barracuda, SS/A, 8.845, -1.105
8) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.035, -1.065
9) Byron Setters, Red Deer, Alta., '96 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.774, -1.026
10) Jared Jordon, Modesto, Calif., '65 Belvedere, SS/BA, 9.176, -1.024

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Mike Loge, Antioch, Calif., '72 Duster, H/SA, 11.116 seconds, -1.334 under index
2) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.669, -1.281
3) Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.450, -1.250
4) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.461, -1.239
5) Jim Waldo, Richland, Wash., '02 Firebird, B/FI, 10.468, -1.182
6) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.606, -1.094
7) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '76 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.670, -1.080
8) Janis Leatherman Moses Lake, Wash., '71 Nova, I/SA, 11.593, -1.007
9) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.550, -1.000
10) Don Elgin, Des Moines, Wash., '74 Grand Am, N/SA, 12.334, -0.996

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Northwest Division racers head to Mission Raceway for Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series

MISSION, B.C. - Mission Raceway Park will host the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, May 2-4. The race is the second of seven in Northwest division competition and it is the first of two Lucas Oil events held at Mission Raceway Park. The second race at Mission Raceway is scheduled Aug. 22-24.

Last year's rain-delayed event here is where defending division TAD champion, rookie driver Brandon Johnson, earned his first win in the category. The Shelton, Wash., resident went on to win the Lucas Oil events in Calgary, Alta., and in Yakima, Wash. He was also the runner-up in Medford, Ore.

Johnson will likely face challenges this year from former division champion Mark Hentges of Federal Way, Wash., and Joey Severence of Spanaway, Wash., who finished third and fourth, respectively, in the 2002 points standings. Although Hentges struggled a bit last year, he was runner-up at two Northwest division races and won the last race of the year, an out-of-division affair in Las Vegas. The veteran racer knows what it takes to win, having earned division championships in 2000 and 2001.

It is still uncertain whether the No. 2 points finisher, Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., will be in competition this year.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, it seems likely that Fife, Wash., resident Bucky Austin will dominate the class again. Last year, en route to his fifth division TAFC championship, the "Northwest Hitter" won an out-of-division race in Tucson, Ariz. When the Northwest division season opened, he won in Boise, and in Kent, Wash., and scored runner-up points in Mission, Woodburn, Ore., and Yakima.

Drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), will compete for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships and a share of the $561,000 champions' purse. The division's Top Comp class and Sportsman Motorcycle category will also run in conjunction with the race.

Gates at Mission Raceway Park open at 7 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials will start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying session on Friday at 3 p.m. and two on Saturday at noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

General admission tickets for the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Pit passes are included with Friday's ticket and are $5 Saturday and Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Mission Raceway Park is located 10 miles north of Sumas, Wash., on Highway 11. For more information call the track, (604) 826-6315, or visit www.MissionRaceway.com.

The third Northwest division NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the season is at Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore., June 6-8.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals, 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 second of seven in Northwest Division competition. It is the first of two NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events that will be held at Mission Raceway Park. The division's Top Comp class and Sportsman Motorcycle category will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C. Track is located 10 miles north of Sumas, Wash., on Highway 11.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Lordco Auto Parts B.C. Nationals:

FRIDAY, May 2 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 3 -- Gates open at 7 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 noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 4 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS - Friday: $10/included; Saturday: $20/$5; Sunday: $20/$5. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Mission Raceway Park, (604) 826-6315.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $143,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Brandon Johnson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Rod Clough, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Rick Dingle, Comp Eliminator; Gary Faul, Super Stock; Steve Cozakos, Stock Eliminator; Don Rhyne, Super Comp; Mike Ferderer, Super Gas; Bob Munoz, 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 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.