FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Severance makes move toward divisional title

MEDFORD, Ore. - In the final results from Southern Oregon Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Joey Severance took the win, and remains in the title chase for the Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Severance saved his best for the final, running a 5.471 second pass at 248.44 in beating Steve Federlin's 5.551, 252.94.

Severance, who trailed Mark Hentges in the point's chase going into this weekend's Snap-On Tools Valley Thunder, knocked off Hentges in a semi-final match with a pass of 5.484, 258.79 before meeting up with Federlin in the finals.

In the Top Alcohol Funny Car final it was Roger Bateman with an upset win over California hitter Steve Gasparrelli. Bateman covered the quarter-mile in 5.839 seconds at 243.24 mph. This was Bateman's first win of the 2003 season.

Vinnie Deceglie took out Pacific Division points leader Joe Mozeris with his win in Comp Eliminator while Doug Hemenway captured the win in Top Comp with a run of 7.567 seconds at 177.25 mph

Jeff Lane picked up his second Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event win to go along with his two national event wins. Lane leads the Northwest Divisional points and is currently second in national points.

Anthony Castillo picked up his third win of 2003 in Super Comp; Super Street racer Jeff Jackson defeated Vince Porter; Bill Kost beat number one qualifier Joe Sorensen of Woodburn, Ore.; and Johnny Gross knocked off Kevin Riley in Super Gas.

In the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, it was Mark Kosler of Keizer, Ore., taking the win over Dan Patridge.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Southern Oregon Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
ROUND ONE
4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.642, 249.61 def. 5
) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.742, 230.56;

1) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.589, 255.76 def. 
8) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.800, 231.82;

6) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.522, 255.76 def. 
3) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., foul;

2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.453, 255.77 def. 
7) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.570, 254.41;
 
Semifinals
Federlin, 5.502, 255.40 def. Johnson, 5.571, 254.66;
Severance, 5.484, 258.79 def. Hentges, 5.488, 255.78;
 
Finals
Severance, 5.471, 248.44 def. Federlin, foul.
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
ROUND ONE
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., Pontiac Firebird, 5.873, 241.51 def. 
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., Chevy Camaro, 5.873, 244.42;

5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., Firebird, 5.980, 238.91 def. 
4) Ron August Jr., Pleasanton, Calif., Camaro, 5.998, 235.44;

1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., Firebird, 5.837, 246.21 def.
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., Camaro, 5.930, 235.63;

3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., Camaro, 6.402, 168.45 def. 
6) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., Dodge RT, foul;
 
Semifinals
Bateman, 5.867, 242.15 def. Lee, 9.052, 86.86;
Gasparrelli, 5.770, 247.38 def. Evanchuk, 5.888, 241.51;
 
Finals
Bateman, 5.839, 243.24 def. Gasparrelli, 6.191, 173.58.
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.696, 204.55 def. Joe Mozeris, Phoenix, Dragster, B/ED, 7.062, 185.37.
 
SUPER STOCK
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.570, 112.29 def. Alan Falcone, Normandy Park, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/BA, foul.
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.900, 107.89 def. Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.720, 119.37.
 
SUPER COMP
Anthony Castillo, Grandview, Wash., Dragster, 8.911, 166.59 def. Adam Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., Dragster, 8.914, 160.76.
 
SUPER GAS
Johnny Gross, Sedro-Woolley, Wash., '34 Chevy , 12.136, 83.36 def. Kevin Riley, Santa Clara, Calif., '67 Barracuda, foul.
 
SUPER STREET
Jeff Jackson, Wilsonville, Ore., '68 Mustang, 10.903, 150.50 def. Vince Porter, Napa, Calif., '78 Datsun , 10.853, 128.48.
 
KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Mark Kosler, Keizer, Ore., '84 Suzuki, 9.927, 129.21 def. Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, 8.570, 151.53.
 
TOP COMP
Doug Hemenway, Auburn, Wash., Undercover, 7.567, 177.25 def. Scott Howell, Pasco, Wash., '96 Beretta, 7.891, 161.44.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johnson, Gasparrelli on top in Medford

MEDFORD, Ore. - In the final rounds of qualifying at Southern Oregon Dragway, Brandon Johnson in Top Alcohol Dragster and Steve Gasparrelli in Top Alcohol Funny Car are leading the fields.

Dragster pilot Johnson, of Shelton, Wash., made a 5.459-second, 259.88 mph run in the final qualifying session to put him ahead of his competitors. Johnson, looking for his first win of the season, is followed by Mark Hentges who currently leads the NHRA Northwest division points battle with wins earlier this season in Kent, Wash., and Mission B.C., CAN.

Medford, Ore., resident Mike Austin had a best run of 5.779 at 241.88 mph but falls short of the eight-car field with a bump spot of 5.668. Austin finished tenth in qualifying.

Gasparrelli clocked in at 5.691 seconds, 251.77 mph and is followed by Clint Thompson of Klamath Falls, Ore., with a pass of 5.851 seconds at 246.19 mph.

Gasparrelli picked up a win earlier this year at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash., to go along with two runner-up finishes while Thompson hopes for some home field advantage and his first win of the season.

Fellow Klamath Falls, Ore., resident Terry Sherill is second in Super Stock behind number one qualifier Steve Wann and Jerry Stinson of Medford, Ore. sits on top of the Sportsman Motorcycle class for the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series.

Other number one qualifiers are Dean Carter of Glendale, Ariz., in Comp; Joe Sorensen of Woodburn, Ore., in Stock; and Tom Tucker of Bend, Ore., in Top Comp.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 10 a.m. with eliminations scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Gates at Southern Oregon Dragway open at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run first round at 4 p.m. For more information call the track, (541) 826-3477

The following are Friday's qualifying results and first round pairings from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division Snap-On Tools Valley Thunder at Southern Oregon Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.459 seconds, 256.86 mph
2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.497, 252.98
3) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.502, 259.88
4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.512, 252.98
5) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.534, 247.02
6) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.546, 255.74
7) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.562, 254.31
8) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.603, 266.50

Not Qualified
9) Gregg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.603, 252.77
10) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.655, 251.43
11) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.779, 241.88
12) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clara, Calif., 27.528, 20.37
 
First-round TAD pairings
1) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.459 seconds, 256.86 mph vs. 
8) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.603, 266.50

2) Mark Hentges, Federal Way, Wash., 5.497, 252.98 vs. 
7) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.562, 254.31

3) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.502, 259.88 vs. 
6) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.546, 255.74

4) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.512, 252.98 vs.
5) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.534, 247.02
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.691 seconds, 251.77 mph
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.783, 247.02
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.831, 233.00
4) Ron August Jr., Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.852, 241.83
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '99 Firebird, 5.860, 243.50
6) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., '03 RT, 5.882, 245.51
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.884, 243.04
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.888, 239.56

Not Qualified
9) John Knox, Tumwater, Wash., '92 Probe, 6.024, 233.08
10) Shawn Nault, Anchorage, Alaska, '00 Firebird, 6.260, 227.39
11) Jason Rupert, Yorba Linda, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.392, 166.59
12) Matt Goss, Junction City, Ore., '01 Firebird, 6.408, 216.49
13) Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., '99 Firebird, 6.535, 168.46
14) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, (no time)
 
First-round TAFC pairings
1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.691 seconds, 251.77 mph vs. 
8) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.888, 239.56

2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.783, 247.02 vs. 
7) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.884, 243.04

3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.831, 233.00 vs. 
6) Ed Marx, Bakersfield, Calif., '03 RT, 5.882, 245.51

4) Ron August Jr., Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.852, 241.83 vs. 
5) John Evanchuk, Edmonton, Alb., '99 Firebird, 5.860, 243.50
 
COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., ET RaceCar, A/ND, 7.082 seconds, -0.618 (under index)
2) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., Fritz, B/D, 6.819, -0.581
3) Gary Anderson, Graham, Wash., '99 Firebird, G/A, 8.603, -0.547
4) Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.737, -0.493
5) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, G/A, 8.674, -0.476
6) Jeff Gillette, Benicia, Calif., Sarmento, B/ED, 7.041, -0.469
7) Joe Mozeris, Phoenix, Ariz., Frameworks, B/ED, 7.043, -0.467
8) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.833, -0.467
9) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.874, -0.466
10) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, H/AA, 9.063, -0.437
 
SUPER STOCK
1) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.803 seconds, -1.047 (under index)
2) Terry Sherrill, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Cavalier, SS/AM, 8.555, -0.995
3) Jeff Lane, North Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 9.021, -0.929
4) Guy Czarniak, Redding, Calif., '69 Camaro, SS/BA, 9.359, -0.841
5) Bill Blakeney, Bell, Calif., '68 Camaro, SS/HA, 10.154, -0.746
6) Art Congdon, Calgary, Alb., '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.966, -0.734
7) Tim Smith, Rocklin, Calif., '87 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.970, -0.730
8) Alan Falcone, Normandy Park, Wash., '91 Calais, GT/BA, 9.831, -0.719
9) Bill Stewart, Marysville, Wash., '74 Cuda, SS/LA, 11.041, -0.709
10) Howard Thompson Jr., Wildomar, Calif., '97 Firebird, GT/AA, 9.720, -0.680
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.147 seconds, -1.153 (under index)
2) Gene Buell, Hesperia, Calif., '70 Challenger, D/SA, 10.767, -1.083
3) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.900, -1.050
4) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.596, -1.004
5) John Schloe, Garden Grove, Calif., '69 Firebird, D/SA, 10.877, -0.973
6) Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 10.806, -0.894
7) Rod Greene, Moreno Valley, Calif., '72 Demon, G/S, 11.341, -0.859
8) Bryan Phillips, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., '67 Firebird, E/SA, 11.145, -0.855
9) Gary Hodges, Salem, Ore., '65 Corvette, J/SA, 11.962, -0.788
10) Richard Pauley, Saugus, Calif., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 10.918, -0.782
 
TOP COMP
1) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., Williams, 6.685 seconds, 193.04 mph
2) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., Victory, 6.725, 202.66
3) Brian Barling, White Rock, B.C., Illngswrth, 7.274, 185.90
4) Wes Garvin III, Kennewick, Wash., '23 Roadster, 7.464, 176.34
5) Frank Tamez, Yakima, Wash., '63 Corvette, 7.505, 182.87
6) John Freer, Sacramento, Calif., Davis, 7.510, 173.21
7) Tom Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., Yancer, 7.511, 178.73
8) Eddie Wells, Eugene, Ore., Mullis, 7.539, 178.62
9) Marvin Mueller, Lake Stevens, Wash., Dragster, 7.541, 176.51
10) Doug Hemenway, Auburn, Wash., Undercover, 7.559, 177.21
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '96 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.004
3) Jeff Havens, Yakima, Wash., '94 Suzuki, KMC, 0.005
4) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, KMC, 0.008
5) Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '76 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.012
6) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.014
7) Jim Sibley, Edmonds, Wash., '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.019
8) Mark Kosler, Keizer, Ore., '84 Suzuki, KMC, 0.030
9) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.031
10) Dan Tipsword, Aumsville, Ore., '82 Suzuki, KMC, -0.023
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil racers pull into Southern Oregon for season finale

MEDFORD, Ore. - Southern Oregon Dragway will host Snap-On Valley Thunder presented by KOBI 5 and the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, September 19 and 20. The race is the last of seven in Northwest division competition.

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.

By sweeping the division's Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) class this year, veteran driver Bucky Austin has all but locked up the division title for the second consecutive year. The Fife, Wash., racer is looking for the sixth division crown of his career. He is also in the hunt for a national championship and is currently leading the points ahead of defending national champ, Frank Manzo of Morganville, N.J.

In Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD), Mark Hentges is leading the points. The former division champion out of Federal Way, Wash., took the win at the divisional race in Kent, Wash., in June and then took the win at an out-of-division race in Denver a week later. He also won the division's last race at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, B.C. Hentges won back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001 but struggled last year and in the early part of this season. However, with three wins on the year, he may be back on the right track.

Joey Severance of Spanaway, Wash., is second in the TAD point standings. Severance scored runner-up points at both the division's races in Woodburn, Ore., and took the win at an out-of-division race in Sacramento, Calif.

Northwest division racers who have not run the maximum number of races can still earn points at out-of-division races.

Gates at Southern Oregon Dragway open at 8 a.m. both days. Qualifying and time trials will start at 10 a.m. Friday and continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. TAD and TAFC will have three qualifying sessions on Friday at 3, 6 and 9 p.m. Eliminations begin Saturday at 2 p.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at 4 p.m.

General admission tickets for the Snap-On Valley Thunder presented by KOBI 5 and the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau are $15 Friday and $20 Saturday. A two-day ticket is $30. Children 7 to 13 are $5 each day and children 6 and under are admitted free.

Southern Oregon Dragway is located in the Jackson County Speed Park. From Medford, take I-5 north to Crater Lake Highway, exit 30 (Highway 62). Go east to Highway 140 and turn right on Kershaw Road then turn left to Thunder Road into the track.

For more information call Southern Oregon Dragway at (541) 826-3477 or visit www.sodragway.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: Snap-On Valley Thunder presented by KOBI 5 and the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau, 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 seven in Northwest Division competition. The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Southern Oregon Dragway, Medford, Ore. Track is located in the Jackson County Speed Park. From Medford, take I-5 north to Crater Lake Highway exit 30 (Hwy. 62). Go east to Highway 140 and turn right to Kershaw Road. Then turn left to Thunder Road into the track.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, September 19-20, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Snap-On Valley Thunder presented by KOBI 5 and the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau:

FRIDAY, Sept. 19 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3, 6 and 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 20 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eliminations in all classes start at 2 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round of eliminations at 4 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday. A two-day ticket is $30. Children 7-13 are $5 each day and kids 6 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Southern Oregon Dragway, (541) 826-3477 or visit www.sodragway.com.

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: Steve Federlin, Top Alcohol Dragster; Mike Andriotti, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Jeff Gillette, Comp Eliminator; Howard Thompson, Super Stock; Ken Etter, Stock Eliminator; Chris Newman, Super Comp; Kevin Riley, Super Gas; Randy Sides, 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 400 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.