FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lucas pick up first win, Gordon takes number two at Firebird

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Morgan Lucas and Doug Gordon took home early season wins at this weekend's NHRA Pacific Division season opener at Firebird International Raceway. Lucas took out Chris Demke in the final round of Top Alcohol Dragster with a pass of 5.473 seconds at 266.37 mph to Demke's 5.633 at 208.23.

"This was a tough win for us," said Lucas, who was the alcohol dragster runner-up in Pomona three weeks ago at the K&N Filters NHRA Winternationals. "We tried some different things in qualifying that didn't work out. It was a mental challenge for the team, but they were up for it."

Number one qualifier and defending division champion Duane Shields fell to Howard Haight in round one when he lost his motor at the 330' mark. Haight lost to Demke in round two.

Gordon took his second win of the season as he ousted the number one qualifier in Top Alcohol Funny Car Bucky Austin. Gordon covered the track in 5.774 seconds at 251.34 mph to Austin's 7.261, 122.96. Gordon started the day with momentum as he took out the 2002 division champion Steve Gasparrelli in round one when the West Covina, Calif., resident suffered sever tire shake and could not regain traction as Gordon took the win.

The Comp Eliminator Championship went to Rick Braun who clocked in a 7.983 seconds, 168.66 mph in his final round win over Joe Mozeris who ran 7.320 at 187.16.

Kyle Seipel picked up the win in Super Stock with a run of 8.949, 149.71 over Tibor Kadar of Peoria, Ariz. with a 11.028, 125.67

Jim Meador of Yorba Linda, Calif., won the Stock category, Kenny Yeoman won in Super Gas, and Gary Thompson out ran Rodger Sauder in Super Street.

Tom Bayer made it a double win for Lucas Oil sponsored cars and joined Morgan Lucas in the winner's circle with a win over Todd Barton in Super Comp.

Sean Conner picked up the win in the NHRA Kerker Motorcycle Series, running a 8.368 at 153.35 mph to Leo Shaver's 10.120 at 103.97

Pacific Division racers head for Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz., for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, March 29-31.

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
Round 1
8) Howard Haight, Upland, Calif., 5.886 seconds, 227.27 mph def. 
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 7.969, 92.24

2) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.475, 258.22 vs. 
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.525, 260.11

3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.390, 258.22 vs. 
6) Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 5.616, 245.94

5) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.454, 258.71 def. 
4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.453, 255.73

Semifinals
Lucas, 5.446, 266.79 def. Nicholson, 5.475, 258.22
Demke, 5.500, 257.33 def. Haight, 8.664, 98.43

Final Round
Morgan Lucas, 5.473, 266.37 def. Chris Demke, 5.633, 208.23

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.600 seconds, 259.11 mph vs.
8) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 5.812, 245.49

2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.682, 252.66 vs. 
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 6.692, 126.26

6) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.998, 217.63 def.
3) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 11.106, 73.70

4) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.719, 252.47 vs. 
5) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 6.543, 150.01

Semifinals
Gordon, 9.105, 96.51 def. Littlefield, no time recorded
Austin, 5.626, 258.02 def. Woznichak, 5.765, 250.74

Final Round
Doug Gordon, 5.774, 251.34 def. Austin, 7.261, 122.96

COMP ELIMINATOR
Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif.,  '01 Firebird, B/EA, 7.983, 168.66 def. 
Joe Mozeris, Phoenix, dragster, B/ED 7.320,187.16.

SUPER STOCK
Kyle Seipel, San Lorenzo, Calif., '91 Camaro, SS/AM, 8.949, 149.71 def.
Tibor Kadar, Peoria, Ariz.,'92 Firebird, GT/HA, 11.028, 125.67.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., '67 Camaro, D/SA, 10.828, 119.95 def.
Curtis Coulter, Las Vegas, '69 Cyclone, D/S, 11.089, 121.29.

SUPER COMP
Tom Bayer, Alta Loma, Calif., dragster, 8.928, 161.50 def. 
Todd Barton, Norwalk, Calif., dragster, 8.932, 156.26

SUPER GAS
Kenny Yeoman, Las Vegas, '91 Daytona, 9.887, 154.10 def. 
Kevin Kleineweber, Phoenix, '01 Corvette, 9.879, 154.83.

SUPER STREET
Gary Thompson, Santa Rosa, Calif., '86 Corvette, 10.935, 118.87 def. 
Rodger Sauder, Sidney, Neb., '72 Barracuda, 11.027, 122.11.

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Carolyn Hills, Gilbert, Ariz., dragster, 7.884, 183.84 def. 
Hans Scheibe, Redlands, Calif., dragster, 13.612, 51.48.

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Sean Conner, Boulder City, Nev., '98 Koenig, 8.368, 153.35 def. 
Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, '87 Kawasaki, 10.120, 103.97. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Div. 7. fields set with Shields and Austin on top

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In the final rounds of qualifying at Firebird International Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster Pacific Division Champion Duane Shields lowered his Friday qualifying time and held on to his number one qualifying spot with a pass of 5.410 seconds at 258.71 mph. Shields is followed by Darren Nicholson in the number two spot with a 5.421, 238.89-mph pass.

Defending NHRA Northwest Division Funny Car Champion Bucky Austin took the top spot among the funny car entrants with a 5.631 second run at 257.58 mph. Doug Gordon grabbed the second spot, covering the quarter-mile in 5.697 seconds, 252.99 mph while Peoria, Ariz., resident John Patton took the eighth and final qualifying spot with a run of 5.839 seconds at 247.47 mph.

Frank Aragona Jr. of Franklin Square, N.Y., leads the field in Comp Eliminator with his '32 roadster while a pair of local drivers from Glendale, Ariz., grabbed spots in the top ten. Dean Carter follows Aragona in the number two spot and Craig Eaton landed in the sixth position.

Ted Romero qualified his '98 Grand Am number one in Super Stock with a 10.573-second pass and Las Vegas resident John Gallina is number one in Stock. Top qualifiers in each class took home their share of the $3,500 bonus money courtesy of Federal-Mogul and the Sealed Power Low Qualifier Award.

Racing continues Sunday with eliminations at 8 a.m. Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. Round one of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car are scheduled for noon. For more information call the track, (602) 268-0200.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Firebird International Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.410 seconds, 265.01 mph
2) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.421, 260.51
3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.425, 263.15
4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.465, 253.47
5) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.516, 256.70
6) Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 5.526, 255.24
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.530, 259.51
8) Howard Haight, Upland, Calif., 5.904, 234.33
Not Qualified
9) Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 6.250, 224.36
10) Fred Notzka, Ventura, Calif., 6.546, 222.51

Sunday's TAD Pairings
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.410 seconds, 265.01 mph vs. 
8) Howard Haight, Upland, Calif., 5.904, 234.33

2) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.421, 260.51 vs. 
7) Bruce Bowler, Denver, Colo., 5.530, 259.51

3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.425, 263.15 vs. 
6) Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 5.526,255.24

4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.465, 253.47 vs. 
5) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.516, 256.70

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.631 seconds, 257.58 mph
2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.697, 252.99
3) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.747, 250.78
4) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.763, 250.46
5) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.769, 250.97
6) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.776, 247.47
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.809, 246.84
8) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 5.839, 247.47
Not Qualified
9) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.867, 245.67
10) Tom Bristow, Chino Hills, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.932, 237.25
11) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.381, 182.48
12) Dale VanGundy, Anaheim, Calif., '98 Camaro, 6.581, 226.73
13) Steve Griboski, Aurora, Colo., '97 Camaro, 6.876, 136.81
14) Charles McLaws, Winslow, Ariz., '97 Firebird, 7.390, 172.10

Sunday's TAFC Pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.631 seconds, 257.58 mph vs.
8) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 5.839, 247.47

2) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.697, 252.99 vs.
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.809, 246.84

3) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.747, 250.78 vs. 
6) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.776, 247.47

4) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.763, 250.46 vs. 
5) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.769, 250.97

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Frank Aragona Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., '32 Bantam, F/EA, 8.433 seconds, -0.647 (under index)
2) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Carter, A/ND, 7.109, -0.631
3) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.730, -0.620
4) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '02 Grand Am, B/A, 7.183, -0.617
5) Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.688, -0.592
6) Craig Eaton, Glendale, Ariz., '97 Firebird, C/A, 7.483, -0.587
7) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.253, -0.587
8) Dean Howerton, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Frameworks, C/D, 7.041, -0.569
9) Fred Gross, Glendale, Calif., '98 Firebird, F/A, 8.309, -0.561
10) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.714, -0.556

SUPER STOCK
1) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/JA, 10.573 seconds, -1.077 (under index)
2) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.965, -1.035
3) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '01 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.537, -1.013
4) Gary McGlasson, Los Lunas, N.M., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.903, -0.997
5) Jeff Lane, N. Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.957, -0.993
6) Larry Zavala, San Gabriel, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/FA, 10.135, -0.965
7) Brian McClanahan, Alta Loma, Calif., '67 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.945, -0.955
8) Fred Moreno, La Verne, Calif., '69 Mustang, SS/GA, 9.907, -0.943
9) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.431, -0.919
10) Don Studley, Orange, Calif., '99 Dakota, GT/TC, 10.550, -0.900

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) John Gallina, Las Vegas, Nev., '89 Trans Am, E/FIA, 11.357 seconds, -1.243 (under index)
2) Chris Whitney, Sun Valley, Calif., '67 Fairlane, F/S, 10.876, -1.224
3) Stephanie Jones, Las Vegas, Nev., '77 Volare, U/SA, 13.959, -1.191
4) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, J/SA, 11.595, -1.155
5) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.157, -1.143
6) Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Fairlane, A/S, 10.115, -1.135
7) Gary Harper, Santa Clara, Calif., '81 D-150, FT/SA, 12.493, -1.107
8) Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.894, -1.106
9) Gary Kestler, Las Vegas, Nev., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.492, -1.058
10) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.665, -1.035

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shields, Austin lead qualifying at Firebird

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In the first rounds of qualifying at Firebird International Raceway, defending NHRA Pacific Division Top Alcohol Dragster Champion Duane Shields and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Bucky Austin are leading the fields.

Shields, of Las Vegas, made a 5.415-second, 265.01 mph run to put him ahead of his competition and number two qualifier Darren Nicholson who recorded a 5.421-second lap at 238.89 mph. Nicholson lost to Shields in last year's final round at this, the season opener for the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Austin clocked in at 5.631 seconds at 257.58 mph to take the early lead over Steve Gasparrelli who sits in second at 5.809 at 246.84 mph. John Patton of Peoria, Ariz., ran a 5.904-second, 245.23 mph pass to give him the number four spot after the first of three qualifying attempts.

Arizona residents took four of the top ten spots in Comp Eliminator as Dean Carter of Glendale, Ariz., follows number one qualifier Frank Aragona Jr., of Franklin Square, N.Y, in the number two spot. Fellow Glendale resident, Craig Eaton, qualified fourth, Peoria, Ariz., resident Steve Wilmoth grabbed the eighth spot and Joe Mozeris of Phoenix is tenth.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Ted Romero of Denver, Colo., in Super Stock and John Gallina of Las Vegas in Stock.

Qualifying continues Saturday at 8 a.m. Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car run at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information call the track, (602) 268-0200. The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division event at Firebird International Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER 
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.415 seconds, 265.01 mph 
2) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.421, 238.89 
3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.491, 260.26 
4) Mark Niver, Scottsville, Ariz., 5.498, 253.47 
5) Tony Meredyk, Stanton, Calif., 5.526, 250.74 
6) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.596, 254.47 
7) Fred Notzka, Ventura, Calif., 6.546, 222.51 
8) Howard Haight, Upland, Calif., 8.972, 96.44 
Not Qualified 
9) Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 13.417, 69.65 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.631 seconds, 257.58 mph 
2) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.809, 246.84 
3) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.849, 242.50 
4) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 5.904, 245.23 
5) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 6.044, 236.92 
6) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.460, 162.92 
7) Tom Bristow, Chino Hills, Calif., '02 Firebird, 7.305, 126.05 
8) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 9.508, 90.12 
Not Qualified 
9) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 9.549, 89.03 
10) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 10.717, 77.63 

COMP ELIMINATOR 
1) Frank Aragona Jr., Franklin Square, N.Y., '32 Bantam, F/EA, 8.433 seconds, -0.647 (under index) 
2) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Carter, A/ND, 7.109, -0.631 
3) Randy Jones, Monarch Beach, Calif., '03 Cavalier, D/SMA, 8.730, -0.620 
4) Craig Eaton, Glendale, Ariz., '97 Firebird, C/A, 7.497, -0.573 
5) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '02 Grand Am, B/A, 7.228, -0.572 
6) Dean Howerton, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Framewrks, C/D, 7.041, -0.569 
7) Fred Gross, Glendale, Calif., '98 Firebird, F/A, 8.309, -0.561 
8) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.714, -0.556 
9) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, Framewrks, C/D, 7.055, -0.555 
10) Joe Mozeris, Phoenix, Ariz., Frameworks, B/ED, 6.972, -0.538 

SUPER STOCK 
1) Ted Romero, Denver, Colo., '98 Grand Am, GT/JA, 10.645 seconds, -1.005 (under index) 
2) Gary McGlasson, Los Lunas, N.M., '69 Camaro, SS/HA, 9.922, -0.978 
3) Jeff Lane, N. Bend, Wash., '03 Grand Am, SS/CM, 8.974, -0.976 
4) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 9.032, -0.968 
5) Larry Zavala, San Gabriel, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/FA, 10.135, -0.965 
6) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '01 Grand Am, GT/BA, 9.588, -0.962 
7) Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.432, -0.918 
8) Don Studley, Orange, Calif., '99 Dakota, GT/TC, 10.550, -0.900 
9) Fred Moreno, La Verne, Calif., '69 Mustang, SS/GA, 9.955, -0.895 
10) Bryan Broaddus, Yorba Linda, Calif., '71 Monte Carlo, SS/FA, 9.857, -0.893 

STOCK ELIMINATOR 
1) John Gallina, Las Vegas, Nev., '89 Trans Am, E/FIA, 11.359 seconds, -1.241 (under index) 
2) Chris Whitney, Sun Valley, Calif., '67 Fairlane, F/S, 10.876, -1.224 
3) Stephanie Jones, Las Vegas, Nev., '77 Volare, U/SA, 13.959, -1.191 
4) Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Fairlane, A/S, 10.140, -1.110 
5) Gary Harper, Santa Clara, Calif., '81 D-150, FT/SA, 12.493, -1.107 
6) Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dakota, CT/SA, 11.894, -1.106 
7) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, J/SA, 11.661, -1.089 
8) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.665, -1.035 
9) Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.273, -1.027 
10) Gary Kestler, Las Vegas, Nev., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.523, -1.027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Firebird plays host to NHRA'S Pacific Division Lucas Oil Series

PHOENIX – NHRA's Pacific Division will start off its 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Firebird International Raceway Feb. 28-Mar. 2. Competitors in eight classes including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will compete for a share of the $157,770 purse as well as points leading to divisional and national championships.

As always, competition will be fierce in the Pacific Division. With two NHRA Lucas Oil Series national champions and two second-placer finishers, West Coast racers have proven their strength. All eyes will certainly be on Super Comp national champion Jim Hughes of Cave Creek, Ariz., and his teammate, Super Gas national champion Todd Steward, from Atwater, Calif. The pair will have to fend off some of the best drivers in the country if they are to defend their titles in 2003.

When it became apparent last year that five-time defending Top Alcohol Dragster national champion Rick Santos would sit out the season, Las Vegas resident Duane Shields was determined to win the title. In a valiant effort, he chased the eventual champion, Boxboro, Mass., resident Arthur Gallant, around the country. In the end Shields was just 42 points behind Gallant. He did, however earn his first division title with five final-round appearances and three wins on the divisional level. Shields was also the top qualifier at four races.

On the division level this year, Shields will face challenges from Mission Viejo, Calif., resident Darren Nicholson who made five final-round appearances last year, and from Morgan Lucas of Riverside, Calif.

Lucas is piloting the dragster owned by Jerry Darien and Ken Meadows and in just six races (three national and three divisional) last year the 19-year-old had three wins. He also set the national elapsed time record for the class at the NHRA Finals in Pomona with a 5.239-second pass in the final round.

The Darien/Meadows machine is generally considered to be the unofficial training ground for pro drivers. Former drivers include Gary Scelzi, Frank Pedregon, Melanie Troxel and Brandon Bernstein, who will take over driving duties from his father Kenny in the NHRA POWERade Series this year.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Morganville, N.J., resident Frank Manzo has run away with the national title six consecutive years so the question has been, "Who will be No. 2?" In 2002 the answer was Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina, Calif. In only his third year behind the wheel of the family's alcohol-powered machine, Gasparrelli won his second straight Pacific Division title and was runner-up to Manzo. En route to his championship, Gasparrelli won four divisional events. He will be challenged by a number of other drivers this season as the Pacific Division has a host of quality Top Alcohol Funny Cars at every event.

The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series will run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Sportsman Motorcycle competitors will run qualifying and eliminations along with other classes throughout the weekend.

Gates at Firebird International Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. every day. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will have one qualifying pass Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, they will make two runs, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday for all classes and Dragster and Funny Car will run first round at noon.

General admission, including pit pass, is $12 Friday and $24 each Saturday and Sunday. A two-day ticket is $42 and a three-day pass is $52. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Firebird International Raceway is located 15 miles south of Phoenix at 2000 Maricopa Road in Chandler, Ariz. Take I-10 to the Maricopa Road exit (162A). For more information, call the track, (602) 268-0200, or visit www.FirebirdRaceway.com.The Pacific Division's next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event will be at Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz., Mar. 28-30.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: 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 first of six in Pacific Division competition.

WHERE: Firebird International Raceway, Phoenix. Track is located 15 miles south of Phoenix at 2000 Maricopa Rd. in Chandler, Ariz. Take Interstate 10 and exit Maricopa Road (exit 162A).

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, February 28-March 2, 2003

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

FRIDAY, Feb. 28 -- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Mar. 1 -- Gates open at 7:30 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 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, Mar. 2 -- Gates open at 7:30 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 -- $12 Friday, $24 Saturday, $24 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $42 and a three-day ticket is $52. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Firebird International Raceway, (602) 268-0200.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $157,770, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Duane Shields, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Gasparrelli, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Edward Shalkowski, Comp Eliminator; Tony DeFrank, Super Stock; Sante Grossi, Stock Eliminator; Rod Fuller, Super Comp; Ken Harkema, Super Gas; Henry Siliwinski, 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 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.