FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shields carries top qualifying effort into winner's circle at The Strip

LAS VEGAS - More than 900 drivers were competing this weekend for 11 winning positions at the Short Line Express Markets Las Vegas Gambler Shootout, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosted the four-day event which is the last of 45 races on the divisional level for competitors in the Lucas Oil Series. At the end of the weekend, hometown hero Duane Shields was the winner in Top Alcohol Dragster. Shields had qualified in the No. 1 spot and bested the competition in eliminations. In the final round, he ran 5.403 seconds at 266.32 mph to take out Marty Thacker of Robinson, Ill. Thacker's 5.487-second, 257.68 mph effort fell just short.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, it was the No. 2 qualifier who took home the honors. Cy Chesterman of Sioux City, Iowa, beat the top qualifier, West Covina, Calif., resident Steve Gasparrelli. Chesterman ran 5.720 seconds at 251.25 mph while Gasparrelli was not far off the pace with a 5.741-second, 242.15 mph run.

Dean Carter of Glendale, Ariz., took the win in Comp Eliminator to put himself into the running for national champion and the Super Stock winner was Peter Biondo of Mt. Laurel, N.J. The winner in Stock was Dan Fletcher of Churchville, N.Y., while Jack Beckman of North Hills, Calif., won in Super Comp, and Robert Coleman of Columbia, Mo., earned the Super Gas title. Super Street racer Brett Waldron of Port Angeles, Wash., took the win in his class while in Sportsman Motorcycle Greg Liskey of Salinas, Calif., was the winner. In Super E, Guerneville, Calif., resident Dean Hall took the stripe and in Top Comp Stan Leerkamp of Olympia, Wash., outran the field.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will head to Pomona, Calif., to join their profession racing brothers at the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals next week.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division Short Line Express Markets Gambler Shootout:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round One
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.390 seconds, 266.21 mph def. 
8) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.439, 259.16 

2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.405, 255.82 def. 
7) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.575, 252.10 

6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.531, 250.04 def. 
3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.540, 251.39 

4) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.420, 262.33 def.
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., foul

Semifinals
Shields, 5.429, 265.22 def. Wells, 5.470, 250.27
Thacker, 5.498, 260.06 def. Federlin, 5.525, 256.94

Finals
Shields, 5.403, 266.32 def. Thacker, 5.487, 257.68

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round One
1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 5.642 seconds, 250.13 mph def. 
8) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.676, 238.55

2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.699, 247.52 def. 
7) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.901, 242.80

3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.685, 247.57 def. 
6) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.745, 242.50

4) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.709, 249.03 def. 
5) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.746, 242.10

Semifinals
Gasparrelli, 5.680, 248.84 def. Austin, 9.921, 84.99
Chesterman, 5.731, 248.48 def. Branch, 5.836, 243.37

Finals
Chesterman, 5.720, 251.25 def. Gasparrelli, 5.741, 242.15

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., Dragster, A/ND, 9.009, 128.97 def. 
Santo Volpe, Drums, Pa., '32 Bantam, A/SR, foul

SUPER STOCK
Peter Biondo, Mt Laurel, N.J., '00 Firebird, GT/FA, 10.438, 128.65  def.
Kevin Nicks, Golden, Colo., '70 Barracuda, SS/FA, 10.093, 125.83

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Dan Fletcher, Churchville, N.Y., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.827, 118.48 def. 
Brad Plourd, Covington, Wash., '96 Corvette, B/FIA, 11.070, 117.04

SUPER COMP
Jack Beckman, North Hills, Calif., Dragster, 9.072, 163.16 def. Ed Olpin,
Lindon, Utah, Dragster, 9.041, 160.58

SUPER GAS
Robert Coleman, Columbia, Mo., '27 Ford T, 10.055, 136.66 def. 
George Scott III, Graham, Wash., '92 Camaro, foul

SUPER STREET
Brett Waldron, Port Angeles, Wash., '67 Camaro, 11.090, 138.74 def. 
Bob Mumoz, Tacoma, Wash., '55 Chevrolet, 11.099, 123.05

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, 9.646, 133.84 def. 
Craig Treble, Chandler, Ariz., '98 Kawasaki, 9.038, 137.40


SUPER ELIMINATOR
Dean Hall, Guerneville, Calif., Dragster, 8.036, 174.50 def. 
Bill Webber, Kingman, Ariz., Dragster, 8.060, 170.99

TOP COMP
Stan Leerkamp, Olympia, Wash., Mullis, TC, 7.524, 177.65 def. 
Wes Garvin III, Kennewick, Wash., '23 T-Ford, TC, 7.563, 174.57

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Favorite Shields grabs the No. 1 spot in TAD qualifying

LAS VEGAS - Eliminations began today for many of the 900-plus racers competing in the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. However, drivers in the Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) classes had two final qualifying runs today and will begin eliminations tomorrow. There were a total of 23 TAD racers and 18 TAFC drivers vying for the eight elimination slots in each class.

In TAD, Las Vegas resident Duane Shields maintained the No. 1 qualifying position. Friday, he made a 5.374-second, 270.00 mph pass that was enough to stand through today's runs.

TAFC pilot Steve Gasparrelli, who had not been qualified after Friday's session, moved into the No. 3 position on his second qualifying run. And, on his final pass, the West Covina, Calif., racer moved to the top of the ladder with a 5.618-second, 255.68 mph effort.

Because of the high number of participants, racers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street all ran their first round of eliminations today. Racers in the division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, and the Korbel Super E class also started eliminations today.

Racers in this weekend's event are competing for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships. Three of the national titles could be clinched here when eliminations are done. In Comp Eliminator, Santo Volpe is trying to catch Doug Engles and in Stock, defending champion Kevin Helms is trying to hold off Jeff Hefler, also a former national champion. In Super Gas, Greg Carillo needs a final round appearance in order to stay in the chase. Currently, Bryan Robinson is leading the Super Gas points.

Racing continues Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Gates open at 7 a.m. and racing begins immediately. Tickets are $20 for adults and $6 for children 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, (702) 644-4444.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.374 seconds, 270.00 mph  
2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.375, 263.77
3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.397, 264.80 
4) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.412, 264.29 
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.447, 258.86
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.471, 257.07 
7) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.495, 258.27 
8) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.498, 260.66 

Not Qualified
9) David Wilson, London, Great Britain, 5.518, 259.16 
10) Mitch Meyers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.525, 243.81
11) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.530, 228.61
12) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Mann., 5.532, 256.06
13) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.535, 254.62
14) Greg Tacke, Great Falls, Mont., 5.541, 234.33
15) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.542, 260.46
16) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.599, 258.27
17) Randy Johnson, Whittier, Calif., 5.685, 244.16
18) Randy Eakins, Bradbury CA, 5.709, 250.46
19) Jack Beckman, North Hills, Calif., 6.132, 239.95
20) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clara, Calif., 6.289, 162.14
21) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 6.775, 132.58
22) Marshall Topping, Costa Mesa, Calif., 8.292, 102.14
23) Ed Vickroy, Fontana, Calif., DQ

First-round pairings
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.374 seconds, 270.00 mph vs. 
8) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.498, 260.66 

2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.375, 263.77 vs. 
7) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.495, 258.27 

3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.397, 264.80 vs. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.471, 257.07 

4) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.412, 264.29 vs. 
5) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.447, 258.86

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 5.618 seconds, 255.68 mph
2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.648, 254.52 
3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.668, 244.65 
4) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.681, 254.57
5) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.706, 251.06 
6) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.709, 250.27
7) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.723, 248.34
8) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.733, 250.97 

Not Qualified
9) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 5.733, 245.40
10) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 5.789, 246.89
11) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 5.794, 249.07
12) Ron August Jr., Pleasonton, Calif., '00 Camaro, 5.810, 237.42
13) Greg Hunter, Rock Springs, Wyo., '98 Mustang, 6.043, 238.85 
14) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '01 Dodge, 6.059, 237.60
15) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.068, 177.25
16) Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara, Calif., '97 Firebird, 9.576, 107.74
17) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 13.200, 52.19
18) Mike Drake, Glendora, Calif., '98 Cutlass, DQ

First-round pairings 
1) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 5.618 seconds, 255.68 mph vs. 
8) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.733, 250.97

2) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.648, 254.52 vs. 
7) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.723, 248.34

3) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.668, 244.65 vs. 
6) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.709, 250.27

4) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.681, 254.57 vs. 
5) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.706, 251.06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Las Vegas resident Shields leads TAD qualifying at The Strip

LAS VEGAS - The second day of qualifying and time trials got under way for the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event is the last opportunity for competitors in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to earn division-level points toward divisional and national championships.

More than 900 drivers from across the country are competing this weekend. Classes include Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD), Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring Sportsman Motorcycle, and the Korbel Super E class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Hometown favorite Duane Shields is the No. 1 qualifier in TAD. He set the pace with a 5.374-second, 270.00 mph pass. Currently, there are 19 competitors in the TAD class vying for Sunday's eight-car field. Cy Chesterman of Sioux City, Iowa, is the best qualifier in TAFC. Chesterman's 5.648-second, 254.52 mph effort was enough to put him ahead of the other 14 TAFC drivers. TAFC also has an eight-car qualifying field. Top qualifiers in other classes are Charlie Stewart of Arlington, Texas, in Comp Eliminator; Harry Holton of Modesto, Calif., in Super Stock; and Robert Mulry of Hollister, Calif., in Stock.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Gates open at 7 a.m. both days and racing begins immediately. Tickets are $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6-12 are $6 both days and kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Las Vegas Motor Speedway, (702) 644-4444.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.374 seconds, 270.00 mph  
2) David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 5.412, 264.29 
3) Morgan Lucas, Riverside, Calif., 5.443, 264.44 
4) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.454, 262.54 
5) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.476, 257.83 
6) Robert Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.495, 258.27 
7) David Wilson, London, Great Britain, 5.519, 258.71 
8) John Haley, Wayzata, Minn., 5.520, 246.89 

Not Qualified
9) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.538, 258.67 
10) Chris Demke, Tujunga, Calif., 5.542, 260.46 
11) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.599, 258.27 
12) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.662, 257.33 
13) Alan Bradshaw, Odessa, Texas, 5.770, 238.93 
14) Jack Beckman, North Hills, Calif., 6.957, 134.56 
15) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 9.700, 99.20  
16) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Mann., 10.190, 86.36  
17) Mitch Meyers, Hermiston, Ore., 11.578, 77.11  
 18) Randy Eakins, Bradbury CA, 20.769   41.84  
 19) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clara CA, 22.835   26.79  

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
1) Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '03 Trans Am, 5.648 seconds, 254.52 mph
2) Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.668, 244.65 
3) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.788, 242.98 
4) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.823, 244.69 
5) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.842, 247.79 
6) Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.867, 245.09 
7) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 6.079, 188.28 
8) John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '98 Firebird, 6.156, 242.32 

Not Qualified
9) Greg Hunter, Rock Springs, Wyo., '98 Mustang, 6.602, 228.50 
10) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '01 Dodge, 6.660, 168.37 
11) Jeff Carroll, Santa Barbara, Calif., '97 Firebird, 9.576, 107.74 
12) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '02 Camaro, 9.630, 87.52  
13) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Pontiac, 10.802, 79.92  
14) Ed Marx, Discovery Bay, Calif., '98 Avenger, 12.580, 63.50  
15) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 15.082, 56.61  


COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Charlie Stewart, Arlington, Texas, '63 Corvette, F/EA, 5.994 seconds, -3.206 under index
2) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alb., '23-T Ford, BB/AM, 7.005, -1.005
3) Santo Volpe, Drums, Calif., '32 roadster, A/SR, 8.014, -0.766 
4) Thomas Schmidt, Linstrom, Minn., '33-T Ford, C/SR, 8.703, -0.727
5) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '99 Camaro, PSTA, 7.749, -0.681
6) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, S/SR, 8.750, -0.680
7) John Chamberlain, Napa, Calif., dragster, B/D, 6.851, -0.679
8) Peter Rock Costello, (hometown not available), K/AA, 8.115, -0.675
9) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, F/SM, 8.965, -0.675
10) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, A/SMA, 8.138, -0.672

SUPER STOCK
1) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Belvedere, SS/AA, 8.911 seconds, -1.412 under index
2) Bill Chaffin Jr., Woodland Hills, Calif., '87 GM, SS/DX, 8.217, -1.363  
3) John Stock, Sandusky, Ohio, '85 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.472, -1.318
4) Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., '64 Belvedere, SS/BA, 9.140,-1.310
5) Dave Raybourn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.949, -1.301
6) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '96 Acheiva, SS/BM, 8.648, -1.292
7) Gene McBean, Chardon, Ohio, '69 Mustang, SS/GA, 9.844, -1.276
8) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.899, -1.262
9) Steve Sweitzer, Jersey Shore, Pa., '92 Firebird, GT/EA, 9.966, -1.254
10) Buz Post, Arlington, Texas, '02 Grand Am, SS/AM, 8.544, -1.246

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Robert Mulry, Hollister, Calif., '74 Firebird, K/SA, 11.691 seconds, -1.579 under index
2) Gene Buell, Hesperia, Calif., '70 Challenger, D/SA, 10.762, -1.388 
3) Chris Whitney, Sun Valley, Calif., '67 Fairlane, F/S, 11.053, -1.347
4) Marka Gallina, Henderson, Nev., '89 Trans Am, E/FIA, 11.574, -1.336
5) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.518, -1.322
6) Neil Smedley, Phoenix, '81 Trans Am, P/SA, 12.792, -1.298
7) Jeff Lee, Anthem, Ariz., '70 AMX, E/S, 10.969, -1.281
8) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.665, -1.245
9) Robert Pond, Riverside, Calif., '67 Fairlane, A/S, 10.288, -1.242
10) Keith Lynch, Mt. Ayr, Iowa, '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.604, -1.236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series under way at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

LAS VEGAS - Qualifying got under way today for the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is the first of four days of racing action at The Strip.

More than 750 racers from across the country are expected to compete this weekend in what is the last of 45 events in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Drivers in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street are vying for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships. Several of the titles on both levels could be decided this weekend. The division's Kerker Motorcycle Series featuring Sportsman Motorcycle and the Korbel Super E class will also run in conjunction with the event. Top qualifiers after day-one of racing were Santo Volpe of Drums, Pa., in Comp Eliminator; Bill Chaffin Jr. of Woodland Hills, Calif., in Super Stock; and Gene Buell of Hesparia, Calif., in Stock.

Qualifying and time trials continue Friday but no spectator admission is available. Racing action will also take place Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 7 a.m. both days and racing beings immediately. Tickets are $20 both days. Children 6-12 are $6 both days and kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call Las Vegas Motor Speedway, (702) 644-4444.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

 
COMP ELIMINATOR 
1) Santo Volpe, Drums, Calif., '32 roadster, A/SR, 8.037 seconds, -0.743  under index 
2) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alb., '23-T Ford, BB/AM, 7.313, -0.697 
3) Thomas Schmidt, Linstrom, Minn., '33-T Ford, C/SR, 8.796, -0.634 
4) Vinnie Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.730, -0.630 
5) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '02 Grand Am, B/A, 7.284, -0.626 
6) Sean Dodd, Lewisville, Texas, '99 Camaro, PSTA, 7.819, -0.611 
7) Mike DePalma Jr., Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, B/A, 7.305, -0.605 
8) Steve Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., '34 Chevy, S/SR, 8.828, -0.602 
9) Adam Bowdish, West Linn, Ore., '89 Trans Am, F/SM, 9.041, -0.599 
10) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.645, -0.595

SUPER STOCK 
1) Bill Chaffin Jr., Woodland Hills, Calif., '87 GM, SS/DX, 8.217  seconds, -1.363 under index 
2) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Belvedere, SS/AA, 8.911, -1.339 
3) Dave Rayburn, Modesto, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/AA, 8.949, -1.301 
4) John Stock, Sandusky, Ohio, '85 Camaro, GT/IA, 10.501, -1.289 
5) Gene McBean, Chardon, Ohio, '69 Mustang, SS/GA, 9.849, -1.271 
6) Steve Sweitzer, Jersey Shore, Pa., '92 Firebird, GT/EA, 10.014, -1.206 
7) Robert Cruzen, Cleveland, Okla., '02 S-10, GT/TC, 10.483, -1.197 
8) Jim Weakland, Morrison, Colo., '68 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.949, -1.171 
9) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.087, -1.163 
10) Jeff Hefler, Mansfield, Texas, '98 Grand Am, SS/BM, 8.785, -1.155

STOCK ELIMINATOR 
1) Gene Buell, Hesperia, Calif., '70 Challenger, D/SA, 10.881 seconds,  -1.269 under index 
2) Chris Whitney, Sun Valley, Calif., '67 Fairlane, F/S, 11.134, -1.266 
3) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.607, -1.233 
4) Marka Gallina, Henderson, Nev., '89 Trans Am, E/FIA, 11.714, -1.196 
5) Jeff Lee, Anthem, Ariz., '70 AMX, E/S, 11.071, -1.179 
6) Don Keen, Palmdale, Calif., '69 Mustang, C/S, 10.780, -1.160 
7) Neil Smedley, Phoenix, '81 Trans Am, P/SA, 12.946, -1.144 
8) Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., '73 Satellite, I/SA, 11.776, -1.134 
9) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, K/SA, 12.147, -1.123 
10) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '77 Volare, I/SA, 11.793, -1.117

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Series racers roll the dice for division titles

LAS VEGAS - After eight months of racing at 44 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events across the country, it has all come down to this: the final NHRA divisional event of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More than 750 racers from all over the United States will be on hand October 30-November 2 for the Short Line Express Las Vegas Gambler Shootout. The four-day event is the last chance for competitors to earn valuable championship points on the division level.

Although national titles in Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) are wrapped up, the Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp and Super Gas crowns are still up for grabs. Some of those champions could be determined this weekend.

In Pacific division action, Doug Gordon, a TAFC driver out of Paso Robles, Calif., has locked up his first division championship. Gordon started the season on a hot streak winning the season opening national event in Pomona, Calif., and then taking the stripe at the first two Pacific division races. He also scored runner-up points at two out-of-division races.

In TAD, 19-year-old rookie driver Morgan Lucas has the lead in the point standings and only one driver can catch the Riverside, Calif., racer. If Lucas fails to improve his point standings and Phoenix resident Mark Niver wins the event, Niver would be the champion. However, Niver has not raced since early July and Lucas has been among the hottest drivers over the last two months, winning national events in Indianapolis; Joliet, Ill.; and Dallas.

In Super Stock, Tibor Kadar of Peoria, Ariz., and Jimmy DeFrank of Tarzana, Calif., will battle it out this weekend and Super Gas racers Mike Ferderer of Buckley, Wash., and Bob Harris from Trabuco, Calif., will go head-to-head for the titles in their respective classes. In Super Street, the division title is down to Santa Rosa, Calif., resident Gary Thompson and defending champion Dennis Paz of Stockton, Calif.

The division's Comp Eliminator and Stock titles are down to three contenders each. In Comp Eliminator, Joe Mozeris, from Phoenix, is leading the way but faces challenges from Ed Sigmon of Chatsworth, Calif., and Dean Carter, a resident of Glendale, Ariz. Stock drivers Kyle Seipel of San Lorenzo, Calif., and Toby Lang, the defending champion from Auburn, Wash., are chasing Jim Meador of Yorba Linda, Calif.

Things are not as clear in the hunt for the division's Super Comp crown. There are seven racers still in the chase.

Championships in NHRA's other six divisions could be decided at this race as well. Traditionally, this event has had a record number of cars in competition.

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

Qualifying and time trials begin Thursday and continue on Friday, however, there is no spectator admission on those days. Racing action will continue Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 7 a.m. both days and racing begins immediately. Racers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Sportsman Motorcycle and Super E will run first round of eliminations on Saturday. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying pass Friday and two Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. On Sunday, eliminations continue in all classes with TAD and TAFC running first round at 11 a.m.

General admission, including pit pass, is $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $6 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located on Speedway Blvd., exit 54 off I-10. For more information, call the track, (702) 644-4444, or visit www.LVMS.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout, 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 six in Pacific Division competition. The division's Korbel Super E class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, featuring the Sportsman Motorcycle class, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas. Track is located on Speedway Blvd, exit 54 off of Interstate 15.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, October 30-November 2, 2003

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Short Line Express Market Las Vegas Gambler Shootout:

THURSDAY, Oct. 30 - Qualifying and time trials in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Super E and Sportsman Motorcycle begin. (No spectator admission is available.)

FRIDAY, Oct. 31 - Qualifying and time trials in Alcohol Dragster, Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Super E and Sportsman Motorcycle continue. (No spectator admission is available.)

SATURDAY, Nov. 1 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Super E and Sportsman Motorcycle start immediately. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have qualifying runs at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Nov. 2 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Super E and Sportsman Motorcycle continue at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run eliminations starting at 11 a.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $6 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Las Vegas Motor Speedway, (702) 644-4444.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $158,145, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Mark Hentges, Top Alcohol Dragster; Tate Branch, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Mike DePalma, Comp Eliminator; John Ancona, Super Stock; Kevin Helms, Stock Eliminator; Frank Kohutek, Super Comp; Todd Stewart, Super Gas; Roger Benne, 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 compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jeg's High Performance. The 2004 Jeg's Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2004 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 were invited to compete in the NHRA Kerker King of the Coast competition. In 2003, the All-Star invitational was run in October during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway in Noble, Okla. The rider crowned the Kerker King of the Coast earned $1,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field received $500.

Currently, Sportsman Motorcycles are run in NHRA's South Central, West Central, Northwest and Pacific divisions.

FEATURES: More than 750 drivers in the 10 racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.