FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manzo makes it six in a row at Lebanon Valley Dragway; Mercier wins first

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - In the final eliminations from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout being held this weekend at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Daniel Mercier and Funny Car driver Frank Manzo scored wins in their respective categories.

Mercier, of St. Timothee, Que., earned his first Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event win when he defeated 2002 Lebanon Valley winner, Arthur Gallant of Boxboro, Mass., in the class final. En route to his final round victory, Mercier defeated Karen Benkovich in the opening round and No. 1 qualifier Richard Bourke in the semifinal, before then taking out Gallant in the final. In his final round victory over Gallant, Mercier recorded a 5.567 second pass at 256.80 mph to Gallant's 5.628 at 244.65 mph, to take the win.

In his final round contest, Manzo of Morganville, N.J., faced No. 2 qualifier and longtime rival, Bob Newberry of Schenectady, N.Y. The final round match-up between Manzo and Newberry, who have been battling it out with one another in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category for over two decades, looked to be a exciting race. As the pair rolled up to start their engines for the final though, Newberry's car would not fire. This gave Manzo a single run and his sixth straight Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series win at Lebanon Valley Dragway. Manzo, the defending NHRA Northeast Division and Top Alcohol Funny Car National Champion, opened the 2004 Lucas Oil season with a win at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., and currently leads the Funny Car points in NHRA's Northeast Division.

Other winners at the event were Tony Stephenson of Willow Spring, N.C., in Competition Eliminator; Dean Ribeiro of Candia, N.H., in Super Stock; Jim Harrington of Old Bridge, N.J., in Stock Eliminator; Ed Alessi Jr. of Valley Stream, N.Y., in Super Comp; Louis Pitzonka of West Seneca, N.Y., in Super Gas and Keith Bowers of Amityville, N.Y., in Super Street.

The next stop for racers on the NHRA Northeast Division tour is U.S. 13 Dragway in Delmar, Del., July 16-18. Additional information about the event can be obtained calling (302) 846-3968 or by logging on to www.DelawareRacing.com or www.NHRA.com.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, event being held at Lebanon Valley Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Richard Bourke, Norwood, N.J., 5.600, 257.78 def. 
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.854, 227.15 

2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.579, 249.39 def. 
7) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.643, 253.95 

6) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.750, 250.04 def. 
3) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., foul

4) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.586, 255.53 def. 
5) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.599, 251.02 

Semifinals 
Mercier, 5.538, 260.51 def. Bourke, 5.656, 256.11 
Gallant, 5.636, 247.57 def. McPhillips, 5.833, 248.16 

Final 
Mercier, 5.567, 256.80 def. Gallant, 5.628, 244.65 

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
5) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.909, 242.02 def. 
4) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 7.071, 134.82

3) Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., '04 Avenger, 5.846, 249.26 def. 
6) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 6.177, 206.95

2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.796, 251.77 def. 
7) Arnie Karp, Peabody, Mass., '00 Avenger, 6.015, 242.58 

1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.787, 253.47 def. 
8) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 6.313, 228.89 

Semifinals 
Newberry, 5.746, 252.76 def. Sickles, 5.746, 251.20 
Manzo, 5.939, 249.26 def. Tigges, broke 

Final
Manzo, 9.333, 94.08 def. Newberry, broke

COMP ELIMINATOR
Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '02 Cavalier, E/AA, 8.703, 113.30 def. 
Billy Griffin, Norwalk, Conn., '92 Camaro, B/EA, foul

SUPER STOCK
Dean Ribeiro, Candia, N.H., '85 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.343, 129.07 def. 
Michael Iacono, Wading River, N.Y., '89 Camaro, GT/FA, 10.254, 128.70

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jim Harrington, Old Bridge, N.J., '90 Camaro, F/FIA, 12.231, 98.95 def. 
Rob Garvey Jr., Penfield, N.Y., '72 Duster, G/SA, 11.706, 110.33

SUPER COMP
Ed Alessi Jr., Valley Stream, N.Y., dragster, 8.903, 154.78 def. 
Craig Belcher, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., dragster, 8.863, 155.27

SUPER GAS
Louis Pitzonka, West Seneca, N.Y., '56 Studebaker, 9.959, 134.10 def. 
Ken Bowers, Islip, N.Y., '88 T-Bird, 9.897, 143.17

SUPER STREET
Keith Bowers, Amityville, N.Y., '67 Barracuda, 10.922, 147.49 def. 
Anna Lise Lachapelle, Marlboro, Mass., '87 Cutlass, 10.865, 126.23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bourke and Manzo hold on to top spots at Lebanon Valley

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. After the final rounds of qualifying at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout being held this weekend at Lebanon Valley Dragway, Friday's Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car low qualifiers Richard Bourke and Frank Manzo remained on top of their fields.

Bourke, of Norwood, N.J., laid down a pass of 5.554 seconds at 256.94 mph to take the top spot in dragster. New York racer John Finke of Selkirk is seventh with a 5.675-second pass at 252.24 mph. In tomorrow's opening round of eliminations, Finke will take on No. 2 qualifier Arthur Gallant of Boxboro, Mass. Gallant, the 2002 National Champion in the class, qualified with a 5.596 second pass at 244.87 mph.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Manzo of Morganville, N.J., who is the defending National Champion in the class, ran a time of 5.684 seconds at 257.09 mph to earn the top spot. Upstate N.Y., racers Bob Newberry of nearby Schenectady and defending Southeast Division Funny Car champ Jim Sickles of Caledonia claimed the No. 2 and 3 positions.

In other qualifying action, former National Champion Vinny Barone, of Dix Hills, N.Y., leads the Comp Eliminator field, while Dennysville, Maine, racer Scott Gove, and Cecil Frazier of Canton, Mass., top the fields in Super Stock and Stock Eliminator.

Sunday's racing action at Lebanon Valley Dragway will feature final eliminations in all categories beginning at 10 a.m. Final eliminations in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled to take place at noon.

Gates on Sunday open at 8 a.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $20 on Sunday. Children 6- 12 are $5. Kids 5 and under are admitted free.

For more information please contact Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130 or visit them on the web at www.Dragway.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout at Lebanon Valley Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Richard Bourke, Norwood, N.J., 5.554 seconds, 256.94 mph
2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.596, 244.87
3) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.607, 244.78
4) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.616, 253.37
5) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.616, 249.49
6) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.620, 255.24
7) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.675, 252.24
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.804, 242.54

Not Qualified
9) Mike Burns, Waynesburg, Pa., 5.858, 238.30
10) Paul Sylvester, Townsend, Del., 5.921, 239.91
11) Donald Gianquitto, Melrose, Mass., 6.064, 231.20
12) David DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.126, 151.49
13) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 6.420, 171.73
14) Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 6.503, 200.05

First round TAD pairings
1) Richard Bourke, Norwood, N.J., 5.554 seconds, 256.94 mph vs. 
8) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.804, 242.54

2) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.596, 244.87 vs. 
7) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.675, 252.24

3) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.607, 244.78 vs. 
6) Rich McPhillips, Phoenixville, Pa., 5.620, 255.24

4) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.616, 253.37 vs. 
5) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.616, 249.49

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.684 seconds, 257.09 mph
2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.707, 253.28
3) Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., '04 Avenger, 5.786, 250.88
4) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 5.950, 234.49
5) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.962, 240.59
6) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 5.974, 236.46
7) Arnie Karp, Peabody, Mass., '00 Avenger, 5.997, 196.82
8) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 6.107, 234.57

Not Qualified
9) Sam Leland, Jarrettsville, Md., '00 Corvette, 6.516, 220.66
10) Chris Brown, Ivyland, Pa., '00 Avenger, 7.052, 142.52

First round TAFC pairings
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.684 seconds, 257.09 mph vs. 
8) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 6.107, 234.57

2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.707, 253.28 vs. 
7) Arnie Karp, Peabody, Mass., '00 Avenger, 5.997, 196.82

3) Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., '04 Avenger, 5.786, 250.88 vs. 
6) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 5.974, 236.46

4) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, 5.950, 234.49 vs. 
5) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.962, 240.59

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Vinny Barone, Dix Hills, N.Y., '34 Chevy, A/SR, 7.984 seconds, -0.646 (under index)
2) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.142, -0.628
3) Charlie Yannetti, Alpine, N.J., '32 Bantam, L/AA, 9.170, -0.600
4) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., dragster, G/D, 9.091, -0.579
5) Ian Landies Jr., Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.268, -0.532
6) Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '02 Cavalier, E/AA, 7.927, -0.523
7) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.824, -0.516
8) Don Eckel III, Piscataway, N.J., dragster, C/D, 7.105, -0.505
9) John Russo, Middleton, Mass., '68 Camaro, AA/PM, 6.431, -0.469
10) Billy Griffin, Norwalk, Conn., '92 Camaro, B/EA, 8.068, -0.462

SUPER STOCK
1) Scott Gove, Dennysville, Maine, '93 Daytona, SS/AM, 8.410 seconds, -1.140 (under index)
2) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/KA, 10.627, -1.123
3) Anthony Cretella, Newington, Conn., '86 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.298, -1.102
4) Guy DesJardins, St. Bruno, Quebec, '67 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.686, -1.064
5) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.136, -1.064
6) Joseph Santangelo II, Marlborough, Conn., '65 Chevy II, GT/IA, 10.459, -1.041
7) Howard Barsky, Levittown, Pa., '57 Chevy, SS/NA, 11.419, -1.031
8) Peter Zawadzki, Sodus, N.Y., '82 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.922, -1.028
9) Vito Savino, Brewster, N.Y., '95 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.361, -0.989
10) Ed Koziol, Montgomery, Mass., '66 Corvette, SS/C, 9.375, -0.975

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Cecil Frazier, Canton, Mass., '92 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.688 seconds, -1.262 (under index)
2) Bill Kennedy, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., '84 Trans Am, K/SA, 11.785, -1.165
3) Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, C/SA, 10.551, -1.149
4) Fred Thibeault, Annapolis, N.S., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.434, -1.116
5) Mike Farrell, E Nassau, N.Y., '71 Duster, E/SA, 10.885, -1.115
6) Brett Riethmiller, Franklinville, N.Y., '70 Challenger, B/SA, 10.446, -1.104
7) Bob Horgan, Tyngsboro, Mass., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.516, -1.084
8) Steve Ficacci Jr., East Hanover, N.J., '68 Camaro, A/S, 10.174, -1.076
9) Bob Vogel, East Hampton, Mass., '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.509, -1.041
10) John Gray, Hudson, Mass., '72 Nova, G/SA, 11.262, -1.038

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bourke and Manzo No. 1 at Lebanon Valley Dragway

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - After the opening rounds of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout being held this weekend at Lebanon Valley Dragway, New Jersey racers Richard Bourke of Norwood and Frank Manzo of Morganville are leading the Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car fields.

Bourke laid down a pass of 5.554 seconds at 256.94 mph to take to top spot in dragster. Among the other qualifiers in the field is New York racer John Finke of Selkirk, who is fifth. Middlesex, N.J., racer Dave DeAngelis rounds out the 8-car field.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Manzo, the defending National and NHRA Northeast Division Champion in the class, leads his field with a time a 5.684 seconds at 257.09 mph. Qualified behind Manzo in the No. 2 and 3 spots are upstate N.Y., racers Bob Newberry of nearby Schenectady and defending Southeast Division Funny Car champ, Jim Sickles of Caledonia.

In other qualifying action, former National Champion Vinny Barone, of Dix Hills, N.Y., leads the Competition Eliminator field, while Newington, Conn., racer Anthony Cretella, and Cecil Frazier of Canton, Mass., top the fields in Super Stock and Stock Eliminator.

After qualifying was complete, race fans were treated to the 10th Annual Lebanon Valley Dragway 4th of July Extravaganza, featuring wheelstanders and low 6-second runs at over 200 mph by blower and nitrous powered Pro Mods. The night was capped off with a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the New York sky.

Saturday's racing action at Lebanon Valley Dragway will feature the continuation of qualifying in all categories beginning at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled to have their final qualifying attempts at noon and 3 p.m.

Gates open Saturday at 8 a.m. Time trials begin at 9 a.m. General Admission tickets, including a pit pass, are $15 on Saturday, $20 on Sunday. Children 6- 12 are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free.

For more information please contact Lebanon Valley Dragway at (518) 794-7130 or visit them on the web at www.Dragway.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout at Lebanon Valley Dragway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Richard Bourke, Norwood, N.J., 5.554 seconds, 256.94 mph
2) Steven Cantrell, Wilmington, Del., 5.607, 241.41
3) Daniel Mercier, St. Timothee, Quebec, 5.616, 253.09
4) Karen Benkovich, Fanwood, N.J., 5.616, 249.49
5) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.675, 252.24
6) Bruce Horner, Bergenfield, N.J., 5.831, 220.19
7) Mike Burns, Waynesburg, Pa., 5.858, 227.31
8) David DeAngelis, Middlesex, N.J., 6.126, 151.49

Not Qualified
9) Tom Pickett, Winchester, Mass., 6.420, 168.81
10) Sheila Tafur, Middletown, Conn., 6.503, 134.48
11) Paul Sylvester, Townsend, Del., 6.992, 132.14
12) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 23.915, 25.15

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Frank Manzo, Morganville, N.J., '03 Firebird, 5.684 seconds, 257.09 mph
2) Bob Newberry, Schenectady, N.Y., '02 Camaro, 5.707, 253.28
3) Jim Sickles, Caledonia, N.Y., '04 Avenger, 5.786, 250.88
4) Fred Tigges, Holbrook, Mass., '97 Camaro, 5.962, 240.59
5) Dan Pomponio, Berlin, N.J., '99 Camaro, 5.974, 236.46
6) Arnie Karp, Peabody, Mass., '00 Avenger, 6.444, 148.09
7) Chris Brown, Ivyland, Pa., '00 Avenger, 7.052, 142.52
8) Billy Gibson, Chaptico, Md., '04 Firebird, 8.790, 110.13

Not Qualified
9) Eric Lourie, Terryville, Conn., '02 Camaro, (no time)

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Vinny Barone, Dix Hills, N.Y., '34 Chevy, A/SR, 7.994 seconds, -0.636 (under index)
2) Al Ackerman, Saddle Brook, N.J., dragster, F/D, 8.144, -0.626
3) Michele Costa, Freehold, N.J., dragster, G/D, 9.091, -0.579
4) Ian Landies Jr., Chardon, Ohio, '02 Cavalier, F/A, 8.268, -0.532
5) Tony Stephenson, Willow Spring, N.C., '02 Cavalier, E/AA, 7.927, -0.523
6) Joe Carnasciale, Cranston, R.I., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.824, -0.516
7) John Russo, Middleton, Mass., '68 Camaro, AA/PM, 6.431, -0.469
8) Billy Griffin, Norwalk, Conn., '92 Camaro, B/EA, 8.068, -0.462
9) Don Eckel III, Piscataway, N.J., dragster, C/D, 7.178, -0.432
10) Steve Levine, New Windsor, N.Y., '23 Ford, AA/AM, 6.795, -0.415

SUPER STOCK
1) Anthony Cretella, Newington, Conn., '86 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.298 seconds, -1.102 (under index)
2) Tim Worner, Duncannon, Pa., '88 Cutlass, GT/KA, 10.671, -1.079
3) Guy DesJardins, St. Bruno, Quebec, '67 Camaro, SS/FA, 9.686, -1.064
4) John Armstrong, Kingston, N.S., '69 Corvette, SS/BA, 9.136, -1.064
5) Joseph Santangelo II, Marlborough, Conn., '65 Chevy II, GT/IA, 10.459, -1.041
6) Howard Barsky, Levittown, Pa., '57 Chevy, SS/NA, 11.419, -1.031
7) Peter Zawadzki, Sodus, N.Y., '82 Camaro, GT/EA, 9.953, -0.997
8) Brian Oakes, De Bary, Fla., '69 Camaro, SS/DA, 9.526, -0.974
9) Gianni Cantusci, Stittsville, Ont., '00 Firebird, GT/IA, 10.539, -0.961
10) Ed Koziol, Montgomery, Mass., '66 Corvette, SS/C, 9.392, -0.958

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Cecil Frazier, Canton, Mass., '92 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.699 seconds, -1.251 (under index)
2) Bill Kennedy, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., '84 Trans Am, K/SA, 11.785, -1.165
3) Jim Boudreau, Tewksbury, Mass., '69 Camaro, C/SA, 10.551, -1.149
4) Fred Thibeault, Annapolis, N.S., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.434, -1.116
5) Mike Farrell, E Nassau, N.Y., '71 Duster, E/SA, 10.896, -1.104
6) Brett Riethmiller, Franklinville, N.Y., '70 Challenger, B/SA, 10.466, -1.084
7) Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., '80 Corvette, H/SA, 11.425, -1.025
8) Jim Conte, Tappan, N.Y., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.525, -1.025
9) Bob Vogel, East Hampton, Mass., '70 Nova, B/SA, 10.548, -1.002
10) Barry Parker, Southwick, Mass., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.551, -0.999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil event to provide pyrotechnics at Lebanon Valley

WEST LEBANON, N.Y. - NHRA Northeast division racers will head to Lebanon Valley Dragway July 2-4 for the Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Drivers in eight categories earn points toward divisional and national titles as well as a share of the champions' purse, worth more than $560,000. The race is the second of seven in Northeast division competition.

Classes that will run are 250-mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD), Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. Friday night after TAD and TAFC qualifying the track will host a special fireworks show, the 10th Annual 4th of July Extravaganza.

Defending division TAFC champ Frank Manzo will begin his quest for a 10th straight division title as well as his eighth consecutive national crown. Manzo's opened the 2004 NED campaign with a win at Maple Grove, Pa.. In 2003 division competition the Morganville, N.J., racer won five of the seven races including the one here at Lebanon Valley. He was the low qualifier in the category four times. He recorded the best time and speed at the 2003 Lebanon Valley event at 5.758 seconds and 253.87 mph

This year, Manzo's closest rival will likely be Bob Newberry, another veteran racer. Last year, Newberry, a resident of Schenectady, N.Y., made four successive runner-up showings in the division. It was enough to place him second in the division point standings. Overall, he was fourth in the national point standings.

In the TAD class, Steve Cantrell and Art Gallant, two veteran Northeast drivers, come in to Lebanon Valley as the hot shoes, having met in the final at the first event in Maple Grove with Cantrell taking the win. Ken Perry, of Toronto, Ont., was the quickest as fastest driver in Maple grave at 5.397 seconds and 263.98 mph. Nearly 20 machines were in Maple Grove trying for one of the eight qualifying spots, and Lebanon Valley figures to host at least that many.

Gallant, the 2002 TAD national champion and Northeast division champion, is back in competition this year. The Boxboro, Mass., racer appeared at a limited number of events last year but this season it looks like he may be back to a full schedule. He already has an NHRA national event win under his belt.

Gates at Lebanon Valley Dragway open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 10 a.m. TAD and TAFC will qualify at 7:30 p.m. Qualifying and time trials continue Saturday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will have qualifying runs at noon and 3 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 10 a.m. with TAD and TAFC running first round at noon.

General admission tickets at Lebanon Valley Dragway are $15 Friday, $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

Lebanon Valley Dragway is located off I-90 E on Route 20. Exit at 11E/Route 20 and go approximately 10 miles. The dragstrip is just past the oval dirt track on the left side. For more information call Lebanon Valley Dragway, (518) 794-7130, or visit www.dragway.com.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series drivers will head to U.S 13 Dragway in Delmar, Del., July 16-18 for the third Northeast division race of the 2004 NED campaign.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Diamond RV Division 1 Shootout, featuring the 10th Annual July 4th Extravaganza, 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 Northeast Division competition.

WHERE: Lebanon Valley Dragway, West Lebanon, N.Y. Track is located off I-90 E on Route 20. Exit 11E/Route 20, and follow 10-12 miles. The track is just past the oval dirt track on the left-hand side.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 2-4 , 2004

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

FRIDAY, July 2 -- 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 7:30 p.m. The 10th Annual 4th of July Extravaganza will begin after the alcohol classes run.

SATURDAY, July 3 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 4 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 10 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 6 to 12 are $5 each day. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Lebanon Valley Dragway, (518) 794-7130 or go to WWW.dragway.com

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $162,495, part of the 45-race, $6.5 million series.

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Richard Bourke, Top Alcohol Dragster; Frank Manzo, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Santo Volpe, Comp Eliminator; Tim Maggio, Super Stock; Michael Iacono, Stock Eliminator; Shane Carr, Super Comp; Jim Smulligan, Super Gas; John Smith, 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 2004 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 $109,000 overall bonus fund from Federal-Mogul's Sealed Power brand to the low qualifiers at each of the 46 Lucas Oil events: $1,000 each in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car; $200 each in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock; and $100 in Stock. (TAD and TAFC compete at 43 of 46 divisional 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 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.

This year, event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, has offered a "double up" bonus to Allstars competitors. Winners in each individual class who go on to win the national event will have their Allstars prize money doubled.

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.