FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilson, Cheeseman take home top prize from Beech Bend Raceway

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - NHRA North Central division competitors put the fifth of six Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events in the books this weekend. More than 600 drivers from across the United States converged on Beech Bend Raceway for the race. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car drivers Jeff Wilson and Chuck Cheeseman each earned their second wins of the season to help themselves in the chase for the division crowns. Both men are the defending champions in their classes and both of them came into the event in third place in the point standings.

Wilson, who resides in Winfield, Mo., beat the event's No. 1 qualifier Marty Thacker of Robinson, Ill., in the final. Wilson ran 5.609 seconds at 251.16 mph to Thacker's 5.624-second, 254.81 mph effort. Both drivers are chasing current points leader Bill Reichert.

Cheeseman, who qualified third this weekend beat No. 4 qualifier Mick Snyder in the final. The Galena, Ohio, racer made a 5.839-second, 249.26 mph pass to knock off Snyder who ran 6.073 seconds at 240.64 mph. Snyder, of Demott, Ind., came into the race leading the point standings on the strength of a win and two runner-up showings.

Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., took the win in Comp Eliminator; Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., won in Super Stock; and David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., won in Stock. In Super Comp, Ron Erks, Clinton, Ohio, took the win while Super Gas racer Hugh Hawkins, Beaumont, Texas, took home the trophy. Linn Bebout Jr., Gambier, Ohio, won in Super Street and Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., was the Top Sportsman winner.

North Central Division racers close out the 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 24-26.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.634, 255.15 def. 
8) Noah Condo, Monticello, Ind., DQ

2) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.656, 252.00 def. 
7) Jared Drehr, Clinton, Ind., 5.719, 245.45

3) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.645, 247.25 def. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.577, 228.54

5) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.727, 239.87 def. 
4) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 6.897, 162.08

Semifinals
Wilson, 5.638, 252.14 def. Bohr, foul
Thacker, 5.613, 257.83 def. Allen, 5.723, 216.76

Final
Wilson, 5.609, 251.16 def. Thacker, 5.624, 254.81

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.981, 236.30 def. 
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.068, 233.12

3) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.815, 248.39 def. 
6) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 8.738, 99.11

4) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.965, 244.12 def. 
5) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '02 Firebird, 6.171, 183.54

7) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.047, 246.57 def. 
9) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '02 Firebird, 6.133, 230.10

Semifinals
Cheeseman, 5.861, 242.93 def. Townsend, broke 
Snyder, 5.978, 244.65 def. Billington, 5.973, 242.06

Final
Cheeseman, 5.839, 249.26 def. Snyder, 6.073, 240.64

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.476, 152.83 def. 
Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., dragster, E/ED, 8.537, 152.50.

SUPER STOCK
Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.136, 128.65 def. 
Kevin Helms, Mineola, Texas, '69 Camaro, SS/E, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '67 Camaro, E/SA, 11.334, 114.23  def. 
George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.343, 115.16.

SUPER COMP
Ron Erks, Clinton, Ohio, dragster, 8.904, 170.56 def. 
Corky Markwart, Largo, Fla., '02 Cavalier, 8.879, 174.14.

SUPER GAS
Hugh Hawkins, Beaumont, Texas, '57 Corvette, 9.953, 149.3 def. 
Carl Shanes, Franklin, Tenn., '00 S-10, 9.873, 148.04.

SUPER STREET
Linn Bebout Jr., Gambier, Ohio, '69 Oldsmobile, 10.989, 125.02 def. 
Steve Grace, Wetumpka, Ala., '65 Chevy II Wgn, 10.873, 118.96.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.366, 186.69 def. 
Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.387, 189.12.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Qualifying complete at Beech Bend Raceway, Thacker sets track records

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - NHRA North Central division racers completed qualifying at Beech Bend Raceway's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Top Alcohol Dragster competitor Marty Thacker moved from fifth place to the No. 1 qualifying position while Mark Billington held off his Top Alcohol Funny Car rivals to remain in the top spot.

In his final qualifying pass Thacker reset both ends of the track record. The 5.826-second, 243.50 mph run catapulted him over Jeff Bohr and Jeff Wilson who were ahead of him after today's first run. This is Thacker's third top qualifying effort of the season but he goes into eliminations looking for his first win. The Robinson, Ill., resident has been runner-up three times.

For Norcross, Ga., racer Billington, yesterday's 5.864-second, 247.47 mph run was enough to stave off the competition. Billington races out of NHRA's Southeast division and has a win and a runner-up finish on the season.

In Comp Eliminator, David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., remained in the No. 1 position as did Super Stock racer Larry Wilson of Mt. Washington, Ky., and Tom Stultz of Terre Haute, Ind., in Top Sportsman. In Stock Eliminator, Donald Holmes of Dayton, Ohio, finished qualifying in the top spot.

In other racing action today, the division held its Top Sportsman VP Racing Fuels Shootout. The event was the culmination of a season-long battle for the top eight qualifying positions. In the final, Tim Kirman, Morris, Ill., beat Bill Gibson of Beecher, Ill. Racing continues Sunday at Beech Bend Raceway. Gates open at 7 a.m. and eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Tickets are $20. For more information call Beech Bend Raceway, (270) 782-1138.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.524 seconds, 260.31 mph
2) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.597, 251.39
3) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.599, 253.42
4) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.614, 252.52
5) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.615, 247.88
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.645, 253.80
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.719, 245.49
8) Noah Condo, Monticello, Ind., 5.743, 248.61 

Not Qualified
9) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.745, 248.66
10) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 6.142, 186.48

First round TAD pairings
1) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.524 seconds, 260.31 mph vs. 
8) Noah Condo, Monticello, Ind., 5.743, 248.61

2) Jeff Bohr, Plymouth, Mich., 5.597, 251.39 vs. 
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 5.719, 245.49

3) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.599, 253.42 vs. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.645, 253.80

4) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.614, 252.52 vs. 
5) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 5.615, 247.88

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.864 seconds, 247.47 mph
2) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.871, 244.03
3) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.883, 247.16
4) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.898, 245.76
5) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '02 Firebird, 6.038, 236.92
6) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 6.040, 241.89
7) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.051, 246.21
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.085, 233.88 

Not Qualified
9) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '02 Firebird, 6.372, 223.06
10) Russell Mudd, Fairdale, Ky., '98 Mustang, 6.608, 216.69
11) Steve Franke, Indianapolis, '98 Lumina, 7.136, 201.34

First round TAFC pairings
1) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.864 seconds, 247.47 mph vs. 
8) Bobby Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa., '01 Avenger, 6.085, 233.88

2) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.871, 244.03 vs. 
7) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 6.051, 246.21

3) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.883, 247.16 vs. 
6) Don DeVault, Kentland, Ind., '01 Avenger, 6.040, 241.89

4) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.898, 245.76 vs. 
5) Greg Elliott, Bedford, Ind., '02 Firebird, 6.038, 236.92

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.455 seconds, -0.535 (under index)
2) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.304, -0.526
3) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.465, -0.525
4) Robert Bailey, Wabash, Ind., dragster, A/ED, 6.802, -0.488
5) Brian Stufflebeam, Peoria, Ill., '23 roadster, B/AA, 7.335, -0.465
6) Terry Smith, Williamstown, W.V., '32 Bantam, D/EA, 8.553, -0.457
7) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., dragster, E/ED, 8.617, -0.453
8) Dick Maris, Valrico, Fla., dragster, C/D, 7.157, -0.453
9) Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., dragster, C/ED, 7.506, -0.434
10) Tim Freeman, Roan Mtn., Tenn., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.348, -0.432

SUPER STOCK
1) Larry Wilson, Mt. Washington, Ky., '66 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.372 seconds, -1.078 (under index)
2) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/IA, 10.452, -1.048
3) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.902, -1.048
4) Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., '64 Mustang, SS/M, 10.860, -1.040
5) Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., '02 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.676, -1.024
6) Jerry Holman, Hendersonville, Tenn., '86 Firebird, SS/KA, 10.548, -1.002
7) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.172, -0.978
8) Ken Shawver, Bryan, Ohio, '78 Firebird, SS/LA, 10.775, -0.975
9) Mike Cates, Milan, Tenn., '64 Mercury, SS/M, 10.936, -0.964
10) Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., '67 Nova, SS/G, 9.788, -0.962

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '77 Firebird, K/SA, 11.685 seconds, -1.265 (under index)
2) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.353, -1.247
3) Larry Hill, Hickory, Ky., '86 C-10, R/SA, 13.165, -1.185
4) Jerry Bennett, Hickory, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.273, -1.177
5) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '77 Corvette, J/SA, 11.591, -1.159
6) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.840, -1.110
7) Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., '80 Corvette, I/SA, 11.540, -1.060
8) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.099, -1.051
9) Jonathan Tarrance, Bremen, Ky., '84 Monte Carlo, V/SA, 14.774, -1.026
10) Terry Landry, Baton Rouge, La., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.431, -1.019

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 7.002 seconds, 197.77 mph
2) Todd Suhling, Anna, Ill., '01 S-10, 7.067, 196.13
3) Earle Folse, Raceland, La., '86 Cutlass, 7.139, 195.90
4) Michael Donato, Arlington Hts., Ill., '04 Grand Am, 7.253, 191.32
5) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '04 Cavalier, 7.302, 189.04
6) Troy Cagle, Ranburne, Fla., '00 S-10, 7.302, 187.03
7) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.359, 186.56
8) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.373, 187.91
9) Mitch Smith, Anderson, Ind., '04 Grand Am, 7.389, 185.66
10) Tim Kirman, Morris, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.405, 185.38

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilson, Billington lead qualifying at Beech Bend

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Beech Bend Raceway is hosting the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series this weekend with qualifying and time trials set for Friday and Saturday and eliminations scheduled on Sunday. Top Alcohol Dragster driver Jeff Wilson and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Mark Billington took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes after the first rounds of competiton.

Wilson, of Winfield, Mo., outran the field with a pass of 5.642 seconds at 250.83 mph. The defending division champion was just quick enough to pull ahead of Steve Federlin's 5.645-second run. Federlin hales from Oregon City, Ore.

Norcross, Ga., resident Billington made a 5.864-second, 247.47 mph pass in his '01 Avenger. Chuck Cheeseman, of Galena, Ohio, was the No. 2 qualifier, running 5.883 seconds at 245.45 mph.

Top qualifiers in other classes were David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., in Comp Eliminator; Larry Wilson, Mt. Washington, Ky., in Super Stock; George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., in Stock Eliminator; and Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., in Top Sportsman.

Racing continues Saturday at Beech Bend Raceway. Gates open at 7 a.m. with final qualifying and time trials starting at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny car qualify at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, call Beech Bend Raceway, (270) 782-1138

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Beech Bend Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Jeff Wilson, Winfield, Mo., 5.642 seconds, 250.83 mph
2) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.645, 253.80
3) Bill McCornack, Lexington, Ky., 5.665, 250.04
4) Phil Mass, Gurnee, Ill., 5.774, 248.66
5) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.826, 243.50
6) Randy Bayne, Elwood, Ind., 8.434, 91.58
7) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 10.154, 79.81

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.864 seconds, 247.47 mph
2) Chuck Cheeseman, Galena, Ohio, '02 Firebird, 5.883, 245.45
3) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '02 Firebird, 5.898, 245.76
4) Kim Fritts, Greenup, Ill., '98 Firebird, 5.924, 239.10
5) Danny Townsend, Muncie, Ind., '02 RT, 7.022, 139.60
6) Steve Franke, Indianapolis, Ind., '98 Lumina, 7.136, 201.34
7) David Kovar, New Lenox, Ill., '02 Firebird, 9.121, 99.07

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) David Rampy, Piedmont, Ala., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.455 seconds, -0.535 (under index)
2) Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., dragster, D/D, 7.309, -0.521
3) Jason Coan, Greentown, Ind., dragster, F/ED, 8.475, -0.515
4) Dick Maris, Valrico, Fla., dragster, C/D, 7.158, -0.452
5) Greg Kamplain, North Salem, Ind., dragster, C/ED, 7.506, -0.434
6) Jesse Plant, Terre Haute, Ind., dragster, D/ED, 7.569, -0.431
7) Tim Freeman, Roan Mtn., Tenn., '92 Camaro, H/SM, 9.353, -0.427
8) Bo Butner III, Floyds Knobs, Ind., '02 Grand Am, G/SMA, 9.184, -0.426
9) Steve Ambrose, Woodhaven, Mich., '23 roadster, J/AA, 8.044, -0.406
10) Gary Wisecarver, Rustburg, Va., '04 Cavalier, H/SM, 9.409, -0.371

SUPER STOCK
1) Larry Wilson, Mt. Washington, Ky., '66 Bel Air, SS/NA, 11.372 seconds,-1.078 (under index)
2) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/IA, 10.452, -1.048
3) John Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, '04 Cavalier, SS/CM, 8.908, -1.042
4) Everett Hill, Fayetteville, Ga., '64 Mustang, SS/M, 10.860, -1.040
5) Irvin Johns, Charlestown, Ind., '02 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.689, -1.011
6) Brad Allen, Winamac, Ind., '03 S-10, GT/TB, 10.172, -0.978
7) Ken Shawver, Bryan, Ohio, '78 Firebird, SS/LA, 10.777, -0.973
8) Mike Cates, Milan, Tenn., '64 Mercury, SS/M, 10.936, -0.964
9) Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., '67 Nova, SS/G, 9.804, -0.946
10) Ken Vaughn, Columbia, Tenn., '68 Camaro, SS/D, 9.571, -0.929

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., '78 Volare, I/SA, 11.353 seconds, -1.247 (under index)
2) Donald Holmes, Dayton, Ohio, '77 Firebird, K/SA, 11.736, -1.214
3) Jerry Bennett, Hickory, Ky., '79 Aspen, H/SA, 11.273, -1.177
4) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, F/FIA, 11.840, -1.110
5) Carlton Sweasy, Louisville, Ky., '77 Corvette, J/SA, 11.641, -1.109
6) Jim Marshall, Scottsville, N.Y., '80 Corvette, I/SA, 11.540, -1.060
7) Steve Sullivan, West Chester, Ohio, '88 Mustang, G/FIA, 12.099, -1.051
8) Jonathan Tarrance, Bremen, Ky., '84 Monte Carlo, V/SA, 14.774, -1.026
9) Ed Bednaz, Terryville, Conn., '69 Nova, B/S, 10.483, -1.017
10) Terry Landry, Baton Rouge, La., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.436, -1.014

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 7.009 seconds, 197.77 mph
2) Todd Suhling, Anna, Ill., '01 S-10, 7.103, 195.59
3) Earle Folse, Raceland, La., '86 Cutlass, 7.139, 195.90
4) Michael Donato, Arlington Hts., Ill., '04 Grand Am, 7.253, 191.32
5) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '04 Cavalier, 7.331, 188.38
6) Jerry Barker, Byron, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.379, 186.30
7) Tim Kirman, Morris, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 7.419, 182.01
8) Jarod Wenrick, Tipp City, Ohio, '37 Ford, 7.451, 182.58
9) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '92 Camaro, 7.491, 172.47
10) Keith McPherson, Leonard, Mich., '63 Corvette, 7.501, 184.67

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reichert and Snyder looking to increase Division 3 points leads

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Beech Bend Raceway Park will host a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Aug. 27-29. The race is the fifth of six races in NHRA North Central Division competition. It will feature more than 550 drivers in eight categories competing for points leading to divisional and national championships.

Classes will include 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC) as well as Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street. The division's Top Sportsman (TS) class will also run in conjunction with the event.

Coming into the event at Bowling Green, Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) pilot Bill Reichert leads the points. Reichert, a resident of Owasso, Mich., won the NHRA North Central Division race in Stanton, Mich., as well as an out-of-division race in Houston.

Behind Reichert in the TAD point standings is defending North Central Division Champion Jeff Wilson of Winfield, Mo. Reichert has a large lead at this point, but Wilson, who won the North Central opener in Indianapolis, has run fewer total events to this point, so a win could go a long way to reeling in Reichert.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), Mick Snyder, the 22-year-old Demotte, Ind., driver who began his NHRA career in the Jr. Drag Racing League, added some new blood to the top of the points list. His win in Indianapolis and a runner-up in Stanton left him the surprise leader in the Funny Car points with Danny Townsend, the veteran from Muncie, Ind., who has returned to action this year, in second. Snyder finished sixth in the division in 2003.

Defending Division Champion Chuck Cheeseman, of Galena, Ohio, who failed to qualify at the North Central season opener in Indianapolis rebounded with a win in Stanton. He's currently in the No. 3 points position and hopes to repeat his 2003 win at Beech Bend and move back into contention for another championship.

In other Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series categories of racing, Terry Smith, of Williamstown, W.V., leads the points in Comp; Brad Zaskowski, of Grand Rapids, Mich., leads in Super Stock; while Kyle Riley, of Chicago, leads Stock. They will all be on part of the 550-plus entries expected to compete at Beech Bend.

Gates at Beech Bend Raceway open at 7 a.m. Friday with qualifying and time trials starting at 9 a.m. TS, TAD and TAFC will each have one qualifying run on Friday, TS runs at 4 p.m. and TAD and TAFC will run at 5 p.m. Saturday, gates open at 7 a.m. and time trials continue at 8 a.m. TS, TAD and TAFC will each make two qualifying passes. TS will run at noon and 3:30 p.m., and TAD and TAFC are scheduled at 1 and 4:30 p.m.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. with gates opening at 7 a.m. TS will run first round of eliminations at 11 a.m. and TAD and TAFC are scheduled to run first round at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10 Friday and $20 each Saturday and Sunday. A two-day pass is $30 and a full-event ticket is $40. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult..

Beech Bend Raceway is located 2.5 miles from downtown Bowling Green. Take exit 22 or 28 off I-65 and follow the signs to the track. For more information call Beech Bend Raceway, (270) 782-1138, or visit the web site, www.BeechBend.com.

North Central Division racers will be in Columbus, Ohio, for the final NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. National Trail Raceway will host the festivities Sept. 24-26.

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 fifth of six in North Central Division competition. The division's Top Sportsman class will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Ky. Track is located 2.5 miles from downtown Bowling Green. Take exit 22 or 28 off Interstate 65 and continue through downtown and follow signs to track entrance.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, August 27-29, 2004

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Aug. 27 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 28 -- Gates open at 7 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 and 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 29 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. First round of Top Sportsman is at 11 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. For more information please call Beech Bend Raceway Park, (270) 782-1138.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $162,010, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Jeff Wilson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Chuck Cheeseman, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Glen Treadwell, Comp Eliminator; Steve Graham, Super Stock; Jim Boudreau, Stock Eliminator; Jerry Helfrich, Super Comp; Tracy Dennis, Super Gas; George Maxson, 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.

NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION TOP SPORTSMAN CLASS: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the $3,200 event purse as well as points leading to a divisional championship.

Top Sportsman racers may run the six North Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or South Central Divisions. The North Central Division Top Sportsman year-end champion will earn $2,000, No. 2 points finisher will receive $1,000 and the third place competitor will earn $500.

FEATURES: More than 550 drivers in the nine racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.