FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cofini a surprise winner in TAD; Austin not in TAFC

WOODBURN, Ore. - Mike Cofini, of Spokane, Wash., came out of the eighth and last qualifying spot to surprise a strong field of Top Alcohol Dragster drivers and win the second NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil Series event of the year at Woodburn.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Bucky Austin took the win, something that was no surprise at all.

Cofini and Oregon City's Steve Federlin, both driving supercharged methanol-burning entries, met in the finals. With conditions on the race track turning warmer on Sunday than in qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, many of the favorites had trouble getting a hold of the racing surface and smoked the tires.

Such was the case for division and national points leader Mitch Myers, of Hermiston, Ore., and former Lucas Oil Series National Champion Morgan Lucas, both of whom lost in round one. Each of the first round winners ran in the 5.50s, a far cry from the 5.274 low qualifying performance of Duane Shields on Saturday.

Austin, the low qualifier and six-time Northwest Division Champion from Fife, Wash., had a walkover in the final, as No. 2 qualifier Bernie Harrington broke on the sem-final winning run he made against Hank Coolidge. But Austin appeared to have the field covered anyway. He was the only one to run in the 5.70s all day, and he did it each round. Harrington had a best of 5.884 in round one. Austin, a veteran of many years, was one of the few drivers in either TAD of TAFC to have a handle of the warm racing surface.

In Comp Eliminator, Art Hodges, of Simi Valley, Calif., defeated Dave Barcelon, of Bremerton, Wash., for the title. Don Little of Westley, Calif., took Super Stock.

The hometown fans had a winner root for, however, in Stock Eliminator, as Joe Sorenson drove his powerful A/Stock Automatic '69 Camaro to the winner's circle after being the No. 1 qualifier.

NHRA's Northwest Division racers will convene again Aug. 2-22, at Intermountain Motor Sports Park in Acton, Mont., for the sixth of seven Lucas Oil Series events in the northwest.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division second event at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER

ROUND ONE
4) Gregg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.530, 264.00 def. 
5) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.724, 243.17;

6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.553, 259.14 def. 
3) Morgan Lucas, Corona, Calif., 14.507, 58.93;

8) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.581, 256.62 def. 
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 21.173, 31.44;

7) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.557, 260.41 def. 
2) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 9.387, 90.47;

SEMIFINALS
Federlin, 5.641, 252.66 def. Severance, 9.320, 91.25; 
Cofini, 5.724, 255.02 def. Lawrence, 5.829, 243.90;

FINAL
Cofini, 5.618, 248.82 def. Federlin, 5.799, 239.23.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE
6) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.963, 244.49 def. 
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 6.421, 155.17;

2) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.884, 240.89 def. 
7) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '99 Mustang, 6.049, 236.71;

1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.799, 249.44 def. 
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.858, 241.74;

5) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.851, 237.34 def. 
4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 6.019, 202.11;

SEMIFINALS
Harrington, 6.032, 227.90 def. Coolidge, foul; 
Austin, 5.786, 250.69 def. Thompson, 5.883, 245.83;

FINAL
Austin, 5.798, 249.79 def. Harrington, broke.


COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Art Hodges, Simi Valley, Calif., '04 S-10, PST, 7.558, 173.51 def. 
Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, G/A, 8.544, 159.43.

SUPER STOCK
Don Little, Westley, Calif., '70 Challenger, SS/DA, 10.284, 127.67 def. 
Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.188, 130.47.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.570, 120.16 def. 
Steve Kelly, Vancouver, Wash., '69 El Camino, E/FIA, 11.894, 109.35.

SUPER COMP
Geoff Hughes, Eagle, Idaho, dragster, 8.925, 152.80 def. 
Clint Geise, Renton, Wash., dragster, 8.884, 168.25.

SUPER GAS
Mike Coltrin, Star, Idaho, '63 Corvette, 9.906, 156.49 def. 
Wayne Linder Jr., Sunnyside, Wash., '27 roadster, 9.927, 147.92.

SUPER STREET
Gary Culp, Hermiston, Ore., '70 Duster, 10.870, 137.76 def. 
Jason Heard, Vancouver, Wash., '70 Maverick, 10.902, 135.29.

TOP COMP
Jeff Devey, Twin Falls, Idaho, dragster, 7.586, 173.77 def. 
Shane Molinari, Battle Ground, Wash., '68 Le Mans, 8.218, 165.74.

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., def. 
Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '03 Kawasaki, 8.524, 151.59.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shields, Austin take over top qualifying spots

WOODBURN, Ore. - Northwest Division racers didn't return to complete control Saturday at Woodburn Dragstrip but they made big improvements over Friday's results.

Mainly, Bucky Austin, the six-time Northwest Division Lucas Oil Series Champion from Fife, Wash., is now the No. 1 qualifier in Top Alcohol Funny Car for tomorrow's eliminations in the Northwest Division Lucas Oil Series presented by Les Schwab Tires.

Austin moved past Californian Bernie Harrington, who had taken the top spot after Friday's action was complete.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, Hermiston, Ore., standout Mitch Myers came from outside of the program after Friday's session to the No. 2 spot Saturday. He is hoping to take another title at Woodburn, just as he did in June, and bolster his points lead, not only the Northwest Division but the nationally as well. While he got past Friday's leader Morgan Lucas, one of the invaders from the south, he was unable to out-qualify another.

Former Pacific Division Champion Duane Shields, of Las Vegas, is now the in the No. 1 spot. Shields and Lucas are hoping to pay back Myers, who went south to Infineon Raceway near San Francisco last week and tormented the Pacific Division regulars by qualifying low and winning the event.

Lucas, a former national and divisional champion, has had a lackluster year so far this season and would love to take the winner's share of the Lucas Oil Series points available in Woodburn back to Corona, Calif.

The home division racers are faring better in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock. Jirka Kaplan, of Calgary, Alb., leads the field in Comp. In Super Stock, Mark Faul, of Tacoma, has out-qualified former Lucas Oil Series National Champion Jimmy DeFrank, of Chatsworth, Calif. And the Stock leader is Woodburn's own Joe Sorenson over Modesto, Calif., hard-charger Steve Wann.

Sunday's finals are slated to begin at 9.a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. The first round of action in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled at noon. Tickets are $25. Youngsters 6-12 years old are $5. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

For more information please call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461 or visit www.woodburndragstrip.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division second event at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.274 seconds, 262.23 mph
2) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.311, 260.56
3) Morgan Lucas, Corona, Calif., 5.341, 268.17
4) Gregg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.437, 262.23
5) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.459, 255.60
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.508, 259.14
7) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.512, 259.74
8) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.514, 258.91

Not Qualified
9) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.623, 254.81
10) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.651, 251.25

 First round TAD pairings
1) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.274 seconds, 262.23 mph vs. 
8) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.514, 258.91

2) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.311, 260.56 vs. 
7) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.512, 259.74

3) Morgan Lucas, Corona, Calif., 5.341, 268.17 vs. 
6) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.508, 259.14

4) Gregg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 5.437, 262.23 vs. 
5) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.459, 255.60

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.736 seconds, 251.46 mph
2) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.738, 248.75
3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.760, 245.23
4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.850, 247.32
5) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.853, 244.96
6) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.887, 246.44
7) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '99 Mustang, 5.920, 240.64
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.940, 238.53

Not Qualified
9) Tim Nemeth, Surrey, B.C., '96 Cutlass, 6.012, 242.71
10) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.098, 237.09
11) Todd Ashwell, Keizer, Ore., '01 Camaro, 7.039, 219.99

First round TAFC pairings
1) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.736 seconds, 251.46 mph vs. 
8) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.940, 238.53

2) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.738, 248.75 vs. 
7) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '99 Mustang, 5.920, 240.64

3) John Weaver, Orting, Wash., '00 Firebird, 5.760, 245.23 vs. 
6) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 5.887, 246.44

4) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.850, 247.32 vs. 
5) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 5.853, 244.96

COMP
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alb., '23 roadster, BB/AM, 7.148 seconds, -0.722 (under index)
2) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, F/A, 8.181, -0.619
3) Mike Pessemier, Graham, Wash., dragster, B/D, 6.792, -0.598
4) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.055, -0.595
5) Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, H/A, 8.877, -0.583
6) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.630, -0.580
7) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 7.072, -0.578
8) Jim Warter, Fox Island, Wash., '92 Camaro, E/SM, 8.769, -0.571
9) Gary Anderson, Tacoma, Wash., '99 Firebird, F/A, 8.231, -0.569
10) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, G/A, 8.513, -0.557

SUPER STOCK
1) Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash., '98 Grand Am, GT/EA, 9.768 seconds, -1.182 (under index)
2) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.215, -1.135
3) Norman Scott, Grants Pass, Ore., '64 Savoy, SS/BA, 9.097, -1.103
4) Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.156, -1.044
5) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.160, -1.040
6) Steve Polack, Enumclaw, Wash., '92 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.205, -0.995
7) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.978, -0.872
8) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.031, -0.869
9) Don Thomas, Spruce Grove, Alb., '87 Camaro, GT/DA, 9.955, -0.845
10) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '78 Pinto, SS/CC, 12.449, -0.801

STOCK
1) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.037 seconds, -1.263 (under index)
2) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.439, -1.261
3) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, J/SA, 11.552, -1.198
4) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '77 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.566, -1.184
5) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.378, -1.172
6) Don Forester, Riverside, Calif., '80 Delta 88, O/SA, 12.305, -1.145
7) Gary Harper, Canon City, Colo., '86 D-150, O/SA, 12.325, -1.125
8) Calvin Queahpama, Warm Springs, Ore., '65 Impala, T/SA, 13.618, -1.082
9) Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., '67 Camaro, E/SA, 10.948, -1.052
10) Bill Howell, Aiken, S.C., '70 Mustang, CF/S, 14.854, -1.046

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., dragster, 6.461 seconds, 211.21 mph
2) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., dragster, 6.999, 192.30
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.005, 196.93
4) Dan Lafferty, Wendell, Idaho, '63 Corvette, 7.019, 195.86
5) Todd Stewart, Atwater, Calif., dragster, 7.095, 190.55
6) Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.140, 193.63
7) Brian Barling, White Rock, B.C., dragster, 7.165, 192.02
8) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., dragster, 7.208, 185.03
9) Tom Malicki, Vancouver, Wash., dragster, 7.245, 187.07
10) Richard Proebstel, Portland, Ore., '01 S-10, 7.253, 188.44

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, KMC, 0.004
3) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.007
4) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '03 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.008
5) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.009
6) Scott Pollacheck, dragster, KMC, 0.014
7) Tracy Bailey, Coos Bay, Ore., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.016
8) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.020
9) John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.029
10) Buff Kobs, Cour d'Alene, Idaho, '95 Ninja, KMC, 0.030
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Woodburn Dragstrip attacked by California invaders

WOODBURN, Ore. - In the first rounds of qualifying at Woodburn Dragstrip, California racers Morgan Lucas and Bernie Harrington have the early No. 1 spots in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Lucas hopes to return the favor to Northwest Division points leader Mitch Myers, of Hermiston, Ore., who went south to Infineon Raceway near San Francisco last week and tormented the Pacific Division regulars by qualifying low and winning the event. Lucas, a former national and divisional champion, has had a lackluster year so far this season and would love to take the winner's share of the Lucas Oil Series points available in Woodburn back to Corona, Calif. Brandon Johnson is currently No. 2 on the qualifying list. Myers, meanwhile, failed to get a time and still has yet to make the field.

Harrington, a veteran Alcohol Funny Car campaigner, is a surprise at this point in the event, what with two-time 2004 winner and current points leader John Weaver, six-time Northwest Division Champion Bucky Austin, and former Pacific Division Champion Steve Gasparrelli all entered. They currently trail Harrington in the No. 2 and 3 spots.

The Northwest contingent hopes to improve as qualifying continues. Both categories have two more shots at bettering their qualifying status with runs tomorrow at noon and 4 p.m.

The home division racers are faring better - barely -- in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock with Californians nipping at their heels. Jirka Kaplan, of Calgary, Alb., leads the field in Comp over Chico, Calif.'s, J.D. Zink. In Super Stock, Norman Scott of Grants Pass, Ore., has out-qualified former Lucas Oil Series National Champion Jimmy DeFrank, of Chatsworth, Calif. And the Stock leader is Woodburn's own Joe Sorenson over Modesto, Calif., hard-charger Steve Wann.

Qualifying and time trials for Sunday's finals continue Saturday for all classes at 9 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $20 Saturday, $25 Sunday. Youngsters 6-12 years old are $5 each day. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Woodburn Dragstrip at (503) 982-4461 or visit www.woodburndragstrip.com

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Northwest Division second event at Woodburn Dragstrip:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Morgan Lucas, Corona, Calif., 5.408 seconds, 267.14 mph
2) Brandon Johnson, Shelton, Wash., 5.459, 242.36
3) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.508, 259.14
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.512, 258.99
5) Mike Cofini, Spokane, Wash., 5.514, 258.91
6) Kim Parker, Graham, Wash., 5.645, 254.45
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.668, 244.36
8) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.671, 246.23

Not Qualified
9) Gregg Lawrence, Salem, Ore., 14.927, 51.59
10) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., (no time)

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.738 seconds, 248.75 mph
2) John Weaver, Orting, Calif., '00 Firebird, 5.762, 243.77
3) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.828, 249.72
4) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '97 Firebird, 5.970, 238.53
5) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '02 Camaro, 6.006, 238.98
6) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 6.095, 231.66
7) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '98 Firebird, 6.129, 242.78
8) Dave Germain, Toledo, Wash., '01 Avenger, 6.199, 234.61 

Not Qualified
9) Todd Ashwell, Keinsler, Ore., '01 Camaro, 7.039, 219.99

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Jirka Kaplan, Calgary, Alb., '23 roadster, BB/AM, 7.148 seconds, -0.722 (under index)
2) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.059, -0.591
3) Adam Bowdish, Oregon City, Ore., '89 Trans Am, D/SM, 8.630, -0.580
4) Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, H/A, 8.883, -0.577
5) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '98 Lumina, F/A, 8.233, -0.567
6) Gary Anderson, Tacoma, Wash., '99 Firebird, F/A, 8.242, -0.558
7) Art Hodges, Simi Valley, Calif., '04 S-10, PST, 7.539, -0.551
8) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 7.103, -0.547
9) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, G/A, 8.524, -0.546
10) Maureen Jondahl, Battle Ground, Wash., '92 Firebird, H/AA, 8.888, -0.542

SUPER STOCK
1) Norman Scott, Grants Pass, Ore., '64 Savoy, SS/BA, 9.117 seconds, -1.083 (under index)
2) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.285, -1.065
3) Sean Cour, Brush Prairie, Wash., '02 Firebird, GT/GA, 10.173, -1.027
4) Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.179, -1.021
5) Steve Polack, Enumclaw, Wash., '92 Camaro, GT/GA, 10.205, -0.995
6) Mark Faul, Tacoma, Wash., '98 Grand Am, GT/EA, 10.082, -0.868
7) Steven Wann, Modesto, Calif., '97 Dakota, GT/TA, 9.986, -0.864
8) Mike Booker, Davenport, Wash., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 9.061, -0.839
9) Jim Caughlin, Woodburn, Ore., '78 Pinto, SS/CC, 12.452, -0.798
10) Rob Youngblood, Nampa, Idaho, '77 Corvette, SS/J, 10.320, -0.780

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Joe Sorensen, Woodburn, Ore., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 10.037 seconds, -1.263 (under index)
2) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, C/SA, 10.480, -1.220
3) Wesley Libby, Spokane, Wash., '71 Challenger, B/SA, 10.382, -1.168
4) Bill Kost, Renton, Wash., '77 Cutlass, J/SA, 11.598, -1.152
5) Don Forester, Riverside, Calif., '80 Delta 88, O/SA, 12.310, -1.140
6) Gary Harper, Canon City, Colo., '86 D-150, O/SA, 12.325, -1.125
7) Bill Bushmaker, Auburn, Wash., '77 Roadrunner, J/SA, 11.635, -1.115
8) Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., '67 Camaro, E/SA, 10.948, -1.052
9) Glenn Person, Regina, Sask., '72 Duster, F/SA, 11.140, -1.010
10) Steve Hanby, Salem, Ore., '94 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.693, -1.007

TOP COMP
1) Shawn Cowie, Richmond, B.C., dragster, 6.461 seconds, 211.21 mph
2) Brian Preszler, Kennewick, Wash., dragster, 6.999, 192.30
3) Nick Drzayich, Auburn, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.005, 196.93
4) Todd Stewart, Atwater, Calif., dragster, 7.108, 190.55
5) Todd Hoerner, Deer Park, Wash., '03 Grand Am, 7.140, 193.34
6) Brian Barling, White Rock, B.C., dragster, 7.165, 192.02
7) Art Davidson, Olympia, Wash., dragster, 7.208, 183.93
8) Richard Proebstel, Portland, Ore., '01 S-10, 7.253, 188.44
9) JR Leerkamp, Lacey, Wash., dragster, 7.261, 186.60
10) Mark Barnhart, Emmett, Idaho, dragster, 7.308, 183.74

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Steve Miller, Yakima, Wash., '89 Suzuki, KMC, 0.004
3) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.007
4) Dan Patridge, Kennewick, Wash., '90 Suzuki, KMC, 0.009
5) Tracy Bailey, Coos Bay, Ore., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.016
6) Joe Collette, Boise, Idaho, '03 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.019
7) Mike Scott, Sumner, Wash., '00 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.020
8) John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.036
9) Mark Kosler, Keizer, Ore., '84 Suzuki, KMC, 0.052
10) Craig Rych, North Bend, Wash., '76 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.078 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Woodburn Dragstrip set for second NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the year

Woodburn Dragstrip will host the 2004 Les Schwab Challenge, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, July 9-11. The race is the fifth of seven in NHRA Northwest Division competition and it is the second of two Lucas Oil events to be held at Woodburn Dragstrip this season. The first was at Woodburn Dragstrip took place June 11-13.

Drivers in eight categories, including 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) and Top Alcohol Funny Car (TAFC), will compete for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships and a share of the $561,000 champions' purse. The division's Top Comp class and Sportsman Motorcycle category will also run in conjunction with the race.

With three races now complete in NHRA's Northwest Division, the battle for points is really starting to heat up in the division's two alcohol classes. In the Top Alcohol Funny Car, defending Northwest Division Champion Bucky Austin, who has won the last three Lucas Oil Series events held at Woodburn Dragstrip, hopes to continue his dominance and move into a solid position for his seventh division title. The Top Alcohol Funny Car driver from Fife, Wash., suffered rare mechanical problems at the season opener in Mission, B.C., and watched John Weaver take the win, but bounced back with a victory at Woodburn's Wells Fargo Fire & Thunder event last month.

Mitch Myers of Hermiston, Ore., and former Northwest Division Champion Steve Federlin of Oregon City are locked in a heated battle in the division's Top Alcohol Dragster category, but Mark Hentges and defending Northwest Division Champion Joey Severance still figure to have some say in the final outcome of the 2004 points battle.

In Competition Eliminator, class standout Gary Anderson drove his '99 Pontiac Firebird to a win at Mission and the first Woodburn event. He returns to Woodburn hoping continue his streak and get a solid hold on the division points lead.

Gates at Woodburn Dragstrip open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials will start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday. TAD and TAFC will have one qualifying session on Friday at 3 p.m. and two on Saturday at noon and 4 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 9 a.m. TAD and TAFC will run first round at noon.

General admission tickets for the 2004 Les Schwab Challenge are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $25 Sunday. Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Woodburn Dragstrip is located 1 ½ miles off I-5 at Woodburn exit 271. For more information call the track, (503) 982-4661, or visit www.WoodburnDragstrip.com.

Northwest division racers will continue their NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season Aug. 20-22 at Intermountain Sports Park in Acton, Mont.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: 2004 Les Schwab Challenge, a round of the NHRA Northwest Division 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 seven in Northwest Division competition. The division's Top Comp class and the Kerker Motorcycle Series, will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, Ore. Track is located 1½ miles off I-5 at Woodburn exit 271.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, July 9-11, 2004

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the 2004 Les Schwab Challenge:

FRIDAY, July 9 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 10 -- 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 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 11 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 9 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $25 Sunday. For more information please call Woodburn Dragstrip, (503) 982-4461.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $148,310, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Gregg Lawrence, Top Alcohol Dragster; Bucky Austin, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Randy Jones, Comp Eliminator; Tibor Kadar, Super Stock; Brad Plourd, Stock Eliminator; Roger Comstock, Super Comp; Ronnie Lahn, Super Gas; Dave Smythe, 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.

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 $14,800 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 2004, the All-Star invitational will be run in November during the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. The rider who is crowned the Kerker King of the Coast will earn $2,000. The runner-up in the 16-bike field will receive $1,000.

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

FEATURES: More than 450 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.