FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Myers and Taylor notch thrilling wins at Infineon

SONOMA, Calif. - Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mitch Meyers, out of Hermiston, Ore., came out of the No. 1 qualifying spot, went even quicker in eliminations at 5.261 seconds, and won a stirring final round victory over former Pacific Division Champion Duane Shields of Las Vegas, 5.313 to 5.381. Shields, who had run the Top Speed of the event in round on at 272.01 mph, hit 266.21 in the final and couldn't close any ground on Myers, who ripped through the speed traps at 267.00 mph. Myers will take the winner's share of Lucas Oil Series points back to the Northwest Division with him, and Shields will close ground from his No. 4 spot in the Pacific Division on points leaders Chris Demke and Don Hudson, each of whom lost in the semi-finals. He will close even more ground on No. 3 points earner Morgan Lucas, who lost in round one.

In Alcohol Funny Car, just as in Alcohol Dragster, the first and second qualifiers met in the final. Only this time it was the No. 2 driver taking the win. Dennis Taylor, of Anaheim, Calif., drove his Camaro-bodied entry to a final-round 5.695, 251.11 mph performance to stop the No l. qualifier Bret Williamson, who was right on Taylor's rear quarter-panel at 5.71, 249.81 mph. Taylor also got over a huge hurdle in the previous round when he stopped Northwest terror Bucky Austin, 5.719 to 5.764.

Mike DePalma of Glendale, Ariz., took the win in Comp Eliminator after qualifying in the top spot on Saturday, and Reno, Nev., racer Brad Rounds grabbed the gold in Super Stock. And a sentimental victory went to defending Pacific Division and Lucas Oil National Champion Jack Beckman in Super Comp.

NHRA Pacific Division racers have awhile to prepare for their next and final event of the 2004 campaign, as the series will not return to action until Nov. 4-7 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division event at Infineon Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER

ROUND ONE
5) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.489, 257.83 def. 
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.582, 264.08;

6) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.355, 272.01 def. 
3) Morgan Lucas, Sun Valley, Calif., 5.424, 268.3
3;
1) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.261, 263.51 def. 
8) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.511, 263.51;

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.464, 262.69 def. 
7) Johnny Ahten, Saugus, Calif., 5.560, 266.11;

SEMIFINALS
Shields, 5.445, 269.51 def. Demke, 5.531, 261.37; 
Myers, 5.666, 254.38 def. Hudson, 7.060, 128.08;

FINALS
Myers, 5.313, 267.00 def. Shields, 5.381, 266.21.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR

ROUND ONE
5) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.751, 254.04 def. 
4) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.728, 254.42;

1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.723, 251.06 def. 
8) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.840, 251.25;

2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.720, 250.88 def. 
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, broke;

3) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.688, 257.24 def. 
6) Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.741, 252.14;

SEMIFINALS
Williamson, 5.760, 250.37 def. August Jr, 7.766, 124.86; 
Taylor, 5.719, 251.11 def. Austin, 5.764, 256.75;

FINALS
Taylor, 5.695, 250.27 def. Williamson, 5.719, 249.81.

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Mike DePalma Jr, Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, B/A, 8.252, 116.40  def. 
Vincent Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.748, 183.74.

SUPER STOCK
Brad Rounds, Reno, Nev., '00 S-10, SS/TB, 9.555, 139.92  def. 
George Stassi Jr., Brea, Calif., '67 Camaro, SS/IA, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Toby Lang, Auburn, Wash., '69 Chevelle, F/SA, 11.741, 110.67  def. 
Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., '67 Camaro, E/SA, foul.

SUPER COMP
Jack Beckman, North Hills, Calif., dragster, 8.904, 172.14  def. 
Rod Fuller, Rogers, Ark., dragster, 8.874, 173.52.

SUPER GAS
Todd Stewart, Atwater, Calif., '00 Corvette, 9.903, 146.16  def. 
Randy Balough, Newberry Park, Calif., '63 Corvette, 9.868, 149.90.

SUPER STREET
Scott Rollins, Phoenix, Ariz., '69 Camaro, 10.896, 143.66  def. 
Charlie Allen, Gardena, Calif., '71 Vega, 10.880, 138.00.

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Ron Anderson, Sausalito, Calif., dragster, 7.915, 174.62  def. 
Kyle Quinlan, Yucca Valley, Calif., dragster, 7.931, 168.39.

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, 9.437, 142.29  def. 
Leo Shaver, Las Vegas,  '87 Kawasaki, 9.636, 134.18.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surprises continue as fields set for Infineon Lucas Oil Series action

SONOMA, Calif. - Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mitch Meyers, out of Hermiston, Ore., stepped up the pace even quicker with a 5.322-second lap at 265.12 mph to grab the pole for Sunday's Pacific Division Lucas Oil Series showdown. Myers, the invader from the Northwest Division who is hoping to earn some points toward that championship, is in the meantime potentially wrecking the plans of Pacific Division points leaders Chris Demke, Don Hudson, Morgan Lucas and Duane Shields.

Demke is now the No. 2 qualifier at 5.409, 265.74 mph and defending Pacific Division Champion Lucas came from outside of the field on Friday to the No. 3 spot on Saturday. Yet another Northwest interloper, Joey Severance, of Spanaway, Wash., is in the fourth slot. Severance is the defending Northwest Division Lucas Series Champion. With such talent in the field it was small wonder that it took a 5.574 by Darryl Hitchman just to sit on the bubble.

In Alcohol Funny Car, the Pacific Division is represented on the pole by Campbell, Calif., driver Bret Williamson. He out-dueled two-time 2004 runner-up Dennis Taylor for the top spot with six-time defending Northwest Division Champion Bucky Austin ending up third. Williamson and Taylor both recorded 5.689 elapsed times, but Williamson ran the faster speed at 252.00 mph compared to Taylor's 251.39.

But perhaps the biggest story in Alcohol Funny Car is who didn't qualify for Saturday's show. Doug Gordon, of Paso Robles, Calif., who won the first three Pacific Division events of the season and is the current point leader, failed to make the program when he could only muster up a 5.894-second performance. This left him in the No. 9 spot and unable to earn any points at the event.

First round of Saturday Pacific Division Lucas Oil Series racing for the two alcohol-fueled categories will be at noon.

In other action, Mike DePalma, who now lives in Glendale, Ariz., moved into the No. l position in Comp, getting past Napa's John Chamberlin. The top spots in Super Stock and Stock are still held by Harry Holton and Don Wann, both of Modesto, while Santa Clara's Ari Bernales is on the pole in the Kerker Motorcycle field.

Sunday's finals for all classes begin at 8:15 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Infineon Raceway, (707) 938-8448 or visit www.infineonraceway.com

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division event at Infineon Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.322 seconds, 265.12 mph
2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.409, 265.74
3) Morgan Lucas, Sun Valley, Calif., 5.443, 267.53
4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.462, 264.55
5) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.483, 262.54
6) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, 5.485, 266.64
7) Johnny Ahten, Saugus, Calif., 5.550, 267.75
8) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.574, 252.10 

Not Qualified
9) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.625, 253.28
10) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., 5.630, 262.39
11) Randy Johnson, Whittier, Calif., 5.636, 250.64
12) Hillary Will, Scotia, Calif., 5.749, 254.09
13) Danny Valadez, San Rafael, Calif., 5.886, 232.79
14) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita, Calif., 5.921, 249.63
15) Randy Eakins, Carson City, Nev., 6.468, 169.38

First-round TAD pairings
1) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.322 seconds, 265.12 mph vs. 
8) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.574, 252.10

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.409, 265.74 vs. 
7) Johnny Ahten, Saugus, Calif., 5.550,267.75

3) Morgan Lucas, Sun Valley, Calif., 5.443, 267.53 vs. 
6) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, Nev., 5.485, 266.64

4) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 5.462, 264.55 vs. 
5) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 5.483, 262.54

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.689 seconds, 252.00 mph
2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.689, 251.39
3) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.714, 257.14
4) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.723, 254.47
5) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.745, 254.18
6) Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.751, 253.71
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.755, 252.80
8) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.775, 250.46 

Not Qualified
9) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 5.894, 247.16
10) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 Firebird, 5.951, 246.39
11) Jon Capps, Las Vegas, Nev., '01 Camaro, 5.964, 244.43
12) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '03 Trans Am, 6.022, 239.87
13) Bil Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.647, 226.77
14) Robert Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 7.587, 138.76

First-round TAFC pairings
1) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.689 seconds, 252.00 mph vs. 
8) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.775, 250.46

2) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.689, 251.39 vs. 
7) Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '03 Firebird, 5.755, 252.80

3) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 5.714, 257.14 vs. 
6) Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.751, 253.71

4) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.723, 254.47 vs. 
5) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.745, 254.18

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Mike DePalma Jr, Glendale, Ariz., '99 Neon, B/A, 7.120 seconds, -0.660 (under index)
2) John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., dragster, B/D, 6.734, -0.656
3) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 6.995, -0.655
4) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '96 Lumina, F/A, 8.155, -0.645
5) Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., '34 Chevy, C/SR, 8.636, -0.624
6) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '04 Grand Am, B/A, 7.160, -0.620
7) Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.038, -0.612
8) Vincent Deceglie, Alta Loma, Calif., '63 Corvette, A/A, 6.584, -0.606
9) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.515, -0.575
10) Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '04 Cavalier, H/A, 8.900, -0.56

SUPER STOCK
1) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.628 seconds, -1.272 (under index)
2) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.725, -1.175
3) Jared Jordan, Modesto, Calif., '65 Belvedere, SS/BA, 9.040, -1.160
4) Greg Smith, Quartz Hill, Calif., '93 Daytona, GT/EA, 9.812, -1.138
5) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/HA, 10.238, -1.112
6) Rick Houser, Pasadena, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/AA, 9.359, -1.041
7) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '89 LaBaron, GT/HA, 10.318, -1.032
8) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.881, -1.019
9) Tony DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.182, -1.018
10) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.337, -1.013

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.276 seconds, -1.274 (under index)
2) Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., '73 Satellite, I/SA, 11.336, -1.264
3) Randy Loge, Antioch, Calif., '72 'Cuda, F/SA, 10.988, -1.162
4) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '76 Volare, H/SA, 11.298, -1.152
5) Gabriel Torres, La Puente, Calif., '89 Chevy, CF/S, 14.793, -1.107
6) Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., '73 Duster, G/SA, 11.205, -1.095
7) Darin Grossi, Soulsbyville, Calif., '70 Barracuda, A/SA, 10.216, -1.084
8) Bryan Phillips, Alta Loma, Calif., '67 Firebird, E/SA, 10.919, -1.081
9) Tim Hall, Fountain Valley, Calif., '73 Dart, G/SA, 11.253, -1.047
10) Wes McGann, Phoenix, Ariz., '70 Nova, D/SA, 10.807, -1.043

KERKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Ari Bernales, Santa Clara, Calif., '01 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001
3) Scott Pollacheck, Medford, Ore., '76 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.006
4) Rick Newport, West Valley, Utah, '97 Suzuki, KMC, 0.013
5) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.017
6) John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.018
7) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.021
8) Ray Raines, Garden Grove, Calif., '82 Suzuki, KMC, 0.034
9) Ken Van Buren, New River, Ariz., '84 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.034
10) Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surprises highlight early qualifying in Infineon Lucas Oil Series action

SONOMA, Calif. - In the first rounds of qualifying at Infineon Raceway, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mitch Meyers, out of Hermiston, Ore., and Pleasanton, Calif., Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Ron August, Jr., took the no. 1 qualifying positions in their classes in the Lucas Oil Racing Series event at Infineon Raceway.

Myers, and invader from the Northwest Division is hoping to earn some points toward that championship but in the meantime he is throwing a monkey wrench in the plans of Pacific Division points leaders Chris Demke, Don Hudson, Morgan Lucas and Duane Shields. Myers hit a great 5.336-second pace at 265.12 mph. Shields, currently No. 4 in Pacific Division Lucas Series points is qualified in the second position with a run nearly two-tenths of a second slower. Current Pacific Division points leader Demke is eighth and defending division champion Lucas is not in the show at this time.

August, the current No. 12 driver in the division is a surprise in the early qualifying in Alcohol Funny Car at 5.766 and 251.63 mph. Mark Woznichak, another driver hoping to improve a rather uncharacteristic low standing in the division's points (11th), is currently in the second spot. Division leader Doug Gordon, who is third in the national Lucas standings, currently is qualified seventh.

Positions will continue to shuffle as qualifying continues Saturday for the two classes with runs scheduled for 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Current Top qualifiers in other classes include Napa's John Chamberlin in Comp, and Modesto veterans Harry Holton and Don Wann in Super Stock and Stock. Holton's hemi-powered Plymouth Barracuda went 8.628-seconds to lead the field of wheelstanding factory machines in Super Stock.

Qualifying and time trials for Sunday's finals continue Saturday for all classes at 8:15 a.m. Gates open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information please call Infineon Raceway, (707) 938-8448 or visit www.infineonraceway.com

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division event at Infineon Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Mitch Myers, Hermiston, Ore., 5.336 seconds, 265.12 mph
2) Duane Shields, Las Vegas, ., 5.503, 266.42
3) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.600, 248.29
4) Randy Johnson, Whittier, Calif., 5.757, 237.92
5) Hillary Will, Scotia, Calif., 5.803, 206.83
6) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita, Calif., 6.039, 206.16
7) Danny Valadez, San Rafael, Calif., 6.198, 232.79
8) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 6.865, 129.00

Not Qualified
9) Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., 6.917, 162.45
10) Morgan Lucas, Sun Valley, Calif., 7.009, 136.54
11) Joey Severance, Spanaway, Wash., 9.913, 92.85
12) Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 10.868, 75.19
13) Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., 13.578, 95.07
14) Johnny Ahten, Sages, Calif., 15.952, 69.67

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Ron August Jr, Pleasanton, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.766 seconds, 251.63 mph
2) Mark Woznichak, Ontario, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.775, 250.46
3) Pete Swayne, Santa Rosa, Calif., '02 Firebird, 5.793, 246.93
4) Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.796, 244.07
5) Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '01 Corvette, 5.855, 245.99
6) Robert Lee, Whittier, Calif., '02 Camaro, 5.979, 240.77
7) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.008, 246.17
8) Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '03 Trans Am, 6.022, 239.87

Not Qualified
9) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '03 Firebird, 6.172, 241.02
10) Bil Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.647, 173.90
11) Bucky Austin, Fife, Wash., '02 Firebird, 7.420, 128.85
12) Robert Gallio, Anaheim, Calif., '02 Camaro, 7.587, 138.76

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., dragster, B/D, 6.734 seconds, -0.656 (under index)
2) Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., dragster, A/ND, 6.996, -0.654
3) Wayne Ramay, Simi Valley, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.038, -0.612
4) Tom Tucker, Bend, Ore., '96 Lumina, F/A, 8.219, -0.581
5) Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., '04 Grand Am, B/A, 7.205, -0.575
6) Michael Stone, Tulare, Calif., dragster, C/ED, 7.414, -0.546
7) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.545, -0.545
8) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '02 Cavalier, G/A, 8.526, -0.544
9) Doug Lambeck, Corona Del Mar, Calif., '04 Sunfire, D/SMA, 8.680, -0.520
10) Scott Hedlund, Anaheim Hills, Calif., '03 Cavalier, A/SM, 8.037, -0.503

SUPER STOCK
1) Harry Holton, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.628 seconds, -1.272 (under index)
2) Michael Ogburn, Mission Viejo, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.728, -1.172
3) Jared Jordan, Modesto, Calif., '65 Belvedere, SS/BA, 9.040, -1.160
4) Bob Mazzolini, Riverside, Calif., '00 Sebring, GT/HA, 10.238, -1.112
5) Greg Smith, Quartz Hill, Calif., '93 Daytona, GT/EA, 9.865, -1.085
6) Rick Houser, Pasadena, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/AA, 9.366, -1.034
7) Tony DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, GT/GA, 10.186, -1.014
8) Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., '68 Barracuda, SS/AA, 8.888, -1.012
9) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '87 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.342, -1.008
10) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '89 LaBaron, GT/HA, 10.351, -0.999

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Don Wann, Modesto, Calif., '73 Satellite, I/SA, 11.336 seconds, -1.264 (under index)
2) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.330, -1.220
3) Ken Etter, Riverside, Calif., '76 Volare, H/SA, 11.298, -1.152
4) Gabriel Torres, La Puente, Calif., '89 Chevy, CF/S, 14.809, -1.091
5) Darin Grossi, Soulsbyville, Calif., '70 Barracuda, A/SA, 10.216, -1.084
6) Bryan Phillips, Alta Loma, Calif., '67 Firebird, E/SA, 10.919, -1.081
7) Tim Hall, Fountain Valley, Calif., '73 Dart, G/SA, 11.253, -1.047
8) John Schloe, Garden Grove, Calif., '69 Firebird, D/SA, 10.823, -1.027
9) Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., '67 Camaro, E/SA, 10.973, -1.027
10) Mikel Hennessay, Hermosa Beach, Calif., '66 Impala, Q/SA, 13.089, -1.011

KerKER MOTORCYCLE
1) Ari Bernales, Santa Clara, Calif., '01 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, KMC, 0.001
3) Rick Newport, West Valley, Utah, '97 Suzuki, KMC, 0.013
4) Jerry Stinson, Medford, Ore., '84 Ninja, KMC, 0.017
5) John Widmann, Garberville, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.018
6) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '81 Suzuki, KMC, 0.021
7) Ray Raines, Garden Grove, Calif., '82 Suzuki, KMC, 0.034
8) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.037
9) Mark Loeffler, Windsor, Calif., '76 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.048
10) Trace St. Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, KMC, 0.049

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHRA Lucas Oil Series boils into summer at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. - NHRA's Pacific Division will continue its 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Infineon Raceway July 2-4 with the Team Superstores NHRA Summer Championships. Competitors in eight classes, including 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, will compete for a share of the $158,145 purse as well as points leading to divisional and national championships. The race is the fifth of six in division competition.

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

Chris Demke, of Sunland, Calif., leads the charge in Top Alcohol Dragster, hoping to add a third Pacific Division win to his 2004 resume after triumphant performances in Phoenix and Sacramento. Demke currently leads the points chase, followed by Stockton, Calif., racer Don Hudson who is fresh off a win over defending division champion Morgan Lucas at Bakersfield. 2002 Pacific Division Champion Duane Shields of Las Vegas also figures to mix it up. He is currently in the third position in the points. Add to the mix, Kent Nuckols, Dave Wilson and Lucas and the battle in Top Alcohol Dragster figures to be extreme.

Doug Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., won the first three events of the year in Top Alcohol Funny Car behind the wheel of his father Mike's '04 Camaro and seems to have a stranglehold on the 2004 title, despite an early round loss at the last event in Bakersfield, Calif. Bret Williamson, last year's Infineon Raceway champion, won in Bakersfield. Gordon still has a 100-point cushion and just needs to be steady to clinch the title. John Patton, of Peoria, Ariz., is in second place.

Defending Pacific Division Champion, Dean Carter, is in first place in Comp Eliminator with his nostalgia-style front-engine dragster. The popular Glendale, Ariz., driver hopes to distance himself from Fred Gross, who is right on his tail in the points chase with his La Crescenta, Calif.-based '04 Chevy Cavalier.

Gates at Infineon Raceway open at 7 a.m. every day. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8:15 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8:15 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will have one qualifying pass Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, they will make two runs, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. Eliminations for all classes begin Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and Dragsters and Funny Cars will run first round at noon.

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

Infineon Raceway is located north of San Rafael at the junction of Highways 37 and 121. For more information, call the track, (707) 938-8448, or visit www.InfineonRaceway.com.

NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racers in the Pacific Division will end their season Nov. 4-7 at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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 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: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. The track is located north of San Rafael, at the junction of Highways 37 and 121.

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 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 8:15 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 3 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8:15 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 4 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8:15 a.m. First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $5 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. For more information please call Infineon Raceway (707) 938-8448 or visit www.infineonraceway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $147,560, part of the 46-race, $6.5 million series.

2003 EVENT WINNERS: Morgan Lucas, Top Alcohol Dragster; Bret Williamson, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Ed Schuck Jr., Comp Eliminator; Jimmy DeFrank, Super Stock; Steve Wann, Stock Eliminator; Joe Roublcek, Super Comp; Anthony Castillo, Super Gas; Carl Hagen, 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 $1000.

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

FEATURES: More than 500 drivers in the eight racing categories. Eight-car fields in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, featuring five-second, 260 mph side-by-side racing.