FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jay Meyer makes it three for three

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Jay Meyer of Freeport, Texas, took his third consecutive Division 4 event title, topping Dave Hirata of Lowell, Ind., with reaction time separating the two in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category.

Meyer had a reaction time of 0.459 seconds while Hirata jumped off the line in 0.547 seconds. Meyer's gamble proved to be the deciding factor in today's win as he clipped the quarter-mile pass in 5.539 seconds at 253.75 mph to Hirata's 5.477 second 258.37-mph pass in the closest side by side race of the day.

"We're just fortunate that the track came around when we needed it most, Hirata can run real well," said a relieved Meyer. "Tom Conway and the crew really earned this one, they gave me a consistent car to drive all weekend long."

Manhasset, N.Y.'s Tony Bartone took his first Division 4 event win in the Federal-Mogul Funny Car category with a bye run in the finals as Todd Simpson of Ponder, Texas, was unable to field his '99 Avenger after blowing his engine in the semifinals against Artesia, N.M.'s Tate Branch. Bartone brought the crowd to their feet with a half-track burnout, then made a full-speed pass to take the win in 5.910 seconds at 249.44 mph.

"It's not too often we get a chance to test new equipment in the final round," said Bartone. "We're looking forward to the next two divisional events."

The fourth of six events for the Southwestern Divisional Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series will take place at State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, La., on April 28-30.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1. Jay Meyer, Freeport, Texas, 5.572 seconds, 254.14 mph def. 
8. Gene Snow, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.757 seconds, 235.93 mph

2. Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 9.279, 96.05 def. 
7. Greg Roberts, Kenner, La., (broke)

3. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.637, 254.18 def.
6. Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.863, 237.00

5. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.484, 240.98 def.
4. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.562, 255.48  

Semifinals
1. Meyer, 5.564, 255.68 def. 5. Hitchman 10.506, 106.69
2. Hirata, 5.729, 224.10 def. 3. Howard,(broke)

Final Round
1. Meyer, 5.539, 253.75 (R/T 0.459) def. 2. Hirata, 5.477, 258.37 
  (R/T  0.547)

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1. Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., '99 Chevrolet, 5.739 seconds, 253.14 mph def. 
8. Jerry Freeman, New Market Ala., '98 Avenger, 6.464 seconds, 182.26 mph

2. Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '99 Avenger, 6.488, 237.17 def.
6. Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '99 Pontiac, (broke)

3. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.821, 250.09 def.
7. Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 12.552, 88.27

4. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass, 12.530, 71.91 def.
5. Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '97 Camaro, (foul) 11.218, 74.94

Semifinals
1. Bartone, 6.455, 187.83 def. 4. Morrison, 7.978, 120.64 
2. Simpson, 5.898, 218.72,(R/T 0 .403) def. Branch, 5.894, 249.16 (R/T 0.446)

Final Round
1. Bartone, 5.910, 249.44 def. 2. Simpson (broke)

COMP ELIMINATOR
Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., A/SM '98 Pontiac, 9.232, 106.75 def.
Greg Hogue, Aledo, Texas, D/ED '99 Dragster, (No time recorded)

SUPER STOCK
Gilbert Johnson Jr., Lecompte, La., GT/KA '91 Calais, 11.014, 119.07 def.
James Kitchens, Marianna, Ark., SS/MA '66 Chevelle, (foul) 11.880, 110.35 
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Tim Pogue, Springtown, Texas, C/SA '69 Chevrolet, 11.053, 114.45 def., 
Dennis Oliver, Stuttgart, Ark., G/S '67 Camaro, 11.444, 115.68

SUPER COMP
Robert Cool, Laplace, La., '96 Dragster, 8.939, 163.93 (R/T 0.419) def.
Ty Lafferty, Amarillo, Texas, '98 Dragster, 8.934, 164.15 (R/T 0.433)

SUPER GAS
Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, '92 Beretta, 9.871, 162.08 def. 
Duane Johnson, Hutto, Texas, '92 Firebird, (foul) 9.896, 156.39

SUPER STREET
Nancy Greathouse, Lorena, Texas, '68 Camaro, 10.909, 127.88 def. 
Kris Satterwhite, Bellville, Texas, '69 Mustang, 10.932, 123.92

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Meyer sets sights on three in a row, with the top spot in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Coming off his first National event win, Jay Meyer of Freeport, Texas, takes the spot in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category, while Tony Bartone of Manhasset, N.Y., is quickest in Federal-Mogul Funny Car at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Meyer, who is his fresh off his first-ever national event win at the Gatornationals last week, comes away with the $1,000 Winston Top Qualifier award with a pass of 5.534 seconds at 253.75 mph.

"We had a nice smooth pass today, we'll put some more clutch in it for tomorrow," said Meyer. "We have enough power, we just need to put it (the power) to the track."

Bartone secured the top spot in Federal-Mogul Funny Car before a short afternoon drizzle with a time of 5.774 seconds at 250.97 mph. taking the No. 1 qualifying position and the Winston Top Qualifier Award from Todd Simpson of Ponder, Texas who improved his time from yesterday to 5.793 seconds at 245.45 mph.

"We had a rough time yesterday, and ran into a magneto problem on our first run today, but I'm happy with the second run, we'll take it," said Bartone.

Eliminations begin in all categories tomorrow at 9 a.m. Gates to Memphis Motorsports Park open at 8 a.m., with Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car scheduled to run at noon.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Jay Meyer, Freeport, Texas, 5.534 seconds, 253.75 mph vs. 
8. Gene Snow, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.869 seconds, 237.67 mph

2. Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.588, 260.81 vs. 
7. Greg Roberts, Kenner, La., 5.859, 236.17

3. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.596, 246.30 vs.
6. Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.633, 241.67

4. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.607, 250.55  vs.
5. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.617, 246.12  

(Alternates)
9. Mark Kisner, Grimes, Iowa, 5.876, 194.04
10. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.974, 217.98
11. Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 6.082, 201.43
12. David Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 6.202, 189.76
13. Joe Fuentes, Leander, Texas, 6.235, 180.52
14. Larry Becktold, Luther, Okla., 6.385, 215.03

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., '99 Chevrolet, 5.774 seconds,  250.97 mph vs. 
8. Jerry Freeman, New Market Ala., '98 Avenger, 6.489, seconds, 212.76 mph

2. Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '99 Avenger, 5.793, 245.45 vs.
7. Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '99 Pontiac, 6.446, 208.75

3. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 5.930, 246.48 vs.
6. Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 6.124, 233.76

4. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass, 5.991, 235.43 vs.
5. Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '97 Camaro, 6.040, 243.94

(Alternates)
9. Warren Dauzat, Baton Rouge, La., '93 Achieva, 6.596, 220.76
10. Randy Flemming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 7.432, 118.02

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, C/D '00 Dragster, 7.106,   (-.664)
2. Larry Pritchett, Clarkrange, Tenn., A/SM '98 Pontiac, 8.507, (-0.623)
3. Brian Browell, Lafayette, Ind., D/D '97 Dragster, 7.479, (-0.621)
4. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, B/SR '34 Chevrolet, 8.198, (-0.572)
5. Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, D/SM '92 Camaro, 8.272, (-0.558)
6. Duane Robinson, Gardner, Kan., C/A '97 Firebird, 7.695, (-0.555)
7. David Myers, Dallas, Texas, C/A '99 Camaro, 7.699, (-0.551)
8. Donald Manichia, Houston, Texas, E/ED '92 Dragster, 8.672, (-0.548)
9. Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, B/A '89 Cutlass, 7.332, (-0.538)
10. Bub Miller, Edwardsville, Kan., D/EA '97 Oldsmobile, 8.557, (-0.533)

SUPER STOCK
1. Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., GT/MA '97 Firehawk, 10.901 seconds,  (-1.149)
2. Jeff Sexton, Fairborn, Ohio, SS/AX '84 Camaro, 8.875, (-1.125)
3. Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., SS/KA '64 Corvette, 10.440, (-1.110)
4. Kirk Neal, Greenville, Miss., GT/EA '89 Camaro, 9.864, (-1.086)
5. Keith Mawhee, Carrollton, Texas, SS/CM '98 Pontiac, 8.823, (-1.077)
6. Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., SS/NA '66 Impalla, 11.374, (-1.076)
7. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn., SS/KA '85 Camaro, 10.504, (-1.046)
8. Dave Boertman, Muskegon, Mich., GT/HA '88 Firebird, 10.334, (-1.016)
9. Sid Bonnecarrere, Gray, La., SS/AA '68 Dart, 8.999, (-1.001)
10. Kenny Schindler, Hendersonville, Tenn., SS/E '68 Corvette, 9.594,
(-0.956) 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., U/SA '82 Cutlass, 13.876,  (-1.274)
2. Lisa Stephenson, Danville, Ill., FF/SA '88 Delta, 15.021, (-1.229)
3. Jeff Swanson, Arlington, Tenn., K/S '93 Mustang, 11.655, (-1.195)
4. Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., K/SA '90 Firebird, 11.783, (-1.167)
5. Greg Hill, Memphis, Tenn., I/SA '71 Camaro, 11.454, (-1.146)
6. Larry Thomason, Union City, Tenn., J/SA '74 Corvette, 11.639,(-1.111)
7. Hugh Meeks Jr., Union Springs, Ala., J/SA '74 Nova, 11.647, (-1.103)
8. Billy Lynn, Searcy, Ark., K/SA '79 Malibu, 11.850, (-1.100)
9. Jim Cimarolli, Sulphur Springs, Texas, C/SA '70 Nova, 10.607, (-1.093)
10. George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., K/SA '78 Plymouth, 11.869, (-1.081)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Meyer, Simpson take the early lead in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - With the first rounds of qualifying in the book, Jay Meyer of Freeport, Texas, was quickest in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category with a time of 5.534 seconds at 235.75 mph, while Ponder, Texas', Todd Simpson leads the field in Federal-Mogul Funny Car with a pass of 5.863 seconds at 245.32 mph before a good size crowd at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Troy Buff of Spring, Texas took the number two spot in Federal-Mogul Dragster with a pass of 5.607 seconds at 250.55 mph, while Ron Morrison followed Simpson in the Federal-Mogul Funny Car category with a time of 6.263 seconds at 199.49 mph.

"We shook hard all the way down the track on that pass," said Meyer, "We'll make some adjustments to the clutch and fuel system tonight, but I think we can run a 5.4 (second) pass tomorrow."

Simpson was also able to tame the track while most of his competitors shook the tires off the line and subsequently shut it down.

"We just went for it and things just clicked," said a satisfied Simpson. "We'll build on today's pass and see if we can step it up a bit for tomorrow."

Qualifying resumes in all categories on Saturday. Gates open at Memphis Motorsports Park at 8 a.m. and competition begins at 9 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragsters and Funny Cars are scheduled to run at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Jay Meyer, Freeport, Texas, 5.534 seconds, 253.75 mph
2. Troy Buff, Spring, Texas, 5.607, 250.55 
3. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.617, 246.12  
4. Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 5.633, 241.67
5. Greg Roberts, Kenner, La., 5.859, 236.17
6. Gene Snow, Ft. Worth, Texas, 5.960, 228.19
7. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.966, 219.72
8. Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 6.031, 201.58
9. Larry Becktold, Luther, Okla., 6.458, 212.06
10.  Mark Kisner, Grimes, Iowa, 7.828, 111.59
11.  Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 8.810, 95.75

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Todd Simpson, Ponder, Texas, '99 Avenger, 5.863 seconds, 245.32 mph
2. Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '97 Cutlass, 6.263, 199.49
3. Ben Harper, Arroyo Grande, Calif., '99 Pontiac, 6.446, 208.75
4. Warren Dauzat, Baton Rouge, La., '93 Achieva, 6.672, 210.44
5. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '99 Avenger, 7.011, 135.50
6. Tony Bartone, Manhasset, N.Y., '99 Chevrolet, 10.018, 80.16
7. Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '00 Camaro, 12.015, 65.00
8. Randy Flemming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 12.983, 70.77

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, C/D '00 Dragster, 7.191,  (-.579)
2. Don Stratton, Beloit, Ohio, B/SR '34 Chevrolet, 8.198, (-0.572)
3. Bub Miller, Edwardsville, Kan., D/EA '97 Oldsmobile, 8.557, (-0.533)
4. Duane Robinson, Gardner, Kan., C/A '97 Firebird, 7.752, (-0.498)
5. David Myers, Dallas, Texas, C/A '99 Camaro, 7.759, (-0.491)
6. Don Baskin, Brighton, Tenn., F/A '99 Dragster, 8.690, (-0.480)
7. Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, B/A '89 Cutlass, 7.395, (-0.475)
8. Ben Coates, Cypress, Texas, B/ED '99 Dragster, 7.146, (-0.454)
9. Donald Manichia, Houston, Texas, E/ED '92 Dragster, 8.778, (-0.442)
10.  Alan Swindoll, Laporte, Texas, B/A '97 Pontiac, 7.436, (-0.434) 

SUPER STOCK
1. Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., GT/MA '97 Firehawk, 10.901, (-1.149)
2. Jeff Sexton, Fairborn, Ohio, SS/AX '84 Camaro, 8.897, (-1.103)
3. Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., SS/KA '64 Corvette, 10.450, (-1.100)
4. Brent Johnson, Lecompte, La., SS/NA '66 Impalla, 11.374, (-1.076)
5. Dan Larson, St. Paul, Minn., SS/KA '85 Camaro, 10.504, (-1.046)
6. Kirk Neal, Greenville, Miss., GT/EA '89 Camaro, 9.905, (-1.045)
7. Dave Boertman, Muskegon, Mich., GT/HA '88 Firebird, 10.334, (-1.016)
8. Scooter Anderson, Bartlett, Tenn., SS/G '67 Chevrolet, 9.746, (-0.954)
9. Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., GT/HA '95 Achieva, 10.398, (-0.952)
10. Gary Tompa, Saginaw, Mich., SS/J '84 Pontiac, 10.166, (-0.934) 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Bob Dennis, Shorter, Ala., U/SA '82 Cutlass, 13.876, (-1.274)
2. Lisa Stephenson, Danville, Ill., FF/SA '88 Delta, 15.021, (-1.229)
3. Jeff Swanson, Arlington, Tenn., K/S '93 Mustang, 11.655, (-1.195)
4. Ronnie Cardwell, Ruston, La., K/SA '90 Firebird, 11.783, (-1.167)
5. Greg Hill, Memphis, Tenn., I/SA '71 Camaro, 11.454, (-1.146)
6. Larry Thomason, Union City, Tenn., J/SA '74 Corvette, 11.639, (-1.111)
7. Hugh Meeks Jr., Union Springs, Ala., J/SA '74 Nova, 11.647, (-1.103)
8. Jim Cimarolli, Sulphur Springs, Texas, C/SA '70 Nova, 10.607, (-1.093)
9. George Widuch, Hermitage, Tenn., K/SA '78 Plymouth, 11.869, (-1.081)
10. Jerry Bennett, Mayfield, Ky., I/SA '79 Aspen, 11.527, (-1.073)