FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTOS, WEAVER HEAT THINGS UP IN BAKERSFIELD

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- Rick Santos of Brentwood, Calif., took his second consecutive Pacific Division event with a decisive win in the Federal-Mogul Dragster Category with a time of 5.539 seconds at 251.11 mph topping Steve Faria of Tipton, Calif., who clipped the quarter mile pass at 5.710 seconds at 246.30 mph. in warm conditions at Famoso Raceway. "We struggled at the events in Boise, and Las Vegas, I'm just glad that we put that behind us and got the win today," said Santos. "The heat made track conditions difficult, but the team dialed the car in, and we came away with the win."

John Weaver of Hanford, Calif., upset the number two qualifier Doug Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., with a time of 5.844 seconds at 251.88 mph. taking his first win since the Salt Lake City event in 1998. "We've been working really hard, but struggled and things finally came through," said Weaver. "We came from behind in the final and began pulling away at about the eight hundred foot mark." Gordon posted a time of 5.983 seconds at 245.03 mph.

The third event of the Pacific Division NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series will take place in Sacramento, Calif. on May 19-21, 2000.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Famoso Raceway:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 5.413 seconds, 263.85 mph def.
8. Chris Lane, San Leandro, Calif., (No time recorded, broke)

2. Steve Faria, Tipton, Calif., 5.542, 260.04 (R/T 0.489) def.
7. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.497, 256.77 (R/T 0.597)

3. David Baca, Discovery Bay, Calif., 5.384, 257.36 def. 
6. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.944, 243.04

4. Brandon Henkelman, San Jose, Calif., 5.500, 260.71 def.
5. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.585, 254.66

Semifinals
1. Santos, 5.551, 255.17 def. 4. Henkelman, 6.645, 148.63

2. Faria, 5.573, 253.16 (R/T 0.465) def. 3. Baca, 5.519, 253.44 (R/T  0.576)

Final Round
1. Santos, 5.539, 251.11 def.  Faria, 5.710, 246.30 

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
8. Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '00 Avenger, (No time recorded, broke) def.
1. Ron August Jr., Danville, Calif., '00 Camaro, 9.047, 99.08 (foul) 

2. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '99 Firebird, 5.912, 249.65 def.
7.  Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '00 Corvette, 5.965, 249.65

3. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley Calif., '97 Cutlass, 5.885, 247.93 (R/T0.515) def.
6. Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.860, 243.04 (R/T0.561)

5. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '99 Camaro, 5.793, 251.60 def.
4.  Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., '98 Dodge, 5.895, 245.63
 
Semifinals
5. Weaver, 5.953, 249.65 def. 8. Taylor, (No Show, broke)
2. Gordon, 7.297, 126.72 def. 3. Alexander,  6.550, 238.79 (foul)

Final Round
5. Weaver, 5.844, 251.58 def. 2. Gordon, 5.983, 245.03

COMP ELIMINATOR
   Andy Manna, Covina, Calif., D/EA '33 Ford, 8.483,155.70 def. 
   Jeff Gillete, Benicia, Calif., B/ED '97 Dragster, 7.022, 192.34

SUPER STOCK
   John Schiess, North Hills, Calif., GT/BA '91 Calais, 9.734, 135.62      
   def. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.325, 119.37

STOCK ELIMINATOR
   David Irvin, Glendale, Ariz., P/SA '65 Chevelle, 12.735, 102.71 def.  
   Don Little, Westley, Calif., A/SA '70 Barracuda, 10.332, 128.49

SUPER ELIMINATOR
   Tom Koenen, Tucson, Ariz., '98 Dragster, 7.923, 167.16, def.
   Pat Jones, Westley, Calif., '96 Dragster, 7.918, 169.61  

ET MOTORCYCLE
   Mike Fields, Sr., Sacramento, Calif., '99 Suzuki, (R/T 0.424) def.
   Shane Burrons, Clovis, Calif., '96 Suzuki, (R/T 0.528)

SUPER COMP
   Mike solina, Poway, Calif., '98 Dragster, 8.868, 159.23 def.
   Larry Kinard, Spring Valley, Calif., '95 Dragster, (foul) 

SUPER GAS
   Larry Scarth, Manhattan Beach, Calif., '34 Roadster, 9.902, 127.95  def. 
	Rick Takahashi, Pasadena, Calif., 9.891, 151.84 (Breakout)

SUPER STREET
   Ted Kellner, San Jose, Calif., S/ST '77 Vega 10.858, 130.73 def.
   Tom Pulliam, Napa, Calif., S/ST '72 Challenger, 10.855, 134.60

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santos takes center stage going into eliminations at Famoso

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Rick Santos of Brentwood, Calif., came out with a vengeance today in the second round of qualifying with a track blistering pass of 5.395 seconds at 263.31 mph. in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category, while Ron August Jr. of Danville, Calif., made the best pass of the weekend in Federal-Mogul Funny Car with a time of 5.765 seconds at 244.69 mph. Santos amazed the crowd with his pass, earning him the Winston Top Qualifier Award of $1,000.

"We tried to de-tune the engine from yesterday, but it just goes to show ya, these engines are temperamental," said Santos. " We shook the tires at about half track, but the run felt good, I had no idea it was a 5.39 though."

Ron August of Danville, Calif., has the number one spot going into eliminations Sunday, but swerved into the right lane in the second round of qualifying nearly colliding with Steve Gasparrelli. "Our first pass today was awful, we crossed the lane and almost hit (Steve) Gasparelli at the finish," said August. "We added some weight to the front end for the second pass, then shook the tires at half track, but were able to keep it in a straight line for a solid pass and we're in the show for tomorrow."

Eliminations begin in all categories tomorrow at 9 a.m. Gates to Famoso Raceway open at 7:30 a.m. with Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car scheduled to run at 11.30 a.m.

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

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 5.395 seconds, 263.31 mph vs.
8. Chris Lane, San Leandro, Calif., 5.833, 190.63

2. Steve Faria, Tipton, Calif., 5.445, 258.91 vs.
7. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.822, 242.78

3. David Baca, Discovery Bay, Calif., 5.465, 267.69
6. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.816, 244.36

4. Brandon Henkelman, San Jose, Calif., 5.538, 261.17 
5. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.683, 250.48

(Alternates)
9. Brad Hansen, Custer, Wash., 5.910, 239.10
10. Charlie Marcum, Bellflower, Calif., 5.927, 238.28
11. Mark Foster, Santa Cruz, Calif., 6.198, 222.05
12. Matthew Seltzer, Brea, Calif., 6.225, 212.16
13. Ed Vickroy, Fontana, Calif., 6.975, 156.84
14. Tony Meredyk, Cypress, Calif., 10.391, 85.95
15. Larry Miersch, Fallbrook, Calif., 11.044, 75.14 

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Ron August Jr., Danville, Calif., '00 Camaro, 5.765 seconds, 244.69 mph vs. 
8. Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.926, 245.83

2. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '99 Firebird, 5.786, 251.88 vs.
7. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., '00 Corvette, 5.907, 248.75

3. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley Calif., '97 Cutlass, 5.789, 249.79 vs.
6. Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.889, 240.00

4. Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., '98 Dodge, 5.791, 247.38 vs.
5. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., '99 Camaro, 5.835, 250.41

(Alternates)
9. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., '99 Camaro, 5.941, 231.48
10. Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., '97 Firebird, 5.975, 234.80
11. Jason Rupert, Anaheim, Calif., '00 Avenger, 5.985, 239.80 
12. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., '92 Daytona, 6.085, 234.07
13. John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '99 Trans Am, 6.177, 227.10
14. Himes Kuesel, San Jose, Calif., '97 Firebird, 6.439, 216.81
15. Don Hudson, Stockton, Calif., '98 Achieva, 6.943, 186.64
16. Dale VanGundy, Anaheim, Calif., '97 Camaro, 7.294, 197.32
17. Pete Swayne, Orange, Calif., '97 Firebird, 7.445, 123.84
18. Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., '99 Firebird, 8.877, 97.47

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Andy Manna, Covina, Calif., D/EA '33 Ford, 8.452 seconds, (0.628 seconds under Index)
2. Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif., C/EA '97 Firebird, 8.277,(-0.613)
3. Ed Sigmon, Canoga Park, Calif., C/SR '34 Roadster, 8.753,(-0.607)
4. Rob Smith, Ftn. Valley, Calif., D/ED '98 Roadster, 7.640,(-0.560)
5. Jeff Gillete, Benicia, Calif., B/ED '97 Dragster, 7.027,(-0.523)
6. Larry Hedlund, Irvine, Calif., A/SM '95 Camaro, 8.578,(-0.482)
7. Alan Freese, Monterey, Calif., C/EA '96 Grand Prix, 8.425,(-0.465)
8. Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., B/A '96 Pontiac, 7.407,(-0.463)
9. Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., J/A '32 Roadster, 8.301,(-0.459)
10. Scott McCLay, Tehachapi, Calif., D/ED '97 Dragster, 7.777,(-0.423)

SUPER STOCK
1. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., GT/TD '98 Dakota, 10.474 seconds, (1.210 seconds under Index)
2. Phil Mandella, Upland, Calif., GT/TB '99 Dodge, 9.956,(1.244)
3. Ronald Fruchey, Oxnard, Calif., SS/DX '87 Buick, 8.455,(-1.145)
4. Doug Lambeck, Irvine, Calif., SS/BS '94 Camaro, 8.903, (-1.097)
5. Howard Thompson, Wildomar, Calif., GT/EA '95 Mustang, 9.884,(-1.066)
6. John Schiess, North Hills, Calif., GT/BA '91 Calais, 9.523,(-1.027)
7. Dick Carr, Clovis, Calif., SS/B '69 Corvette, 9.201,(-0.999) 
8. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.167,(-0.983) 
9. Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., SS/DA '70 Barracuda, 9.539, (-0.961)
10. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.144,(-0.956) 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., ET/SA '81 Dodge, 12.185 seconds, (1.365 seconds under Index)
2. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '98 Dakota, 12.184,(-1.316)
3. Don Sarrett, Glendale, Ariz., V/SA '77 Ventura, 14.683,(-1.117) 
4. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.661,(-1.089)
5. David Irvin, Glendale, Ariz., P/SA '65 Chevelle, 12.686,(-1.064) 
6. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif, G/SA '73 Duster, 11.255,(-1.045)
7. Don Little, Westley, Calif., A/SA '70 Barracuda, 10.258,(-1.042)
8. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '70 Challenger, 10.527,(-1.023)
9. John Irving, Boulder City, Nev., E/SA '71 Dart, 10.980, (-1.020)
10. John Hennessay, Los Angeles, Calif., G/SA '69 Camaro, 11.311,(-0.989)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FARIA, ALEXANDER TAKE THE EARLY LEAD IN BAKERSFIELD
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- With the first round of qualifying in the book, Steve Faria, of Tipton, Calif., took the top spot on the Federal-Mogul Dragster category with a career best time of 5.445 seconds at 258.91 mph, while Simi Valleys' Rod Alexander leads the field in Federal-Mogul Funny Car with a pass of 5.897 seconds at 247.59 mph before approx. 2,500 spectators at the Budweiser Western Shootout at Famoso Raceway. Paul Jones of Stockton, Calif., took the second spot in Federal-Mogul Dragster with a time of 5.816 seconds at 244.36 mph while Doug Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., followed Alexander in Federal-Mogul Funny Car who was clocked at 5.909 seconds at 230.35 mph. "It shook just a little bit at about the three hundred foot mark, then smoothed out," said an amazed Faria. " It felt real good all the way down."

This was Farias' first pass in over fifteen months in a Federal-Mogul Dragster, and his first pass in the dragster last run by current Top Fuel Driver Melanie Troxel. Coming off of his first-ever event win at the Summit.com nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., Simi Valley's Rod Alexander made the best pass of only four solid runs today in Federal-Mogul Funny Car. "Pete Fleming and the crew gave me a quality car right out of the box and made my job easy," said Alexander. " The track was really cooling off and traction was difficult but we were able to keep it in a straight line and make a solid pass." Qualifying resumes in all categories on Saturday. Gates open at Famoso Raceway at 7:30 a.m. and competition begins at 8:00 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragsters and Funny Cars are scheduled to run at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Steve Faria, Tipton, Calif., 5.445 seconds, 258.91 mph
2. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.816, 244.36
3. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.822, 242.78
4. Brandon Henkelman, San Jose, Calif., 5.873, 244.56
5. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 6.157, 250.20
6. Mark Foster, Santa Cruz, Calif., 6.891, 173.37
7. Ed Vickroy, Fontana, Calif., 6.975, 156.84
8. Matthew Seltzer, Brea, Calif., 7.478, 120.44
9. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 8.625, 79.14
10.  David Baca, Discovery Bay, Calif., 9.903, 84.99
11.  Tony Meredyk, Cypress, Calif., 10.999, 85.95
12.  Larry Miersch, Fallbrook, Calif., 14.389, 54.03

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley Calif., 5.897 seconds, 247.59 mph
2. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 5.909, 230.35
3. Dennis Taylor, Anaheim, Calif., 5.926, 245.83
4. Bret Williamson, Campbell, Calif., 6.047, 245.49
5. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., 6.412, 186.99
6. Jason Rupert, Anaheim, Calif., 6.656, 154.77
7. Himes Kuesel, San Jose, Calif., 7.035, 186.14
8. Dale VanGundy, Anaheim, Calif., 7.294, 197.32
9. Pete Swayne, Orange, Calif., 7.445, 123.84
10.  John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., 7.553, 127.49
11.  John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., 7.967, 105.84
12.  Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., 8.550, 95.64
13.  Ron August Jr., Danville, Calif., 8.829, 99.48
14.  Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., 8.854, 87.84
15.  Steve Gasparrelli, West Covina, Calif., 8.877, 97.47
16.  Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., 9.021, 144.88
17.  Bernie Harrington, Apple Valley, Calif., 13.312, 66.13

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif., C/EA '97 Firebird, 8.317 seconds, (-0.573)
2. Rob Smith, Ftn. Valley, Calif., D/ED '98 Roadster, 7.640,(-0.560)
3. Jeff Gillete, Benicia, Calif., B/ED '97 Dragster, 7.030,(-0.520)
4. Ed Sigmon, Canoga Park, Calif., C/SR '34 Roadster, 8.893,(-0.467)
5. Dean Carter, Glendale, Ariz., J/A '32 Roadster, 8.301,(-0.459)
6. Scott McCLay, Tehachapi, Calif., D/ED '97 Dragster, 7.777, (-0.423)
7. Steven Wilmoth, Peoria, Ariz., D/A '97 Firebird, 8.340,(-0.280)
8. Tom Huggins, Santa Paula, Calif., B/A '96 Pontiac, 7.645,(-0.225)
9. Alan Freese, Monterey, Calif., C/EA '96 Grand Prix, 9.042,(+0.152)
10.  Melvin LeForbes, Bloomington, Calif., A/A '63 Corvette, 7.651,(+0.211)

SUPER STOCK
1. Phil Mandella, Upland, Calif., GT/TB '99 Dodge, 9.956 seconds, (-1.244)
2. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., GT/TD '98 Dakota, 10.540,(-1.210)
3. Howard Thompson, Wildomar, Calif., GT/EA '95 Mustang, 9.884,(-1.066) 
4. Ronald Fruchey, Oxnard, Calif., SS/DX '87 Buick, 8.570,(-1.030) 
5. John Schiess, North Hills, Calif., GT/BA '91 Calais, 9.523,(-1.027)
6. Dick Carr, Clovis, Calif., SS/B '69 Corvette, 9.201,(-0.999) 
7. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.175,(-0.975) 
8. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.144,(-0.956) 
9. Bill Bennett, Mt. View, Calif., GT/EA '87 Camaro, 9.995, (-0.955)
10. Fred Moreno, La Verne, Calif., SS/GA '69 Mustang, 9.900, (-0.950) 

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '98 Dakota, 12.184, (-1.316)
2. Don Sarrett, Glendale, Ariz., V/SA '77 Ventura, 14.690,(-1.110) 
3. David Irvin, Glendale, Ariz., P/SA '65 Chevelle, 12.686,(-1.064) 
4. Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif, G/SA '73 Duster, 11.255,(-1.045)
5. Don Little, Westley, Calif., A/SA '70 Barracuda, 10.258,(-1.042)
6. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '70 Challenger, 10.527, (-1.023)
7. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.761,(-0.989) 
8. John Hennessaym, Los Angeles, Calif., G/SA '69 Camaro, 11.311,  (-0.989)
9. Scott Hilton, Sun Valley, Calif., E/S '67 Mustang, 10.992, (-0.958)
10.  Clarke Holroyd, Chino, Calif., B/SA '68 Nova, 10.615, (-0.935)