FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTOS MELTS THE COMPETITION AT SACRAMENTO RACEWAY PARK

SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Rick Santos of Brentwood, Calif. takes his third consecutive NHRA Pacific Division event in sweltering conditions all weekend long, while hometown favorite Larry Miner of Woodbridge, Calif. takes the top spot in Federal-Mogul Funny Car after failing to qualify for the event, only to make the field as an alternate after Mert Littlefield of Garden Grove, Calif., was unable to field his car for the first round of eliminations.

Santos' event winning pass had him shaking the tires at about the one hundred foot mark, while Steve Faria of Tipton, Calif. looked to have dropped some cylinders at about half track. "The car ran well all weekend long considering the heat," said Santos. "We had to change engines last night and the Oakwood Homes team really stepped up to the plate and gave me a consistent car to run today." Miners' cat-like reflexes caught Gasparrelli sleeping at the lights in the final round leaving .057 seconds ahead proving to be the deciding factor in Federal-Mogul Funny Car.

"We had some troubles with the ignition throughout the qualifying sessions," said Miner. "It's unfortunate that Littlefield couldn't field his car, but thankfully we managed to be in the right place at the right time to come to life and run solid today."

The fourth of seven Pacific Divisional races will take place at Sears Point Raceway on June 30 - July 2, 2000.

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

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 5.543 seconds, 251.59 mph def.
8. Matt Seltzer, Brea, Calif., (No Show, Broke)

2. David Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 5.870, 210.20 def. 
7. Cliff Bingham, Huntington Beach. Calif., 6.556, 132.48

6. Steve Faria, Tipton, Calif., 5.757, 244.09 def.
3. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.913, 237.68

4. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.629, 248.29 def.
5. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.674, 247.50

Semifinals
1. Santos, 5.590, 252.73 def. 
3. Strasburg, 5.824, 240.45

6. Faria, 5.913, 246.06 def. 
2. Baca, 5.905, 233.75

Final Round
1. Santos, 5.588, 249.27 def. 
6. Faria, 6.712, 159.03  

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1
1. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley, Calif., 5.941 seconds, 237.48 mph def.
8. Jason Rupert, Placentia, Calif., 6.061, 211.47
 
7. Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., 5.885, 239.11 def.
2. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., 6.026, 217.96

6. Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., 6.009, 241.67 def. 
3. Ron August, Danville, Calif., 5.916, 221.81 (foul) 

4. Steven Gasparrelli, Covina, Calif., 5.929, 225.29 def.
5. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 6.211, 214.13

Semifinals
4. Gasparrelli, 6.005, 238.48 def.
1. Alexander, 7.211, 135.54

7. Miner, 6.305, 221.06 def.
6. Williamson, 6.561, 235.06

Final Round
7. Miner, 6.016, 233.81 def.  
4. Gasparrelli, 6.110, 228.16

COMP ELIMINATOR
Jeff Lane, North Bend, Ore., B/SR '34 Chevrolet, 8.277, 155.54 def.
Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., C/SR '34 Chevrolet, 8.878, 147.34

SUPER STOCK
Doug Lambeck, Irvine Calif., SS/BS '92 Camaro, 9.193, 151.69 def.
Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., GT/BA '00 Pontiac, 9.821, 125.05

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., C/SA '70 Plymouth, 10.890,121.90 def.
Don Durham, Vacaville, Calif., G/SA '73 Plymouth, 11.644, 114.66

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Andy Spiegel, Acton, Calif., '00 Worthy, 7.932, 166.51 def. 
Kenny Upton, Garden Grove, Calif., '97 Dragster, 7.897, 166.16 

SUPER COMP
Mike Gomez, Novato, Calif., '90 Dragster, 8.931, 155.88 def.
John Richardson, Santa Clarita, '99 Dragster, 8.884, 155.71 (B/O)

SUPER GAS
Lon Wilburn, San Bruno, Calif., '80 Monza, 9.901, 137.25 def.
Rick Beckstrom, Novato, Calif., '27 Ford, 9.884, 148.34 (B/O)

SUPER STREET
Kevin McClelland, Rohnert Park, Calif., '57 Chevrolet, 10.923,122.39 def.
Fred Van Ornum, Sacramento, Calif., '56 Healey, 10.895, 127.81(B/O)
 
ET MOTORCYCLE
Phillip Nasca, Cirtus Heights, Calif., '93 Ninja, 10.289, 114.09 def.
Trace St.Germain, San Jose, Calif., '78 Kawasaki, 9.877, 131.61

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTOS AND ALEXANDER ARE AS HOT AS THE WEATHER IN SACRAMENTO

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento Raceway Park, host to the NHRA Pacific Division Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series this weekend, has finished the qualifying rounds in both Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car categories under clear sky's with hot and humid weather.

Defending three-time world champion Rick Santos of Brentwood, Calif., attempted to better his leading time of 5.519 seconds at 259.46 mph twice today, but was unable to do so battling with track temperatures in excess of 130 degrees. Santos' time was untouchable today earning him the $1,000 Winston Top Qualifier Award.

"We tried a different gear and tire combination in the second round today trying to see what we could do in the heat, but the car still ran a little slow," said Santos. "We came back with the original setup in the final qualifying round and it ran well, but the heat has made it tough." Rod Alexander of Simi Valley, Calif., proved that he's a force to be reckoned with taking the No. 1 qualifying spot as well as the $1,000 Winston Top Qualifier award with yesterday's quickest pass.

"We took advantage of some ideal conditions last night and were able to post a great time," said Alexander. "We set up the car as best we could today, but the heat made it difficult tough to keep the Jackson-Cowdrey Oldsmobile in my lane and out of the guardrail."

Eliminations begin tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. with gates to Sacramento Raceway Park opening at 8 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car are scheduled to run at 1 p.m.

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

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 5.519 seconds, 259.46 mph vs.
8. Matt Seltzer, Brea, Calif., 6.499, 218.90

2. David Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 5.640, 247.83 vs.
7. Brad Hansen, Custer, Wash., 6.003, 234.86

3. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.713, 245.27 
6. Steve Faria, Tipton, Calif., 5.848, 245.11

4. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.756, 243.30 vs
5. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.792, 245.34

(Alternates)
9. Cliff Bingham, Huntington Beach, Calif., 8.601, 97.91
10. Chris Lane, San Leandro, Calif., 9.427, 96.08
11. Brandon Henkelmen, Santa Jose, Calif., 11.890, 63.16 
12. Larry Miersch, Fallbrook, Calif., 15.860, 48.34
13. Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 19.353, 72.22 

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley, Calif., 5.772 seconds, 248.82 mph vs.
8. Jason Rupert, Placentia, Calif., 5.997, 217.08

2. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., 5.801, 252.59 vs.
7. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., 5.991, 239.82

3. Ron August, Danville, Calif., 5.900, 242.38 vs.
6. Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., 5.960, 245.00

4. Steven Gasparrelli, Covina, Calif., 5.922, 235.85 vs.
5. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 5.956, 245.14

(Alternates) 
9. Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., 8.757, 84.89
10. Ed Marx, San Rafael, Calif., 6.097, 232.73
11. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., 6.136, 233.94
12. John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., 6.212, 232.03
13. James Bartoli, Duarte, Calif., 6.234, 229.77
14. Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., 8.623, 104.39
15. Don Hudson, Stocton, Calif., 6.330, 205.71

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., '34 Chevrolet, 8.755 seconds, 
(0.605 seconds under Index)
2. Rick Braun, Redlands, Calif., '97 Pontiac, 8.341, (-0.549) 
3. Phil Cacuzza, Acton, Calif., '95 Pontiac, 8.079, (-0.541)
4. Larry Hedlund, Irvine, Calif., '95 Camaro, 8.529, (-0.531)
5. Jeff Lane, North Bend, Ore., '34 Chevrolet, 8.235,(-0.525) 
6. Jeff Lion, Fresno, Calif., '93 Lumina, 8.647,(-0.523) 
7. Craig Schuck, Eugene, Ore., '95 Dragster, 7.498,(-0.512)
8. Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '96 Pontiac, 8.118, (-0.502)
9. Ed Schuck Jr., Eugene, Ore. '00 Dragster, 7.524,(-0.486) 
10. John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., '88 Dragster, 7.006,(-0.474)

SUPER STOCK
1. Don Studley, Orange Calif., GT/TD '99 Dakota, 10.373 seconds, 
(1.377 seconds under Index)
2. Steve Wann, Modesto Calif. GT/TD '98 Dakota, 10.454,(-1.296) 
3. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.125,(-1.051) 
4. Ron Fruchey, Oxnard, Calif., SS/DX '87 Grand Nat., 8.660,(-0,940)
5. Doug Lambeck, Irvine Calif., SS/BS '92 Camaro, 8.586,(-1.014) 
6. Guy Czarniak, Redding, Calif., SS/DA '69 Camaro, 9.583, (-0.917)
7. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.189,(-0.911) 
8. Curt Auman, Yorba Linda Calif., SS/AM '90 Baretta, 8.656,(-0.894)
9. Fred Moreno, La Verne, Calif., SS/GA '69 Mustang, 9.981, (-0.869)
10. Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., SS/DA '70 Barracuda, 9.633,(-0.867)

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., ET/SA '81 Dodge, 12.157 seconds, 
(1.393 seconds under Index)
2. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '98 Dakota, 12.178,(-1.322) 
3. Scott Hilton, Sun Valley, Calif., E/S '67 Mustang, 10.690,(-1.260)
4. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.647,(-1.103)
5. Don Little, Westley, Calif., A/SA '70 Barracuda, 10.231,(-1.069)
6. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '70 Dodge,10.483,(-1.067)
7. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., C/SA '70 GTX, 10.636,(-1.064)
8. Dave Irvin, Glendale, Ariz., P/SA '65 Chevelle, 12.708,(-1.042) 
9. Jim Meador, Yorba Linda, Calif., F/SA '74 Dodge, 11.135, (-1.015)
10. Rob Youngblood, Nampa, Idaho, D/S '71 Mustang, 10.786, (-1.014)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTOS, ALEXANDER ARE THE EARLY LEADERS IN SACRAMENTO
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Rick Santos of Brentwood, Calif. set the pace as well as a track speed record in the Federal-Mogul Dragster category while John Weaver of Hanford, Calif., also set a track speed record in Ferderal-Mogul Funny Car. Despite the hot conditions throughout the day, as conditions cooled Santos clipped the quarter-mile stretch in 5.519 seconds at 259.46 mph, while Weaver has the speed record, but is in the second spot behind Rob Alexander with a time of 5.801 at 252.59 mph behind Alexander's top time of 5.772 seconds at 248.82 mph.

"The launch was good but as we came off the pad, the tires shook hard and I had to short shift high gear," said Santos. "The car came through real well in the top end, but it's a whole new game tomorrow with qualifying in the heat."

Alexander rebounded today with the top spot in Federal-Mogul Funny Car after being the number one qualifier in Bakersfield a couple of weeks ago, only to red-light in the first round of eliminations ending his weekend.

"We were really bummed over what happened in Bakersfield, but what the team did today really shows what they're made of," said Alexander. "We set up the car to run soft initially, but after watching the dragster guys run, we changed the set-up in the staging lanes. It paid off 'cause the tires shook only a tiny bit at about the 200-foot mark and the Jackson-Cowdrey Oldsmobile ran solid the rest of the way down."

Reigning Pro Stock Truck Champion Bob Panella Jr. and teammate Jeff Gracia, were out today testing for the Castrol Nationals event scheduled for next week in Dallas. Panella topped Gracia with a time of 7.66 seconds at 177.21 mph. While Gracia posted a time of 7.669 seconds at 177.88 mph. Panella and Gracia are scheduled to test throughout the weekend running after Comp Eliminator daily.

Qualifying resumes in all categories on Saturday. Gates to Sacramento Raceway Park open at 8 a.m. and competition begins 10 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Cars are scheduled to run at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the first round of eliminations scheduled for 9 p.m. in both categories.

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

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
 1. Rick Santos, Brentwood, Calif., 5.519 seconds, 259.46 mph *
 2. David Baca, Brentwood, Calif., 5.640, 247.83 
 3. Paul Jones, Stockton, Calif., 5.713, 245.27 
 4. Darren Nicholson, Mission Viejo, Calif., 5.792, 245.34
 5. Matt Seltzer, Brea, Calif., 6.499, 218.90
 6. Brad Hansen, Custer, Wash., 8.330, 101.29
 7. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 8.583, 96.78
 8. Brandon Henkelmen, Santa Jose, Calif., 11.890, 63.16 
 9. Larry Miersch, Fallbrook, Calif., 15.860, 48.34
10. Gary Anderson, Anaheim, Calif., 19.353, 72.22

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
 1. Rod Alexander, Simi Valley, Calif., 5.772 seconds, 248.82 mph. 
 2. John Weaver, Hanford, Calif., 5.801, 252.59 *
 3. Ron August, Danville, Calif., 5.900, 242.38
 4. Steven Gasparrelli, Covina, Calif., 5.922, 235.85
 5. Jason Rupert, Placentia, Calif., 5.997, 217.08
 6. Brett Williamson, Campbell, Calif., 6.015, 243.24
 7. Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., 6.076, 246.09
 8. Ed Marx, San Rafael, Calif., 6.135, 239.72  
 9. Mert Littlefield, Garden Grove, Calif., 6.210, 179.56
10. Don Hudson, Stocton, Calif., 6.330, 205.71
11. Mike Andreotti, Colusa, Calif., 6.570, 223.31
12. Bob Gallio, Fullerton, Calif., 8.623, 104.39
13. Larry Miner, Woodbridge, Calif., 8.757, 84.89
14. John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., 125.34, 62.35
15. James Bartoli, Duarte, Calif., 14.730, 55.48 

COMP ELIMINATOR
 1. Ed Sigmon, Chatsworth, Calif., '34 Chevrolet, 8.805 seconds, (-0.555)
 2. Jeff Lane, North Bend, Ore., '34 Chevrolet, 8.235,(-0.525) 
 3. Jeff Lion, Fresno, Calif., '93 Lumina, 8.656,(-0.514) 
 4. Craig Schuck, Eugene, Ore., '95 Dragster, 7.531,(-0.479) 
 5. John Chamberlin, Napa, Calif., '88 Dragster, 7.006,(-0.474)
 6. Ed Schuck Jr., Eugene, Ore. '00 Dragster, 7.541,(-0.469) 
 7. Larry Hedlund, Irvine, Calif., '95 Camaro, 8.601,(-0.459) 
 8. John Edwards, Claremont, Calif., '96 Avenger, 160.85,(-0.451) 
 9. Alan Freese, Monterey, Calif., '96 Pontiac, 160.92,(-0.448)
10. Fred Gross, La Crescenta, Calif., '96 Firebird, 166.26,(-0.447) 

SUPER STOCK
 1. Don Studley, Orange Calif., GT/TD '99 Dakota, 10.373 seconds, (-1.377)
 2. Steve Wann, Modesto Calif. GT/TD '98 Dakota, 10.605,(-1.145) 
 3. Gary Williams, Mariposa, Calif., SS/MA '64 Comet, 11.125,(-1.025) 
 4. Doug Lambeck, Irvine Calif., SS/BS '92 Camaro, 9.017,(-0.983) 
 5. Ron Fruchey, Oxnard, Calif., SS/DX '87 Grand Nat., 8.660,(-0,940) 
 6. Tony DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/FA '98 Grand Am, 10.189,(-0.911) 
 7. Jerry Jenkins, Modesto, Calif., SS/DA '70 Barracuda, 9.635,(-0.865)
 8. Jimmy DeFrank, Tarzana, Calif., GT/GA '89 Camaro, 10.337,(-0.863) 
 9. Richard Salcido, Whittier, Calif., GT/HA '95 Achieva,10.490,(-0.860)
10.  Logan Smith, Loomis, Calif., GT/CA '87 Cavalier, 9.845,(-0.855)

STOCK ELIMINATOR
 1. Gary Harper, San Jose, Calif., ET/SA '81 Dodge, 12.207 seconds, (-1.343)
 2. Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., DT/SA '98 Dakota, 12.178,(-1.322) 
 3. Scott Hilton, Sun Valley, Calif., E/S '67 Mustang, 10.775,(-1.175) 
 4. Dave Irvin, Glendale, Ariz., P/SA '65 Chevelle, 12.708,(-1.042) 
 5. Don Little, Westley, Calif., A/SA '70 Barracuda, 10.285,(-1.015) 
 6. Rob Youngblood, Nampa, Idaho, D/S '71 Mustang, 10.786, (-1.014)
 7. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '70 Dodge,10.547,(-1.003)
 8. Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., C/SA '70 GTX, 10.703,(-0.997) 
 9. Darrin Grossi, Soulsbyville, Calif., '70 Barracuda, 10.565,(-0.985)
10. Tom Roberts, Mira Loma, Calif., J/SA '76 Aspen, 11.776,(-0.974)

* Track Speed Record