Unruh doubles; Frigo, Hool take Alcohol titles at delayed Topeka event

9/7/2012


DIVISION 5
Heartland Park Topeka
Topeka, Kan., Aug. 24-25, 2012 

Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central

Rescheduled event information, here.


Friday (Sept. 7)

EARLVILLE, Iowa – Phil Unruh scored the rare NHRA Double taking the wins in both the Super Stock and the Fineline/Madcap Top Dragster classes for the postponed NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.  The event was plagued by weather at Heartland Park Topeka two weeks ago when officials made the decision to finish the event yesterday at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, the day prior to the track's scheduled NHRA Lucas Oil West Central Regional event.

 

Unruh, McPherson, Kan., added a twist to his double.  He not only owns and drives the '10 Cobalt that took home the Super Stock trophy but he also owns the '69 Camaro driven by Super Stock runner up Douglas Baumgarnder out of Wichita, Kan.  Unruh went on to face off with fellow Kansas runner JR Lobner in Top Dragster where he clocked in at 6.613 seconds at 199.17 mph to beat Lobner, Gardner, Kan., and secure the double win.

 

Sidnei Frigo picked up his first Top Alcohol Dragster win this year and Kris Hool his first in Top Alcohol Funny Car since he opened the regional era with a victory at Gainesville in February.

 

The alcohol classes completed the last two rounds at Tri State Raceway as Frigo topped Randy Meyer in a great final, 5.40 to 5.43, after gaining a slight edge at the Tree, .067 to .078.  It was the Brazilian driver's second career win, including the Division 2 race last year at zMax Dragway in Charlotte.

 

"We backed it down because we hadn't made a run in that lane," said crew chief Tom Conway, who tuned the car to an early shutoff 5.34, 253 on the one time trial allotted all returning drivers. "The groove there is narrow, but if you can keep the car in the middle of it, you can really run hard."

 

Frigo shut off to a 5.87 at 185 mph on a semifinal single when Texan James Thompson, who had won the Topeka event in each of the past two years, was unable to make the trip north to Iowa for the rain date. Meyer won the other semifinal over John Finke in a match crucial to Finke's East Region championship hopes, 5.54 to 5.99. Had Finke reached the final, East leader Rich McPhillips, who was monitoring the results from the Indy pits and halfway packed up, would have driven to Earlville for this weekend's event.

 

The final-round loss extended a frustrating streak for Meyer, the 2003 national championship team owner, who has five runner-ups in five finals this season – two at national events, two in regional competition, and one at the Jegs Allstars event.

 

Hool, who finished in the national top 10 last year for the first time in his career, strengthened his position in the national standings with his third consecutive late-round finish. He reached the semifinals in his last two national event appearances, in Seattle and Brainerd, and put away three of the most feared drivers in the class at this race with consistent 5.80s: Cordova runner-up Dale Brand and perennial title contenders Jay Payne and Tony Bartone. Coming from the bottom half of the field, Hool upset Payne in Topeka, 5.80 to a shutoff 8.27, and erased Brand in the semis, 5.86 to 14.05.

 

Bartone qualified No. 1 in Topeka with a 5.64 and beat Bruce Carlson there with a 5.68. In Earlville, he narrowly got around Lance Van Hauen in the semis, 5.782 to 5.786, then slowed to a 5.91 in the final and lost to Hool's 5.83. Bartone, who lost the national championship to Frank Manzo last year largely because he didn't perform as well on the divisional level as he did on national event tracks, has yet to win a regional event in three tries this year.

 

Two additional Kanas residents took trophies back home as Nick Siebert won in Stock and Steve Domingues in Super Street.  Siebert, Wamego, Kan., held off Troy Henderson, Haven, Kan., in his '85 Camaro while Domingues, Derby, Kan., defeated Kyle Lawrence, Manhattan, Kan., in a close 10.914 to 10.896 second battle.

 

The Jerry Haas Top Sportsman title went to Curt Harshfield out of Sioux City, Iowa, wheeling his '55 Chevy to a lap of 186 mph in 7.422 seconds to beat Keith Sasich, Bartonville, Texas, and his '07 GTO running 190 mph.

 

Veteran and former NHRA Lucas Oil National Champion Jimmy Lewis led the rest of the winners as he came out on top in Super Gas with a hole-shot win over Chuck Rose.  Clint Neff won in Comp Eliminator with his '23 roadster, Kyle Friis took the honors in Super Comp, and Jason Clampitt downed Brian Wood in the Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson.

 

Most of the West Central Division racers were back at it at Tri-State Raceway today as qualifying and time runs began for the final 2012 NHRA West Central Division event this weekend at Tri-State Raceway.

 

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Heartland Park Topeka event (completed at Tri-State Raceway):

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
5) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.452, 257.48 def.
4) Todd Odom, Dallas, Texas, 11.896, 81.50

3) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.445, 259.61 def.
6) Christine Chambless, Scott City, Kan., 13.772, 60.53

2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.439, 262.90 def.
7) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.539, 238.93

1) Sidnei Frigo, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 5.318, 259.06 def.
8) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., broke

Semifinals
Meyer, 5.544, 253.33 def. Finke, 5.990, 227.80
Frigo, 5.872, 185.72 def. Thompson, broke

Final
Frigo, 5.401, 265.43 def. Meyer, 5.438, 259.56

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.681, 257.38 def. 8) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn.

7) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Man., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.870, 249.67

6) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.802, 252.76 def.
3) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif.,
'10 Mustang, 8.273, 109.72

4) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.823, 242.89 def.
5) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 6.771, 147.94

Semifinals
Hool, 5.865, 247.79 def. Brand, 14.053, 59.30
Bartone, 5.782, 256.16 def. Van Hauen, 5.785, 246.80

Final
Hool, 5.837, 248.20 def. Bartone, 5.914, 247.75

COMP ELIMINATOR
Clint Neff, Arvada, Colo., '23  roadster, K/A, 7.811, 159.34  def.
Terry Ticel, Lawrence, Kan., '09 GXP, G/AA, 8.396, 164.35.

SUPER STOCK
Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., '10 Cobalt, SS/CM, 12.132, 73.30  def.
Douglas Baumgardner, Wichita, Kan., '69 Camaro, SS/DA, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Nick Siebert, Wamego, Kan., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.806, 110.07  def.
Troy Henderson, Haven, Kan., '68 Camaro, A/S, 10.347, 124.87.

SUPER COMP
Kyle Friis, Omaha, Neb., dragster, 8.915, 148.69  def.
Trevor Larson, Starbuck, Minn., dragster, 8.909, 170.71.

SUPER GAS
Jimmy Lewis, Forney, Texas, '58 Corvette, 9.911, 162.04  def.
Chuck Rose, S. Sioux City, Neb., '71 Challenger, 9.902, 155.42.

SUPER STREET
Steve Domingues, Derby, Kan., '67 Camaro, 10.914, 137.22  def.
Kyle Lawrence, Manhattan, Kan., '79 Cutlass Wagon, 10.896, 123.47.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Curt Harshfield, Sioux City, Iowa, '55 Chevy, 7.422, 186.36  def.
Keith Sasich, Bartonville, Texas, '07 GTO, 6.932, 190.40.

TOP DRAGSTER
Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.613, 199.17  def.
JR Lobner, Gardner, Kan., '08 Mullis,6.997, 195.48.

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '10 Suzuki, 8.934, 149.63  def.
Brian Wood, Bellevue, Neb., '76 Kawasaki, 9.127, 144.47.



Sunday (Aug. 26)

TOPEKA, Kan. – Rain that started on Friday continued today and brought on poor track conditions forcing NHRA and track officials to postpone eliminations for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Heartland Park Topeka.  The event will be completed at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, on Thursday, Sept. 6, prior to the NHRA West Central Division's final Lucas Oil event of the season that is scheduled for Sept. 7-9.

Round one of eliminations were conducted for several classes including Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars on Saturday before rain halted the action.  Gord Gingles, Central Region Top Alcohol Dragster point's leader, fell in round one to John Finke while Randy Meyer, who sits in second, defeated Christine Chambless and will advance to round two in Earlville.  In the Top Alcohol Funny Car class, points leader Kirk Williams failed to qualify in the rain shortened qualifying rounds with second place Kris Hool looking to capitalize as he won his opening round.

Other racers advancing to round two were James Thompson and Sidnei Frigo in Top Alcohol Dragster and Tony Bartone, Dale Brand, and Lance Van Hauen in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

All racers will get one practice run on Thursday at Tri-State Raceway before continuing with elimination rounds.


Saturday

TOPEKA, Kan. - Weather got the best of the NHRA West Central Division today as the skies dropped rain throughout the day forcing NHRA and track officials to postpone eliminations to tomorrow for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Thunder on the Plains at Heartland Park Topeka.

The rains parted long enough to complete round one of most classes including Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars.  Advancing to round two on Sunday in Top Alcohol Dragster are James Thompson, Randy Meyer, John Finke, and Sidnei Frigo.  In Funny Car, Tony Bartone, Dale Brand, Kris Hool, and Lance Van Hauen move on and will face off in round two.
Eliminations are set to resume at 9 a.m.  For more information call the track at (800) 43-RACES or visit www.HPT.com<http://www.HPT.com>.
The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division WIBW Thunder in the Heartland:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Sidnei Frigo, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 5.359 seconds, 260.81 mph
2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.424, 261.52
3) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.440, 260.31
4) Todd Odom, Dallas, Texas, 5.494, 240.38
5) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.499, 255.97
6) Christine Chambless, Scott City, Kan., 5.524, 255.82
7) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.550, 261.78
8) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.595, 254.76
Not Qualified
9) Megan McKernan, Sierra Madre, Calif., 5.794, 252.47
10) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 12.030, 55.72

First round TAD pairings
1) Sidnei Frigo, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 5.359 seconds, 260.81 mph vs.
8) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.595, 254.76

2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.424, 261.52 vs.
7) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.550, 261.78

3) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.440, 260.31 vs.
6) Christine Chambless, Scott City, Kan., 5.524, 255.82

4) Todd Odom, Dallas, Texas, 5.494, 240.38 vs.
5) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.499, 255.97

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.647 seconds, 256.99 mph
2) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.676, 252.61
3) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '10 Mustang, 5.694, 252.80
4) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.816, 244.34
5) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.858, 246.26
6) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.922, 250.83
7) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Manit., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.064, 247.70
8) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.162, 220.26
Not Qualified
9) Mark Billington, Prosper, Texas, '05 Monte Carlo, 6.242, 173.14
10) Steve Griboski, Aurora, Colo., '04 Firebird, 8.524, 83.01
11) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 10.565, 79.48
12) Mike Bell, Fulton, Mo., '09 Mustang, (no time)

First round TAFC pairings
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.647 seconds, 256.99 mph vs.
8) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.162, 220.26

2) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.676, 252.61 vs.
7) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Manit., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.064, 247.70

3) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '10 Mustang, 5.694, 252.80 vs. 6)
Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.922, 250.83

4) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.816, 244.34 vs.
5) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.858, 246.26

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., '10 Cobalt, DD/AT, 6.999 seconds, -0.621 (under index)
2) Pat Nahan, Sartell, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.391, -0.599
3) Steve Matusek, Olathe, Kan., '12 Mustang, AA/PM, 6.220, -0.580
4) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.900, -0.520
5) Clint Neff, Arvada, Colo., '23 roadster, K/A, 7.877, -0.483
6) Duane Robison, Gardner, Kan., '09 GXP, C/A, 7.497, -0.433
7) Don Thomas, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, C/ED, 7.440, -0.420
8) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '10 Cobalt, A/SMA, 8.062, -0.418
9) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, B/DA, 6.953, -0.407
10) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '09 GXP, BB/A, 7.563, -0.397

SUPER STOCK
1) Eric Bell, Chandler, Ariz., '70 Challenger, SS/EA, 9.518 seconds, -0.832 (under index)
2) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., '10 Cobalt, SS/CM, 8.679, -0.821
3) Michael Mans, Rogers, Minn., '00 Firebird, SS/AS, 8.787, -0.813
4) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, GT/DA, 9.690, -0.810
5) Bill Dyer, Port Byron, Ill., '85 Mustang, SS/N, 11.167, -0.783
6) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '70 Barracuda, SS/JA, 10.242, -0.758
7) Ed Wright, Sand Springs, Okla., '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.250, -0.750
8) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.255, -0.695
9) Jason DeForrest, Andover, Minn., '87 Camaro, GT/CA, 9.709, -0.691
10) Ron Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/LA, 10.867, -0.683

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '12 Camaro, CC/SA, 9.602 seconds, -0.998 (under index)
2) Mark Lelchook, Foresthill, Calif., '69 Barracuda, F/SA, 10.924, -0.926
3) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Duster, D/SA, 10.730, -0.820
4) Michael Brand, Thornton, Colo., '73 Formula, F/SA, 11.052, -0.798
5) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '69 Barracuda, B/SA, 10.507, -0.743
6) Chris Kemmerer, Wichita, Kan., '10 Challenger, A/SA, 10.269, -0.731
7) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '70 Formula, B/SA, 10.533, -0.717
8) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.290, -0.710
9) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, D/SA, 10.854, -0.696
10) Carson Pedigo, Andover, Kan., '70 Chevelle, C/SA, 10.709, -0.691

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Joshua Vettel, Aurora, Neb., '70 Camaro, 6.766 seconds, 204.23 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '12 Camaro, 6.770, 205.82
3) Keith Sasich, Bartonville, Texas, '07 GTO, 6.891, 200.05
4) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., '08 GTO, 6.922, 200.41
5) Jim White, Haysville, Kan., '09 Cobalt, 6.935, 202.30
6) J.J. Heber, Centennial, Colo., '06 Mustang, 6.943, 199.88
7) Jim Sackuvich, Raymore, Mo., '68 Camaro, 6.960, 198.76
8) Rich Smith, Wentzville, Mo., '04 Cavalier, 6.964, 195.96
9) Rick Wilson, Independence, Kan., '69 Camaro, 6.968, 197.16
10) Tom Harger, Des Moines, Iowa, '96 Cutlass, 6.993, 198.50

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., dragster, 6.508 seconds, 211.00 mph
2) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.555, 209.49
3) Kevin Ramey, Marlow, Okla., dragster, 6.566, 211.83
4) Keith McCullar, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.605, 205.85
5) Mallori Rodgers, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.626, 203.40
6) Scott Barker, Davis, Okla., dragster, 6.671, 203.09
7) Hank Brown, Muscatine, Iowa, dragster, 6.694, 204.20
8) Rodney Frazier, Sand Springs, Okla., dragster, 6.754, 201.58
9) Tom Donovan, Wellsville, Kan., dragster, 6.772, 197.97
10) Jeff Koron, Hays, Kan., dragster, 6.780, 200.83

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '05 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Michael Smith, Omaha, Neb., '71 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.008
3) Zack Barts, Salina, Kan., '83 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.014
4) Derek Dorey, Kingswood, Texas, '03 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.016
5) Craig Vogt, Mead, Neb., '73 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.020
6) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.028
7) Lisa Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '95 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.030
8) Gordon Fangmeyer, Lincoln, Neb., '83 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.037
9) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.045
10) Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '10 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.049


Preview

TOPEKA, Kan. – The NHRA West Central Division is back at Heartland Park Topeka this weekend for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Thunder in the Heartland.  The event is one of six events in the division and one of 43 that will take place throughout the year from coast to coast. More than 400 of the best racers from the region took to the track today in hopes of grabbing valuable points leading toward national, regional and divisional championships.  Gord Gingles and Randy Meyer are locked in a battle of the Central Regional Championship in Top Alcohol Dragster while Tony Bartone looks to make it two in a row at Heartland Park taking the win in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the Summernationals back in May.

Racers made qualifying and time trial runs today as the 260 mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars ran a pair of qualifying runs that will be followed by final qualifying on Saturday before going into eliminations on Saturday night.  The divisions Comp Eliminator, Fineline/Madcap Top Dragster and Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman classes also made two runs today with a final qualifying session tomorrow followed by eliminations.

Gates open at 7 a.m. on Saturday with final qualifying and time trials scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m.  Eliminations kick off at 9 a.m. with Super Comp and Super Gas.  Tickets are $15 for Saturday's Thunder in the Heartland that will run into the night with final eliminations.  Children 4-12 are just $5 and kids 3 and under are free with a paid adult.  For more information call the track at (800) 43-RACES or visit www.HPT.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division WIBW Thunder in the
Heartland:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Sidnei Frigo, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 5.359 seconds, 260.81 mph
2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.424, 261.52
3) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.440, 260.31
4) Todd Odom, Dallas, Texas, 5.494, 240.38
5) James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.499, 255.97
6) Christine Chambless, Scott City, Kan., 5.524, 255.82
7) Gord Gingles, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.550, 261.78
8) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.595, 254.76
Not Qualified
9) Megan McKernan, Sierra Madre, Calif., 5.794, 252.47
10) Lee Callaway, Channelview, Texas, 12.030, 55.72

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.647 seconds, 256.99 mph
2) Dale Brand, Sully, Iowa, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.676, 252.61
3) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '10 Mustang, 5.694, 252.80
4) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.816, 244.34
5) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 5.858, 246.26
6) Kris Hool, Casper, Wyo., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.922, 250.83
7) Scott McVey, Winnipeg, Manit., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.064, 247.70
8) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 6.162, 220.26
Not Qualified
9) Mark Billington, Prosper, Texas, '05 Monte Carlo, 6.242, 173.14
10) Steve Griboski, Aurora, Colo., '04 Firebird, 8.524, 83.01
11) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 10.565, 79.48
12) Mike Bell, Fulton, Mo., '09 Mustang, (no time)

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
1) Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., '10 Cobalt, DD/AT, 6.999 seconds, -0.621 (under index)
2) Pat Nahan, Sartell, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.391, -0.599
3) Steve Matusek, Olathe, Kan., '12 Mustang, AA/PM, 6.220, -0.580
4) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.900, -0.520
5) Clint Neff, Arvada, Colo., '23 roadster, K/A, 7.877, -0.483
6) Duane Robison, Gardner, Kan., '09 GXP, C/A, 7.497, -0.433
7) Don Thomas, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, C/ED, 7.440, -0.420
8) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '10 Cobalt, A/SMA, 8.062, -0.418
9) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, B/DA, 6.953, -0.407
10) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '09 GXP, BB/A, 7.563, -0.397

SUPER STOCK
1) Eric Bell, Chandler, Ariz., '70 Challenger, SS/EA, 9.518 seconds, -0.832 (under index)
2) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., '10 Cobalt, SS/CM, 8.679, -0.821
3) Michael Mans, Rogers, Minn., '00 Firebird, SS/AS, 8.787, -0.813
4) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, GT/DA, 9.690, -0.810
5) Bill Dyer, Port Byron, Ill., '85 Mustang, SS/N, 11.167, -0.783
6) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '70 Barracuda, SS/JA, 10.242, -0.758
7) Ed Wright, Sand Springs, Okla., '96 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.250, -0.750
8) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.255, -0.695
9) Jason DeForrest, Andover, Minn., '87 Camaro, GT/CA, 9.709, -0.691
10) Ron Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/LA, 10.867, -0.683

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Todd Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '12 Camaro, CC/SA, 9.602 seconds, -0.998 (under index)
2) Mark Lelchook, Foresthill, Calif., '69 Barracuda, F/SA, 10.924, -0.926
3) Brad VanLant, Linn Creek, Mo., '71 Duster, D/SA, 10.730, -0.820
4) Michael Brand, Thornton, Colo., '73 Formula, F/SA, 11.052, -0.798
5) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '69 Barracuda, B/SA, 10.507, -0.743
6) Chris Kemmerer, Wichita, Kan., '10 Challenger, A/SA, 10.269, -0.731
7) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '70 Formula, B/SA, 10.533, -0.717
8) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.290, -0.710
9) Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '67 Mustang, D/SA, 10.854, -0.696
10) Carson Pedigo, Andover, Kan., '70 Chevelle, C/SA, 10.709, -0.691

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Raymond Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '70 Camaro, 6.766 seconds, 204.23 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '12 Camaro, 6.770, 205.82
3) Keith Sasich, Bartonville, Texas, '07 GTO, 6.891, 200.05
4) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., '08 GTO, 6.922, 200.41
5) Jim White, Haysville, Kan., '09 Cobalt, 6.935, 202.30
6) J.J. Heber, Centennial, Colo., '06 Mustang, 6.943, 199.88
7) Jim Sackuvich, Raymore, Mo., '68 Camaro, 6.960, 198.76
8) Rich Smith, Wentzville, Mo., '04 Cavalier, 6.964, 195.96
9) Rick Wilson, Independence, Kan., '69 Camaro, 6.968, 197.16
10) Tom Harger, Des Moines, Iowa, '96 Cutlass, 6.993, 198.50

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., dragster, 6.508 seconds, 211.00 mph
2) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.555, 209.49
3) Kevin Ramey, Marlow, Okla., dragster, 6.566, 211.83
4) Keith McCullar, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.605, 205.85
5) Mallori Rodgers, McAlester, Okla., dragster, 6.626, 203.40
6) Scott Barker, Davis, Okla., dragster, 6.671, 203.09
7) Hank Brown, Muscatine, Iowa, dragster, 6.694, 204.20
8) Rodney Frazier, Sand Springs, Okla., dragster, 6.754, 201.58
9) Tom Donovan, Wellsville, Kan., dragster, 6.772, 197.97
10) Jeff Koron, Hays, Kan., dragster, 6.780, 200.83

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '05 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Michael Smith, Omaha, Neb., '71 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.008
3) Zack Barts, Salina, Kan., '83 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.014
4) Derek Dorey, Kingswood, Texas, '03 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.016
5) Craig Vogt, Mead, Neb., '73 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.020
6) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.028
7) Lisa Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '95 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.030
8) Gordon Fangmeyer, Lincoln, Neb., '83 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.037
9) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.045
10) Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '10 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.049


Preview

TOPEKA, Kan. - Heartland Park Topeka will host the WIBW Thunder in the Heartland for the NHRA West Central division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series on Aug. 24-25. The event is one of six in the West Central Division and one of 43 scheduled across the country where drivers earn points leading to divisional, regional and national championships as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $519,000. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division's Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Fineline Madcap Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

Gates at Heartland Park open at 7 a.m. both days. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 9 a.m. and continue Saturday at 7:45 a.m. Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Comp Eliminator will have two qualifying runs starting at 3:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on Friday and one session on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have two qualifying session on Friday starting at 5 and 7:30 p.m., and one on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Eliminations start at noon on Saturday. Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car will run first round at 5 p.m.  

Tickets for the Thunder in the Heartland event are $15 Friday and $15 Saturday. Children 4-12 are just $5 and kids 3 and under are free. All tickets include a pit pass.

Heartland Park is located at 7530 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66619. For more information call the track, (800) 43-RACES, or visit www.HPT.com.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series the fifth of six events in West Central Division competition where drivers earn points leading to divisional, regional and national championships as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $519,000. West Central NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. The division's Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Fineline/Madcap Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Heartland Park, Topeka, Kan. Track is located at 7530 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66619

WHEN: Friday through Saturday, August 24-25, 2012

SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, Aug. 24 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Comp Eliminator, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster qualifying starts at 3:45 and 6:15 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying begins at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 25 - Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials are scheduled to continue at 7:45 a.m. Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Comp Eliminator final qualifying start at 10:30 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car final qualifying sessions are at 11:30 a.m. Round one of eliminations begin at noon, except for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car which begin at 5 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS – $15 Friday, $15 Saturday. Children 4-12 are just $5 each day and kids 3 and under admitted free with paid adult. Free pit pass with admission. For more information please call Heartland Park, (800) 43-RACES or visit www.HPT.com

 

2011 EVENT WINNERS: James Thompson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jay Payne, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Lou Ficco Jr., Comp Eliminator; Bryan Chaney, Super Stock; Brent Bratsen, Stock Eliminator; Gary Stinnett, Super Comp; Kevin Moore, Super Gas; Ray Dew, Super Street; Daniel Leibham, Top Sportsman, Billy Graham, Top Dragster; Curtis Spracklin, Sportsman Motorcycle.

 

BONUS PROGRAMS:
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND
: a $519,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2012 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional, regional and national champions. Regional awards include $10,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions with Divisional awards of $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.

JEGS ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA's seven divisions will compete for a share of the $119,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance. The 2012 Jegs Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series' eight classes as well as Top Sportsman and Top Dragster. The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2012 Jegs 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, $5,000 to Top Sportsman and Top Dragster champions, 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 $25,000 towing fund to get to the event.

Event sponsor, Jegs High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jegs Allstars participants. Any 2012 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

AEROMOTIVE LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: A $3,000 bonus fund paid to the low qualifiers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator at each of the division's six races. The best qualifying driver in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock will each get $200 per event, while the best qualifier in Stock Eliminator will get $100 per race.

JERRY HAAS RACE CARS TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: The Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors

in the West Central division's Top Sportsman class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $2,750 champions' purse posted by Jerry Haas Race Cars will be paid to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place points finishers.

FINELINE/MADCAP TOP DRAGSTER SERIES: The West Central Division Top Dragster Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in the West Central division's Top Dragster class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $2,750 champions' purse will be paid to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place points finishers.

NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE SERIES presented by HARLEY DAVIDSON: The NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA's Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships. The $14,000 champions' purse posted by Harley Davidson will be paid to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.

 


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