Top Gun final eliminations completed at Las Vegas divisional

11/6/2006


DIVISION 7
Top Gun Raceway
Fallon, Nev., Sept. 8-10

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

Event preview


Final eliminations:

Demke, Gordon take delayed wins

LAS VEGAS – After postponing the final eliminations at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Top Gun Raceway back in September, racing was finally completed at the Short Line Express Market Gambler Shootout at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Chris Demke and Doug Gordon scored wins in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Demke of Sunland, Calif., ran 5.426 seconds at 265.90 mph to defeat Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore.  Federlin ran a time of 5.474 seconds 260.97 mph.

Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., took the top spot with a pass of 6.057 seconds at 242.02 mph.  Gordon defeated Hank Coolidge of Sunburst, Mont.

Comp Eliminator driver, Jim Cowan of Dewey, Ariz., ran 8.405 seconds at 157.98 mph to take the win over Dave Barcelon of Bremerton, Wash.

In other categories, Justin Lamb of Henderson, Nev., won in Top Comp, Anthony Guebara of Hayward, Calif., won in Super Stock, and Dale Howard of Las Vegas was the big winner in Stock Eliminator.  Super Comp driver Michael Mangili of Stockton, Calif., took home a trophy in Super Comp, Super Gas racer, Steve Apted of Medford, Ore., finished on top, John Dalrymple of Sunnyside, Wash., found the winner's circle in Super Street, the Super Eliminator winner was Terry White of Half Moon Bay, Calif., and Greg Liskey of Salinas, Calif., clinched the top spot in the Motorcycle category.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pacific Division event at Top Gun Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
ROUND ONE
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.666, 253.70 def.
8) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 8.249, 105.44;

4) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.742, 245.78 def.
5) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.938, 241.58;

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.760, 251.80 def.
7) Johnny Ahten, Sagus, Calif., 9.971, 81.02;

6) Cody Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.910, 241.53 def.
3) Sean O'Bannon, Fontana, Calif., 6.280, 172.42;

SEMIFINALS
Federlin, 5.763, 223.10 def. Whiteley, 5.885, 236.74;
Demke, 5.734, 252.71 def. Perkins, foul;

FINALS
Demke, 5.426, 265.90 def. Federlin, 5.474, 260.97.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
ROUND ONE
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '05 Monte Carlo, 6.441, 229.43 was unopposed;

2) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '02 Firebird, 6.441, 229.43 def.
7) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 11.978, 79.53;

3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.280, 236.61 def.
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '00 Trans Am, 6.338, 229.75;

5) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.290, 230.58 def.
4) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.218, 235.79;

SEMIFINALS
Gordon, 6.158, 242.20 def. Hough, 7.729, 123.26;
Coolidge, 6.135, 133.86 def. Thompson, 6.183, 138.86;

FINALS
Gordon, 6.057, 242.02 def. Coolidge, 6.648, 171.62.

COMPETITION ELIMINATOR
Jim Cowan, Dewey, Ariz., '04 Cavalier, D/EA, 8.405, 157.98 def.
Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '06 Cobalt, G/A, 8.617, 156.73.

SUPER STOCK
Anthony Guebara, Hayward, Calif., '66 Mustang, SS/EM, 9.878, 136.15 def.
Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '89 LeBaron, GT/HA, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Dale Howard, Las Vegas, Nev., '69 Camaro, A/SA, 11.073, 119.89 def.
Richard Meierhenry, Phoenix, Ariz., '80 Malibu, M/SA, 13.173, 99.38.

SUPER COMP
Michael Mangili, Stockton, Calif., dragster, 9.091, 157.34 def.
Milton Geode, Pahrump, Nev., dragster, 9.132, 151.51.

SUPER GAS
Steve Apted, Medford, Ore., '67 Corvette, 10.068, 153.18 def.
 Lorene Johnson, Flagstaff, Ariz., '94 Grand Prix, 10.055, 150.83.

SUPER STREET
John Dalrymple, Sunnyside, Wash., '67 Camaro, 11.114, 148.85 def.
Mark Yeager, Hollister, Calif., '72 Nova, 11.089, 150.41.

MOTORCYCLE
Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, 8.852, 144.00 def.
Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki, 9.905, 125.67.

TOP COMP
Justin Lamb, Henderson, Nev., dragster, 7.221, 183.00 def.
Will Harrison, Livermore, Calif., dragster, 7.563, 174.64.

SUPER ELIMINATOR
Terry White, Half Moon Bay, Calif., dragster, 8.055, 163.85 def.
Carolyn Hills, Gilbert, Ariz., dragster, 7.903, 176.88.


Sunday update:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event completion postponed until November

FALLON, NevadaDue to safety concerns with the race track conditions near the 330-foot lights, NHRA Officials have postponed the final rounds of eliminations for all classes except Stock Eliminator. The semifinals for Super Street, Super Gas, and Super Comp have also been postponed.

The current plan is for the racing to be completed at the next Lucas Oil Drag Race Series Event which will be held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the four day event from Nov. 3-5, 2006.

In the Stock Eliminator category the final was decided with Dale Howard of Las Vegas taking home a trophy.  Howard defeated Richard Meierhenry of Phoenix, Ariz.

For more information about the next Lucas Oil race at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway please call the track at 800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com.

For more information about the postponement please log on to NHRA.com. Details will be posted when they are available.

The following are Sunday's final results of the Stock Eliminator class at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing event at Top Gun Raceway:

STOCK
Dale Howard, Las Vegas, '69 Camaro, A/SA, 11.073, 119.89 def.
Richard Meierhenry, Phoenix, Ariz., '80 Malibu, M/SA, 13.173, 99.38


Saturday qualifying:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fields are set at Top Gun

FALLON, Nevada – Qualifying is complete at the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Top Gun Raceway.  Top Alcohol Dragster pilot, Steve Federlin and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver, Clint Thompson took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., outran the field with a pass of 5.664 seconds at 252.15 mph.  In the number two position, Chris Demke of Sunland, Calif., ran 5.735 seconds at 250.89 mph.

Thompson of Klamath Falls, Ore., made a pass of 6.053 seconds at 243.04 mph to take the No. 1 position going into tomorrow's final.  In the second position is Brian Hough of Junction City, Ore., who ran 6.065 seconds at 241.30 mph in his '02 Firebird.

Comp Eliminator racer, Jim Cowan of Dewey, Ariz., will start eliminations in the top spot qualifying over J.D. Zink of Chico, Calif.  Cowan ran 8.716 seconds in his '04 Cavalier.

In Super Stock, Darren Smith of Palmdale, Calif., drove his '68 Dart to land the first position, while Jimmy DeFrank of Chatsworth, Calif., ran 9.343 seconds in his '98 Grand Am to qualify second.

Chip Rumis of Ramona, Calif., ran a pass of 7.074 seconds at 190.83 mph to qualify first in Top Comp.  Joe Roubicek of Westlake Village, Calif., qualified in second running 7.182 seconds at 187.35 mph.

In Stock Eliminator, Charlie Smith of Modesto, Calif., made a pass of 10.931 seconds to find the top spot, while Steve Wann of Modesto, Calif., qualified in second in his '69 Plymouth.

In the Sportsman Motorcycle category presented by Harley Davidson, John Widman of Garberville, Calif., qualified on top racing a '93 Kawasaki.

Racing continues Sunday at Top Gun Raceway.  Gates open at 7:00 a.m.  Tickets are $20 for adults and children 6 to 14 are $5.  For more information please call Top Gun Raceway at 800-325-0223 or log on to www.TopGunRaceway.

The following are Saturday's qualifying results from the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Top Gun Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.664 seconds, 252.15 mph
2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.735, 250.89
3) Sean O'Bannon, Fontana, Calif., 5.755, 254.98
4) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.795, 244.70
5) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.923, 240.91
6) Cody Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.986, 242.88
7) Johnny Ahten, Sagus, Calif., 6.034, 229.45
8) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 6.400, 217.05
Not Qualified
9) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita, Calif., 7.921, 134.56

First round TAD pairings
1) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.664 seconds, 252.15 mph vs.
8) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 6.400, 217.05

2) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.735, 250.89 vs.
7) Johnny Ahten, Sagus, Calif., 6.034, 229.45

3) Sean O'Bannon, Fontana, Calif., 5.755, 254.98 vs.
6) Cody Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 5.986, 242.88

4) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.795, 244.70 vs.
5) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.923, 240.91

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '05 Monte Carlo, 6.053 seconds, 243.04 mph
2) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '02 Firebird, 6.065, 241.30
3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.094, 242.22
4) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.157, 236.11
5) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.162, 237.39
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '00 Trans Am, 6.284, 231.83
7) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.333, 232.60

First round TAFC pairings
1) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '05 Monte Carlo, 6.053 seconds, 243.04 mph vs. Bye

2) Brian Hough, Junction City, Ore., '02 Firebird, 6.065, 241.30 vs.
7) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.333, 232.60

3) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.094, 242.22 vs.
6) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '00 Trans Am, 6.284, 231.83

4) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '04 Camaro, 6.157, 236.11 vs.
5) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.162, 237.39

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Jim Cowan, Dewey, Ariz., '04 Cavalier, D/EA, 8.716 seconds, -0.624 (under index)
2) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.277, -0.543
3) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.874, -0.526
4) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '06 Cobalt, G/A, 8.917, -0.503
5) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23 roadster, A/AA, 7.182, -0.478
6) Randy Goff, Las Vegas, '02 S-10, E/A, 8.550, -0.200
7) Brian Moscini, San Mateo, Calif., '05 Grand Am, C/AA, 8.270, -0.110
8) Doug Lambeck, Northridge, Calif., '05 Sunfire, D/SMA, 10.086, 0.626

SUPER STOCK
1) Darren Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '68 Dart, SS/GA, 10.141 seconds, -1.269 (under index)
2) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 9.343, -1.227
3) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '05 Sunfire, GT/AA, 9.753, -1.187
4) Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., '64 Belvedere, SS/BA, 9.579, -1.151
5) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '89 LeBaron, GT/HA, 10.830, -1.100
6) Bruce Lippstreu, Fairfield, Calif., '82 Camaro, SS/KA, 11.094, -1.046
7) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 10.272, -1.028
8) Tony DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/BA, 10.064, -1.026
9) Tim Smith, Rocklin, Calif., '87 Cavalier, GT/CA, 10.267, -0.983
10) Brad Rounds, Reno, Nev., '01 S-10, SS/TB, 9.814, -0.966

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Charlie Smith, Modesto, Calif., '69 Dart, C/SA, 10.931 seconds, -1.369 (under index)
2) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '69 Plymouth, B/SA, 10.839, -1.301
3) Don Forester, Riverside, Calif., '80 Delta 88, M/SA, 12.556, -1.274
4) Don Keen, Palmdale, Calif., '69 Mustang, C/S, 11.000, -1.250
5) Richie Pauley, Saugus, Calif., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 11.056, -1.244
6) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11.594, -1.236
7) Andy Durham, Reseda, Calif., '70 Camaro, B/SA, 10.946, -1.194
8) Staci Smith, Palmdale, Calif., '00 Dakota, E/FIA, 12.092, -1.158
9) Leo Glasbrenner, San Dimas, Calif., '68 Firebird, E/SA, 11.478, -1.142
10) Phil Mandella, Upland, Calif., dragster, Q/SA, 13.689, -1.141

TOP COMP
1) Chip Rumis, Ramona, Calif., dragster, 7.074 seconds, 190.83 mph
2) Joe Roubicek, West Lake Village, Calif., dragster, 7.182, 187.35
3) Jimmy Johnson, Santa Rosa, Calif., dragster, 7.239, 189.81
4) Paul Gladden, Tracy, Calif., dragster, 7.250, 188.01
5) Justin Lamb, Henderson, Nev., dragster, 7.395, 181.90
6) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., dragster, 7.412, 181.15
7) Tom Koenen, North Bend, Ore., dragster, 7.465, 180.98
8) Les Figueroa, Lake Havasu, Ariz., dragster, 7.496, 180.28
9) Chris Thode, Manteca, Calif., dragster, 7.535, 179.55
10) John Propp, Granite Bay, Calif., dragster, 7.559, 180.12

MOTORCYCLE
1) John Widman, Garberville, Calif., '93 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '96 Suzuki, SMC, 0.006
3) Ray Rains Jr., Garden Grove, Calif., '85 Suzuki, SMC, 0.006
4) Kehea Woods, Las Vegas, '80 Suzuki, SMC, 0.007
5) Trace St.Germain, San Jose, Calif., '02 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.008
6) Wayne Cox, Eureka, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.012
7) Dave Phillips, Las Vegas, '77 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.018
8) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.019
9) Rick Newport, West Valley, Calif., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.019
10) Jordan Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '97 Suzuki, SMC, 0.021


Friday qualifying:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Opening sessions in the books at Top Gun

FALLON, Nevada – The first rounds of the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Top Gun Raceway kicked off today.  Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Chris Demke and Alcohol Funny Car driver Doug Gordon took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Demke of Sunland, Calif., outran the field with a pass of 5.746 seconds at 250.38 mph.  In the number two qualifying position, Steve Federlin of Oregon City, Ore., ran 5.747 seconds at 248.93 mph.

Gordon of Paso Robles, Calif., also ran well qualifying first in Top Alcohol Funny car in his '02 Camaro, running a pass of 6.223 seconds of 237.55 mph.  Gordon just edged passed Clint Thompson of Klamath Falls, Ore., who ran 6.286 seconds at 235.69 mph.

In Comp Eliminator, Jim Cowan of Dewey, Ariz., took his '04 Cavalier for a pass of 8.786 seconds to qualify on top.  Cowan outran J.D. Zink of Chico, Calif. 

In other categories, Jimmy DeFrank of Chatsworth, Calif., drove his '98 Grand Am to qualify on top in Super Stock, while Charlie Smith of Modesto, Calif., qualified first in Stock Eliminator in his '69 Dart.  Top Comp driver, Chip Rumis of Ramona, Calif., made a pass of 7.192 seconds at 189.20 mph to qualify in the No. 1 position.  In the Sportsman Motorcycle category presented by Harley Davidson,  John Widman of Garberville, Calif., qualified on top in his '93 Kawasaki.          

Racing continues Saturday at Top Gun Raceway.  Gates open at 7:00 a.m.  Tickets are $20 for adults and children 6 to 14 are $5.  For more information please call Top Gun Raceway at 800-325-0223 or log on to www.TopGunRaceway.com.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Chris Demke, Sunland, Calif., 5.746 seconds, 250.38 mph
2) Steve Federlin, Oregon City, Ore., 5.747, 248.93
3) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.884, 240.43
4) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.941, 240.43
5) Cody Perkins, Bluffdale, Utah, 6.120, 237.64
6) Johnny Ahten, Sagus, Calif., 6.347, 216.89
7) Brian Smith, Fullerton, Calif., 10.520, 77.11
8) Sean O'Bannon, Fontana, Calif., 10.693, 74.13
Not Qualified
9) Dennis Swearingen, Santa Clarita, Calif., (no time)

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Doug Gordon, Paso Robles, Calif., '02 Camaro, 6.223 seconds, 237.55 mph
2) Clint Thompson, Klamath Falls, Ore., '05 Monte Carlo, 6.286, 235.69
3) Hank Coolidge, Sunburst, Mont., '02 Firebird, 6.324, 233.88
4) Larry Miner, Lodi, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.382, 226.75
5) John Patton, Peoria, Ariz., '00 Trans Am, 7.318, 140.52
6) John Weaver, Newport Beach, Calif., '04 Camaro, 11.083, 70.30

COMP ELIMINATOR

1) Jim Cowan, Dewey, Ariz., '04 Cavalier, D/EA, 8.786 seconds, -0.554 (under index)
2) J.D. Zink, Chico, Calif., dragster, A/ND, 7.308, -0.512
3) Alan Ellis, Mapleton, Utah, '23 roadster, A/AA, 7.182, -0.478
4) Dave Barcelon, Bremerton, Wash., '06 Cobalt, G/A, 8.972, -0.448
5) Tom Mettler, Bakersfield, Calif., '01 Dakota, PST, 7.957, -0.443
6) Randy Goff, Las Vegas, Nev., '02 S-10, E/A, 8.631, -0.119
7) Brian Moscini, San Mateo, Calif., '05 Grand Am, C/AA, 8.342, -0.038

SUPER STOCK
1) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 9.343 seconds, -1.227 (under index)
2) Frank Grossi, Upland, Calif., '05 Sunfire, GT/AA, 9.790, -1.150
3) Wayne Taylor, Chino, Calif., '89 LeBaron, GT/HA, 10.875, -1.055
4) Bruce Lippstreu, Fairfield, Calif., '82 Camaro, SS/KA, 11.127, -1.013
5) John Calvert, Lancaster, Calif., '68 Mustang, SS/G, 10.346, -0.954
6) Tony DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '91 Calais, GT/BA, 10.146, -0.944
7) Tim Smith, Rocklin, Calif., '87 Cavalier, GT/CA, 10.308, -0.942
8) Chuck Stubeck, Chatsworth, Calif., '69 Roadrunner, SS/FA, 10.361, -0.939
9) Brad Rounds, Reno, Nev., '01 S-10, SS/TB, 9.946, -0.834
10) Rob Youngblood, Nampa, Idaho, '77 Corvette, SS/J, 10.847, -0.823

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Charlie Smith, Modesto, Calif., '69 Dart, C/SA, 11.024 seconds, -1.276 (under index)
2) Richie Pauley, Saugus, Calif., '68 Mustang, C/SA, 11.102, -1.198
3) Don Forester, Riverside, Calif., '80 Delta 88, M/SA, 12.667, -1.163
4) Don Keen, Palmdale, Calif., '69 Mustang, C/S, 11.088, -1.162
5) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11.700, -1.130
6) Leo Glasbrenner, San Dimas, Calif., '68 Firebird, E/SA, 11.523, -1.097
7) Jim Hughes, Grand Junction, Colo., '70 Nova, C/S, 11.186, -1.064
8) Nick Arotti, Boulder City, Nev., '76 Volare, H/SA, 12.059, -1.031
9) John Irving, Boulder City, Nev., '71 Dart, E/SA, 11.595, -1.025
10) Mick Alley, Eagle, Idaho, '71 Camaro, B/SA, 11.117, -1.023

TOP COMP
1) Chip Rumis, Ramona, Calif., dragster, 7.192 seconds, 189.20 mph
2) Joe Roubicek, West Lake Village, Calif., dragster, 7.235, 186.87
3) Paul Gladden, Tracy, Calif., dragster, 7.293, 186.32
4) Jimmy Johnson, Santa Rosa, Calif., dragster, 7.314, 188.38
5) Mike Weiss, Port Orchard, Wash., dragster, 7.483, 179.13
6) Tom Koenen, North Bend, Ore., dragster, 7.484, 780.02
7) Justin Lamb, Henderson, Nev., dragster, 7.500, 181.02
8) John Propp, Granite Bay, Calif., dragster, 7.559, 180.12
9) Dave Morgan, Concord, Calif., dragster, 7.625, 175.12
10) Les Figueroa, Lake Havasu, Ariz., dragster, 7.627, 177.56

MOTORCYCLE
1) John Widman, Garberville, Calif., '93 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Pete Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '96 Suzuki, SMC, 0.006
3) Kehea Woods, Las Vegas, Nev., '80 Suzuki, SMC, 0.007
4) Wayne Cox, Eureka, Calif., '97 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.012
5) Dave Phillips, Las Vegas, Nev., '77 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.018
6) Jordan Miclette, Garberville, Calif., '97 Suzuki, SMC, 0.021
7) Trace St.Germain, San Jose, Calif., '02 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.022
8) Greg Liskey, Salinas, Calif., '95 Suzuki, SMC, 0.024
9) Leo Shaver, Las Vegas, Nev., '87 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.025
10) Ray Rains Jr., Garden Grove, Calif., '85 Suzuki, SMC, 0.026


Event preview:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pacific Division racers head to Nevada track

FALLON, Nev. – Top Gun Raceway will the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event September 8-10.  The race is the sixth of seven on the division schedule and will feature drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, vying for valuable points leading to divisional and national championships.  The division's Korbel Super Eliminator class, the Team Superstores Top Comp category and Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

In Top Alcohol Dragster, there has been a three-way fight between defending division champion Chris Demke of Sunland, Calif., former division titlist Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., and Alta Loma, Calif., resident Sean O'Bannon.  Demke won the season opener at Firebird Int'l Raceway in Phoenix and was runner-up to O'Bannon at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, Calif.  O'Bannon's win in Fontana was his first of the year but he scored runner-up points in March at Southwestern Int'l Raceway in Tucson, Ariz.  Shields' won an out-of-division race in Mission, B.C.  However, at the division's race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Demke and O'Bannon both lost in the first round of eliminations while Shields advanced to the semis.  If Demke does earn the 2006 title, it will be his third in as many years.  If Shields pulls out the title, it will be his second division championship and O'Bannon is looking for his first division crown.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, John Weaver has led the points for most of the year but Doug Gordon has kept the Newport Beach, Calif., racer on his toes.  Weaver and Gordon are both two-time Pacific division champions and are looking to unseat reigning champ, Steve Gasparrelli of West Covina, Calif.  Weaver and Gasparrelli faced off in the final round at Firebird Int'l Raceway where Weaver took the win.  Gordon then beat Weaver in the final round at Southwestern Int'l Raceway, in what was the first of two consecutive wins for the Paso Robles, Calif., resident.  At Infineon Raceway, Gasparrelli made another final-round appearance, scoring runner-up points to Northwest division racer Brian Hough.  That runner-up finish was enough to move Gasparrelli from fifth in the point standings.

Gates at Top Gun Raceway open at 7 a.m. each day.  Qualifying and time trials will start at 8 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 8 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will qualify at 4 p.m. Friday and will have two sessions on Saturday, at noon and 4 p.m.   Eliminations will start Sunday morning at 8.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday.  Children 6 to 14 years old are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Top Gun Raceway is located approximately 15 miles south of Fallon on the west side of Highway 95.  For more information call the track, (800) 325-0223, or visit

www.TopGunRaceway.com.

NHRA Pacific division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will close out the 2006 season in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the final event of the year Nov. 2-5.  In the meantime, Pacific division racers can attend out-of-division races and continue to earn points toward championships.

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 sixth of seven in Pacific Division competition.  The division's Korbel Super Eliminator class, the Team Superstores Top Comp category and Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Top Gun Raceway, Fallon, Nev. Track is located approximately 15 miles South of Fallon on the west side of the Schurz Highway (Hwy. 95).

WHEN:  Friday through Sunday, September 8-10, 2006

SCHEDULE:  Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:

FRIDAY, Sept. 8 -- Gates open at 7 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 7 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 9 -- Gates open at 7 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m.

Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at noon and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 10 -- Gates open at 7 a.m.  Eliminations begin at 8 a.m.  First round of eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car are scheduled at noon.

TICKETS:  GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday.  A three-day pass is $50.  Children 6 to 14 are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.  For more information please call Top Gun Raceway, (776) 423-0223 or (800) 325-7448.

PURSE:  The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $154,400, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2005 EVENT  WINNERS:  Mike Austin, Top Alcohol Dragster; Hank Coolidge, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Clint Sallee, Comp Eliminator; Chuck Rayburn, Super Stock; Dale Howard, Stock Eliminator; Charles Stark, Super Comp; Ed Olpin, Super Gas; Joe Greco, 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 2006 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.

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 2007 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 2007 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.

Event sponsor, Jeg's High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jeg's Allstars participants.  Any 2007 Jeg's Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

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.

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.


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