Pierce, Kinsley cap Div. 4 Lucas season with wins

10/14/2006


DIVISION 4
Thunder Valley Raceway Park
Noble, Okla., Oct. 13-15 

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

Final Eliminations
Saturday Qualifying
Friday Qualifying
Event preview


Final Eliminations:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Division 4 wraps up season in Oklahoma 

NOBLE, Okla. – NHRA South Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors have completed the final event on division's 2006 schedule, at Thunder Valley Raceway.  Although the finals ran three weeks later than originally scheduled, it was well worth the wait for Moore, Okla., resident Brandon Pierce who scored the first win of his Top Alcohol Dragster career.  In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Kebin Kinsley earned his second win of the year.

Pierce had two consecutive 5.41-second runs in the first round of eliminations and the semifinals before facing off against reigning West Central division champ Randy Meyer of Spring Hill, Kan., in the final.  Pierce made a 5.552-second, 247.11 mph pass to Meyer's 5.636-second run at 253.52 mph.

Kennedale, Texas' Kinsley scored his trophy with a hole-shot victory over Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga.  Kinsley got the jump on Harker at the starting line with a .039 reaction time (.000 is a perfect reaction time).  He ran 5.898 seconds at 248.75 mph to Harker's quicker but losing 5.862-second, 246.84 mph effort.

Craig Bourgeois, Metarie, La., earned the win in Comp Eliminator over Bill Morse of McKinney, Texas.  In Super Stock, Jerry Emmons of Pasadena, Texas, grabbed the win from Jimmy DeFrank of Chatsworth, Calif.  In Stock Eliminator, Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Donaldsonville, La., took the win over another Emmons brother, Gary, who lives in Friendswood, Texas.  For the second time this season, Thomas Levatino Jr. earned double wins at an event.  First, the LaPlace, La., racer scored the win in Super Comp over Duane Kohl of Lincoln, Neb., and then he took the win in Top Dragster from Kevin Ford of Amarillo, Texas.  Shawn Carter, Park Hill, Okla., racked up the win in Super Gas over local favorite, Toney Gray of Moore, Okla.  The Super Street winner was Casey Wagner, Hooper, Neb., over Straw, Texas, resident Craig Abbott and in Top Sportsman Earl Folse, Raceland, La., beat out Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla.  In Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson, Larry Eperjesi of Lake Dallas, Texas, knocked off Benji Gibson, Euless, Texas, in the final.

This was the final NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of seven in the division but racers are allowed to compete at out-of-division events to earn points toward divisional and national championships.  The final meet in the 43-race series is slated for Nov. 3-5 in Las Vegas.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Spencer Massey, Fort Worth, Texas, 9.341, 85.45 def. bye

2) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.413, 249.23 def. 7)
Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 7.782, 134.12

3) James Thompson Jr., Vernon, Texas, 5.411, 260.79 def.
6) Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park, Calif., 5.900, 218.65

4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.351, 255.31 def.
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.485, 259.29

Semifinals
Meyer, 5.347, 259.89 def. Massey, 24.354, 46.83
Pierce, 5.419, 255.68 def. Thompson Jr., 15.075, 67.30

Final
Pierce, 5.552, 247.11 def. Meyer, 5.636, 253.52

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '02 Camaro, 5.805, 248.34 def.
8) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '99 Camaro, 7.190, 153.47

2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.854, 241.67 was unopposed

3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 6.238, 177.86 was unopposed

10) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.785, 248.89 def.
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '05 Monte Carlo, 7.579, 123.23

Semifinals
Harker, 5.952, 248.13 def. J. Jones, 12.392, 82.51
Kinsley, 7.289, 120.53 def. Bateman, 9.192, 84.96

Final
Kinsley, 5.898, 248.75 def. Harker, 5.862, 246.84

COMP ELIMINATOR
Craig Bourgeois, Metarie, La., dragster, A/ND, 6.966, 178.85 def.
Bill Morse, McKinney, Texas, '06 Cobalt, G/SM, 8.892, 151.33

SUPER STOCK
Jerry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.922, 131.86 def.
Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, foul

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Donaldsonville, La., '98 Camaro, B/FIA, 10.958, 117.60 def.
Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '98 Firebird, C/FIA, 11.308, 116.38

SUPER COMP
Thomas Levatino Jr., LaPlace, La., dragster, 8.941, 171.10 def.
Duane Kohl, Lincoln, Neb., dragster, 8.898, 171.33

SUPER GAS
Shawn Carter, Park Hill, Okla., '05 Cavalier, 9.895, 162.24 def.
Tony Gray, Moore, Okla., '27 roadster, 9.879, 153.76

SUPER STREET
Casey Wagner, Hooper, Neb., '67 Coronet, 10.891, 134.91  def.
Craig Abbott, Strawn, Texas, '76 Vega Wagon, 10.878, 132.95

TOP DRAGSTER
Thomas Levatino Jr., LaPlace, La., dragster, 7.324, 183.78 def.
Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, foul

TOP SPORTSMAN
Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '68 Camaro, 6.966, 198.28 def.
Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, foul

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Koenig, 8.005, 149.22 def.
Benji Gibson, Euless, Texas,'05 Hayabusa, 8.255, 160.34


Saturday Qualifying:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Massey, Bateman top qualifiers in alcohol classes

NOBLE, Okla. – In the final rounds of qualifying at the Thunder in the Valley event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, at Thunder Valley Raceway Spencer Massey maintained his lead in the Top Alcohol Dragster class while Roger Bateman took the No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Alcohol Funny Car. The race kicked off with qualifying and time trials on Friday and eliminations will start on Sunday.

Massey, a rookie driver out of Fort Worth, Texas, improved on Friday's qualifying effort today with a 5.325-second, 268.25 mph pass in his Top Alcohol Dragster. Brandon Pierce of Moore, Okla., stayed in the second qualifying spot, running 5.371 seconds at 257.28 mph.

Veteran Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Bateman started the day on the outside looking in at the qualifying field. The Calgary, Alb., resident jumped from the No. 11 spot to the top with a 5.658-second, 254.81 mph pass. Bateman took the No. 1 qualifier spot from Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga. Harker's 5.698-second, 254.95 mph run was an improvement on Friday's effort but it was not enough to cover Bateman. Chickasha's Jackie Stidham remained in the No. 4 spot while Oklahoma City's Ron Morrison failed to make the eight-car field.

Bill Morse of McKinney, Texas, kept the top qualifier spot in Comp Eliminator, as did Craig Treble of Hensley, Ark., in Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson. Treble also competes in NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle class on the NHRA PowerAde tour. In Super Stock, J. Adger Smith, Texarkana, Ark., was the top qualifier and Amy Faulk of Memphis, Tenn., was No. 1 in Stock Eliminator. Earl Folse, Raceland, La., was No. 1 in Top Sportsman and Phil Unruh, McPhearson, Kan., set the pace in Top Dragster.

Racing continues Sunday at Thunder Valley Raceway. Gates open at 8 a.m. and eliminations start at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round of eliminations at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are $20. Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount. Children 6- to 12-years old are $5 and kids 5 and under are admitted free. For more information call Thunder Valley Raceway, (405) 872-3429.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Spencer Massey, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.325 seconds, 268.25 mph
2) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.371, 257.28
3) James Thompson Jr., Vernon, Texas, 5.398, 258.24
4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.437, 261.85
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.445, 262.54
6) Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park, Calif., 5.525, 259.66
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.534, 261.78
8) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.536, 260.79
Not Qualified
9) Aaron Olivarez, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 5.568, 257.36
10) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.587, 252.95
11) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.751, 239.42
12) Darryl Hitchman, Celeste, Texas, 6.003, 238.60

First round TAD pairings
1) Spencer Massey, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.325 seconds, 268.25 mph vs.
8) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.536, 260.79

2) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.371, 257.28 vs.
7) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.534, 261.78

3) James Thompson Jr., Vernon, Texas, 5.398, 258.24 vs.
6) Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park, Calif., 5.525, 259.66

4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.437, 261.85 vs.
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.445, 262.54

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '02 Camaro, 5.658 seconds, 254.81 mph
2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.698, 254.95
3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.713, 255.10
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.727, 252.80
5) Paul Anderson, Erie, Colo., '06 Stratus, 5.732, 249.72
6) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.769, 248.07
7) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Trans Am, 5.773, 253.23
8) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '99 Camaro, 5.783, 248.34
Not Qualified
9) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.807, 251.04
10) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.813, 241.54
11) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.941, 245.09
12) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '04 Firebird, 6.051, 224.10
13) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '03 Camaro, 7.029, 138.78
14) Mike Newkirk, Great Bend, Kan., '03 Avenger, 7.520, 156.03

First round TAFC pairings
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '02 Camaro, 5.658 seconds, 254.81 mph vs.
8) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '99 Camaro, 5.783, 248.34

2) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.698, 254.95 vs.
7) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Trans Am, 5.773, 253.23

3) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.713, 255.10 vs.
6) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.769, 248.07

4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.727, 252.80 vs.
5) Paul Anderson, Erie, Colo., '06 Stratus, 5.732, 249.72

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Morse, McKinney, Texas, '06 Cobalt, G/SM, 8.851 seconds, -0.669 (under index)
2) Greg Porter, Edmond, Okla., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.816, -0.634
3) Sean Dodd, Double Oak, Texas, '05 Cobalt, B/AA, 7.108, -0.622
4) Craig Bourgeois, Metarie, La., dragster, A/ND, 6.904, -0.616
5) Thomas Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '34 Chevrolet, C/SR, 8.619, -0.601
6) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '04 Cavalier, G/SM, 8.922, -0.598
7) Chase Williams, Carthage, Texas, '05 Grand Am, F/SM, 8.828, -0.592
8) Lou Ficco Jr., Wheat Ridge, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.139, -0.591
9) Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.107, -0.583
10) Shane Heckel, LaPorte, Texas, dragster, B/D, 6.718, -0.572

SUPER STOCK
1) J. Adger Smith, Texarkana, Alaska, '86 Camaro, SS/DS, 10.047 seconds, -1.153 (under index)
2) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 8.941, -1.109
3) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.193, -1.107
4) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '98 Avenger, SS/CS, 9.594, -1.056
5) Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., '56 Nomad, SS/NA, 11.400, -1.050
6) Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., '92 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.396, -1.004
7) Tony Cowell, Weatherford, Texas, '81 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.608, -0.992
8) Joe Teuton Jr., Houma, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AH, 8.854, -0.946
9) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.217, -0.933
10) Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '69 Camaro, SS/JA, 10.374, -0.926

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Amy Faulk, Memphis, Tenn., '01 Firebird, C/FIA, 10.838 seconds, -1.162 (under index)
2) Floyd Russo, Gonzales, La., '01 Firebird, B/FIA, 10.559, -1.141
3) Fred Henson, Madisonville, Texas, '70 Challenger, A/SA, 10.170, -1.130
4) Ronnie West, Broussard, La., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.420, -1.130
5) Ed O'Brien, Stillwater, Okla., '89 LeBaron, BF/S, 13.830, -1.120
6) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, H/SA, 11.360, -1.090
7) Coty Kern, Donaldsonville, La., '98 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.924, -1.076
8) Paula Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, G/SA, 11.224, -1.076
9) Dave Picht, Oakdale, Minn., '72 Mustang, D/S, 10.756, -1.044
10) Mike Wenke, Conway Springs, Kan., '69 Mustang, B/SA, 10.515, -1.035

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Earl Folse, Raceland, La., '68 Camaro, 6.665 seconds, 207.42 mph
2) Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, 6.742, 203.80
3) Greg Tucker, Lindsay, Okla., '06 GTO, 6.855, 204.73
4) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '06 GTO, 6.864, 201.65
5) Lee Adkins Jr, Linden, Tenn., '57 Chevy, 6.913, 197.28
6) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '02 Cavalier, 6.945, 199.64
7) Joseph Mohana, Bourg, La., '05 Cobalt, 6.966, 199.24
8) Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '97 Trans Am, 6.978, 200.40
9) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 6.996, 199.11
10) Glenn Barrilleaux, Oakwood, Texas, '04 Cavalier, 7.023, 197.84

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Phil Unruh, McPhearson, Kan., dragster, 7.037 seconds, 195.35 mph
2) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., dragster, 7.044, 198.06
3) John Garner, Houston, dragster, 7.107, 189.43
4) Mark Hambelton, Sachse, Texas, dragster, 7.118, 187.89
5) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 7.179, 188.48
6) Donnel Gaines, Stephenville, Texas, dragster, 7.223, 187.22
7) Joe Teuton, Houma, La., dragster, 7.250, 182.07
8) Thomas Levatino, LaPlace, La., dragster, 7.270, 184.80
9) Peter Vicari, Morrero, La., dragster, 7.292, 182.40
10) Johnny Covington, Center, Texas, dragster, 7.308, 185.41

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Craig Treble, Hensley, Ark., '02 Suzuki, TRO, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Craig Vogt, Mead, Neb., '73 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.000
3) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas, '00 Honda, SMC, 0.001
4) Terry Blakely, Hope, Ark., '78 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.003
5) Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '83 Suzuki, TRO, 0.004
6) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Koenig, SMC, 0.004
7) Joe Herron, Fremont, Neb., '81 Suzuki, SMC, 0.006
8) Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, '83 Suzuki, SMC, 0.007
9) Dan Rollman, Oklahoma City, '74 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.007
10) Ben Brown, Irving, Texas, '04 Hayabusa, TRO, 0.009


Friday Qualifying:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Opening day of qualifying in the books 

NOBLE, Okla. – The first day of racing is complete at Thunder Valley Raceway's Thunder in the Valley event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.  Qualifying and time trials kicked off today and will continue Saturday and culminate with eliminations on Sunday.  Spencer Massey leads the Top Alcohol Dragster field while Steve Harker set the pace in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Massey, a rookie driver out of Ft. Worth, Texas, took the No. 1 qualifying spot with a 5.365-second, 267.22 mph pass.  Oklahoma City's Brandon Pierce is the second-place qualifier after laying down a 5.371-second pass at 257.28 mph.

Gainesville, Ga., resident Harker made a 5.762-second, 246.57 mph run to take the top spot.  No. 2 qualifier, Jimmy Jones of Cleburne, Texas, made a 5.772-second effort at 248.48 mph to put him just behind Harker.  Jackie Stidham, a veteran driver out of Chickasha, Okla., is in the No. 4 spot and Ron Morrison of Oklahoma City is No. 8.

In Comp Eliminator, Bill Morse of McKinney, Texas, is the best qualifier and Jimmy DeFrank of Chatsworth, Calif., is the top qualifier in Super Stock.  Fred Henson, Madisonville, Texas, heads up the Stock Eliminator class, Allen Firestone of Velma, Okla., set the pace in Top Sportsman, and Houston's John Garner is No. 1 in Top Dragster.  Hensley, Ark., racer, Craig Treble, who also competes in NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle class, is the top qualifier in Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at Thunder Valley Raceway.  Gates open at 8 a.m. both days and qualifying and time trials start at 9.m. Saturday and eliminations are slated to begin Sunday at 9 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have two qualifying run on Saturday, at 1 and 5 p.m., and will run first round of eliminations at noon on Sunday.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event are $15 Saturday and $20 Sunday.  Military personnel with valid ID receive a $5 discount.  Children 6- to 12-years old are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free.  For more information call the track, (405) 872-3429.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Thunder Valley Raceway:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Spencer Massey, Fort Worth, Texas, 5.365 seconds, 267.22 mph
2) Brandon Pierce, Oklahoma City, 5.371, 257.28
3) James Thompson Jr., Vernon, Texas, 5.398, 258.24
4) Randy Meyer, Spring Hill, Kan., 5.489, 249.44
5) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.490, 258.39
6) Mike Austin, Medford, Ore., 5.579, 257.21
7) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.587, 252.95
8) Aaron Olivarez, Sandy, Utah, 5.623, 256.11
Not Qualified
9) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.638, 256.26
10) Scott Murray, Winnipeg, Manit., 5.780, 239.42
11) Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 6.003, 227.38
12) Garrett Bateman, Cameron Park, Calif., 6.037, 239.87

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.762 seconds, 246.57 mph
2) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '99 Camaro, 5.772, 248.48
3) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.804, 248.07
4) Jackie Stidham, Chickasha, Okla., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.804, 246.23
5) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.833, 241.54
6) Shawn Jones, Albuquerque, N.M., '02 Trans Am, 5.874, 236.84
7) Paul Anderson, Erie, Colo., '06 Stratus, 5.946, 246.71
8) Ron Morrison, Oklahoma City, '06 Monte Carlo, 6.278, 218.55
Not Qualified
9) Marty Nothstein, Orefield, Pa., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.284, 173.31
10) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '03 Camaro, 7.029, 136.28
11) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '02 Camaro, 7.045, 152.46
12) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '04 Firebird, 8.496, 130.79
13) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '99 Camaro, 13.502, 73.08
14) Mike Newkirk, Great Bend, Kan., '03 Avenger, 14.123, 43.40

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bill Morse, McKinney, Texas, '06 Cobalt, G/SM, 8.851 seconds, -0.669 (under index)
2) Greg Porter, Edmond, Okla., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.852, -0.598
3) Chase Williams, Carthage, Texas, '05 Grand Am, F/SM, 8.828, -0.592
4) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '34 Chevrolet, C/SR, 8.630, -0.590
5) Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, '02 Cavalier, B/A, 7.107, -0.583
6) Lou Ficco Jr., Wheat Ridge, Colo., '04 Cavalier, B/AA, 7.152, -0.578
7) Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs, La., dragster, C/D, 7.000, -0.570
8) Michael Johnson, Springdale, Ark., '03 Cavalier, G/SMA, 8.893, -0.557
9) Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, '04 Cavalier, G/SM, 8.976, -0.544
10) Craig Bourgeois, Metarie, La., dragster, A/ND, 6.976, -0.544

SUPER STOCK
1) Jimmy DeFrank, Chatsworth, Calif., '98 Grand Am, SS/BS, 8.975 seconds, -1.075 (under index)
2) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, SS/K, 10.240, -1.060
3) Randall Klein, Lincoln, Neb., '56 Nomad, SS/NA, 11.451, -0.999
4) Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., '92 Camaro, GT/AA, 9.407, -0.993
5) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '98 Avenger, SS/CS, 9.672, -0.978
6) Tony Cowell, Weatherford, Texas, '81 Camaro, GT/JA, 10.724, -0.876
7) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., '69 Camaro, SS/EA, 9.802, -0.848
8) Jim Voth, Buhler, Kan., '86 Monte Carlo, GT/F, 10.061, -0.839
9) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.356, -0.794
10) Jerry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.934, -0.766

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Fred Henson, Madisonville, Texas, '70 Challenger, A/SA, 10.170 seconds, -1.130 (under index)
2) Coty Kern, Donaldsonville, La., '98 Camaro, C/FIA, 10.924, -1.076
3) Verne Buchanan, Conway, Ark., '73 Mustang, H/SA, 11.456, -0.994
4) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, F/SA, 11.200, -0.950
5) Austin Ford, Spring, Texas, '67 Shelby, D/SA, 10.923, -0.927
6) Nick Seibert, Wamego, Kan., '85 Camaro, I/SA, 11.675, -0.925
7) Mike Braswell, Ft. Worth, Texas, '67 Nova, E/SA, 11.094, -0.906
8) Sammy Pizzolato, Houma, La., '69 Corvette, B/SA, 10.646, -0.904
9) Dave Picht, Oakdale, Minn., '72 Mustang, D/S, 10.897, -0.903
10) Dick Lux, San Antonio, Texas, '68 Torino, D/SA, 10.956, -0.894

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Allen Firestone, Velma, Okla., '01 S-10, 6.859 seconds, 200.26 mph
2) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '02 Cavalier, 6.949, 199.64
3) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 7.018, 197.67
4) Phillip Muse, Tomball, Texas, '97 Trans Am, 7.060, 195.35
5) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '06 GTO, 7.095, 200.22
6) Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, '02 Cavalier, 7.099, 195.99
7) Mark Pickens, Germantown, Tenn., '95 Cutlass, 7.154, 195.27
8) Don Peden, Edinburg, Ill., '05 Cobalt, 7.198, 182.37
9) Lee Adkins Jr., Linden, Tenn., '57 Chevy, 7.200, 187.57
10) Glenn Barrilleaux, Oakwood, Texas, '04 Cavalier, 7.207, 194.00

TOP DRAGSTER
1) John Garner, Houston, dragster, 7.107 seconds, 189.43 mph
2) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 7.207, 186.99
3) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., dragster, 7.250, 187.26
4) Joe Teuton, Houma, La., dragster, 7.250, 182.07
5) Donnel Gaines, Stephenville, Texas, dragster, 7.254, 185.18
6) Peter Vicari, Morrero, La., dragster, 7.326, 180.72
7) Mark Hambelton, Sachse, Texas, dragster, 7.331, 184.95
8) Johnny Covington, Center, Texas, dragster, 7.443, 178.46
9) Maris Harkins, Conroe, Texas, dragster, 7.452, 180.46
10) Mike Greene, Burleson, Texas, dragster, 7.457, 179.42

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Craig Treble, Hensley, Ark., '02 Suzuki, TRO, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '83 Suzuki, TRO, 0.004
3) Rich Gentili, Humble, Texas, '83 Suzuki, SMC, 0.007
4) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '04 Suzuki, SMC, 0.012
5) Rob Bennett, Plano, Texas, '83 Suzuki, SMC, 0.028
6) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, SMC, 0.139
7) Terry Blakely, Hope, Ark., '78 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.713
8) Bruce Calhoun, Hope, Ark., '84 Kawasaki, SMC, -0.004
9) Ben Brown, Irving, Texas, '04 Hayabusa, TRO, -0.004
10) Benji Gibson, Euless, Texas, '05 Hayabusa, TRO, -0.006


Event preview:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Battles rage on in both alcohol classes

NOBLE, Okla. – NHRA South Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will close out the 2006 season October 13-15 at Thunder Valley Raceway Park.  The three-day event is the last of seven in the region. 

Spencer Massey, the 23-year-old Fort Worth, Texas, resident, is currently leading the division's Top Alcohol Dragster point standings with five final-round appearances in seven races.  The rookie driver has the lead over Lee Callaway of Channelview, Texas, who has a win and two runner-up finishes in six races this year. 

Massey opened the season with two runner-up finishes, first to defending division champion Steve Torrence at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, La., and then to defending NHRA West Central division champion Randy Meyer at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park.  Massey then took two straight wins, at Red River Raceway in Gilliam, La., and at Cherokee County Motorsports Park in Rusk, Texas, before scoring runner-up points at the division's last event at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas.

Callaway was runner-up to Massey at Cherokee County Motorsports Park and to North Central division standout Bill Reichert at an out-of-division race in Joliet, Ill.  He then went on to take another out-of-division win against Meyer in Topeka, Kan.

Oklahoma City's Brandon Pierce is currently fourth in the division point standings.  He has been a semifinalist at the Texas Motorplex and at Cherokee County Motorsports Park.

Once again in the division's Top Alcohol Funny Car chase, Jimmy Jones, the pharmacist from Cleburne, Texas, and Jackie Stidham, the business owner from Chickasha, Okla., are battling for the crown.  Jones comes into Thunder Valley Raceway with the lead after scoring three wins on the year.  Stidham opened the South Central division season with a win at No Problem Raceway and was runner-up to Jones at Memphis Motorsports Park.  The duo squared off again at Red River Raceway, this time with Stidham taking home the honors.  Jones won the race in Rusk, Texas, as well as an out-of-division meet in Great Bend, Kan., and was runner-up at Houston Raceway Park. 

Although the race at Thunder Valley Raceway is the last on the NHRA South Central division Lucas Oil Series schedule, racers may continue to earn points toward divisional titles at out-of-division races. 

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Thunder in the Heartland, a round of the 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 last of seven in South Central Division competition. The division's Reher-Morrison Top Sportsman Series, TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster category and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Thunder Valley Raceway Park, Noble, Okla.  Track is located off Highway 77 South, south of Highway 9E.  From I-35 take exit 108A (Hwy. 9E) east to Highway 77 and go south.  Follow the signs to the track.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 13-15, 2006

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

FRIDAY, Oct. 13 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is scheduled at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, Oct. 14 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 15 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Eliminations begin at 9 a.m.  Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, $20 Sunday.  A three-day pass is $45.  Military personnel with ID receive a $5 discount.  Children 6- to 12-years old are $5 each day.  Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.  For more information please call Thunder Valley Raceway Park, (405) 872-3429.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $181,900, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2005 EVENT WINNERS: Steve Torrence, Top Alcohol Dragster; Richard McLain, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Shane Heckel, Comp Eliminator; Joe Teuton Jr., Super Stock; James Paul, Stock Eliminator; Heidi Robinson, Super Comp; Jesse Serna, Super Gas; Rustin Mayse, 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.

REHeR-MORRISON Top Sportsman Series: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships.  The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,000 and the runner-up will get $500.  Top Sportsman racers may run the seven South Central Division Lucas Oil events as well as three Lucas Oil Series races in either the Southeast or North Central Divisions.

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 400 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.


E-mail this article   Print this article

Return to 2006 News Archive
Return to the Home Page

Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series