DIVISION 2
Bradenton Motorsports Park
Bradenton, Fla., Feb. 13-15, 2009 

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

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Sunday

BRADENTON, Fla.  – The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season opener is in the books and the winners have been crowned at Bradenton Motorsports Park.  Top honors went to John Finke of Selkirk, N.Y., in Top Alcohol Dragster and Mickey Ferro from Stamford, Conn., won once again in Top Alcohol Funny Car.

Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., worked his way from the forth spot all the way to the Top Alcohol Dragster finals, falling just short of the divisional win.  Finke posted a 5.378 second, 269.62 mph pass to defeat Evans run of 5.440 seconds. 

Top Alcohol Funny Car was mastered once again by Ferro, picking up back to back divisional wins at Bradenton.  Coming out of the top qualifying position, Ferro's pass of 5.673 seconds, 255.39 mph gave him the win light in the finals.  Mark Billington of Norcross, Ga., was a win light away of the title, coming out of the third qualifying position.  

Tewksbury, Mass., resident Arnie Martel competed in two categories, coming up just shy of making a repeat appearance in the winner's circle.  The 2008 Southeast Division Comp Eliminator champ proved his strength in the class once again by picking up the hardware, and was also runner-up in Super Stock.

Other drivers who received the prestigious Wally trophy included Joe Teuton Jr., Schriever, La., in Super Stock; Jeff Strickland of Red Bay, Ala., in Stock Eliminator; Lake Worth, Fla., resident Tim Nemmo in Super Comp; Sherman Adcock Jr., Fortson, Ga., in Super Gas; and Bart Graham from Fruitland Park, Fla., in Super Street. 

Delon Pleasants, Williamstown, N.J., drove his '88 Ciera to the Davis Golf Carts Top Sportsman title and the Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Top Dragster trophy was awarded to 2008 divisional champ Bill Empke from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Southeast Division racers head to Gainesville Raceway for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, held February 20-22.

The following are Sunday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division event at Bradenton
Motorsports Park:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
4) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.387, 268.17 def.
5) Shayne Lawson, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.384, 264.47;

6) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.497, 258.91 def.
3) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 13.141, 98.92;

1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.602, 260.56 def.
8) Cherissa Griffis, Gainesville, Fla., 5.628, 246.98;

2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.447, 261.55 def.
7) Al Moeser, Hill Town, Pa., 6.523, 238.91;

Semifinals

Evans, 5.395, 268.57 def. Shields, 5.531, 250.13;
Finke, 5.367, 264.62 def. Samsel, 5.535, 256.26;

Final
Finke, 5.378, 269.62 def. Evans, 5.440, 260.56.

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
3) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.768, 248.27 def.
4) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '07 Mustang, 5.785, 250.27;

2) Alexis De Joria, Bronson, Fla., '09 Mustang, 5.778, 251.81 def.
5) Tim Stevens, Dorr, Mich., '06 Stratus, broke;

1) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.746, 254.66 def.
6) John Sullivan, Pike Road City, Ala., '02 Firebird, 5.952,
227.79;

Semifinals
Ferro, 5.628, 256.19 was unopposed;
Billington, 5.772, 247.72 def. De Joria, 21.196, 47.92;

Final
Ferro, 5.673, 255.39 def. Billington, 5.733, 250.27.

COMP ELIMINATOR
Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.848, 156.11 def.
Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23  roadster, F/EA, 8.258,
128.04.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Delon Pleasants, Williamstown, N.J., '88 Ciera, 7.966, 171.10 def.
Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.180, 184.42.

TOP DRAGSTER
Bill Empke, W Palm Beach, Fla., dragster, 7.069, 190.31 def.
Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 6.757, 200.35.

SUPER STOCK
Joe Teuton Jr., Schriever, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AH, 10.092, 100.30 def.
Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '08 Cobalt, SS/BS, foul.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jeff Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., '95 Camaro, D/SA, 10.937, 111.45 def.
Ralph Porpora, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., '69 Camaro, A/S, 10.197,
130.45.

SUPER COMP
Tim Nimmo, Lake Worth, Fla., dragster, 8.921, 180.50 def.
Adam Roach, Lake Worth, Fla., '72 Cutlass, 8.819, 140.97.

SUPER GAS
Sherman Adcock Jr, Fortson, Ga., '02 Trans Am, 9.872, 163.51 def.
Brian Forrester, Lake Wales, Fla., '63 Corvette, foul.

SUPER STREET
Bart Graham, Fruitland Park, Fla., '74 Vega, 10.886, 144.20 def.
Bill Carmichael, Cocoa, Fla., '92 Beretta, 10.859, 135.74.

 

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Saturday

BRADENTON, Fla. – Duane Shields of Boulder City, Nev., claimed the No.1 qualifying spot in Top Alcohol Dragster with Saturday's run at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Bradenton Motorsports Park.  Stamford, Conn., resident Mickey Ferro put together an impressive pass in Top Alcohol Funny Car to take the top spot in the six-car field.

Shields posted a 5.331 seconds, 266.03 mph run, which was enough to keep him ahead of John Finke of Selkirk, N.Y.  Artie Allen of Jacksonville, Fla., last year's division champion, just missed the field by qualifying in the No. 9 spot.

The event's 2008 Top Alcohol Funny Car champion picked up where he left off, as Ferro took the lead slot.  Alexis De Joria from Bronson, Fla., pieced together a 5.694 second pass to drop her into the second seed.

The Comp Eliminator field continued to improve as David Allen, Sewickley, Pa., enhanced Friday's best time. Saturday's pass put him more than a second ahead of the others, sealing his spot at the top of the class. Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio holds onto his position in second and local Bradenton, Fla. favorite Dave Connolly, is bumped down to ninth.

Other top qualifiers included Jack Huff of Nashville, Tenn. in Super Stock; Nick Folk, Durand, Ill. in Stock Eliminator; Ronnie Davis, Suwanee, Ga. in the Top Sportsman class; Matthew Buck from Lantana, Fla., in the Top Sportsman Shootout event; and Eddie Careccia of Mars Hill, Fla. in Top Dragster.

Due to weather difficulties in the 2008 season, the CSR Top Sportsman Shootout finally concluded with Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga. taking the hardware with a win over Billy Vaughn out of Knoxville, Tenn.

Racing continues Sunday at Bradenton Motorsports Park with gates opening at 8 a.m.  Eliminations begin at 9 a.m.  Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster will begin eliminations at 10 a.m. and eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

General Admission with Pit Pass is $20. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Bradenton Motorsports Park, (941) 748-1320 or visit www.BradentonMotorsports.com.

The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division event at Bradenton Motorsports Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.331 seconds, 266.03 mph
2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.350, 263.38
3) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.389, 266.35
4) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5.428, 267.61
5) Shayne Lawson, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.447, 267.77
6) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.479, 262.08
7) Al Moeser, Hill Town, Pa., 5.605, 261.02
8) Cherissa Griffis, Gainesville, Fla., 5.692, 242.00
Not Qualified
9) Artie Allen, Jacksonville, Fla., 6.099, 232.19
10) Eric Edelmann, New Port Richey, Fla., 8.431, 146.96
11) Dan Lucas, Cumming, Ga., 17.847, 38.55

First round TAD pairings
1) Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., 5.331 seconds, 266.03 mph vs.
8) Cherissa Griffis, Gainesville, Fla., 5.692, 242.00

2) John Finke, Selkirk, N.Y., 5.350, 263.38 vs.
7) Al Moeser, Hill Town, Pa., 5.605, 261.02

3) Arthur Gallant, Boxboro, Mass., 5.389, 266.35 vs.
6) Robin Samsel, Marion, Ind., 5.479, 262.08

4) Bill Evans, Miramar, Fla., 5..428, 267.61 vs.
5) Shayne Lawson, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.447, 267.77

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.569 seconds, 259.89 mph
2) Alexis De Joria, Bronson, Fla., '09 Mustang, 5.694, 254.59
3) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.774, 246.84
4) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '07 Mustang, 5.775, 251.60
5) Tim Stevens, Dorr, Mich., '06 Stratus, 5.855, 241.41
6) John Sullivan, Pike Road City, Ala., '02 Firebird, 5.920, 243.04

First round TAFC pairings
1) Mickey Ferro, Stamford, Conn., '05 Monte Carlo, 5.569 seconds, 259.89 mph vs.
6) John Sullivan, Pike Road City, Ala., '02 Firebird, 5.920, 243.04

2) Alexis De Joria, Bronson, Fla., '09 Mustang, 5.694, 254.59 vs.
5) Tim Stevens, Dorr, Mich., '06 Stratus, 5.855, 241.41

3) Mark Billington, Norcross, Ga., '01 Avenger, 5.774, 246.84 vs.
4) Jay Payne, Claremont, Calif., '07 Mustang, 5.775, 251.60

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) David Allen, Sewickley, Pa., '09 GXP, BB/AM, 6.783 seconds, -0.727 (under index)
2) Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, '05 Grand Am, F/A, 8.027, -0.653
3) Frank Aragona Jr., Freehold, N.J., '32 Bantam, G/EA, 8.254, -0..626
4) Ray Vierheller III, Barberton, Ohio, dragster, D/ED, 7.367, -0.623
5) Michael Hardee, Hampstead, N.C., '05 Sunfire, E/SM, 8.474, -0.616
6) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.647, -0.613
7) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 roadster, F/EA, 7.995, -0.595
8) Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., dragster, D/ED, 7.403, -0.587
9) David Connolly, Bradenton, Fla., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.769, -0.571
10) Jenny Treadwell, Mt. Plymouth, Fla., dragster, E/ED, 8.307, -0.563

SUPER STOCK
1) Jack Huff, Nashville, Tenn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.260 seconds, -1.290 (under index)
2) Brian Oakes, Williamstown, N.J., '69 Camaro, SS/CA, 9.082, -1.268
3) Rich South, Pickerington, Ohio, '05 Sunfire, GT/EA, 9.719, -1.231
4) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., '67 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.676, -1.174
5) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/AA, 8.844, -1.156
6) Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro, Ark., '79 Aspen, SS/JA, 10.153, -1.147
7) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/HA, 10.204, -1.146
8) Ralph Porpora, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., '66 Corvette, SS/B, 9.078, -1.122
9) Byron Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '09 G5, SS/BS, 8.837, -1.113
10) Gary Richard, Bay Shore, N.Y.., '07 Cobalt, GT/AA, 9.290, -1.110

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Nick Folk, Durand, Ill., '99 Camaro, B/SA, 10.340 seconds, -1.210 (under index)
2) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '94 Camaro, C/SA, 10.506, -1.194
3) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, K/SA, 11.774, -1.176
4) Doug Patrick, Boca Raton, Fla., '72 Cutlass, K/SA, 11.781, -1.169
5) Thomas Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.017, -1.133
6) Ralph Porpora, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., '69 Camaro, A/S, 10.150, -1.100
7) Gary Richard, Bayshore, N.Y., '69 Camaro, C/SA, 10.606, -1.094
8) Tom Stevenson, Flowery Branch, Ga., '69 Camaro, G/SA, 11.207, -1.093
9) Randy Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, A/SA, 10.212, -1.088
10) Randy Harrison, Orlando, Fla., '90 Camaro, K/SA, 11.890, -1.060

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Ronnie Davis, Suwanee, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.836 seconds, 201.56 mph
2) Ryan Ondrejko, Roslindale, Mass., '08 GTO, 6.859, 203.61
3) Jerry Barker, Fort Valley, Ga., '06 Cobalt, 6.889, 201.79
4) Matthew Buck, Lantana, Fla., '96 Firebird, 6.977, 198.06
5) Daniel Morrow, St. Petersburg, Fla.., '09 GXP, 7.118, 194.88
6) Dewey Pedrick, Lighthouse Pt., Fla., '63 Corvette, 7.142, 195.52
7) Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.167, 190.19
8) Tony Arcuni, W. Babylon, N.Y., '95 Cutlass, 7.199, 190..79
9) Scott Lyons, Douglasville, Ga., '07 GTO, 7.349, 188.95
10) Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '03 Cavalier, 7.437, 183.74

TOP SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT
1) Matthew Buck, Lantana, Fla., '96 Firebird, 0.001 seconds, (no speed)
2) Ronnie Davis, Suwanee, Ga., '63 Corvette, 0.002, (no speed)
3) Jerry Barker, Fort Valley, Ga., '06 Cobalt, 0.003, (no speed)
4) Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '01 S-10, 0.004, (no speed)
5) Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 0.005, (no speed)
6) Dewey Pedrick, Lighthouse Pt., Fla., '63 Corvette, 0.006, (no speed)
7) Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '03 Cavalier, 0.007, (no speed)
8) Bruce Duncan, Crawfordville, Fla., '95 Camaro, 0.008, (no speed)

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Eddie Careccia, Mars Hill, Fla., dragster, 6.066 seconds, 233.40 mph
2) Don Marks, St Petersburg, Fla., dragster, 6.155, 222.88
3) Tom Elliott, Brooks, Ky., dragster, 6.242, 220.85
4) Les Feist, Clearwater, Minn., dragster, 6.639, 205.76
5) Warren Heaps, Ashland, Mass., dragster, 6.726, 201.56
6) Steve Furr, Harrisburg, N.C., dragster, 6.732, 192.30
7) Charles Careccia, Mars Hill, N.C., dragster, 6.743, 200.31
8) Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 6.774, 199.60
9) Casey Spradlin, Ranburne, Ala.., dragster, 6.804, 194.59
10) Larry Clark, Stuart, Fla., dragster, 6.805, 195.18


Final round results in the CSR Top Sportsman Shootout, weather-delayed from the 2008 season:
Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga.., '02 Camaro, 7.164, 185.72  def. Billy Vaughn, Knoxville, Tenn., '01 S-10, 7.574, 178.14.

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Friday

BRADENTON, Fla. --Get those tires spinning because the 2009 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series has made its way to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the season opener. Qualifying and time trials are underway with David Allen of Sewickley, Pa., leading the pack in Comp Eliminator.  Local Bradenton favorite and Pro Stock powerhouse Dave Connolly hopes to take his '34 Chevy to Sunday's Comp Eliminator winner's circle out of the No. 7 spot.

Allen grabbed the Comp Eliminator top seed with Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, hot on his heels. Anthony Bertozzi of Ashland, Va., last year's event winner, sits back in the No.10 spot of the competitive field. Super Stock is lead by Nashville, Tenn. resident Jack Huff with Brian Oakes, Williamstown, N.J., looking to advance on his No. 2 position. Randy Wilkes of Zanesville, Ohio, Bradenton's 2008 Super Stock event winner, is trying his luck in the Stock Eliminator class qualifying in the middle of the pack. Bud Rowe from Bridgeton, N.C., wheeled his '94 Camaro to the top qualifying position.

In other qualifying action, Ronnie Davis of Suwanee, Ga., took the No.1 spot in the Top Sportsman class presented by Davis Golf Carts. His '63 Corvette made its way down the track at 6.839 seconds, 201.56 mph, holding Ryan Ondrejko, Roslindale, Mass., from the head of the class. The Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Top Dragster category is lead by Florida resident Don Marks of St Petersburg, piloting his dragster 213.06 mph. to the top spot.

Racing continues Saturday, Feb. 14 with gates opening at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.  Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster qualifying is at 1 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.  General admission pit pass is $20 a day. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

For more information please call Bradenton Motorsports Park, (941) 748-1320 or visit www.BradentonMotorsports.com.

The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division event at Bradenton Motorsports Park:

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) David Allen, Sewickley, Pa., '09 GXP, BB/AM, 6.815 seconds, -0.695 (under index)
2) Pat Ross, Avon Lake, Ohio, '05 Grand Am, F/A, 8.027, -0.653
3) Frank Aragona Jr., Freehold, N.J., '32 Bantam, G/EA, 8.254, -0.626
4) Michael Hardee, Hampstead, N.C., '05 Sunfire, E/SM, 8.474, -0.616
5) Glen Treadwell, Sorrento, Fla., '23 roadster, F/EA, 8.006, -0.584
6) Ray Vierheller III, Barberton, Ohio, dragster, D/ED, 7.412, -0.578
7) David Connolly, Bradenton, Fla., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.769, -0.571
8) David Eaton, Merritt Island, Fla., '32 Bantam, A/AP, 6.692, -0.568
9) Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.806, -0.534
10) Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland, Va., dragster, D/ED, 7.471, -0.519

SUPER STOCK
1) Jack Huff, Nashville, Tenn., '85 Camaro, SS/KA, 10.260 seconds, -1.290 (under index)
2) Brian Oakes, Williamstown, N.J., '69 Camaro, SS/CA, 9.082, -1.268
3) Rich South, Pickerington, Ohio, '05 Sunfire, GT/EA, 9.719, -1.231
4) David Thomas, West Chester, Pa., '69 Corvette, SS/AA, 8.844, -1..156
5) Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro, Ark., '79 Aspen, SS/JA, 10.153, -1.147
6) Mark Nowicki, Gaylord, Mich., '98 Avenger, GT/HA, 10.204, -1.146
7) Byron Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '09 G5, SS/BS, 8.837, -1.113
8) Andy Fogle, Norway, S.C., '67 Camaro, SS/GA, 9.739, -1.111
9) Gary Richard, Bay Shore, N.Y., '07 Cobalt, GT/AA, 9.290, -1.110
10) Tony Cafaro, Brandon, Fla., '02 Firebird, GT/HA, 10.247, -1.103

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Bud Rowe, Bridgeton, N.C., '94 Camaro, C/SA, 10.508 seconds, -1.192 (under index)
2) John Livingston, Murfreesboro, Tenn., '91 Camaro, K/SA, 11.800, -1.150
3) Nick Folk, Durand, Ill., '99 Camaro, B/SA, 10..412, -1.138
4) Gary Richard, Bayshore, N.Y., '69 Camaro, C/SA, 10.606, -1.094
5) Tom Stevenson, Flowery Branch, Ga., '69 Nova, G/SA, 11.207, -1..093
6) Thomas Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.089, -1.061
7) Randy Wilkes, Zanesville, Ohio, '02 Firebird, A/SA, 10.245, -1.055
8) Randy Harrison, Orlando, Fla., '90 Camaro, K/SA, 11.904, -1.046
9) Dave Lindsay, Ft. Pierce, Fla., '95 Cobra, E/S, 10.932, -1.018
10) Jeff Strickland, Red Bay, Ala., '95 Camaro, D/SA, 10.856, -0.994

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Ronnie Davis, Suwanee, Ga., '63 Corvette, 6.839 seconds, 201.56 mph
2) Ryan Ondrejko, Roslindale, Mass., '08 GTO, 6.859, 203.29
3) Jerry Barker, Fort Valley, Ga., '06 Cobalt, 6.889, 201.79
4) Dewey Pedrick, Lighthouse Pt., Fla., '63 Corvette, 7.160, 194.04
5) Jeffrey Barker, Warner-Robins, Ga., '02 Camaro, 7.167, 190.19
6) Scott Lyons, Douglasville, Ga., '07 GTO, 7.369, 188.95
7) Daniel Morrow, St. Petersburg, Fla., '09 GXP, 7.391, 189.31
8) Mike Thompson, Naples, Fla., '03 Cavalier, 7.437, 183.74
9) Kenny Burgess, Ellenton, Fla., '63 Corvette, 7.447, 181.15
10) Bruce Duncan, Crawfordville, Fla., '95 Camaro, 7.460, 182.88

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Don Marks, St Petersburg, Fla., dragster, 6.314 seconds, 213.06 mph
2) Tom Elliott, Brooks, Ky., dragster, 6.430, 215.36
3) Eddie Careccia, Mars Hill, Fla., dragster, 6.545, 160.02
4) Charles Careccia, Mars Hill, N.C., dragster, 6.757, 200.04
5) Larry Clark, Stuart, Fla., dragster, 6.805, 195.18
6) Ken Zeller, Smithville, Mo., dragster, 6.867, 194.00
7) Ray Miller, Spring Hill, Fla., dragster, 6.883, 194.72
8) Casey Spradlin, Ranburne, Ala., dragster, 6.885, 193.09
9) Wayne Hofmann, New Preston, Conn., dragster, 6.963, 192.71
10) Al Miller, Chester, Md., dragster, 6.967, 193.21

 

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Preview

BRADENTON, Fla. – The 2009 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season kicks off February 13-15 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The event is the first of 45 scheduled across the country. It is also the first of six Lucas Oil Series events slated in NHRA's Southeast division.

Super Gas national champion Brian Forrester, who resides in Parrish, Fla., will lead the more than 400 racers expected to be on hand. Other categories will include the powerful Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes and the division's Top Sportsman and Top Dragster series.

Forrester also earned the division's Super Gas crown. He started the season slowly with a second-round loss here, and a first-round loss at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway's divisional event. But he rebounded and scored wins at the national event in Gainesville, the divisional race at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga., and an out-of-division event in Richmond, Va.

Seminole, Fla., racer Mike De Sio earned the division's Super Street crown. He made it to the third round at this event but took the win at Orlando (Fla.) Speed World Dragway and Atlanta Dragway. He also scored runner-up points at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Ga.

Brenda Grubbs, Plant City, Fla., will look to defend her division Stock Eliminator crown. Grubbs went to the fourth round at this event and was runner-up in Orlando. Later in the year she scored back-to-back wins. The first came at an out-of-division race in Bowling Green, Ky., and the next was at the division's race at Atlanta Dragway.

Gates at Bradenton Motorsports Park open at 8 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start at 10 a.m. Friday and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster will have one qualifying run on Friday, starting at 4 p.m., and one on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars will have two qualifying passes on Saturday, at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Eliminations start Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $50. Children 11 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult.

Bradenton Motorsports Park is located on State Route 64, nine miles east of I-75.

For more information call the track, (941) 748-1320, or visit the web site, www.BradentonMotorsports.com.

The NHRA Southeast division Lucas Oil Series continues next week at Gainesville Raceway. That event is slated February 20-22.

 

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 first of six in Southeast Division competition.  The division's Davis Golf Carts Top Sportsman Series and Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Top Dragster Series will also be run in conjunction with the event.

 

WHERE: Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, Fla. Track is located in Bradenton on SR 64, nine miles east  of I-75 exit 220.

 

WHEN:  Friday through Sunday, February 13-15, 2009

 

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

FRIDAY, Feb. 13 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster qualifying is scheduled at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 14 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at

9 a.m.  Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster qualifying is at 1 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. 

SUNDAY, Feb. 15 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Eliminations begin at 9 a.m.  Top Sportsman, Comp Eliminator and Top Dragster will begin eliminations at 10 a.m. and eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at 1 p.m.

 

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday. A three-day pass is $50. Children 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Bradenton Motorsports Park, (941) 748-1320 or visit www.BradentonMotorsports.com.

 

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of more than $200,000, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

 

2008 EVENT  WINNERS: Morgan Lucas, Top Alcohol Dragster; Mickey Ferro, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Grant Lewis, Comp Eliminator; Anthony Bertozzi, Super Stock; Randy Wilkes, Stock Eliminator; Jeff Strickland, Super Comp; Lynn Hoosigian, Super Gas; David Polichena, 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 2009 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.

 

JEGS 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 Jegs High Performance.  The 2009 Jegs 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 2009 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, 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, Jegs High Performance, is offering a "double up" bonus to Jegs Allstars participants.  Any 2009 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

Davis Golf Carts Top Sportsman Series: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Sportsman class are vying for division championships and a share in the year-end purse. 

Hickory Enclosed Trailer Sales Top Dragster Series: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Dragster class are vying for division championships and a share in the year-end purse. 

 

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