DIVISION 5
S.R.C.A. Dragstrip
Great Bend, Kan., April 24-26, 2009
Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central
Rain date
GREAT BEND, Kan. (June 27, 2009) – The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at SRCA Dragstrip is finally in the books, two months after the race began due to a rain delay. Top honors went to Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa in Top Alcohol Dragster and Sean O'Bannon from Ontario, Calif., won once again in Top Alcohol Funny Car.
Putz, the No. 3 qualifier, defeated Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., and top seeded Brandon Lewis of Broken Arrow, Okla., to reach the final. In the money round, he pieced together a 5.594 second, 254.81 mph pass against Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., to pick up the win. This marks his first divisional victory of the season.
Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O'Bannon grabbed his third divisional win of the season. The Pacific division points leader made his way from the No. 2 slot and into the winner's circle by defeating Roger Bateman of Calgary, Manit., in the final. His lap of 5.874 seconds at 244.92 mph was enough to defeat the top qualifier and to pick up the hardware.
Comp Eliminator driver Bruno Massel of Woodbridge, Ill., won his second divisional event of the year by knocking out the current leader Matthew Harris of Nebraska City, Neb. David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., won in Super Stock while local racer Bradley Grant of Great Bend, Kan., won in Stock. Super Comp honors went to John Goemann, Dodge City, Kan.; Trevor Larson, Starbuck, Minn., won in Super Gas; and Ted Ash, Topeka, Kan., powered his '61 Corvette to the victory in Super Street.
Other drivers who received the prestigious Wally trophy included Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., in Top Sportsman; Darin Long, Mitchell, S.D., in Top Dragster; and Fremont, Neb., resident Tom Gilligan in Sportsman Motorcycle.
West Central division racers head to Cordova Dragway Park for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, held August 7-8.
The following are Saturday's final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division event at SRCA Dragstrip:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
5) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.636, 234.17 def.
4) Dan Kracht, Gretna, Neb., 5.696, 251.91;
3) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.579, 254.66 def.
9) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.762, 236.42;
2) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.655, 252.99 def.
7) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, Colo., 6.008, 205.29;
1) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.520, 258.76 def.
8) Scott Peterson, Bellingham, Wash., broke;
Semifinal
Putz, 5.594, 254.81 def. Davis, 5.659, 251.95;
Schmeeckle, 5.608, 252.85 def. Lewis, 5.604, 252.76;
Final
Putz, 5.608, 254.47 def. Schmeeckle, broke.
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
6) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 5.866, 247.70 def.
3) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '06 Corvette, broke;
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '02 Camaro, 5.994, 227.04 def.
5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, broke;
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.178, 241.58 def.
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '02 Camaro, 6.611, 160.82;
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Manit., '08 Mustang, 5.821, 243.77 was unopposed;
Semifinal
O'Bannon, 5.917, 245.67 def. Moats, 7.512, 116.87;
Bateman, 5.790, 244.25 def. Anderson, 6.538, 160.31;
Final
O'Bannon, 5.874, 244.92 def. Bateman, 5.906, 240.72.
COMP ELIMINATOR
Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., '08 Cobalt, DD/AT, 11.255, 78.49 def.
Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, 7.903, 169.70.
SUPER STOCK
David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 9.729, 129.34 def.
Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.233, 112.59.
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Bradley Grant, Great Bend, Kan., '69 Roadrunner, C/SA, 10.991, 118.61 def.
Chad Holzman, Wichita,
Kan., '08 Cobra Jet, AA/SA, 10.138, 128.74.
SUPER COMP
John Goemann, Dodge City, Kan., dragster, 9.040, 166.87 def.
Dustin Long, Mitchell, S.D., dragster, broke.
SUPER GAS
Trevor Larson, Starbuck, Minn., '04 Corvette, 10.086, 155.70 def.
Bob Fuller, Rogers, Ark., '00 Corvette, 10.078, 158.35.
SUPER STREET
Ted Ash, Topeka, Kan., '61 Corvette, 11.068, 144.40 def.
John Dexter, Centennial, Colo., '68 Camaro, 11.075, 141.65.
TOP SPORTSMAN
Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.575, 145.91 def.
Rick Wilson, Independence, Mo., '69 Camaro, 9.155, 98.95.
TOP DRAGSTER
Darin Long, Mitchell, S.D., dragster, 7.420, 171.84 def. Brad Basgall, Hays, Kan., dragster, 7.196, 185.18.
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, 9.067, 141.16 def. vMike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '04 Kawasaki, 9.302, 136.11.
Sunday
GREAT BEND, Kan. (April 26, 2009) - Sprinkles and severe weather on the horizon have caused the postponement of this event. NHRA and track officials are working on securing dates and setting a schedule for the conclusion of the S.R.C.A. Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Stay tuned to NHRA.com and the West Central Division for the most recent details.
Saturday
GREAT BEND, Kan. (April 25, 2009) – Qualifying is complete at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip with pairings set for Sunday's eliminations. This is the first of six events set for the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series West Central Division. Top qualifiers included Brandon Lewis of Broken Arrow, Okla., in Top Alcohol Dragster and Roger Bateman, Calgary, Man., in Top Alcohol Funny Car.
Lewis grabbed the top spot by posting a 5.487 second, 255.77 mph pass, placing him more than a second ahead of the competitive field. Justin Davis from Murrieta, Calif., sits in the No.2 qualifying position heading into eliminations. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Roger Bateman will start Sunday off with a first round bye. His best pass of 5.720 seconds placed him in the lead of the seven car field.
Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., claimed the No.1 Comp Eliminator spot in his '08 Cobalt. Last year's reining event champ, Lou Ficco, Wheatridge, Colo., sits in the No.3 spot going into eliminations. Larry Schmidt out of Grand Island, Neb., drove his '55 Bel Air to the top spot in Super Stock with Zimmerman, Minn., resident James Findell, piecing together the best run in Stock.
In other qualifying action, Ray Vettel Jr. of Phillips, Neb., took the No.1 spot in the Top Sportsman class presented by Jerry Haas Race Cars. Phil Unruh from McPherson, Kan., piloted his rail over 200 mph to reach the No. 1 spot in Top Dragster and Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., will head into Sportsman Motorcycle eliminations at the head of the class.
Racing continues Sunday, April 26th with gates opening at 7 a.m. and elimination beginning at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol begin at noon. General admission pit pass is $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division event at SRCA Dragstrip:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.487 seconds, 255.77 mph
2) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.581, 254.71
3) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.607, 252.52
4) Dan Kracht, Gretna, Neb., 5.646, 249.35
5) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.726, 206.86
6) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.735, 246.21
7) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, Colo., 5.839, 242.63
8) Scott Peterson, Bellingham, Wash., 5.930, 239.19
Not Qualified
9) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.934, 233.68
First round TAD pairings
1) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.487 seconds, 255.77 mph vs.
8) Scott Peterson, Bellingham, Wash., 5.930, 239.19
2) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 5.581, 254.71 vs.
7) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, Colo., 5.839, 242.63
3) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.607, 252.52 vs.
6) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 5.735, 246.21
4) Dan Kracht, Gretna, Neb., 5.646, 249.35 vs.
5) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.726, 206.86
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Manit., '08 Mustang, 5.720 seconds, 248.25 mph
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.823, 245.90
3) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '06 Corvette, 6.006, 242.10
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '02 Camaro, 6.025, 237.42
5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 6.027, 238.22
6) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 6.204, 223.02
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '02 Camaro, 6.520, 211.99
First round TAFC pairings
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Manit., '08 Mustang, 5.720 seconds, 248.25 mph vs. Bye
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 5.823, 245.90 vs.
7) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '02 Camaro, 6.520, 211.99
3) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '06 Corvette, 6.006, 242.10 vs.
6) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 6.204, 223.02
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '02 Camaro, 6.025, 237.42 vs.
5) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 6.027, 238.22
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., '08 Cobalt, DD/AT, 7.260 seconds, -0.700 (under index)
2) Pat Nahan, St. Cloud, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.590, -0.650
3) Lou Ficco, Wheatridge, Colo., '09 GXP, B/AP, 7.360, -0.640
4) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 6.749, -0.621
5) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, 7.855, -0.595
6) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.980, -0.590
7) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.235, -0.575
8) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, A/DA, 6.686, -0.564
9) Shaun Vincent, Omaha, Neb., '02 S-10, C/TA, 8.728, -0.542
10) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '02 Fierbird, B/A, 7.135, -0.535
SUPER STOCK
1) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 11.753 seconds, -1.487 (under index)
2) Allan Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/KA, 10.356, -1.454
3) Mike Town, Paola, Kan., '84 Regal, GT/MA, 10.878, -1.442
4) Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.023, -1.397
5) Jim Beuthel, Castle Rock, Colo., '91 Cutlass, GT/CA, 9.695, -1.245
6) Ronald Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/LA, 10.902, -1.208
7) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 9.689, -1.201
8) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.320, -1.180
9) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.248, -1.172
10) Ron Parness, Conifer, Colo., '67 Chevy II, SS/HA, 9.972, -1.168
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) James Findell, Zimmerman, Minn., '73 Duster, F/SA, 10.979 seconds, -1.441 (under index)
2) Thomas Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.108, -1.332
3) Mike Jeffrey, Lexington, Neb., '80 Diplomat, V/SA, 14.835, -1.315
4) Jami Jones, Grimes, Iowa, '86 Camaro, G/SA, 11.287, -1.283
5) John Cooper, LaPorte, Colo., '67 Fairlane, B/SA, 10.527, -1.283
6) Brad Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Formula, E/SA, 11.012, -1.258
7) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.303, -1.247
8) Stuart Goertzen, Buhler, Kan., '67 Cougar, D/S, 10.819, -1.241
9) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11.229, -1.241
10) Brent Hajek, Ames, Okla., '08 Cobra Jet, A/SA, 10.311, -1.239
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Ray Vettel Jr., Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 6.932 seconds, 196.13 mph
2) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 7.022, 194.88
3) Charley Whittenburg, Spencer, Iowa, '03 Grand Am, 7.111, 192.25
4) J.J. Heber, Aurora, Colo., '06 Mustang, 7.116, 195.90
5) Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.222, 191.59
6) Billy Banks Jr., Oak Grove, Mo., '57 Chevy, 7.250, 190.86
7) Rick Smith, Wentzville, Mo., '04 Cavalier, 7.339, 188.02
8) Dustin Premer, Kearney, Neb., '69 Mustang, 7.412, 185.00
9) Rick Wilson, Independence, Mo., '69 Camaro, 7.510, 183.07
10) Bill Goldammer, Mitchell, S.D., '96 Cutlass, 7.513, 181.57
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.853 seconds, 201.28 mph
2) Scott Lewis, Fleming, Colo., dragster, 6.899, 203.80
3) Jeremy Siffring, Arlington, Neb., dragster, 6.954, 191.16
4) Darren Stettner, Regina, Sask., dragster, 6.999, 188.70
5) Grant Pederson, Brookings, S.D., dragster, 7.022, 189.19
6) Clarence Mayo, Manly, Iowa, dragster, 7.120, 190.30
7) Paul Moore, Hutchinson, Kan., dragster, 7.135, 155.69
8) Brian Percival, Englewood, Colo., dragster, 7.136, 188.04
9) Les Feist, Clearwater, Minn., dragster, 7.166, 189.26
10) Brad Basgall, Hays, Kan., dragster, 7.180, 187.73
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Brian Pearson, Topeka, Kan., '06 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.001
3) Jeff Morgan, Davenport, Iowa, '78 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.002
4) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.003
5) Michael Schaffer, Great Bend, Kan., '03 Suzuki, , 0.004
6) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '05 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.004
7) Stan Johnson, Sioux Falls, S.D., '78 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.005
8) Bryan Entz, Wichita, Kan., '05 Kawasaki, , 0.015
9) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, , 0.015
10) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '04 Kawasaki, , 0.017
Friday
GREAT BEND, Kan. (April 24, 2009) – The West Central Division's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series pulls up to the starting line this weekend at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip for the first of six events on tap for the year. Competitors from eleven categories will be battling it out during the three day event in hopes of claiming valuable divisional and national points.
Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa, claimed the lead position in Top Alcohol Dragster after Friday's qualifying pass with a run of 5.607 seconds at 252.52 mph. The division's 2007 champ landed just ahead of Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., sitting in second. Top Alcohol Funny Car is once again headed by Roger Bateman from Calgary, Manit., who is also the reining division champion. Ontario, Calif., resident Sean O'Bannon qualifies his '06 Monte Carlo in the No.2 position of the four car field.
Comp Eliminator's Pat Nahan out of St. Cloud, Minn., grabbed the lead pole while Allan Patterson of Augusta, Kan., took his '66 Nova to the top spot in Super Stock. Brent Hajek, Ames, Okla., drove his '08 Cobra Jet to head the Stock category.
In other qualifying action, Charley Whittenburg from Spencer, Iowa, sits in the Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman No.1 position after two qualifying passes; Scott Lewis, Fleming, Colo., leads the Top Dragster class; and the Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson top qualifier goes to Tom Gilligan from Fremont, Neb.
Racing continues Saturday, April 25th with gates opening at 7 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 and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2 and 5 p.m. General admission pit pass is $15 a day. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
The following are Friday's qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West
Central Division event at SRCA Dragstrip:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.607 seconds, 252.52 mph
2) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.650, 244.52
3) Dan Kracht, Gretna, Neb., 5.671, 249.35
4) Scott Peterson, Bellingham, Wash., 5.930, 234..29
5) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.947, 233.68
6) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 6.228, 176.49
7) Justin Davis, Murrieta, Calif., 12.124, 63.16
8) Darryl Hitchman, Greenville, Texas, 15.304, 70.03
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Manit., '08 Mustang, 5.873 seconds, 240.21 mph
2) Sean O'Bannon, Ontario, Calif., '06 Monte Carlo, 6.056, 237.71
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 6.157, 233.72
4) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 6.204, 223.02
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Pat Nahan, St. Cloud, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.750 seconds, -0.490 (under index)
2) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, 7.974, -0.476
3) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 7.102, -0.468
4) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 7.035, -0.335
5) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '02 Fierbird, B/A, 7.348, -0.322
6) Will Hatcher, Satanta, Kan., dragster, A/DA, 6.935, -0.315
7) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.543, -0.267
8) Darin West, Dumas, Texas, '02 Neon, G/AA, 8.804, -0.236
9) Bub Miller, Overland Park, Kan., '08 Cobalt, I/SMA, 9.642, -0.168
10) Torris Keilers, Calhan, Colo., dragster, A/DA, 7.150, -0.100
SUPER STOCK
1) Allan Patterson, Augusta, Kan., '66 Nova, SS/KA, 10.625 seconds, -1.185 (under index)
2) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 12.059, -1.181
3) Mike Town, Paola, Kan., '84 Regal, GT/MA, 11.146, -1.174
4) Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.274, -1.146
5) Jim Beuthel, Castle Rock, Colo., '91 Cutlass, GT/CA, 9.883, -1.057
6) Ronald Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/LA, 11.078, -1.032
7) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 9.911, -0..979
8) Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., '09 Cobalt, GT/CA, 9.991, -0.949
9) Ron Parness, Conifer, Colo., '67 Chevy II, SS/HA, 10.195, -0.945
10) Tim Nicholson, Concordia, Kan., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.558, -0.942
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Brent Hajek, Ames, Okla., '08 Cobra Jet, A/SA, 10..329 seconds, -1.221 (under index)
2) James Findell, Zimmerman, Minn., '73 Duster, F/SA, 11.215, -1.205
3) Brad Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Formula, E/SA, 11.067, -1.203
4) John Cooper, LaPorte, Colo., '67 Fairlane, B/SA, 10.731, -1.079
5) Jami Jones, Grimes, Iowa, '86 Camaro, G/SA, 11.503, -1.067
6) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.485, -1.065
7) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11..425, -1.045
8) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '71 Formula, D/SA, 11.065, -1.045
9) Leighton Schmidt, Beatrice, Neb., '71 Duster, F/SA, 11.376, -1..044
10) Thomas Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.413, -1.027
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Charley Whittenburg, Spencer, Iowa, '03 Grand Am, 7..111 seconds, 188.96 mph
2) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 7.134, 192.52
3) J.J. Heber, Aurora, Colo., '06 Mustang, 7.270, 191.67
4) Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.318, 189.52
5) Rick Smith, Wentzville, Mo., '04 Cavalier, 7.427, 184.30
6) Dustin Premer, Kearney, Neb., '69 Mustang, 7.557, 180.38
7) Rick Wilson, Independence, Mo., '69 Camaro, 7.582, 179.92
8) Ray Vettel Jr., Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 7.634, 194.63
9) Troy Spaulding, Des Moines, Iowa, '97 Beretta, 7.637, 174.03
10) Michael Chitty, Ames, Iowa, '04 Cavalier, 7.668, 179.44
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Scott Lewis, Fleming, Colo., dragster, 6.899 seconds, 198.23 mph
2) Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., dragster, 7.011, 212.09
3) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 7.021, 195.82
4) Brian Percival, Englewood, Colo., dragster, 7.136, 188.04
5) Jeremy Siffring, Arlington, Neb., dragster, 7.139, 185.77
6) Darren Stettner, Regina, Sask., dragster, 7.144, 185.41
7) Clarence Mayo, Manly, Iowa, dragster, 7.160, 186.30
8) Grant Pederson, Brookings, S.D., dragster, 7.208, 182.85
9) John Abbott Jr., Elizabeth, Colo., dragster, 7.212, 180.77
10) Les Feist, Clearwater, Minn., dragster, 7.317, 184.80
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Jeff Morgan, Davenport, Iowa, '78 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.002
3) Michael Schaffer, Great Bend, Kan., '03 Suzuki, , 0.004
4) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '05 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.009
5) Bryan Entz, Wichita, Kan., '05 Kawasaki, , 0.015
6) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, , 0.015
7) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '04 Kawasaki, , 0.017
8) Curtis Spracklin, Omaha, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.027
9) Stan Johnson, Sioux Falls, S.D., '78 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.044
10) Brian Pearson, Topeka, Kan., '06 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.049
Preview
GREAT BEND, Kan. – The NHRA West Central division will open the 2009 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season April 24-26 at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip. The Thunder on the Plains event is the first of six in the region and will feature drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car. The division's Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, West Central Division Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.
Reigning division champions are expected to be in Great Bend to begin defense of their titles. Top Alcohol Dragster champ Edwin Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, Neb., got a jump in the points by going to an out-of-division race in Chandler, Ariz., where he was ousted in the opening round. Defending Top Alcohol Funny Car champion Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., also went to the race in Chandler and he made it to the semifinals.
When Emporia, Kan., standout racer Gary Stinnett added championships in both Super Stock and Super Comp last year, it brought his total division titles to 11 in seven years. Those titles go along with his two national championships. The successful engine builder here a year ago in Super Comp on his way to three victories in that class. He also scored at Heartland Park Topeka (Kan.) and an out-of-division race in Commerce, Ga. In Super Stock last year he made his way to the winner's circle at Bandimere Speedway in Denver. Stinnett also came within 11 points of earning a third national championship in Super Comp.
Gates at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip open at 7 a.m. each day. Qualifying and time trials start Friday at 10 a.m. and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. Racers in Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Comp Eliminator will have two qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, at 1 and 4 p.m. both days. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car competitors will have one qualifying pass on Friday, at 5 p.m., and two on Saturday, at 2 and 5 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday morning at 8. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.
Tickets for the Thunder on the Plains event are $10 Friday, $15 Saturday and $15 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $25 and a three-day pass is $35. Children's tickets are $10 each day. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.
S.R.C.A. Dragstrip is located at 455 W. Barton County Road, 2½ miles west of Great Bend on the old Air Force base. For more information visit www.SRCAdragstrip.com or call the track at (620) 792-5079.
NHRA West Central division racers will head to Minnesota for the next Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Brainerd (Minn.) Int'l Raceway will host the series May 22-24.
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: Thunder on the Plains, 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 first of six in West Central Division competition. The division's Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, West Central Division Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.
WHERE: S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, Great Bend, Kan. Track is located at 455 W. Barton County Rd.; 2½ miles west of Great Bend on the old Air Force base.
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, April 24-26, 2009
SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series:
FRIDAY, April 24 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Comp Eliminator qualifying is scheduled at 1 and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, April 25 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled to begin at
9 a.m. Top Sportsman, Top Dragster and Comp Eliminator qualifying is scheduled at 1 and 4 p.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 2 and 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, April 26 -- Gates open at 7 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.
TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, $15 Sunday. A two-day ticket is $25 and a full-event pass is $35. Children 12 and under are admitted free and students with a valid ID receive a $5 discount each day. For more information please call S.R.C.A. Dragstrip, (785) 483-1980.
PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $156,225, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.
2008 EVENT WINNERS: Aaron Tatum, Top Alcohol Dragster; Jimmy Jones, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Lou Ficco Jr., Comp Eliminator; Bryan Chaney, Super Stock; Nick Seibert, Stock Eliminator; Gary Stinnett, Super Comp; Jeff Taylor, Super Gas; Jeremy Johnson, 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.
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.
STINNETT AUTOMOTIVE LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: A $1,200 bonus fund paid to the low qualifiers in Top Sportsman and Top Dragster. The best qualifying driver in those classes will each get $100 per event.
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.
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.
West Central Division 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 $3,500 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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