Odom, Burke score wins at Houston Raceway Park
5/17/2009


DIVISION 4
Houston Raceway Park
Baytown, Texas, May 15-17, 2009 

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

Sunday

BAYTOWN, Texas (May 17, 2009) – The winners in both the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories at the Texas Sportsman Challenge, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Houston Raceway Park, took on the No. 1 qualifiers in the final round.  Todd Odom, Lake Dallas, Texas, took his dragster to the win while Corpus Christi, Texas's Steve Burke won in Funny Car.

Odom who started the day from the No. 3 slot squared off against Claremore, Okla., resident Malcolm Wahle in the final.  Odom blasted a 5.294-second, 269.08 mph pass to Wahle's 5.358-second, 255.15 mph effort.

Burke was the second-place qualifier in Funny Car and in the final he took on Tony Bartone of Long Island City, N.Y.  Burke's 5.700-second, 249.76 mph lap was more than enough as Bartone red-lighted.

Brian Self, Magnolia, Texas, beat Keith Hall, Ravenna, Texas, for the win in Comp Eliminator while Byron Latino, Donalsonville, La., won in Super Stock.  He beat Hagen Gary, Youngsville, La., in the final. In Stock Eliminator, Jarrod Granier, Labadieville, La., grabbed the win over Hot Springs, Ark., racer S.E. Buchanan.  Archie Fruge, Lake Charles, La., ousted Westley Scott, Greenville, Texas, for the Super Comp win; Rick Prudhomme, George West, Texas knocked out Gary Free, Cedar Park, Texas, in the Super Gas final; and the win in Super Street went to Ray Todd of Friendswood, Texas, when he beat Melvin Curry of Mingus, Texas.  Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., jettisoned  Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas to get the Top Sportsman win and Michelle LeBleu, Lake Charles, La., got the win in Top Dragster, beating Shane LeJeune, Eunice, La.  In Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson, Larry Eperjesi of Lake Dallas, Texas, beat Ben Brown of Irving, Texas, for the win.

South Central division racers will be back at Houston Raceway Park for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.  The track will host the second of two events scheduled at the facility for two days, July 24 and 25.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.483, 256.16 def.
8) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.679, 248.84

7) Darryl Hitchman, Celeste, Texas, 5.465, 250.92 def.
2) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.540, 269.89

3) Todd Odom, Dallas, Texas, 5.435, 253.47 def.
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.543, 253.66

4) Del Cox Jr., Downey, Calif., 6.724, 255.58 def.
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 9.645, 111.19
 
Semifinals
Wahle, 5.346, 257.19 def. Cox Jr., 5.441, 268.54
Odom, 5.401, 270.00 def. Hitchman, 13.547, 81.44
 
Final
Odom, 5.294, 269.08 def. Wahle, 5.358, 255.15
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
ROUND ONE
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.634, 254.42 def.
8) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, foul

2) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '02 Camaro, 11.429, 59.45 def.
7) Ro Yale, Houston, Texas, '98 Daytona, broke

6) Lee Callaway, Baytown, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.759, 249.86 def.
3) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '00 Avenger, 10.114, 82.03

4) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.818, 249.07 def.
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 7.021, 135.76
 
Semifinals
Burck, 5.703, 248.43 def. Callaway, 5.698, 253.18
Bartone, 5.669, 253.33 def. Kinsley, 5.872, 249.35
 
Final
Burck, 5.700, 249.76 def. Bartone, foul
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
Brian Self, Magnolia, Texas, '63 Corvette, C/A, 7.688, 148.04 def.
Keith Hall, Ravenna, Texas, '92 Camaro, E/SM, foul
 
SUPER STOCK
Byron Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '08 G5, SS/BS, 8.835, 141.12 def.
Hagen Gary, Youngsville, La., '02 Camaro, GT/EA, 10.158,127.67
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jarrod Granier, Labadieville, La., '97 Camaro, D/SA, 11.073, 115.72 def.
S.E. Buchanan, Hot Springs, Ark., '67 Barracuda, F/SA, 11.019, 116.50
 
SUPER COMP
Archie Fruge, Lake Charles, La., dragster, 8.913, 152.85 def.
Westley Scott, Greenville, Texas, dragster, 8.893, 173.43
 
SUPER GAS
Rick Prudhomme, George West, Texas, '57 Corvette, 9.892, 162.06 def.
Gary Free, Cedar Park, Texas, '94 Lumina, 9.908, 159.40
 
SUPER STREET
Ray Todd, Friendswood, Texas, '68 Chevy II, 10.894, 123.19  def.
Melvin Curry, Mingus, Texas, '66 Chevy II, 10.870, 134.39
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '07 GTO, 6.805, 202.85 def.
Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '08 Cobalt, foul
 
TOP DRAGSTER
Michelle LeBleu, Lake Charles, La., dragster, 6.863, 196.67  def.
Shane LeJeune, Eunice, La., dragster, broke
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki, 8.271, 161.48 def.
Ben Brown, Irving, Texas, '04 Hayabusa, 8.214, 156.95

Saturday

BAYTOWN, Texas (May 16, 2009) – In the final rounds of qualifying at the Texas Sportsman Challenge, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Houston Raceway Park, Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., moved in to the No. 1 qualifier spot in Top Alcohol Dragster.  Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., remained in the top spot in his class.  Fields in all classes are now set for eliminations on Sunday.

Wahle moved up from the No. 2 spot with a 5.348-second, 266.21 mph pass.  No. 2 qualifier Michael Manners of Willis, Texas, also improved on Friday's outing with a 5.383-second, 263.82 mph pass but it was not enough to get him past Wahle.  Friday's top qualifier, Dallas's Todd Odom, did not better his numbers and slipped into the third qualifying spot.   Wahle will take on No. 8 qualifier Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, in the opening round of eliminations.

Bartone also failed to improve on his opening day run of 5.666 seconds at 257.92 mph but it was still enough to keep him atop the field.  Corpus Christi, Texas, racer Steve Burck moved from the No. 3 spot into No. 2 with a 5.766-second, 249.67 mph lap.  Bartone will square off against the defending division champion Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga., in round one of eliminations.

Raymond Martin, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, remained the best qualifier in Comp Eliminator and James Caro, Houma, La., kept his '05 Stratus atop the Super Stock field.  In Stock Eliminator, R.J. Sledge, Boeme, Texas, kept his top qualifier status as did Billy Torrence of Kilgore, Texas, in Top Sportsman.  Top Dragster racer Michael Kile of Westlake, La., stayed No. 1 in Top Dragster and Raegan Gentili, Crosby, Texas, held on to the top spot in Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson.

Racing continues Sunday at Houston Raceway Park.  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 at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Houston Raceway Park are $20.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $10 and kids 5 and under are admitted free. 

Houston Raceway Park is located at 2525 FM 565 South.  It is east of the Houston Metro area.  For more information call Houston Raceway Park, (281) 383-7223, or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com.

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 Houston Raceway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.348 seconds, 266.21 mph
2) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.383, 263.82
3) Todd Odom, Dallas, 5.472, 264.44
4) Del Cox Jr., Downey, Calif., 5.527, 262.54
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.565, 267.11
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.607, 252.14
7) Darryl Hitchman, Celeste, Texas, 5.615, 256.50
8) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.948, 243.68
Not Qualified
9) Chase Copeland, Walters, Okla., 6.055, 245.99
10) Vitali Kazakevich, Houston, 6.512, 228.50
11) Carl Magee, Victoria, Texas, 6.973, 210.34
 
First round TAD pairings
1) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.348 seconds, 266.21 mph vs.
8) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.948, 243.68

2) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.383, 263.82 vs.
7) Darryl Hitchman, Celeste, Texas, 5.615, 256.50

3) Todd Odom, Dallas, 5.472, 264.44 vs.
6) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 5.607, 252.14

4) Del Cox Jr., Downey, Calif., 5.527, 262.54 vs.
5) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 5.565, 267.11
 
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.666 seconds, 257.92 mph
2) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.766, 249.67
3) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '00 Avenger, 5.770, 250.97
4) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.821, 251.06
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.860, 248.07
6) Lee Callaway, Baytown, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.899, 248.71
7) Ro Yale, Houston, '98 Daytona, 6.585, 217.49
8) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 12.248, 80.73
 
First round TAFC pairings
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.666 seconds, 257.92 mph vs.
8) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 12.248, 80.73

2) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.766, 249.67 vs.
7) Ro Yale, Houston, '98 Daytona, 6.585, 217.49

3) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '00 Avenger, 5.770, 250.97 vs.
6) Lee Callaway, Baytown, Texas, '09 Mustang, 5.899, 248.71

4) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.821, 251.06 vs.
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.860, 248.07
 
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Raymond Martin, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, '32 Bantam, K/AA, 7.772 seconds, -0.608 (under index)
2) Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs, La., dragster, C/D, 6.893, -0.587
3) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.102, -0.578
4) Adam Hickey, Hammond, La., '06 Cobalt, C/SMA, 8.267, -0.563
5) Scott Benham, La Grange, Texas, '05 Sunfire, E/SM, 8.527, -0.563
6) Craig Bourgeois, Metairie, La., dragster, B/ND, 6.975, -0.555
7) Mike Trumble, Pasadena, Texas, '08 Cobalt, A/SMA, 8.016, -0.544
8) Brian Self, Magnolia, Texas, '63 Corvette, C/A, 7.453, -0.527
9) Stephen Rosen, Harahan, La., dragster, G/ED, 8.058, -0.502
10) Shane Gray, Artesia, N.M., '06 Stratus, B/A, 7.058, -0.502
 
SUPER STOCK
1) James Caro, Houma, La., '05 Stratus, SS/BM, 8.343 seconds, -1.307 (under index)
2) Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/IA, 9.871, -1.129
3) Jonathan Womack, Houston, '07 Cavalier, SS/BS, 8.825, -1.125
4) Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro, Ark., '78 Volare, SS/JA, 10.185, -1.115
5) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.590, -1.110
6) Ed Wright, Tulsa, Okla., '96 Trans Am, SS/JA, 10.190, -1.110
7) Dale Hulquist, Crosby, Texas, '98 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.255, -1.095
8) Byron Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '08 G5, SS/BS, 8.860, -1.090
9) Jerry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.651, -1.049
10) Stephen Hebert, Westlake, La., '68 Barracuda, SS/AH, 8.705, -1.045
 
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, F/SA, 10.875 seconds, -1.275 (under index)
2) David Buckner, New Waverly, Texas, '72 Duster, E/SA, 10.791, -1.209
3) Jerry Davis, Santa Fe, Texas, '72 Duster, F/SA, 10.982, -1.168
4) Butch Marlow, Canton, Texas, '77 Roadrunner, H/SA, 11.295, -1.155
5) Sammy Pizzolato, Houma, La., '69 Corvette, B/SA, 10.415, -1.135
6) Ronnie West, Broussard, La., '70 Roadrunner, A/SA, 10.172, -1.128
7) John Duzac, Covington, La., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.682, -1.118
8) S.E. Buchanan, Hot Springs, Ark., '67 Barracuda, F/SA, 11.033, -1.117
9) Steven Hall, Sweeney, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.588, -1.112
10) Bill McClister, Shoreacres, Texas, '72 Mustang, E/SA, 10.889, -1.111
 
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, '09 GXP, 6.525 seconds, 215.34 mph
2) Glen Barrilleaux, Oakwood, Texas, '07 GTO, 6.614, 214.14
3) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '07 GTO, 6.716, 201.97
4) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '08 GXP, 6.767, 203.46
5) Keith Haney, Broken Arrow, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.865, 204.57
6) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '06 GTO, 6.883, 203.00
7) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., '08 GTO, 6.897, 203.06
8) Gregory Porter, Edmond, Okla., '08 Pontiac, 6.900, 200.17
9) Bob Fitzhenry, Tomball, Texas, '02 Corvette, 7.022, 196.16
10) Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '08 Cobalt, 7.122, 193.32
 
TOP DRAGSTER
1) Michael Kile, Westlake, La., dragster, 6.344 seconds, 217.21 mph
2) Jimmy Lewis, Forney, Texas, dragster, 6.621, 204.35
3) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., dragster, 6.650, 202.36
4) John Brimer, Burleson, Texas, dragster, 6.678, 198.55
5) Allen Constantine, La Place, La., dragster, 6.705, 201.04
6) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 6.759, 201.76
7) Ed Ridenhour, Kennedale, Texas, dragster, 6.780, 198.61
8) Shane LeJeune, Eunice, La., dragster, 6.786, 198.03
9) Larry Strickland, Oxford, Fla., dragster, 6.787, 194.16
10) John Garner, Houston, dragster, 6.793, 203.89
 
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Raegan Gentili, Crosby, Texas, '83 Suzuki, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas, '83 Honda, 0.002
3) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, 0.003
4) Lisa Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '84 Suzuki, 0.003
5) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki, 0.004
6) Rob Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '07 Suzuki, 0.006
7) James Enloe, Prairieville, La., '86 Suzuki, 0.008
8) David Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '05 Suzuki, 0.010
9) Ben Brown, Irving, Texas, '04 Hayabusa, 0.011
10) Shane Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '08 Suzuki, 0.012

 

Friday

BAYTOWN, Texas (May 15, 2009) – In the first rounds of qualifying at the Texas Sportsman Challenge, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Todd Odom of Dallas and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.

Odom laid down a 5.472-second, 262.64 mph pass which was just enough to put him ahead of No. 2 qualifier Malcolm Wahle of Claremore, Okla.  Wahle ran 5.496 seconds at 251.20 mph.  Currently, there are 10 Top Alcohol Dragsters trying to make the eight-car eliminations field.  They are slated to get two more qualifying passes on Saturday.

Bartone, who piloted Jim Dunn's Fuel Funny Car in NHRA's Full Throttle Series until this year, made a 5.666-second, 257.92 mph lap.  That run was more than enough to cover No. 2 qualifier Burl Brown's 5.779-second, 250.97 mph pass.  Brown is from Gainesville, Texas.

Top qualifiers in other classes are Raymond Martin, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, in Comp Elimintor; Jamres Caro, Houma, La., in Super Stock; and R.J. Sledge, Beorne, Texas, in Stock Eliminator.  Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, is No. 1 in Top Sportsman and Michael Kile, Westlake, La., heads up the Top Dragster category.  In Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson, Raegan Gentitli, Crosby, Texas, took the top spot.

Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at Houston Raceway Park.  Gates open at 8 a.m. both days and racing starts at 9 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials pick up on Saturday.  Racers in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator will qualify at noon and 5 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying is at 1 and 6 p.m.  Eliminations start Sunday at 9 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car run first round at noon. 

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Houston Raceway Park are $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $10 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Houston Raceway Park is located at 2525 FM 565 South.  It is east of the Houston Metro area.  For more information call Houston Raceway Park, (281) 383-7223, or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com.

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

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Todd Odom, Dallas, 5.472 seconds, 262.64 mph
2) Malcolm Wahle, Claremore, Okla., 5.496, 251.20
3) Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, 5.529, 263.82
4) Del Cox Jr., Downey, Calif., 5.597, 251.06
5) Darryl Hitchman, Celeste, Texas, 5.615, 256.50
6) Karl Brounkowski, Magnolia, Texas, 5.948, 243.68
7) Carl Magee, Victoria, Texas, 7.588, 200.95
8) Brandon Pierce, Moore, Okla., 7.670, 124.03
Not Qualified
9) Brandon Lewis, Broken Arrow, Okla., 11.790, 133.37
10) Chase Copeland, Walters, Okla., 21.502, 43.79

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Tony Bartone, Long Island City, N.Y., '09 Mustang, 5.666 seconds, 257.92 mph
2) Burl Brown, Gainesville, Texas, '00 Avenger, 5.779, 250.97
3) Steve Burck, Corpus Christi, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.784, 249.63
4) Kebin Kinsley, Kennedale, Texas, '02 Camaro, 5.835, 250.41
5) Jimmy Jones, Cleburne, Texas, '06 Monte Carlo, 5.860, 248.07
6) Ro Yale, Houston, '98 Daytona, 6.589, 211.26
7) Lee Callaway, Baytown, Texas, '09 Mustang, 8.745, 91.75
8) Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., '06 Monte Carlo, 12.248, 80.73

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Raymond Martin, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, '32 Bantam, K/AA, 7.772 seconds, -0.608 (under index)
2) Joey Tanksley, Greenwell Springs, La., dragster, C/D, 6.893, -0.587
3) Adam Hickey, Hammond, La., '06 Cobalt, C/SMA, 8.267, -0.563
4) Scott Benham, La Grange, Texas, '05 Sunfire, E/SM, 8.527, -0.563
5) Craig Bourgeois, Metairie, La., dragster, B/ND, 6.975, -0.555
6) Clark Smiley, Denver City, Texas, '05 Cavalier, B/SM, 8.133, -0.547
7) Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, dragster, A/DA, 6.641, -0.499
8) Brian Self, Magnolia, Texas, '63 Corvette, C/A, 7.486, -0.494
9) Shane Heckel, Baytown, Texas, dragster, B/D, 6.785, -0.475
10) Pete Carbery, Odessa, Texas, '07 Cobalt, B/A, 7.100, -0.460

SUPER STOCK
1) James Caro, Houma, La., '05 Stratus, SS/BM, 8.343 seconds, -1.307 (under index)
2) Gary Emmons, Friendswood, Texas, '96 Firebird, SS/IA, 9.871, -1.129
3) Jonathan Womack, Houston, '07 Cavalier, SS/BS, 8.832, -1.118
4) Lloyd Wofford, Jonesboro, Ark., '78 Volare, SS/JA, 10.185, -1.115
5) Terry Pearson, Spanish Fort, Ala., '05 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.590, -1.110
6) Ed Wright, Tulsa, Okla., '96 Trans Am, SS/JA, 10.190, -1.110
7) Byron Latino, Donaldsonville, La., '08 G5, SS/BS, 8.860, -1.090
8) Jerry Emmons, Pasadena, Texas, '91 Calais, GT/CA, 9.651, -1.049
9) Dale Hulquist, Crosby, Texas, '98 Grand Am, GT/HA, 10.306, -1.044
10) J.B. Clegg, Victoria, Texas, '74 Firebird, SS/JA, 10.333, -0.967

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) R.J. Sledge, Boerne, Texas, '67 Fairlane, F/SA, 10.916 seconds, -1.234 (under index)
2) David Buckner, New Waverly, Texas, '72 Duster, E/SA, 10.818, -1.182
3) Jerry Davis, Santa Fe, Texas, '72 Duster, F/SA, 10.982, -1.168
4) S.E. Buchanan, Hot Springs, Ark., '67 Barracuda, F/SA, 11.033, -1.117
5) John Duzac, Covington, La., '67 Camaro, D/S, 10.688, -1.112
6) Bill McClister, Shoreacres, Texas, '72 Mustang, E/SA, 10.902, -1.098
7) Patrick Courts, New Iberia, La., '87 Firebird, N/SA, 12.207, -1.093
8) Sammy Pizzolato, Houma, La., '69 Corvette, B/SA, 10.460, -1.090
9) Butch Marlow, Canton, Texas, '77 Roadrunner, H/SA, 11.363, -1.087
10) Steven Hall, Sweeney, Texas, '67 Mustang, C/SA, 10.625, -1.075

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, '09 GXP, 6.525 seconds, 215.34 mph
2) Glen Barrilleaux, Oakwood, Texas, '07 GTO, 6.633, 213.98
3) Bert Prejean, St. Amant, La., '06 GTO, 6.883, 203.00
4) Keith Raftery, Lake Charles, La., '07 GTO, 6.889, 201.97
5) Keith Haney, Broken Arrow, Okla., '09 GXP, 6.896, 203.00
6) Jerry Holt, Collinsville, Okla., '08 GTO, 6.897, 203.06
7) Gregory Porter, Edmond, Okla., '08 Pontiac, 6.900, 200.17
8) Scott Randall, Carrollton, Texas, '08 GXP, 6.900, 200.14
9) Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '08 Cobalt, 7.131, 192.88
10) Bob Fitzhenry, Tomball, Texas, '02 Corvette, 7.150, 193.32

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Michael Kile, Westlake, La., dragster, 6.357 seconds, 216.58 mph
2) Jimmy Lewis, Forney, Texas, dragster, 6.621, 204.35
3) Kevin Ford, Amarillo, Texas, dragster, 6.759, 200.17
4) Ed Ridenhour, Kennedale, Texas, dragster, 6.780, 198.55
5) Shane LeJeune, Eunice, La., dragster, 6.786, 197.59
6) P.J. Vicari, Crown Point, La., dragster, 6.809, 195.82
7) Todd Schumert, LaPlace, La., dragster, 6.830, 201.22
8) John Angelle, Breaux Bridge, La., dragster, 6.839, 200.00
9) Brandon Chauvin, Gonzales, La., dragster, 6.841, 198.73
10) Jimmy Arabie Jr., Baytown, Texas, dragster, 6.844, 197.42

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Raegan Gentili, Crosby, Texas, '83 Suzuki, 0.001 seconds reaction time
2) Michael Nash, Texarkana, Texas, '83 Honda, 0.002
3) Jerry Pomilla, Conroe, Texas, '85 Suzuki, 0.003
4) Larry Eperjesi, Lake Dallas, Texas, '00 Suzuki, 0.007
5) Rob Bennett, Lucas, Texas, '07 Suzuki, 0.008
6) James Enloe, Prairieville, La., '86 Suzuki, 0.008
7) Ben Brown, Irving, Texas, '04 Hayabusa, 0.011
8) Derek Dorsey, Kingswood, Texas, '00 Koenig, 0.013
9) Mike McCullah, Houston, '00 GSRX, 0.014
10) Benji Gibson, Euless, Texas, '05 Hayabusa, 0.014

Preview

BAYTOWN, Texas – Houston Raceway Park will host the Texas Sportsman Challenge, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, May 15-17, 2009.  The race is the third of six in NHRA South Central division competition and the first of two slated for Houston Raceway Park.  The second is scheduled for July. The race will feature drivers in eight categories including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.  The division's Sunset RaceCraft Top Sportsman Series, TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.

Top Alcohol Dragster newcomer Shayne Lawson is currently leading in the division point standings.  The Broken Arrow, Okla., racer got a jump in the points by attending out-of-division races in Bradenton, Fla., where to was ousted in the first round, and in Gainesville, Fla., where he scored a win.  At the South Central division season opener at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Lawson went to the semis.  Malcolm Wahle of Claremore, Okla., won the race at the Motorplex to put him in second place in the point standings.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, reigning division champion Steve Harker of Gainesville, Ga., heads up the points.  Harker joined Wahle in the winner's circle in Ennis when he beat out Kebin Kinsley of Kennedale, Texas, in the final.  Kinsley is No. 2 in the points.

Friendswood, Texas's Gary Emmons was the Super Stock runner-up at the Motorplex.  The final-round appearance puts the former division champ in the No. 13 spot in the points but the race in Ennis has been his only event to date.

The tightest points race is in Super Gas where two racers are tied for first with 140 points each and the No. 2 racer is just five points back.  Shawn Carter of Park Hill, Okla., and Rick Prudhomme, a resident of George West, Texas, each have a win and a second round loss to their credit.  Carter lost in the first round at the Motorplex and won at the division's last race, at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park.  Prudhomme won in Ennis and was jettisoned in the second round in Memphis.  Just behind them is El Paso, Texas's Jesse Serna.  Serna went to out-of-division races in Chandler, Ariz., and Tucson, Ariz., where he lost in the second and first rounds, respectively.  Then, in Ennis, he took a first-round loss and went to round-two in Memphis.

Gates at Houston Raceway Park open at 8 a.m. each day.  Qualifying and time trials are slated to start at 9 a.m. Friday and continue at 9 a.m. Saturday.  Racers in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator will qualify at noon and 5 p.m. both days.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car competitors will qualify once on Friday, at 6 p.m., and twice on Saturday, at 1 and 6 p.m.  Eliminations begin Saturday at 9 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car run first round at noon.

Tickets for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Houston Raceway Park are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday.  Children, 6 to 12 years old, are $5 Friday, $10 Saturday and $10 Sunday.  Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Houston Raceway Park is located at 2525 FM 565 South.  It is east of the Houston Metro area, just south of Interstate 10 and east of Highway 146.  For more information call the track, (281) 383-7223, or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com.

NHRA South Central division racers will return to Houston Raceway Park for the next event.  The race, slated for July 24-25, will be the fourth of six in the region.

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Texas Sportsman Challenge, 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 third of six in South Central Division competition. The division's Sunset RaceCraft Top Sportsman Series, TCI Comp Cams Top Dragster Series and NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also be run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, Texas.  Track is located at 2525 FM 565 South.  It is east of the Houston Metro area, just south of Interstate 10 and east of Highway 146.

WHEN:  Friday through Sunday, May 15-17, 2009

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

FRIDAY, May 15 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator qualify at noon and 5 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 16 -- Gates open at 8 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m.  Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Comp Eliminator qualifying is at noon and 5 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 1 and 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 17 -- 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 -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $20 Sunday.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $5 Friday, $10 Saturday and $10 Sunday.  Kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.  For more information please call Houston Raceway Park, (281) 383-7223, or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $173,475, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2008 EVENT  WINNERS: Travis Nicholson, Top Alcohol Dragster; Steve Harker, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Craig Bourgeois, Comp Eliminator; J.B. Clegg, Super Stock; Jarrod Granier, Stock Eliminator; Stephen Hughes, Super Comp; Butch Thibodaux Jr., Super Gas; Chris Le Blanc, 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.

SUNSET RACECRAFT 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 the other NHRA divisions.

TCI COMP CAMS TOP DRAGSTER SERIES: Run in conjunction with the Lucas Oil Series, competitors in the Top Dragster class are vying for division championships.  The top points finisher will earn a year-end bonus of $1,500 and the runner-up will get $800.

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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