DIVISION 5
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo., June 19-21, 2009
Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central
Sunday
MORRISON, Colo. (June 21, 2009) – The Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Bandimere Speedway, is in the books. Grand Junction, Colo., racer Jim Whiteley took his Top Alcohol Dragster to the winner's circle for the second time in two weeks and Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Manit., won his second Top Alcohol Funny Car title of the season.
Whiteley was the event's No. 1 Top Alcohol Dragster qualifier and due to a short field of cars, there were only two rounds of eliminations instead of three. However, Whiteley more than earned the win when he ousted Denver's Eugene Tumbarello in the first round and then laid down a 5.580-second, 259.26 mph pass to beat Ed Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, Neb., in the final. Schmeeckle ran 5.649 seconds at 252.85 mph in his first final-round appearance of the year.
Bateman was also the No. 1 qualifier in his class. In the opening round of eliminations he jettisoned Robert Kanenwisher of Conifer, Colo., and he had a bye into the final. In the final Bateman laid down a 5.854-second, 244.38 mph pass which was enough to beat veteran racer Vern Moats of Des Moines, Iowa, who ran 5.937 seconds at 243.37 mph.
In Comp Eliminator, Dennis Smiley of Denver City, Texas, scored the win over Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., and Super Stock racer David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., wheeled his '92 Daytona to the win, beating Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., in his '09 Cobalt. The win in Stock Eliminator went to Dic Geary, Broomfield, Colo., when he dispensed with Golden's Brad Burton in the final. Michael Miller, Sante Fe, N.M., won in Super Comp, beating out another Golden resident, Troy Grant. Bob Fuller, Rogers, Ark., scored the Super Gas title over Bill Cawsey, Regina, Sask., and in Super Street Arvada's Tim Schell took his '75 Duster to the winner's circle, beating Littleton racer Brian Wagner in his '74 Nova. Henderson, Nev., racer Brad Wagner beat Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., for the Top Sportsman win and Steve Johnson of Arvada grabbed the win in Top Dragster over David Oenes of Henderson, Colo. In Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson, Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., rode to the win over Tom Gilligan of Freemont, Neb.
NHRA West Central division racers head back to Great Bend, Kan., for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, June 27. Racers will be completing the event that rained out in April.
The following are the final results from the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event at Bandimere Speedway:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
Round 1
1) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.775, 254.28 def.
4) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, 5.899, 223.58
3) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.602, 257.83 def.
2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.612, 252.10
Final
Whiteley, 5.580, 259.26 def. Schmeeckle, 5.649, 252.85
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
Round 1
1) Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Manit., '09 Mustang, 5.858, 243.41 def.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '04 Camaro, 6.217, 231.75
2) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.905, 241.28 def.
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.095, 234.49
3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '09 Mustang, 5.928, 245.09 def.
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '03 Camaro, 6.031, 238.55
Semifinals
Moats, 5.887, 245.90 def. Williams, 5.959, 239.10
Bateman, 5.862, 245.00 def. bye
Final
Bateman, 5.854, 244.38 def. Moats, 5.937, 243.37
COMP ELIMINATOR
Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, Spitzer, A/DA, 7.532, 131.61 def.
Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, broke
SUPER STOCK
David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 10.368, 129.83 def.
Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., '09 Cobalt, GT/DA, foul
STOCK ELIMINATOR
Dic Geary, Broomfield, Colo., '72 Camaro, H/SA, 12.409, 105.71 def.
Brad Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Formula, E/SA, 11.596, 111.94
SUPER COMP
Michael Miller, Santa Fe, N.M., dragster, 9.518, 147.50 def.
Troy Grant, Golden, Colo., dragster, 9.534, 164.17
SUPER GAS
Bob Fuller, Rogers, Ark., '00 Corvette, 10.546, 152.54 def.
Bill Cawsey, Regina, Sask., '09 Mustang, foul
SUPER STREET
Tim Schell, Arvada, Colo., '75 Duster, 11.515, 118.83 def.
Brian Wagner, Littleton, Colo., '74 Nova, 11.528, 123.02
TOP SPORTSMAN
Brad Wagner, Henderson, Nev., '97 Cutlass, 7.402, 184.50 def.
Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 7.250, 190.83
TOP DRAGSTER
Steve Johnson, Arvada, Colo., dragster, 6.839, 184.70 def.
David Oenes, Henderson, Colo., dragster, 6.790, 200.83
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, 10.763, 121.21 def.
Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, foul
Saturday
MORRISON, Colo. (June 20, 2009) – In the final rounds of qualifying at the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Bandimere Speedway, Grand Junction, Colo., racer Jim Whiteley moved to the top of the Top Alcohol Dragster class while Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Man., stayed at the top of the Top Alcohol Funny Car field.
Whiteley took the top spot away from Earlville, Iowa's Richard Putz who failed to improve on Friday's initial qualifying pass of 5.610 seconds at 253.66 mph. Whiteley laid down a 5.527-second, 259.21 mph pass to take the lead. Denver's Eugene Tumbarello is the No. 4 qualifier.
Bateman did not improve on his first qualifying run but the 5.912-second, 244.43 mph pass was enough to keep him atop the field. Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, moved up to the second spot with a 5.948-second pass at 241.54 mph. Firestone, Colo., resident Paul Anderson is the No. 4 qualifier.
Top Qualifiers in all the other classes stayed the same. Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., continues to lead in Comp Eliminator; Eric Bell, Chandler, Ariz., remained No. 1 in Super Stock; and Chad Holtzman, Wichita, Kan., leads in Stock Eliminator. The Top Sportsman leader is Eagle's Mark Lovell and David Oenes, Henderson, Colo., heads up the Top Dragster contingent. Brian Johnson, Nowthen, Minn., kept his '05 Suzuki at the top of the Sportsman Motorcycle field.
Racing continues Sunday at Bandimere Speedway. Gates open at 8 a.m. and eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m. Racers in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.
Tickets for the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event are $24. Junior tickets, for ages 6 to 12, are $6 and kids 5 and under are admitted free.
The following are Saturday's final qualifying results and Sunday's first-round pairings for TAD and TAFC at the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event at Bandimere Speedway:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.527 seconds, 259.21 mph
2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.610, 253.66
3) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.667, 255.19
4) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, 6.027, 244.52
First round TAD pairings
1) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.527 seconds, 259.21 mph vs.
4) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, 6.027, 244.52
2) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.610, 253.66 vs.
3) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.667, 255.19
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Manit., '09 Mustang, 5.912 seconds, 244.43 mph
2) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.948, 241.54
3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '09 Mustang, 5.967, 244.56
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '03 Camaro, 6.055, 237.34
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.171, 232.55
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '04 Camaro, 6.179, 232.51
First round TAFC pairings
1) Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Manit., '09 Mustang, 5.912 seconds, 244.43 mph vs.
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '04 Camaro, 6.179, 232.51
2) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 5.948, 241.54 vs.
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.171, 232.55
3) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '09 Mustang, 5.967, 244.56 vs.
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '03 Camaro, 6.055, 237.34
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 7.054 seconds, -0.666 (under index)
2) Lou Ficco, Wheat Ridge, Colo., '09 GXP, B/AP, 7.778, -0.602
3) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, 8.254, -0.596
4) Steve Holloway, Lakewood, Colo., '06 GTO, B/AA, 7.526, -0.584
5) Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, dragster, A/DA, 7.023, -0.567
6) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, dragster, C/D, 7.363, -0.557
7) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '02 Fierbird, B/A, 7.513, -0.527
8) Pat Nahan, St. Cloud, Minn., dragster, E/D, 8.173, -0.457
9) Wade Oman, Castle Rock, Colo., dragster, B/ED, 7.507, -0.443
10) Leslie Carson, Odessa, Texas, '07 Cobalt, B/A, 7.611, -0.429
SUPER STOCK
1) Eric Bell, Chandler, Ariz., '70 Challenger, SS/EA, 10.011 seconds, -1.469 (under index)
2) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 12.516, -1.444
3) Ronald Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/MA, 11.552, -1.438
4) Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.667, -1.433
5) Jim Beuthel, Castle Rock, Colo., '91 Cutlass, GT/CA, 10.207, -1.333
6) Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.851, -1.279
7) Ron Parness, Conifer, Colo., '67 Chevy II, SS/HA, 10.478, -1.272
8) Justin Jenkins, Beatrice, Neb., '09 Cobalt, GT/DA, 10.385, -1.255
9) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 10.303, -1.177
10) Jim Voth, Buhler, Kan., '86 Monte Carlo, GT/E, 10.464, -1.176
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Chad Holzman, Wichita, Kan., '08 Cobra Jet, A/SA, 10.510 seconds, -1.670 (under index)
2) Jack Foshee, Taylor, Ariz., '80 D-150, K/SA, 12.489, -1.471
3) Brad Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Formula, E/SA, 11.483, -1.457
4) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '71 Formula, D/SA, 11.365, -1.415
5) Tony Hernandez, Denver, '65 Corvette, F/S, 11.697, -1.353
6) Jimmy Holzman, Wichita, Kan., '08 Cobra Jet, AA/SA, 10.398, -1.352
7) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.922, -1.258
8) John Cooper, LaPorte, Colo., '67 Fairlane, B/SA, 11.212, -1.238
9) Tom Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.944, -1.236
10) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11.925, -1.225
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Mark Lovell, Eagle, Colo., '05 Viper, 6.758 seconds, 208.52 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 7.171, 197.16
3) Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.247, 191.29
4) J.J. Heber, Centennial, Colo., '06 Mustang, 7.262, 192.66
5) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 7.302, 190.67
6) Brad Wagner, Henderson, Nev., '97 Cutlass, 7.400, 189.12
7) Bill Bernard, Littleton, Colo., '94 Ciera, 7.428, 186.33
8) Ray Vettel Jr., Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 7.484, 191.81
9) Jim White, Haysville, Kan., '09 Cobalt, 7.517, 182.53
10) Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '09 Cobalt, 7.538, 181.03
TOP DRAGSTER
1) David Oenes, Henderson, Colo., dragster, 6.840 seconds, 198.93 mph
2) Steve Johnson, Arvada, Colo., dragster, 6.861, 194.21
3) Ryan Dowell, Johnstown, Colo., dragster, 6.945, 195.93
4) Lyle Burnham, Henderson, Nev., dragster, 6.945, 196.62
5) Scott Lewis, Sterling, Colo., dragster, 7.000, 197.05
6) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 7.041, 198.44
7) Kent Kroeker, Grant, Neb., dragster, 7.088, 194.66
8) Monte Green, Haxtun, Colo., dragster, 7.135, 190.92
9) Jim Caudill, Littleton, Colo., dragster, 7.158, 184.50
10) Barbara Heggie, Laramie, Wyo., dragster, 7.276, 178.12
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Brian Johnson, Nowthen, Minn., '05 Suzuki, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasaki, 0.000
3) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuki, 0.004
4) Bryan Entz, Wichita, Kan., '05 Kawasaki, 0.005
5) Dave Olsen, Littleton, Colo., '88 Kawasaki, 0.013
6) Leland Sykes, Aurora, Colo., '99 Kawasaki, 0.017
7) Don Johnson, Casper, Wyo., '96 Suzuki, 0.024
8) Darwin Glaze, Broomfield, Colo., '02 Suzuki, 0.024
Friday
MORRISON, Colo. (June 19, 2009) – In the first rounds of qualifying at Bandimere Speedway's Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Richard Putz of Earlville, Iowa, and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Man., took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes.
Putz laid down a 5.610-second, 253.66 mph pass to take the top spot. The No. 2 qualifier, Jim Whiteley from Grand Junction, Colo., was just a couple of ticks behind with a 5.636-second, 257.28 mph run. Reigning division champion Ed Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., is in the No. 3 spot and Denver's own Eugene Tumbarello is fourth.
Bateman set the pace in Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.912-second, 244.43 mph lap. Racing veteran Vern Moats of Des Moines, Iowa, is in the No. 2 slot with a 5.967-second run at 244.56 mph. Firestone resident Paul Anderson is in the No. 4 spot and Conifer's Robert Kanenwisher is No. 6.
Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., leads the Comp Eliminator contingent and Wheatridge racer Lou Ficco is second. Super Stock racer Eric Bell of Chandler, Ariz., is No. 1 in his '70 Challenger and Chad Holtzman, Wichita, Kan., sits atop the Stock Eliminator field in his '08 Cobra Jet. Eagle's Mark Lovell wheeled his '05 Viper to the top of the Top Sportsman Field, David Oenes, Henderson, Colo., is No. 1 in Top Dragster and Brian Johnson, Nowthen, Minn., rod his '05 Suzuki to the No. 1 spot in Sportsman Motorcycle.
Also in Stock Eliminator, Brad Burton of Golden is in the No. 2 slot and his dad, Scott, also of Golden, is the No. 4 qualifier. The pair have been battling it out in the point standings all season.
Racing continues Saturday and Sunday at Bandimere Speedway. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and eliminations start Sunday morning at 8:30. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have two qualifying runs on Saturday, at 3 and 6 p.m., and run first round of eliminations Sunday at noon.
Tickets for the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event are $20 Saturday and $24 Sunday. Junior tickets, for ages 6 to 12, are $6 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free. Spectator coupons are available at area Grease Monkey outlets.
Bandimere Speedway is located at 3051 S. Rooney Road; west of Denver off Interstate 470 in Morrison. For more information call Bandimere Speedway, (303) 697-6001, or visit www.bandimere.com.
The following are Friday's qualifying results from the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event at Bandimere Speedway:
TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 5.610 seconds, 253.66 mph
2) Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., 5.636, 257.28
3) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 5.671, 248.98
4) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, 6.027, 244.52
TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Roger Bateman, Winnipeg, Manit., '09 Mustang, 5.912 seconds, 244.43 mph
2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '09 Mustang, 5.967, 244.56
3) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '04 Camaro, 6.087, 201.76
4) Paul Anderson, Firestone, Colo., '03 Camaro, 6.147, 235.43
5) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '02 Firebird, 6.171, 232.55
6) Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '04 Camaro, 6.179, 232.51
COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., dragster, B/D, 7.054 seconds, -0.666 (under index)
2) Lou Ficco, Wheatridge, Colo., '09 GXP, B/AP, 7.778, -0.602
3) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, E/A, 8.254, -0.596
4) Steve Holloway, Lakewood, Colo., '06 GTO, B/AA, 7.526, -0.584
5) Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, dragster, A/DA, 7.023, -0.567
6) Bill Kent, Midland, Texas, dragster, C/D, 7.363, -0.557
7) Steve Kalkowski, Ogallala, Neb., '02 Fierbird, B/A, 7.513, -0.527
8) Pat Nahan, St. Cloud, Minn., dragster, E/D, 8.173, -0.457
9) Wade Oman, Castle Rock, Colo., dragster, B/ED, 7.507, -0.443
10) Leslie Carson, Odessa, Texas, '07 Cobalt, B/A, 7.611, -0.429
SUPER STOCK
1) Eric Bell, Chandler, Ariz., '70 Challenger, SS/EA, 10.015 seconds, -1.465 (under index)
2) Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, Neb., '55 BelAir, SS/PA, 12.517, -1.443
3) Carroll Warling, Brighton, Colo., '74 Grand Am, SS/MA, 11.673, -1.427
4) Ronald Roddel, Sioux Falls, S.D., '02 Grand Am, GT/MA, 11.667, -1.323
5) Jim Beuthel, Castle Rock, Colo., '91 Cutlass, GT/CA, 10.249, -1.291
6) Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., '66 Chevy II, GT/I, 10.851, -1.279
7) Ron Parness, Conifer, Colo., '67 Chevy II, SS/HA, 10.478, -1.272
8) Jim Voth, Buhler, Kan., '86 Monte Carlo, GT/E, 10.464, -1.176
9) David Bogner, Kearney, Neb., '92 Daytona, SS/CS, 10.315, -1.165
10) Jeffrey Johnson, Aurora, Colo., '84 Cougar, GT/FA, 10.842, -1.128
STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Chad Holzman, Wichita, Kan., '08 Cobra Jet, A/SA, 10.510 seconds, -1.670 (under index)
2) Brad Burton, Golden, Colo., '72 Formula, E/SA, 11.491, -1.449
3) Jack Foshee, Taylor, Ariz., '80 D-150, K/SA, 12.572, -1.388
4) Scott Burton, Golden, Colo., '71 Formula, D/SA, 11.408, -1.372
5) Tony Hernandez, Denver, '65 Corvette, F/S, 11.697, -1.353
6) Jimmy Holzman, Wichita, Kan., '08 Cobra Jet, AA/SA, 10.405, -1.345
7) Stephen Hagberg, Berthoud, Colo., '64 Savoy, A/SA, 10.922, -1.258
8) John Cooper, LaPorte, Colo., '67 Fairlane, B/SA, 11.212, -1.238
9) Tom Moock, Eagle, Neb., '81 Malibu, M/SA, 12.944, -1.236
10) Mike Coe, Grand Junction, Colo., '73 Dart, G/S, 11.926, -1.224
TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Mark Lovell, Eagle, Colo., '05 Viper, 6.758 seconds, 208.52 mph
2) Greg Lair, Canyon, Texas, '04 Grand Am, 7.182, 188.75
3) Dave Slatten, Ft. Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.261, 191.29
4) J.J. Heber, Centennial, Colo., '06 Mustang, 7.262, 192.66
5) Joshua Vettel, Phillips, Neb., '04 Stratus, 7.360, 188.96
6) Brad Wagner, Henderson, Nev., '97 Cutlass, 7.400, 189.12
7) Bill Bernard, Littleton, Colo., '94 Ciera, 7.429, 186.33
8) Ray Vettel Jr., Phillips, Neb., '70 Barracuda, 7.484, 191.81
9) Johnny Shook, Lamesa, Texas, '09 Cobalt, 7.555, 180.86
10) Jim White, Haysville, Kan., '09 Cobalt, 7.574, 181.40
TOP DRAGSTER
1) David Oenes, Henderson, Colo., dragster, 6.896 seconds, 198.93 mph
2) Steve Johnson, Arvada, Colo., dragster, 6.962, 191.24
3) Ryan Dowell, Johnstown, Colo., dragster, 6.990, 195.17
4) Lyle Burnham, Henderson, Nev., dragster, 6.995, 196.62
5) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 7.041, 198.44
6) Kent Kroeker, Grant, Neb., dragster, 7.102, 193.90
7) Monte Green, Haxtun, Colo., dragster, 7.135, 190.92
8) Scott Lewis, Sterling, Colo., dragster, 7.249, 193.38
9) Mark Faber, Bennett, Colo., dragster, 7.352, 185.92
10) Jerry Miller, Lakewood, Colo., dragster, 7.373, 182.18
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Brian Johnson, Nowthen, Minn., '05 Suzuk, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '85 Suzuk, 0.004
3) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '00 Kawasak, 0.005
4) Bryan Entz, Wichita, Kan., '05 Kawasak, 0.005
5) Dave Olsen, Littleton, Colo., '88 Kawasak, 0.013
6) Leland Sykes, Aurora, Colo., '99 Kawasak, 0.017
7) Don Johnson, Casper, Wyo., '96 Suzuki, 0.024
8) Darwin Glaze, Broomfield, Colo., '02 Suzuki, 0.219
Preview
MORRISON, Colo. – Bandimere Speedway will host the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, June 19-21. The race is the third of six scheduled in NHRA's West Central division and will feature drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, vying for points leading to divisional and national championships. 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.
Dan Kracht of Gretna, Neb., leads in the Top Alcohol Dragster points after two consecutive final-round appearances. Kracht started his year at an out-of-division race in Dallas where he was runner-up. At the West Central division's last race, at Brainerd (Minn.) Int'l Raceway, he scored the win over Jared Dreher of Clinton, Ind. Dreher is second in the point standings after two first-round losses at out-of-division events, in Cecil, Ga., and Indianapolis, and the runner-up finish in Brainerd.
In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., leads the points after scoring the win in Brainerd. Bateman opened the season at out-of-division races in Phoenix and Las Vegas where he went to the semis and failed to make the eight-car eliminations field. Winnipeg, Manit., racer Scott McVey is second in the points after scoring runner-up points in Brainerd.
There is an intense battle brewing in the Super Stock points where there are a scant four points separating the No. 1 and No. 3 racers. With just two races under his belt, Gary Stinnett of Emporia, Kan., is leading in the standings. The division's reigning champion went to the semis at his first race, the out-of-division fete in Dallas, and was runner-up in Brainerd, giving him 157 points on the year. A pair of racers from Regina, Sask., are in second and third place. Grant Singer and Abe Loewen have both been to three races this season. Singer's best performance came at his opening event, a semifinal round showing in Phoenix, and Loewen's best race was in Brainerd where he went to the fourth round.
Windsor, Colo., resident Rick Milinazzo leads the division's Super Street points. The former division champion went to the semis in an out-of-division race in Boise, Idaho, and in Brainerd.
Gates at Bandimere Speedway open at 8:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. Qualifying and time trials kick off Friday at 10 a.m. and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car have one qualifying session on Friday, at 4 p.m., and two on Saturday, at 3 and 6 p.m. Eliminations start Sunday at 8 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at noon.
Tickets for the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event are $10 Friday, $20 Saturday and $24 Sunday. Junior ticket prices, for kids 6 to 12 years old, are $6 Saturday and $6 Sunday. Children 5 and under are admitted free each day. All kids12 and under are admitted free on Friday.
Bandimere Speedway is located at 3051 S. Rooney Road; west of Denver off Interstate 470 in Morrison. For more information call the track, (303) 697-6001, or visit www.Bandimere.com.
West Central division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will head back to S.R.C.A. Drag Strip in Great Bend, Kan., for one day, June 27, to complete the season-opener that was postponed by rain. After that, they will be in Cordova, Ill., for the next race. Cordova Dragway Park will host the series August 7-8.
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet
WHAT: Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain, 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 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: Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colo. Track is located at 3051 S. Rooney Road; west of Denver off Interstate 470 in Morrison.
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, June 19-21, 2009
SCHEDULE: Qualifying and time trials schedule for the Grease Monkey Thunder on the Mountain event:
FRIDAY, June 19 -- Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Qualifying and time trials begin at 10 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 4 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 20 -- Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Final qualifying and time trials begin at 9 a.m. Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 3 and 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, June 21 -- Gates open at 8 a.m. Eliminations begin at 8:30 a.m. Eliminations for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car begin at noon.
TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, $24 Sunday. Junior tickets (ages 6 to 12) are $6 Saturday and $6 Sunday. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. Spectator coupons available at area Grease Monkey outlets. For more information please call Bandimere Speedway, (303) 697-6001.
PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $156,025, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.
2008 EVENT WINNERS: Jim Whiteley, Top Alcohol Dragster; Vern Moats, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Dennis Smiley, Comp Eliminator; Gary Stinnett, Super Stock; Tony Hernandez, Stock Eliminator; Kevin Wright, Super Comp; Jeff Taylor, Super Gas; Justin Beaver, 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.
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 2010 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 2010 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 2010 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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