Gordon nets third TAFC win; Niver stops Lucas in TAD

Transcription

1 Pacific Division HOTLINE Charlie Neilson, Division Director Paul Jager, Division Tech Director Lena Billington, Administrative Assistant Tech Line: Tuesday & Thursday, 7-9 p.m. May/June Financial Way, Glendora, CA (626) Fax, (626) (626) Fax, (626) Bob Johnson, Photographer, (661) NEWS FROM THE PACIFIC DIVISION Gordon nets third TAFC win; Niver stops Lucas in TAD by John Jodauga photos by Bob Johnson This year s Winternationals winner, Doug Gordon, continued his perfect streak in 2003 Top Alcohol Funny Car action by following his victory at the Division 7 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Phoenix with a triumph at the LODRS race in Tucson, Ariz. Mark Niver stopped Top Alcohol Dragster standout Morgan Lucas from duplicating his Phoenix win with a to victory in the final. Joining Gordon as repeat Division 7 victors were Jim Meador (Stock) and Gary Thompson (Super Street). Other winners of the Tucson event were Joe Mozeris (Comp), Tibor Kadar (Super Stock), Greg Boutte (Super Comp), Mark Horton (Super Gas), and Santiago Rodriguez Jr. (Kerker Sportsman Motorcycle). This race was very similar to our season opener in Phoenix in that we had a number of problems that were out of our control, but thanks to the patience and efforts of the racers, we got things done in an admirable fashion, said Division 7 Director Charlie Neilson. On Saturday morning, we had tremendous crosswinds, which postponed the first qualifying runs from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and that forced us to eliminate one qualifying pass from each category. Racers knew what we were up against, and they gave us their full cooperation. I thank them again for all their help and assistance. Gordon led qualifying with a (low e.t. of the meet), and only Steve Gasparrelli s mph run (top speed of the meet) kept him from recording a clean sweep of the affair. In a Top Alcohol Dragster final that lived up to its advance billing, Mark Niver, far lane, scored his first major victory in nearly 20 years by defeating Morgan Lucas, at to at In eliminations, it appeared that Gasparrelli had upset plans in mind; he recorded decidedly quicker runs in the first two rounds. Gasparrelli s 02 Firebird opened with a 5.80 win over Lawren Jones 02 Camaro, which was decidedly quicker than Gordon s conquest of John Evanchuk, and Gasparelli again outran Gordon in the semi s, to 5.965, as both drivers earned their respective finalround berths. In the final, Gasparrelli slowed to a 6.112, and Gordon ran a 5.82, for the victory. Though Lucas could not repeat his Phoenix victory in Top Alcohol Dragster, it wasn t for lack of a solid performance. After qualifying third with a 5.51 behind Duane Shields (low e.t. of the meet) and Darren Nicholson s Lucas reached the final with and victories over Chris Demke and Shields, respectively. Niver was even more impressive with and wins over Howard Haight and Nicholson, respectively, earning him lane choice for the final. Niver made full use of the advantage, running a 5.566, to hold off Lucas fast-closing 5.589, The win was Niver s first in almost 20 years; his last victory came nearly two decades ago at Orange County Int l Raceway. Mozeris Comp victory enabled him to jump into first place over Phoenix winner Rick Braun, whose B/EA 01 Firebird fell in the semi s to Fred Gross G/A 98 Firebird. Mozeris advanced to the final on a semifinal bye, and former national event winner Wayne Ramay reached the final by beating Gross,.538-under to.576-under In the final, Mozeris prevailed with a (7.64 index) as Ramay encountered problems and slowed to a at only mph. Kadar, who runner-upped to Kyle Seipel at the Phoenix race, moved into first place with his Super Stock victory after Seipel went out in the first round. Kadar was deadly on the Tree with his GT/HA 92 Firebird in the to page 3

2 FEATURING 260 MPH Dragsters & Funny Cars BANK OF THE WEST NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS JULY 4-6, 2003 INFORMATION: (707) EVENT SCHED ULE WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 Parking & Tech Only p.m. THURSDAY, JULY 3 Parking a.m. NHRA Tech a.m.-5 p.m. Test & Tune (Operated exclusively by track).. noon-5 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 4 Gates Open a.m. NHRA Tech a.m.-5 p.m. Time Trials & Qualifying :15 a.m. Comp Qualifying noon & 3:30 p.m. TA/D & TA/FC Qualifying p.m. Secure Track :30 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 5 Gates Open a.m. NHRA Tech a.m.-noon Time Trials & Qualifying :15 a.m. Comp Qualifying noon & 4:30 p.m. TA/D & TA/FC Qualifying :30 & 4 p.m. Secure Track p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 6 Gates Open a.m. Eliminations :15 a.m. TA/D & TA/FC - Round noon Secure Track p.m. ENTRY FEES Car & Driver $140 Test & Tune $50 Note: Any class that exceeds 100 cars will run first round on Saturday. Schedule subject to change. Listen for announcements and check posting boards for changes.

3 from page 1 late rounds; he recorded a.009 light to beat Kip Martin s SS/L 64 Mustang in the quarterfinals and a.000 reaction on his semifinal bye. In the final, Kadar scored a.026 to.039 jump over Ted Romero s GT/JA 98 Pontiac and won,.024-over to.032-over Meador s D/SA 67 Camaro took the final against Division 3 runner Al Corda s A/FIA 01 Firebird,.036-over to.016-over , after scoring a.008 to.030 starting-line advantage. In the semi s, Meador defeated Robert Pott s F/FI 88 Mustang, which broke out with a (12.35 dial). Super Comp winner Boutte advanced to the final with a victory over this year s Winternationals winner, Jack Beckman, who succumbed to a foul start in the semi s. Gary Williams took a bye on the altitude-adjusted 9.15 index to set the stage for the final. Boutte won the double-breakout final, to 9.119, overcoming Williams.024 to.068 starting-line advantage. Horton s Super Gas victory came at the expense of former national event winner Michael Miller. After defeating Bob Harris Jr. s broken 00 Corvette in the semi s, Horton combined a.018 light and a on the altitude-adjusted index with his 01 Firebird to beat Miller, who broke out with a after registering a.050 light. Following his index-matching conquest of Bernie Polvadone s 79 Ford Pinto in the semi s, Thompson drove his 86 Corvette to a quick win over Greg Sadeau s 67 Camaro in the Super Street final when Sadeau fouled with a light. Sadeau scored an to double-breakout win over Gary Pandolfo s 69 Dodge Dart in his half of the semifinals. Rodriguez rode his 02 Kawasaki to the Kerker Motorcycle winner s circle by clocking a.182-over 9.03 to defeat the.337-over of John Widmann s 98 Kawasaki in the final. In the semi s, Rodriguez overcame Greg Liskey s.022 to.072 holeshot and won,.042-over to.104-over For complete stats coverage, see National DRAGSTER (April 18). Korbel Super Eliminator Series Prather s long tow pays off with victory over Cox SOUTHWESTERN INT L RACEWAY, Tucson, Ariz. (March 28-30) George Prather made the most of his 900-mile tow from his home in Sacramento, Calif., to Tucson, Ariz., by defeating Del Cox Jr. in the final. Prather s first win of the season moved him up to second place in the Korbel Champagne Super Eliminator Series standings, tying him with Carolyn Hills at 146 points. After defeating Julian Moody in round one, Prather used a.006 light to beat Kenny Upton in round two. He stopped Dani Dolezal in round three, then ousted Rick Maracigan, 8.11 (8.12 index) to Cox defeated a red-lighting Jon Rowley, Lee Wehrhan, John Richardson, and Tom Koenen to advance to the semifinals. In the semi s, both Cox and Prather had singles because Larry Winter, who would have raced Prather, crashed after defeating Robert Costa in the quarterfinals. Winter s car was destroyed, and the two-time Korbel champion was taken to a local hospital. In the final, Prather scored a slight starting-line advantage,.022 to.031, and turned on the win light with an 8.17 to Cox s Going into the third event of the season, Cox leads the standings with 147 points. Hills and Prather are tied for second with 146 and are followed by Hans Scheibe (114), Koenen (114), and Winter (103). Bob Johnson Coverage from National DRAGSTER (May 9) NORTH REGION Sacramento Raceway Park Schedule Sunday, June 15 Pacific Division Jr. Championship Series Gates Open/Parking...8 a.m. Tech Inspection...9 a.m. Time Trials (Two runs in class rotation)...10 a.m. Eliminations...1 p.m. Secure Track...6 p.m. Admission...$50, Car & Driver $10, Jr. Adult Crew Free, Under 12 Schedule subject to change. Listen for announcements and check posting boards for changes. Run Order for Time Trials: 8-9, 10-12, 13-14, Website: Jrdragsinfo@Sacramentoraceway.com Next North Region event July 13 at Samoa Dragstrip Overnight parking for Redding participants permitted. No hookups available. Information: (916)

4 Niver repeats in TAD; Marx snaps Gordon s TAFC winning streak The Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series winner s circle in Bakersfield, Calif.: from left, Bill Nelson, Ken Upton, Mark Niver, Michael Henderson, Ed Marx, Mike Ferderer, Ed Sigmon, Dennis Paz, Don Bevers, Division 7 Director Charlie Neilson, and Charles Rand. by John Jodauga photos by Bob Johnson One streak continued and another one ended at the Division 7 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. Mark Niver scored his second consecutive Top Alcohol Dragster victory, and Doug Gordon, who opened the year with a win at the K&N Filters Winternationals and the first two Division 7 races, fell in the first round to eventual victor Ed Marx. Other winners of the event were Ed Sigmon (Comp), Don Bevers (Super Stock), Bill Nelson (Stock), Michael Henderson (Super Comp), Mike Ferderer (Super Gas), Dennis Paz (Super Street), and Charles Rand (Kerker Motorcycle). Said NHRA Division 7 Director Charlie Neilson, The event went very well, especially considering that it was the biggest Division 7 race we ve ever had at this track with a total of 546 entries. I want to thank the track officials, racers, and everyone else in Division 7 who contributed to a very smooth-running race. It was Niver s show all the way in Top Alcohol Dragster. In addition to winning the class, he topped qualifying with a (low e.t. of the meet); Darren Nicholson s was a distant second. After defeating Randy Eakins in the first round, to 5.794, Niver won with a in the semi s when opponent Larry Miersch left before the Tree was activated. In the final, Don Hudson s car never left the beams after staging, and Niver scored with an uncontested at mph. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, the streaking Gordon just missed the No. 1 qualifying spot; his was nipped by Dennis Taylor s It all came to an end for Gordon in the first round, where he ran a and lost to Marx s Marx, who entered the event tied with Mert Littlefield for third place in the standings, broke the deadlock when he defeated Littlefield in the semi s, to Marx s final-round opponent, Mark Woznichak, who upset the No. 1 qualifier with a when Taylor s quicker was disqualified for hitting the centerline cones, red-lighted with a reaction time. Marx claimed the crown with a winning time of 6.024, Veteran racer Sigmon won the Comp final by overcoming Scott McClay s slight.007 to.014 starting-line advantage with his C/ED. Sigmon prevailed at the top end with a.490-under to McClay s.465-under In the semi s, Sigmon cut a.006 light and ran an to stop Fred Gross G/A 98 Firebird, which recorded a.023 light and ran an (9.18 index). Neither Bevers SS/BM 91 Probe nor Bill Blakeney s SS/IA 68 Camaro had stellar lights in the Super Stock final Bevers cut a.068 and Blakeney a.169 but Bevers turned on the win light with a (8.98 dial) when Blakeney broke out by.007 with a In the semifinals, Bevers defeated a red-lighting Tony DeFrank (-.003), and Blakeney scored a.008-over win against Doug Broaddus GT/AA 89 Camaro, which broke out by.03-second with a Nelson s I/FIA 02 Pontiac scored a win in the Stock final when opponent Curtis Coulter s D/S 69 Cyclone drew a foul with a leave. In the semifinals, Nelson overcame a.103 light to defeat Earl Blake Jr. s F/SA 68 Barracuda with a.003-over 12.73, and Coulter ran an on his bye. The Super Comp final ended quickly in Henderson s favor as the Division 6 veteran benefited from opponent Andy Robles foul. Henderson legged it out, however, and recorded a perfect on his victory lap. Henderson and Robles advanced with respective wins over Uryan Zermeno and Robert Naber in the semi s. Ferderer, another Division 6 campaigner who regularly competes in to page 6

5

6 from page 4 Division 7, made his journey a worthwhile one with a final-round victory over Jed Bourquin s 93 Daytona, which broke out with a Ferderer s high-mph 03 Pontiac ran an all-out at to stop a fouling Ray Cordeiro in the quarterfinals, then clocked a.004-over at mph to defeat Mike Blodgett s 27-T Ford roadster in the semi s. Gary Thompson s two-race winning streak in 2003 Super Street competition ended when he fell in the second round to Jim Ketcher. Paz made the most of the situation by advancing in the points standings with a to final-round victory over Jeff Fear s 75 Vega. Paz s 41 Willys earned the final-round berth by defeating Billy Dillander s 68 Cuda in the semi s with a Fear ran a on his semifinal bye. Rand triumphed in the Kerker Motorcycle final by riding his 95 Suzuki to a.082-over win against Scott Hewitt s 93 Suzuki, which broke out with an (8.98 dial). Rand s.043 to.112 starting-line advantage played a significant role in his victory. For complete stats coverage, see National DRAGSTER (June 6) Korbel Super Eliminator Series Upton scores at third event of season FAMOSO RACEWAY, Bakersfield, Calif. (May 16-18) Longtime Korbel Super Eliminator competitor Kenny Upton thought more of injured fellow racer and friend Larry Winter than he did of his gain when he won the Korbel Super Eliminator title, donating all of his prize money to the Larry Winter Recovery Fund. Upton began eliminations with a win over Ryan Simonton, then beat Guy Aguayo in round two and Jim Hughes in the quarterfinals. Upton s final-round opponent, Dean Hall, drove his 55 Chevy to the final by defeating John Freer in round one, Jeff Murdock in round two, and Pat Jones in round three. In the semifinals, Hall ran a 7.91 after a.009 r.t. in his Korbel-sponsored entry to defeat Jonathon Fiello, who red-lighted in his dragster. In his match, Upton used a 7.87 and a.009 r.t. to beat Firebird Int l Raceway winner Carolyn Hills, who redlighted. The final round was all Upton s. He left the line with a.002 r.t. and recorded a 7.924, for his first victory since his 1993 win in Sacramento. Hall lost with a 7.919, after a.077 r.t. Bob Johnson Kenny Upton defeated Dean Hall in the Korbel Super Eliminator Series final. Upton dedicated the race to Winter and thanked his wife, Debbie, and his son, Andrew, and Andrew s fiancée, Laureen. The Korbel Series will continue at Infineon Raceway July 4-6 and Sacramento Raceway Park for the rescheduled race Aug Bob Johnson NORTH REGION Schedule Sunday, July 13 Samoa Dragstrip Gates Open/Parking...8 a.m. Tech Inspection...8:30 a.m. Time Trials (Two runs in class rotation)...9:30 a.m. Eliminations...1 p.m. Sunday Admission...$50, Car & Driver $10, Jr. Adult Crew $2, 5-11 Free, Under 12 Schedule subject to change. Listen for announcements and check posting boards for changes. Overnight camping is allowed, but motorhomes cannot be in pit area during race hours Run order for time trials: 8-9, 10-12, 13-14, Racers run for the Wally trophy in four categories North Champs to face South Champs at Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona Next North Region event July 26 at Top Gun Raceway Saturday, July 12 Samoa Dragstrip Jr. points series event (All Jr. drag racers welcome) Gates Open...8 a.m. Tech Inspection...8:30 a.m. Time Trials...9:30 a.m. Eliminations...1 p.m. Admission: $20, Car and Driver Race $10, Car and Driver Test and Tune Race Information: (707)

7 Member Track Schedule Baja Raceway (619) N/A California Dragway at California Speedway (909) June 14 Street Legal July 12, 19, 26 Saturday Summer Nights Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Saturday Summer Nights Drag City (909) N/A Famoso Raceway (661) June 1 Pacific Division North Jr. Dragster Event June 6 Open Test & Tune June 7 Jr. Dragster Series Race June 20 High School Series/Open Test & Tune June 21 Summit Racing Series June 28 Freaks of Nature Charity Car Show July 11, 25 High School Series/Open Test & Tune July 12 Summit Racing Series July 19 Jr. Dragster Series (back to back) July 26 Summit Racing Series/High School/National DRAGSTER Challenge Aug. 8, 22 High School Series/Open Test & Tune Aug. 9 Battle of the Imports Aug. 16 Jr. Dragster Series Race Aug. 23 Summit Racing Series Firebird Int l Raceway (602) N/A Hawaii Raceway Park (808) June 4, 11, 18, 25 Wild Wednesdays June 6-7, 13-14, 20, Pacific Parts Street Racing June 21 Pro Gas Association Summer Championships June 22 Pearl Harbor Transmission Silver Cup July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Wild Wednesdays July 4, 11, 18-19, Pacific Parts Street Racing July 5 Pro Import July 12 Budweiser Gold Cup July 13 Pearl Harbor Transmission Silver Cup Aug. 1-2, 8-9, 15, 22-23, Pacific Parts Street Racing Aug. 6, 13, 20 Wild Wednesdays Aug. 16 Budweiser Gold Cup Aug. 17 Pearl Harbor Transmission Silver Cup Hilo Dragstrip (808) June June Points Meet July Ed Douglas Race Aug Labor Day Drags Infineon Raceway (707) June 11, 25 Wednesday Night Drags June 14 Bracket Drag Racing July 4-6 Bank of the West NHRA Division 7 Summernationals July 9, 16 Wednesday Night Drags Aug. 1-3 Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals Aug. 27 Wednesday Night Drags Inyokern Dragstrip (760) June 7-8 Saturday: Sport Compact, Juniors, Test & Tune Sunday: Summit Racing Series Irwindale Dragstrip (626) or (626) June 15, 29 Summit Racing Series E.T. Bracket Cash Bash July 11, 20, 27 E.T. Bracket Cash Bash Aug. 3 Hot VWs Aug. 17, 22 Summit Racing Series E.T. Bracket Cash Bash Every Thursday: Street Legal (except Christmas & New Year s Day) Kauai Raceway Park (808) June 8 July 4-5 Aug. 3 The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (702) June 6,13 Test & Tune/Titan Auto Insurance Midnight Mayhem June 7 Short Line Express Markets NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League/Jerry s Nugget Championship Series/NHRA King of the Track Night/Motorcycle Madness June 14 Short Line Express Markets NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League/CIFCA Funny Car Thunder/Jerry s Nugget Championship Series & Street Rod Cruise June 20, 27 Titan Auto Insurance Midnight Madness June 28 Second Annual Hot Truckin Spectacular July 11, 18 Bracket Test & Tune/Titan Auto Insurance Midnight Mayhem July 12 NMRA/Jerry s Nugget Championship Drag Racing Series/Street Rod Cruise/Bracket Points Race/Motorcycle Madness July 19 Jerry s Nugget Championship Drag Racing Series July 24 NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series Test & Tune July GM Performance NHRA Sport Compact Nationals/NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series/Titan Auto Insurance Midnight Mayhem Aug. 8, 15, 29 Titan Auto Insurance Midnight Mayhem Aug. 15 Bracket Test & Tune Aug. 16 Jerry s Nugget Championship Drag Racing Series/Street Rod Cruise/Bracket Points Race Aug. 30 Short Line Express Markets NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League/LVMS Points Race/PSCA Labor Day Classic Aug. 31 NHRA Division 7 Jr. Drag Racing Series/PSCA Labor Day Classic Los Angeles County Raceway (661) June 1 33 rd Annual Antique Nationals June 7 Cal Classic Series/Pro Gas/Super Comp/Road Kings Car Club June 8 Cal Classic Series/Super Street/Super Comp June 14 Jr. Dragsters/Team LACR/SCEDA June Import Summer Challenge July 12 Jr. Dragster Evening Race July 19 Pro Gas/Super E July 20 Super Street/Team LACR Aug. 2 Fox Hunt/Bikinis/Jet Cars/Funny Cars/Road Kings/Super E/Top Eliminator/SCEDA/NMRA Aug. 3 XRL (Extreme Racing League) Aug. 23 Survival Series Chevy vs. Ford Maui Raceway Park (808) June July Aug Pomona Raceway (909) June Goodguys Redding Dragstrip (530) June 14, 28 Grudge Night Racing July 19, 26 Grudge Night Racing Aug. 9, 23 Grudge Night Racing Aug Super Series/NCDRA Points Race/Motorcycles/Jr. Dragsters/High School Rialto Raceway (909) N/A Rocky Mountain Raceways (801) June 6 Big O Tires Midnight Drags June 11, 18 Test & Tune June 13, 27 Summit Racing Series June 14 Rumble in the Rockies/Summit Racing Series June 20 RMR Street Legal Series July 2, 16, 30 Test & Tune July 5 Funny Car Fever July 11 RMR Street Legal Series July 18 Big O Tires Midnight Drags July 25 Summit Racing Series July 26 Extreme Street Wars Aug. 1, 22 RMR Street Legal Series Aug. 8, 29 Summit Racing Series Aug. 9 Snap-on Tools Nitro Nationals Aug. 15 Big O Tires Midnight Drags Aug. 20 Test & Tune Sacramento Raceway Park (916) June 1 All Corvette Drags June 4, 11, 18, 25 Street Legal Fun Drags June 6, 13, 20, 27 Test & Tune June 6 Front-Engine Nitro Qualifying June 7 Summer Showdown Nostalgia June 8 WCTA Fremont Reunion June 14 Grudge Fest June 15 NHRA Jr. Championship Series June 21 CMI s Sport Compacts Time Trials June 22 CMI s Summer Nationals Sport Compacts July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Street Legal Fun Drags July 4, 11, 18, 25 Test & Tune July 5 Midnight Grudge Fest July 12, 26 Jr. Drag Racing July 12 CMI s Beat the Heat Drags July 18 Famous Fox Hunt July 19 Nitro Nite of Fire July 20 Super Sunday with all Super Categories Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Test & Tune Aug. 2 Midnight Grudge Fest Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 Street Legal Fun Drags Aug. 9 CMI s Sport Compacts Time Trials Aug. 10 CMI s CalCompacts Showdown Aug Jr. Drag Racing Aug Bugorama Volkswagens Samoa Dragstrip (707) or (707) June 8, Summit Series July 12 Jr. Testing July 13 NHRA Jr. Championship Series July 6 Race 6 July 26 Fortuna Autorama Aug. 16 Nostalgia Drags Aug. 17 Race 7 Aug. 31 Race 8 Southwestern Int l Raceway (520) June 6 Test & Tune/High School/Imports & Street Legal June 7 Summit Racing Series Team/Jr. Dragsters/Big Wheels June 20 Test & Tune/High School Team/Street Legal & Imports/Midnight Madness June 28 Nights of Fire & Thunder/Bracket Race/Jr. Dragsters/Big Wheels July 5 Summit Racing Series/Jr. Dragsters/Big Wheels July 18, 25 Test & Tune/High School/Imports/Street Legal July 19 Bracket Race/Jr. Dragster/Big Wheels Aug. 1, 15, 22 Test & Tune/High School/Imports/ Street Legal Aug. 2 Summit Racing Series/Jr. Dragsters/Big Wheels Aug. 16 Cactus Class/Bracket Race/Jr. Dragsters/Big Wheels Aug Desert Classic Speedworld Motorplex (602) June 4, 11, 18, 25 Wednesday Night Street Legal June 6, 13, 20, 27 Friday Night Challenge June 7 NHRA Summit Series Team Speedworld June 14 PM to AM E-Legal Street Night July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Wednesday Night Street Legal July 11, 18, 25 Friday Night Challenge July 12 NHRA Summit Series July 19 Street Legal Showdown July 26 PM to AM E-Legal Street Night Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Friday Night Challenge Aug. 2 Imports Race Wars of Arizona Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesday Night Street Legal Team Possibilities Jr. Raceway (619) July 12 Top Gun Raceway (800) June 7 E.T. Race/Imports June TNT/E.T./Jets/Funnys/Nitro June 28 TNT/E.T./Race July 12 VORRA July 19 TNT/E.T./Race/Imports July NHRA Jr. Drag Series July 27 E.T./Double Points Trophy Aug. 16 TNT/E.T./Race/Imports Aug TNT/Turkey Nationals

8 Pacific Division Jr. news Jr. racers can enjoy quite a weekend of racing in June. The rescheduled Redding Dragstrip Pacific Division Jr. Drag Racing Series event will be run Saturday, June 14. Gates will open at 8 a.m., and time trials will begin at 9:30. Sacramento Raceway Park will be open for parking Saturday afternoon and evening for racers traveling from Redding to Sacramento for the Pacific Division Series event Sunday, June 15. Gates will open at 8 a.m. Sunday at Sacramento Raceway Park. The Pacific Division event at California Dragway at California Speedway has been changed from Saturday, July 19, to Sunday, July 20. Gates will open at 7 a.m., tech will be at 7:30, and time trials will begin at 8. Eliminations will get under way at noon. The overwhelming turnout at the first evening street-legal events at the Fontana facility prompted officials to move that program s Saturday start time to earlier in the afternoon. Jr. racers should note the early 8 a.m. start of time trials and remember that mufflers are required at California Dragway. No overnight parking is available. Pacific Division Jr. racers should be aware that LED bulbs will be used in the startingline system for the Western Conference Finals, July 31-Aug. 2, at Bandimere Speedway. And, of course, when drivers face off for the division championships in Pomona, the LED bulbs will be in place. Sacramento Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event postponed Pacific Division chassis seminars Location Date Time Phone Samoa Dragstrip June 7 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (530) Auto Doctor (Flagstaff, Ariz.) June 7 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (928) or (480) Due to already saturated pit areas on the originally scheduled weekend, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Sacramento Raceway Park has been postponed until Aug Needless to say, all fields are still open. Stay tuned for schedule information. Summit Racing Series Finals NHRA PACIFIC DIVISION CHASSIS INSPECTORS Kiwi Jager (909) pager Glendora, Calif. Ken Gentry (530) Chico, Calif. Incandescent bulbs will be used in the Tree at the 2003 Pacific Division Summit Racing Series Finals at Southwestern Int l Raceway Oct Infrared bulbs will not be used. Launie Porteous (916) Sacramento, Calif. Jim Westbrook (661) Bakersfield, Calif. Ed Brady (480) Mesa, Ariz. Ben Wilson (520) Tucson, Ariz. Ralph Perea (801) Salt Lake City Cliff Ricci (702) Las Vegas

9 Special Programs Schedule Infineon Raceway Nov. 1** Nov. 1 Inyokern Dragstrip June 8 June 8 June 7 The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway June 7 Sept. 13 June 7 Los Angeles County Raceway July 19 Nov. 16 June 28 Pomona Raceway June Sacramento Raceway Park Sept. 27 June 7-8 TBA Samoa Dragstrip Aug. 17 June 22 Aug. 31 Southwestern Int l Raceway Aug. 2 July 5 April 19 Speedworld Motorplex Nov. 8 Nov. 29 **contact track for more information SOUTH REGION California Dragway at California Speedway Schedule Sunday, July 20 Pacific Division Jr. Championship Series Gates Open/Parking...7 a.m. Tech Inspection...7:30 a.m. Time Trials (Two runs in class rotation)...8 a.m. Eliminations...noon Sunday Admission...$50, Car & Driver $10, Jr. Crew Free, Under 12 Schedule subject to change. Listen for announcements and check posting boards for changes. Run order for time trials: 8-9, 10-12, 13-14, Radio station: FM Racers run for Wally trophies in four categories North champs to face South champs at Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona in November Race Information: (909) Next South Region event Aug. 31 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

10 SPORTSMAN GRADING SYSTEM Due to the growing numbers of contestants, constraints on pit space, and scheduling time, a certain criteria must be met before a contestant enters an NHRA national event. The NHRA grading system determines who gains entry to the national events and, subsequently, rewards national event aspirants who support divisional activity. A driver receives one (1) grading point for attending a divisional NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series or National Open event. The grading points earned in either the previous year or the current year (whichever is greater) stand as the driver s "grade." 2003 MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENT FOR OBTAINING NATIONAL EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT TAD TAFC COMP SS STK SC SG SST K&N Filters Winternationals Pomona Checker Schuck s Kragen NHRA Nationals Phoenix * Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals Gainesville NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals Las Vegas O Reilly Spring Nationals Houston * Mac Tools Thunder Valley NHRA Nationals Bristol * Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Atlanta * K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals Englishtown * O Reilly Summer Nationals Topeka * Lucas Oil NHRA Route 66 Nationals Chicago Pontiac Excitement NHRA Nationals Columbus * Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals Madison Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals Denver * CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals Seattle * Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals Sonoma Rugged Liner NHRA Nationals Brainerd Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Indianapolis Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Reading O Reilly Mid-South Nationals Memphis NHRA Nationals & Jeg s Allstars Chicago * O Reilly Fall Nationals Dallas * ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals Las Vegas * Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals Pomona NOTE: Meeting these requirements does not guarantee event entry acceptance. * Grading points must be earned in Super Street. Provisional entries: 1) A contestant with a valid NHRA Gold, Silver, or Bronze Card will be guaranteed entry to any national event. 2) The defending event champion will be guaranteed entry to the event he/she won. For example, last year s Super Gas winner at the Finals would be guaranteed entry into 2003 s Finals (entry would not be guaranteed to any other event, however). 3) A former national champion (Pro or Sportsman) will be guaranteed entry to any national event. 4) A Professional driver who earns top 20 status in the current or previous season will be guaranteed a Sportsman entry to any national event. 5) Owner credits may be awarded in cases involving a driver change from one season to the next (contestant must receive approval from their division director). 6) A contestant in the top 20 and still in contention for a possible top 10 year-end position will be guaranteed entry to any of the final four national events of the season (Chicago 2, Dallas, Las Vegas 2, and Pomona 2). These policies do not excuse the contestant from any late fees, gate entry fees, or insurance surcharges. For example, if a Gold Card holder shows up at the gate for an event, the $75 late fee, $75 gate fee, and $40 insurance fee will still be applicable. To accommodate certain hardship cases or a former racer s return to active competition, an averaging system has been developed. The average grade is calculated by adding the racer s grading points from three previous years and dividing them by three. For example, for a racer who ran one division event in 2002, none in 2001, and five in 2000, his grade would be determined by adding the number of events attended in those three years ( = 6) and dividing the total by three, which would equal to a grade of 2A (the "A" indicating the averaging calculation). To accommodate foreign contestants, grading points will be issued for participation in select foreign events. Those events are the FIA European Championship, Australian Drag Racing Championship, Nordic Super Cup Championship, and Japan Drag Racing Association Championship. Each entry application must include a written confirmation from the host country sanctioning organization verifying participation in its series. A contestant competing in one category at some events and another category at others should notify the division director of the situation so that all grading points are awarded. Similarly, if a contestant competes at an NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event outside his/her division, it is the contestant s responsibility to make sure that grading points for all events attended are awarded. Division directors handle the administration of the grading system. Contestants make their request for national event entry forms for the year by filling out the National Event Request Form (NERF) and returning it to the division director, who "grades" the contestant based on the criteria outlined above. For additional information, call (626)

11 2003 NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Kerker Motorcycle Series Korbel Super Eliminator Firebird Int l Raceway Chandler, Ariz. Feb. 28-March 2 Southwestern Int l Raceway Tucson, Ariz. March Sacramento Raceway Park Sacramento, Calif. April (postponed to Aug ) Famoso Raceway Bakersfield, Calif. May Infineon Raceway Sonoma, Calif. July 4-6 The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, Nev. Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Summit Racing Series Finals Southwestern Int l Raceway Tucson, Ariz. Oct National Opens Los Angeles County Raceway Palmdale, Calif. May Speedworld Motorplex Northwest Phoenix, Ariz. Sept Jr. Championship Series Inyokern Dragstrip Inyokern, Calif. March 15 Speedworld Motorplex Northwest Phoenix, Ariz. March 23 Los Angeles County Raceway Palmdale, Calif. April 6 event schedule Sacramento Raceway Park Sacramento, Calif. April 13 Southwestern Int l Raceway Tucson, Ariz. April 20 Redding Dragstrip Redding, Calif. May 4 Team Possibilities Jr. Raceway San Diego, Calif. May 25 Famoso Raceway Bakersfield, Calif. June 1 Sacramento Raceway Park Sacramento, Calif. June 15 Samoa Dragstrip Eureka, Calif. July 13 California Speedway Fontana, Calif. July 19 Top Gun Raceway Fallon, Nev. July 26 The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, Nev. Aug. 31 Firebird Int l Raceway Chandler, Ariz. Sept. 7 California Hot Rod Reunion Famoso Raceway Bakersfield, Calif. Oct. 3-5 Meetings/Banquet Gold Coast Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nev. Dec. 5-6 NORTH REGION, Final Event Schedule Friday, July 25 Gates open p.m. Tech p.m. Test & Tune...5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 Gates Open/Parking...8 a.m. Tech Inspection...8 a.m.-6 p.m. King of the Hill Time Trials a.m. Eliminations...11:30 a.m. Pacific Division Series Event Time Trials (Two runs in class rotation) p.m. Eliminations...6:30 p.m. Top Gun Raceway Admission...$50, Car & Driver, Pacific Division Series (Sat.) $25, Car & Driver, King of the Hill (Sat.) $25, Friday Test & Tune (incl. Sat. King of the Hill) $15, Jr. Adult Crew (Weekend) $ 7, Jr. Adult Crew (Friday Only) $10, Jr. Adult Crew (Saturday Only) $2, Ages 5-11 (Friday Only) $2, Ages 5-11 (Saturday Only) $3, Ages 5-11 (weekend) Free, Under 5 Schedule subject to change. Listen for announcements and check posting boards for changes. Racers run for the Wally trophy in four categories North Champs to face South Champs at Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona

12 Insider information Award-winning coverage Spectacular photography 1 year (48 issues) $60* TRY IT! trial membership: 6 months (24 issues) $35 * FREE to subscribers: Fan Guide, Rulebook & NHRA Membership Kit [outside the USA call ] *Fees slightly higher outside USA. U.S. funds only. Call or go to NHRA.com to SUBSCRIBE NOW Pacific Division HOTLINE 2035 Financial Way Glendora, CA PRE-SORTED FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID A&M DIRECT MAIL SERVICES, INC. Return Services Requested