National Hot Rod Association

POST RACE NOTES FROM THE 16TH ANNUAL FRAM AUTOLITE NATIONALS

TOP FUEL
* Larry Dixon, from Indianapolis, earned his eighth victory of the season when he defeated first-time Top Fuel finalist David Baca in the final round, becoming the fourth driver in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing (Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif.). Dixon drove his Miller Lite dragster to a run of 4.640 seconds at 319.67 mph to outdistance Baca, who recorded a performance of 4.805 at 298.47 behind the wheel of his American Racing Wheels dragster. This was Dixon's 33rd career victory and first at Infineon Raceway. The victory marks the first time in his career that Dixon has won three consecutive events. Dixon needs one more victory to tie the mark for most Top Fuel victories in a season (nine), which he holds with Gary Scelzi.

* In qualifying, Doug Kalitta qualified in the No. 1 position for the eighth time this season and 15th of his career. Kalitta blasted his Mac Tools dragster to a track record run of 4.531 at 325.77 to lead the Top Fuel order.

* With the victory, Dixon extended his points lead in the NHRA POWERade Top Fuel standings to 310 points over Kalitta. With eight events remaining in the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Dixon is more than 15 rounds of competition ahead of Kalitta.

FUNNY CAR
* Gary Scelzi, from Fresno, Calif., became the 13th driver in NHRA history to earn victories in Top Fuel and Funny Car. Scelzi, who earned 25 career Top Fuel victories, drove his Oakley Dodge Stratus to the Funny Car victory over Dean Skuza's Pontiac Firebird, which featured a special paint-scheme tribute to rock-and-roll singer Meat Loaf. Scelzi used a slight starting line advantage and a performance of 4.958 at 312.21 in his Dodge to edge Skuza's Pontiac, which recorded a run of 4.966 at 306.74.

* With the victory, Scelzi becomes the first driver in NHRA history to have earned victories in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

* John Force powered his Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang to his third No. 1 qualifying position of the 2003 season and 115th of his career. Force clocked a track record elapsed time of 4.814 at 316.90 to pace the Funny Car field.

* Scelzi set the Infineon Raceway track speed record at 318.93 mph during qualifying.

* Scelzi's victory vaulted him into the top 10 of the NHRA POWERade Funny Car standings. He currently sits in the eighth position with 718 points. Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon, who fell in the opening round of eliminations for the third consecutive event, has seen his points lead over Whit Bazemore dwindle from 143 points following the Sears Craftsman Nationals, outside St. Louis, to 44 points after the three-race Western Swing.

* Notable DNQ's: Gary Densham and Bob Gilbertson.

PRO STOCK
* Defending POWERade Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin won his first race since last November by knocking off category points leader Greg Anderson in the final round. Coughlin used a .019 reaction time and a run of 6.839 at 201.07 in his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier to earn the holeshot victory over Anderson's Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am, which clocked a quicker, but losing, run of 6.798 at 203.37. The victory was Coughlin's first in four final round appearances this season.

* Anderson continues to be the class of the Pro Stock field as he earned his ninth No. 1 qualifying position of the season and 12th of his career when he powered his Pontiac to a track record performance of 6.750 at 205.10 to anchor the 16-car Pro Stock field.

* Coughlin earned a $1,000 bonus by winning the Motel 6 'Who Got The Light' award when he edged Anderson by 0.0104 of-a-second margin of victory in the Pro Stock final.

* Coughlin's victory moved him into third place in the POWERade Pro Stock standings, surpassing six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson, who was defeated in round one of eliminations by his son Kurt. Anderson extended his points lead when he defeated K. Johnson in the semifinals. He now leads K. Johnson by 139 points and Coughlin by 355 points.
* Notable DNQ's: Darrell Alderman, Jim Yates and George Marnell.

PRO STOCK BIKE
* Geno Scali continued his career-best season by winning his third event of the year and fourth of his career. Scali clocked a run of 7.177 at 189.68 on his Trim-Tex Suzuki to hold off first-time finalist Andrew Hines, who turned in a run of 7.264 at 180.48 on his Vance & Hines Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson.

* Craig Treble rebounded from his recent performance slump to capture his first career top qualifying position. Treble rode his Matco Tools Suzuki to a track record elapsed time of 7.062 at 189.79 to lead the Pro Stock Bike field.

* Hines clocked the fastest Pro Stock Bike speed in NHRA history when he rode his V-Rod-powered Harley-Davidson to a speed of 195.28 mph during qualifying. Hines failed to record a run within one-percent of the 195.28 (193.33 mph or faster) speed to certify it as a national record.

* In the first round of Pro Stock Bike eliminations, six riders fouled at the start. Only one red light was recorded during the rest of eliminations.

* With six events remaining on the Pro Stock Bike schedule, Scali's victory extended his points lead to 188 over Angelle Savoie, who lost in round one for the third consecutive race, and fifth time in 2003. Savoie entered the 2003 season with six first round losses in her career.

 

DIXON, SCELZI, COUGHLIN AND SCALI WIN AT
FRAM-AUTOLITE NATIONALS AT INFINEON RACEWAY

SONOMA, Calif. - Larry Dixon became the fourth driver in NHRA history to sweep the three-race Western Swing Sunday at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.
Gary Scelzi, Jeg Coughlin and Geno Scali also were winners in their respective categories at the $1.9 million event, the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Dixon powered his Miller Lite dragster to his eighth Top Fuel victory of the season and 33rd of his career when he clocked a performance of 4.640 seconds at 319.67 mph to outdistance first-time finalist David Baca, who recorded a run of 4.805 at 298.47 in his American Racing Wheels dragster.
"It feels unbelievable," said Dixon. "This feels like going through the Iron Man Triathalon and coming out on the right side. I give all the credit here to the guys on the team. Those same crew guys are the ones that log all those miles from Denver to Seattle to here at Infineon."
Dixon used a consistent tune-up to defeat John Smith, Tony Schumacher and Rhonda Hartman-Smith before defeating Baca in the final round. With the victory, Dixon extended his lead in the POWERade points standings to 310 points over Doug Kalitta.
Scelzi became the 13th driver in NHRA history to earn victories in both nitro categories when he drove his Oakley Dodge Stratus to his first career Funny Car victory. Scelzi, a 25-time Top Fuel winner, used a run of 4.958 at 312.21 to edge Dean Skuza in the final round. Skuza clocked a pass of 4.966 at 306.74 behind the wheel of his Meat Loaf-themed Pontiac Firebird Funny Car.
"It's pretty incredible," said Scelzi. "This is the whole reason why I race, to win. I didn't want to drive just any car. I wanted to drive a car that was capable of winning and I really wanted to be with Schumacher Racing. I always felt I could drive anything with four wheels and I felt I could win. It's great to get this thing off our backs and prove we could win."
Scelzi knocked off teammates Scotty Cannon and Whit Bazemore in the first two rounds, then 12-time champion John Force in the semifinals before besting Skuza in the finals.
Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon lost in the opening round for the third consecutive week. However, he still leads Bazemore by 44 points.
Jeg Coughlin raced to his first victory of the season and 32nd of his career by using a starting-line advantage to defeat Pro Stock points leader Greg Anderson. Coughlin drove his Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier to a run of 6.839 at 201.07 to knock off Anderson's quicker, but losing 6.798 at 203.37 in his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am.
"It certainly feels great," said Coughlin. "This racetrack is a lot of fun to run on and the fans here are great. We've had some good runs here the last couple of years and come up short. We knew we had our work cut out for us and we knew we'd have to pull a couple tricks out of our hat against Greg."
Coughlin defeated Greg Stanfield, Dave Connolly and Allen Johnson before holding off Anderson in the final. With the victory, Coughlin moved to third place in the Pro Stock points standings. Anderson leads Kurt Johnson by 139 points.
Scali extended his lead in the Pro Stock Bike standings by defeating Andrew Hines. Scali rode his Trim-Tex Suzuki to a run of 7.177 at 189.68 to hold off Hines' Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, which recorded a run of 7.264 at 180.48.
"You start beliving in the championship when you're 188 points ahead," said Scali. "The No. 2 person (Angelle Savoie) went out in the first round, the No. 3 person (Shawn Gann) went out in the first round and you're like is this real or what? I am happy we were able to take advantage of the opportunity. I really have to pinch myself after today."
Scali recorded victories over Sean Conner, Antron Brown and No. 1 qualifier Craig Treble before his victory over Hines in the final round. Scali now leads Angelle Savoie by 188 points in the Pro Stock Bike standings.
The next NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event is the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Aug. 14-17, at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn.

SONOMA, Calif. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway. The $1.9 million race is the 15th of 23 events in the $50 millionNHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. Larry Dixon; 2. David Baca; 3. Kenny Bernstein; 4. Rhonda Hartman-Smith; 5. Tony Schumacher; 6. Doug Kalitta; 7. Scott Weis; 8. Darrell Russell; 9. Paul Romine; 10. Don Lampus; 11. Cory McClenathan; 12. Doug Herbert; 13. Mike Strasburg; 14. John Smith; 15. David Grubnic; 16. Chris Karamesines.

FUNNY CAR:
1. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus; 2. Dean Skuza, Pontiac Firebird; 3. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird; 4. John Force, Ford Mustang; 5. Keith Jackson, Firebird; 6. Whit Bazemore, Stratus; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., Chevy Camaro; 8. Del Worsham, Firebird; 9. Arnie Karp, Firebird; 10. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird; 11. Ron Capps, Camaro; 12. Tony Pedregon, Mustang; 13. Frank Pedregon, Firebird; 14. Scotty Cannon, Firebird; 15. Johnny Gray, Firebird; 16. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird.

PRO STOCK:
1. Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier; 2. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am; 3. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus R/T; 4. Kurt Johnson, Cavalier; 5. Dave Connolly, Cavalier; 6. Gene Wilson, Stratus R/T; 7. Mike Edwards, Grand Am; 8. Scott Geoffrion, Ford ZX2; 9. Warren Johnson, Grand Am; 10. Larry Morgan, Dodge Neon; 11. Mark Whisnant, Cavalier; 12. Bruce Allen, Grand Am; 13. Greg Stanfield, Neon; 14. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am; 15. JR Carr, Cavalier; 16. Ron Krisher, Cavalier.

PRO STOCK BIKE:
1. Geno Scali, Suzuki; 2. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson; 3. Michael Phillips, Suzuki; 4. Craig Treble, Suzuki; 5. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki; 6. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson; 7. Antron Brown, Suzuki; 8. Blaine Hale, Suzuki; 9. Fred Collis, Suzuki; 10. Reggie Showers, Suzuki; 11. Mike Berry, Suzuki; 12. Steve Johnson, Suzuki; 13. Sean Conner, Suzuki; 14. Fred Camarena, Suzuki; 15. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki; 16. Shawn Gann, Suzuki.

SONOMA, Calif. -- Sunday's final results from the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway. The $1.9 million race is the 15th of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Larry Dixon, 4.640 seconds, 319.67 mph def. David Baca, 4.805 seconds, 298.47 mph.

Funny Car -- Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.958, 312.21 def. Dean Skuza, Pontiac Firebird, 4.966, 306.74.

Pro Stock -- Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Cavalier, 6.839, 201.07 def. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.798, 203.37.

Pro Stock Bike -- Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.177, 189.68 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.264, 180.48.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Alan Bradshaw, 5.304, 259.46 def. Garrett Bateman, 5.399, 259.01.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Bucky Austin, Pontiac Firebird, 5.665, 254.42 def. Jay Payne, Chevy Camaro, 5.729, 251.34.

Competition Eliminator -- Gary Anderson, Pontiac Firebird, 8.575, 157.32 def. Mark Lelchook, Dragster, 7.095, 182.16.

Super Stock -- Terry Anderson, Chevy Nova, 10.198, 129.40 def. Joe Kohorst, Chevy Camaro, 9.666, 136.32.

Stock Eliminator -- David Rampy, Chevy Camaro, 11.339, 113.20 def. Clark Holroyd, Chevy Nova, foul.

Super Comp -- Rick Beckstrom, Dragster, 8.906, 170.62 def. George Scott, Dragster, 8.888, 149.33.

Super Gas -- Ray Connolly, Chevy Corvette, 9.904, 151.41 def. Brian Smith, Chevy Vega, 9.872, 138.56.

SONOMA, Calif. -- Final round-by-round results from the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -
TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- David Baca, 4.808, 304.25 def. Doug Herbert, 5.129, 211.16; Tony Schumacher, 5.643, 169.02 def. Chris Karamesines, broke; Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.820, 254.95 def. Cory McClenathan, 5.034, 269.78; Darrell Russell, 4.645, 315.12 def. Paul Romine, 4.729, 309.77; Kenny Bernstein, 4.623, 319.60 def. David Grubnic, 8.079, 82.92; Scott Weis, 4.869, 259.91 def. Don Lampus, 4.895, 294.11; Larry Dixon, 4.606, 322.11 def. John Smith, 6.139, 156.28; Doug Kalitta, 4.666, 316.90 def. Mike Strasburg, foul;
QUARTERFINALS -- Hartman-Smith, 4.881, 259.01 def. Weis, 6.345, 144.72; Baca, 4.746, 305.98 def. Kalitta, 5.038, 288.15; Bernstein, 4.642, 318.84 def. Russell, 10.886, 87.18; Dixon, 4.593, 323.27 def. Schumacher, 4.877, 287.78;
SEMIFINALS -- Baca, 4.657, 319.82 def. Bernstein, 4.682, 316.08; Dixon, 4.599, 321.88 def. Hartman-Smith, 5.858, 151.46;
FINAL -- Dixon, 4.640, 319.67 def. Baca, 4.805, 298.47.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Dean Skuza, Pontiac Firebird, 4.967, 301.40 def. Ron Capps, Chevy Camaro, 5.044, 290.01; Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 5.016, 298.34 def. Johnny Gray, Firebird, 13.859, 78.97; John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.956, 298.07 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Firebird, 5.043, 300.86; Del Worsham, Firebird, 5.326, 277.37 def. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 6.302, 127.15; Keith Jackson, Firebird, 5.017, 275.90 def. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 5.433, 227.15; Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 4.924, 311.77 def. Arnie Karp, Firebird, foul; Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 4.899, 316.97 def. Scotty Cannon, Firebird, 7.041, 119.08; Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 5.038, 286.44 def. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 25.309, 50.36;
QUARTERFINALS -- Skuza, 5.020, 302.28 def. Worsham, 6.029, 169.27; Force, 5.664, 253.09 def. Johnson Jr., 6.017, 215.48; Scelzi, 4.975, 309.77 def. Bazemore, 5.178, 273.72; C. Pedregon, 4.999, 302.28 def. Jackson, 5.014, 296.31;
SEMIFINALS -- Skuza, 4.971, 304.80 def. C. Pedregon, 5.017, 303.16; Scelzi, 4.954, 308.99 def. Force, 5.028, 297.94;
FINAL -- Scelzi, 4.958, 312.21 def. Skuza, 4.966, 306.74.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Gene Wilson, Dodge Stratus R/T, 6.848, 202.36 def. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cavalier, 6.951, 201.46; Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.836, 202.39 def. Bruce Allen, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.842, 202.09; Allen Johnson, Stratus R/T, 6.810, 202.48 def. Larry Morgan, Dodge Neon, 6.828, 202.97; Scott Geoffrion, Ford ZX2, 6.874, 201.91 def. Mark Whisnant, Cavalier, foul; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.807, 203.09 def. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.796, 203.40; Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.817, 202.21 def. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.856, 201.19; Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.787, 204.08 def. JR Carr, Cavalier, 6.860, 201.25; Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.795, 202.67 def. Greg Stanfield, Neon, 6.852, 202.00;
QUARTERFINALS -- A. Johnson, 6.848, 201.37 def. Edwards, 6.865, 201.58; K. Johnson, 6.829, 202.58 def. Geoffrion, 6.880, 202.09; Coughlin, 6.827, 202.24 def. Connolly, 6.845, 202.24; Anderson, 6.795, 203.58 def. Wilson, 6.850, 202.21;
SEMIFINALS -- Coughlin, 6.828, 202.03 def. A. Johnson, 6.838, 201.73; Anderson, 6.798, 203.49 def. K. Johnson, 6.838, 202.12;
FINAL -- Coughlin, 6.839, 201.07 def. Anderson, 6.798, 203.37.

PRO STOCK BIKE:

ROUND ONE -- PRO STOCK BIKE:

ROUND ONE -- Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.181, 185.51 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, foul; Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.115, 187.50 def. Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.167, 184.52; Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.115, 188.07 def. Fred Camarena, Suzuki, 7.219, 184.04; GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.168, 185.23 def. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, foul; Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.206, 185.56 def. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, foul; Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.070, 188.73 def. Sean Conner, Suzuki, foul; Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.193, 187.70 def. Mike Berry, Suzuki, foul; Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.177, 186.05 def. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, broke;
QUARTERFINALS -- Phillips, 7.243, 184.12 def. Tonglet, 7.257, 181.69; Treble, 7.162, 185.41 def. Stoffer, foul; Scali, 7.171, 184.50 def. Brown, 8.181, 119.95; Hines, 7.213, 183.17 def. Hale, broke;
SEMIFINALS -- Hines, 7.243, 182.72 def. Phillips, 7.341, 183.54; Scali, 7.169, 188.20 def. Treble, 11.695, 62.38;
FINAL -- Scali, 7.177, 189.68 def. Hines, 7.264, 180.48.

SONOMA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Larry Dixon, 1,462; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,152; 3. Darrell Russell, 880; 4. Cory McClenathan, 778; 5. Tony Schumacher, 773; 6. David Baca, 731; 7. John Smith, 685; 8. Doug Herbert, 682; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 629; 10. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 620.

Funny Car

1. Tony Pedregon, 1,210; 2. Whit Bazemore, 1,166; 3. John Force, 1,011; 4. Del Worsham, 944; 5. Gary Densham, 836; 6. Ron Capps, 830; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 780; 8. Gary Scelzi, 718; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 706; 10. Johnny Gray, 689.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,337; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,198; 3. Jeg Coughlin, 982; 4. Warren Johnson, 978; 5. Allen Johnson, 707; 6. Ron Krisher, 671; 7. Mike Edwards, 649; 8. Scott Geoffrion, 638; 9. Bruce Allen, 579; 10. Greg Stanfield, 540.

Pro Stock Bike

1. Geno Scali, 784; 2. Angelle Savoie, 596; 3. Shawn Gann, 567; 4. Craig Treble, 503; 5. Antron Brown, 500; 6. Reggie Showers, 482; 7. (tie) Mike Berry, 455; Andrew Hines, 455; 9. Fred Collis, 451; 10. Karen Stoffer, 436.

 

FORCE, KALITTA AMONG FRIDAY QUALIFYING LEADERS AT FRAM-AUTOLITE NATIONALS AT INFINEON RACEWAY

SONOMA, Calif. - John Force raced to the qualifying lead Friday at the FRAM-Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Doug Kalitta, Greg Anderson and Craig Treble also led their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Force powered his Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang to the track elapsed time record at 4.814 seconds at 316.90 mph to lead the Funny Car category.

"I never had a problem, the car did," said Force. "I did redlight a few times this season. We finally got the gremlins out of this Mustang. (Crew chiefs) Austin Coil and Bernie (Fedderly) have this car running like it should."

Kalitta blasted his Mac Tools dragster to a run of 4.531 at 325.77, a track record performance, to lead Top Fuel qualifying.

"The track was plenty good for us," said Kalitta. "That was a good run for us. We had an oil pump problem on the first run and had to shut off, so it felt good to get in a good run tonight."
Anderson paced the Pro Stock field with a track record pass of 6.776 at 203.55 in his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am to lead the Pro Stock field.

"I thought I could run quicker tonight," said Anderson. "I think we'll run better tomorrow morning. It's so nice to have a smooth race track to run on. I'm really enjoying racing here."
Treble rebounded from a recent performance slump to lead the Pro Stock Bike field with a run of 7.179 at 187.00 on his Matco Tools Suzuki.

"It wasn't a driver problem, it was a tuning problem," said Treble. "It's been all me and (crew chief) Calvin Aswege. After Denver, we went to Vance & Hines and Byron (Hines) said we need to lean on it. The competition in Pro Stock Bike has stepped up this season, so if they're going to lean on it, so are we."

Qualifying continues Saturday with sessions at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 

SONOMA, Calif. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Doug Kalitta, 4.531 seconds, 325.77 mph; 2. Larry Dixon, 4.584, 322.50; 3. Darrell Russell, 4.636, 309.91; 4. Kenny Bernstein, 4.651, 315.27; 5. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.669, 312.50; 6. Doug Herbert, 4.686, 306.26; 7. Cory McClenathan, 4.702, 316.15; 8. David Grubnic, 4.707, 315.27; 9. David Baca, 4.711, 306.74; 10. Paul Romine, 4.731, 313.37; 11. Scott Weis, 4.745, 265.06; 12. John Smith, 4.764, 296.89; 13. Mike Strasburg, 4.821, 304.05; 14. Don Lampus, 4.861, 292.71; 15. Melanie Troxel, 4.918, 287.66; 16. Mitch King, 5.145, 222.69.

Funny Car -- 1. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.814, 316.90; 2. Del Worsham, Pontiac Firebird, 4.827, 316.75; 3. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 4.837, 309.70; 4. Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 4.845, 299.46; 5. Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 4.849, 318.92; 6. Johnny Gray, Firebird, 4.883, 312.71; 7. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.935, 287.72; 8. Ron Capps, Chevy Camaro, 4.937, 302.08; 9. Scotty Cannon, Firebird, 4.941, 296.05; 10. Arnie Karp, Firebird, 4.967, 300.06; 11. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 4.974, 308.78; 12. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 4.986, 296.11; 13. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 5.048, 295.85; 14. Gary Densham, Mustang, 5.076, 295.85; 15. Jack Wyatt, Firebird, 5.114, 281.42; 16. Keith Jackson, Firebird, 5.142, 244.78.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.776, 203.55; 2. Ron Krisher, Chevy Cavalier, 6.789, 202.85; 3. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.795, 202.94; 4. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.795, 202.45; 5. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.802, 202.94; 6. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.812, 202.09; 7. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.817, 201.34; 8. Scott Geoffrion, Ford ZX2, 6.818, 203.00; 9. Gene Wilson, Dodge Stratus R/T, 6.821, 202.12; 10. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.824, 202.06; 11. Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.829, 200.98; 12. Greg Stanfield, Dodge Neon, 6.830, 201.76; 13. Terry Adams, Cavalier, 6.831, 202.00; 14. Allen Johnson, Stratus R/T, 6.833, 201.28; 15. Mark Whisnant, Cavalier, 6.842, 201.61; 16. JR Carr, Cavalier, 6.843, 200.56.

Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.179, 187.00; 2. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.200, 185.31; 3. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.206, 186.23; 4. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.206, 189.84; 5. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.207, 189.90; 6. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.239, 183.52; 7. Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.241, 184.77; 8. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.250, 185.61; 9. Blaine Hale, Suzuki, 7.266, 181.76; 10. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.273, 182.65; 11. Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.279, 181.91; 12. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.280, 182.45; 13. Fred Camarena, Suzuki, 7.312, 181.50; 14. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.324, 188.67; 15. Chris Reuter, Suzuki, 7.340, 180.52; 16. Jay Matthews, Suzuki, 7.356, 180.02.

 

DIXON, FORCE LOOKING TO SWEEP WEST COAST SWING

SONOMA, Calif.- The West Coast Swing is simply three NHRA races on consecutive weekends that are held west of the Mississippi River. The 'Swing' starts in Denver, goes up to Seattle and concludes with a trip into California's Sonoma Valley.

Winning all three races, however, is anything but simple. As the 16th annual FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals approaches this weekend, there are two NHRA drivers who can join a short list in NHRA history.

Top Fuel's Larry Dixon and Funny Car's John Force are not only the defending POWERade champions in their respective categories, but they are also the owners of the famed Wally trophy from Denver and Seattle. This weekend they can join Cory McClenathan (1997, Top Fuel), Force (1994, Funny Car) and Joe Amato (1991, Top Fuel) as the only drivers to complete the three-race sweep.

The 16th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals kicks off Friday at Infineon Raceway. Doug Herbert, Force, Larry Morgan and Craig Treble are the defending winners of the $1.8 million event. It is the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
While Force has claimed six wins in nine final rounds at Sonoma, Dixon has yet to post a victory in wine country. Dixon's best finish was a runner-up in 2000.

"If it happened, that would be great only because I know how difficult it is," Dixon said. "Knowing how difficult it is to do, I think it is great just to be the position to make the attempt."
Dixon also admits that while he is defending his career-best season of winning nine races in 14 final round appearances, he knows winning one race is tough.

"To win three races in a season is huge," Dixon said. "I know what tracks I haven't won at yet and I know that I've never won three races in a row. But I also know it is nice to be in the position to try to change that."

Sweeping the West Coast Swing might come as a bigger surprise if Force can do it this season. Force's first win of 2003 was in Denver. The 12-time champion didn't even break into the top 5 of the Funny Car standings until the Denver victory.

"Well, when we did it before (1994), bottom line, the competition wasn't this good," Force said. "Now, just to win one race is tough, to win two is tougher and to win three in a row, well, you shouldn't be able to do that. But we'll go after it and see what happens. I've got my car back and I've fixed my driving but you still need a little luck."

 

PEDREGON HOLDING TIGHT TO POINTS LEAD GOING TO WINE COUNTRY

SONOMA, Calif.- Tony Pedregon started the 2003 season the way he was looking to end the 2002 season - with a victory. Pedregon closed the '02 schedule with a loss to boss and teammate John Force in the semifinal round of the final race of the season. The loss handed Force his 12th NHRA Funny Car championship. Pedregon took the No. 2 spot and a lesson about consistency.

The loss motivated Pedregon and the Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang team to work that much harder throughout the offseason. The work paid off so far. Pedregon kicked off the '03 season with a win in Pomona, Calif. and has since followed that with five others.
Most importantly, Pedregon has suffered through just one first-round loss (Seattle) and the consistency has earned Pedregon the Funny Car points lead following all but two of the first 14 events of the season. After slipping into third place of the standings following the third event of the season (Gainesville, Fla.) Pedregon came back to win the event in Las Vegas and has been at the top of the standings ever since.

Pedregon is aiming for winner's circle once again as the series makes its way to California's wine country for the 16th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, Aug. 1-3, at Infineon Raceway. Doug Herbert, John Force, Larry Morgan and Craig Treble are the defending winners of the $1.8 million event. It is the 15th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Pedregon has been the No. 1 qualifier (1997) and twice has been the runner-up (1997, 2000) but he has yet to snag a win in Northern California.

"Traditionally it is one of the better facilities that we go to for fans and racers," Pedregon said. "Especially with all of the upgrades they have made over the last couple of years. Infineon Raceway is in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and they have a lot of hard-core racing fans that attend all of the events. We are going to be at the mercy of the weather in terms of heat, but we are at sea level, right off the ocean and it can be cool and breezy too."

Pedregon may have grown up in sunny Southern California, but he doesn't discriminate when it comes to racing in his home state. A California race is still a California race.

"I love racing in California," Pedregon said. "I just love this part of the country because it is close to home and it is just a great place to race. I have lots of family members who can come to this race. I look forward to it every year."

This year, however, Pedregon wants to give the home state something to cheer about. He may be in the Funny Car points lead now, but he realizes his biggest challenge is keeping the lead away from the tough competition. Whit Bazemore is No. 2 in the standings, just 64 points away from Pedregon. While Pedregon has six wins, Bazemore and the Matco Tools Dodge Stratus team has made its way through the standings on two wins in six final round appearances. Bazemore averages three rounds per race.

"We learned a lot from last year," Pedregon said. "And I think it shows. We are a much better team than we were last year. We have plenty of incentive to keep improving too."

Winning the FRAM Autolite Nationals won't be an easy task. As if the Funny Car class wasn't tough enough already, the trip to Sonoma comes at the tail end of three consecutive race weekends. Known as the West Coast Swing, NHRA teams have been in Denver and Seattle and are now making their way to Northern California.

Pedregon said the best teams will rise to the challenge of consecutive races in the summer.
"This used to be the only time of year that we had three races in three weeks," Pedregon said. "But now we have Englishtown, Topeka and Chicago and Reading, Memphis and Chicago 2 as well. Every race is important and if any teams knows that, we do. It is important that we do well on not just one Sunday, but all of them. My approach is going to be to do what it takes to maintain the lead. I know we are more experienced this year and are able to use last year to keep us motivated."

 

BACA LOOKS FORWARD TO HOMETOWN EVENT AT INFINEON RACEWAY

SONOMA, Calif.- Ask David Baca when he first got hooked on drag racing, and you might get a funny answer. The 45-year-old Top Fuel pilot has been addicted to side-by-side racing for nearly 46 years now.

"I'm pretty sure my interest in drag racing started when I was still in the womb," Baca said. "My father was a racer, and I am second generation drag racing addict. My dad started in cars, then he migrated to boats for a while. He came back to dragsters in the '60s with Jim Davis and Don Cook and all of those guys. They were all part of that era. I was born and raised with that group of drag racing guys."

Baca hasn't looked back since. He now drives a Top Fuel entry - the American Racing Wheels dragster. For the first time since moving up into the nitro category, Baca will be competing at his hometown track. Baca will be vying for the winner's trophy at Infineon Raceway this weekend.
Like many other NHRA competitors, Baca has worked his way through the ranks. He started on the sidelines, keeping his eyes wide-open all the time.

"I remember going to race three nights a week when I was a kid and my dad was racing," Baca said. "We would go to the track in Fremont (Calif.) before going to Southern California and hitting places like Irwindale and Orange County. That is how I got involved. I was one of the kids that grew up around the sport. When I started to show an interest in driving, my father told me to go out and get a job so I could start paying for everything. I had to work very hard to get here and I am happy that I did. It makes it more special.

"I'm very proud to say that I am self-made and I am here on my own and happy to be here. I hope to be around for a long time."

Baca has made three semifinal round appearances in the first 12 races of the season and is eighth in the Top Fuel standings.

"There have been highs and lows this year but I still think our mid-year review is looking good," Baca said. "We have gone into a little slump lately, but I hope to get that monkey off my back as soon as possible. We were in the top five (after the Las Vegas event in April) and we are aiming to go back. We have quality guys and the right equipment. We just lack the major funding that some of the other teams have. Hopefully that will come into the picture soon and we can compete with the bigger teams week in and week out."

Before making his way to the nitro category, Baca spent some time in Top Alcohol. Infineon Raceway holds plenty of good memories for Baca and he is looking forward to making a return trip to the Sonoma Valley.

"Coming home is always a challenge because there is such excitement surrounding the event," Baca said. "I've had great moments at Sonoma, going back to its inception. My father was one of the first drivers to make a run down that track. I won my first Top Alcohol Divisional race there and that was pretty cool. That was in 1989 and the year before that, I went to my first final round event in Sonoma too.

"I've had a lot of success there and it is always nice to come home. We are going to have lots of friends, family members and clients. We are going to have a lot of fun on Friday and Saturday but when Sunday rolls around, that is game day. Hopefully we can put on a good show for the local people."

 

FRAM-AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS GENERAL INFORMATION

· SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying will run at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on August 1 and will continue at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on August 2. Final eliminations begin at noon on August 3.
· TELEVISION: ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET) on August 2. ESPN will televise one hour of early eliminations at 5 p.m. (ET) on August 3 and ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET) on August 3.

 

2003 POINT STANDINGS: Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 1,345; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,094; 3. Darrell Russell, 826; 4. Cory McClenathan, 746; 5. Tony Schumacher, 721; 6. John Smith, 654; 7. Doug Herbert, 650; 8. David Baca, 638; 9. Brandon Bernstein, 629; 10. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 546.

Funny Car -- 1. Tony Pedregon, 1,174; 2. Whit Bazemore, 1,111; 3. John Force, 933; 4. Del Worsham, 887; 5. Gary Densham, 826; 6. Ron Capps, 798; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 727; 8. Johnny Gray, 655; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 634; 10. Frank Pedregon, 632.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, 1,239; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,127; 3. Warren Johnson, 943; 4. Jeg Coughlin, 865; 5. Ron Krisher, 639; 6. Allen Johnson, 633; 7. Mike Edwards, 593; 8. Scott Geoffrion, 584; 9. Bruce Allen, 547; 10. Greg Stanfield, 509.

Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Geno Scali, 670; 2. Angelle Savoie, 561; 3. Shawn Gann, 530; 4. Antron Brown, 449; 5. Reggie Showers, 446; 6. Craig Treble, 425; 7. Mike Berry, 421; 8. Fred Collis, 419; 9. Karen Stoffer, 383; 10. Andrew Hines, 362.

 

 

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