A Checkered Flag News Service providing info on all of NHRA drag racing and related events

Welcome to AutoSpeakSM

Checkered Flag News ServiceSM

National Hot Rod Association

DOUG KALITTA GETS EARLY BIRTHDAY GIFT WITH BRAINERD WIN

Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 17, 2003 – On Wednesday, Mac Tools/Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel dragster driver will celebrate his 39th birthday. Sunday in Brainerd, Minn. at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals he started the celebration early with winning the Wally (trophy) by defeating Tony Schumacher in a great final round that saw both drivers run the quarter mile in 4.698 seconds, but Kalitta’s better starting line reaction time turned the win light on in his lane.

The win at Brainerd Int’l Raceway is the fourth in 2003 for Kalitta and his Mac Tools team and the 15th win of his career. It also marks his fourth final round appearance in the last five NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events for the team. Kalitta’s last victory was in June at St. Louis.

Kalitta’s journey to the winner’s circle began with a first round win over Josh Starcher and a second round win over Doug Herbert.

In the semi-final round, Kalitta faced off against Kenny Bernstein. Kalitta and Bernstein had rolled to the starting line together two times previously in final eliminations this season (Topeka semifinals, Seattle semifinals), with Kalitta winning both. Kalitta (4.723 sec., 309.27 mph) proved why he is widely considered one of the best Top Fuel drivers by beating Bernstein (4.706 sec., 310.98 mph) on a holeshot with a .065 sec. reaction time to Bernstein’s .086.

Kalitta’s final round battle with Schumacher was a rematch of the 2000 Brainerd final. Schumacher got the best of Kalitta that day, but it is the only time he has ever beaten Kalitta in their five career final round pairings, including Sunday.

The win helps Kalitta close the points gap between himself and Top Fuel championship points leader Larry Dixon, who was defeated in the semifinals by Schumacher. With seven events remaining in the season, second place Kalitta trails Dixon by 271 points.

“This was a big win for our Mac Tools team,” Kalitta said. “It is a great birthday gift. We are still in the championship hunt. Dixon and those guys are going to be really tough to catch, but if anyone can do it, Connie (Kalitta, crew chief) can.”

Doug Kalitta Power Points

Career event wins: 15
Last event win: 2003 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd
Career final rounds: 32
Last final round: 2003 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd
Career No. 1 qualifying: 15
Last No. 1 qualifying: 2003 FRAM – Autolite NHRA Nationals, Sonoma
Career best elapsed time: 4.481 seconds (2003 K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals)
Career best speed: 333.91 mph* (2003 NHRA O’Reilly Spring Nationals, Houston)

After 16 of 23 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events in 2003, Kalitta is 2nd in Top Fuel championship points.

*Fastest speed in NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series history

ANDERSON, KALITTA, DENSHAM AND BROWN WIN AT LUCAS OIL NATIONALS AT BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

BRAINERD, Minn. - Greg Anderson raced to his seventh victory of the season Sunday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, earning his first career victory at the home track for the Duluth, Minn. native.
Doug Kalitta, Gary Densham and Antron Brown also won their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Anderson increased his lead in the Pro Stock points chase when he drove his Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am to the victory over second place competitor Kurt Johnson. Anderson clocked a run of 6.917 seconds at 200.05 mph to edge Johnson's ACDelco Chevy Cavalier, which recorded a run of 6.930 at 199.82.
"I wanted this race so bad for so long," said Anderson. "I have lots of memories from this place, some are bittersweet and some are great. I think this win has more meaning to me than winning the U.S. Nationals at Indy. That race was so close. I think somebody from above put a hand down and pushed me by Kurt and I think it was my old buddy John Hagen. This victory is in his memory."
Anderson defeated Allen Johnson, Ron Krisher and Taylor Lastor before knocking off Kurt Johnson, the No. 1 qualifier, in the final round. With the victory, Anderson extended his lead in the POWERade Pro Stock standings to 158 points over Johnson.
Kalitta blasted his Mac Tools dragster to his fourth victory of the season and 15th of his career to hold off Tony Schumacher's U.S. Army dragster in the final round of Top Fuel. Kalitta used a slight starting line advantage and a run of 4.698 at 311.20 to defeat Schumacher, who clocked an identical 4.698 elapsed time at 304.19.
"I can't see the win light on the guardwall in my car," said Kalitta. "I just hope the people with the cameras come towards me. My guys really pulled one out today. The track was good, the lanes didn't matter. We're fortunate to get this win. Weekends like this one bring back hopes of winning the championship. We're not giving up."
Kalitta, who won from the No. 2 qualifying position, beat Josh Starcher, Doug Herbert and Kenny Bernstein before knocking off Schumacher in the final round. The victory moved Kalitta to within 271 points of category leader Larry Dixon.
Dixon, who was attempting to become the third Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to win four consecutive races, was defeated in the semifinals by Schumacher.
Densham used a consistent 5.0-second tune-up to win his second Funny Car race of the season and sixth of his career. He drove his Auto Club Ford Mustang to a run of 5.009 at 298.01 to beat Tim Wilkerson's 5.042 at 297.29 in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Pontiac Firebird.
"What a turnaround from Sonoma," said Densham. "We've struggled with the new car. It took some time for me and (crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) to get used to the new car. With all the talent we have, you knew it was only a matter of time. Jimmy made all the right calls today."
Densham, who failed to qualify at the last event in Sonoma, Calif., defeated Tommy Johnson Jr., Bob Gilbertson and Frank Pedregon prior to edging Wilkerson for the victory. Densham's teammate and Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon extended his lead over Whit Bazemore to 61 points in the POWERade standings. Bazemore lost in the second round, while Pedregon went one round better, advancing to the semifinals where he was defeated by Wilkerson.
Brown raced to his first victory since May 2002 and 11th of his career when he defeated John Smith in the final round. Brown rode his U.S. Army Suzuki to a pass of 7.336 at 179.47 to hold off Smith's 7.362 at 180.24 on his Lake Mortgage Kawasaki.
"I thought John beat me off the line in the final," said Brown. "We lost traction on our 60 foot, but I ran a great back-half. We were about even at half-track. This is great with the Army and Don Schumacher Racing behind us."
Brown rode to victories over Fred Collis, Michael Phillips and Reggie Showers prior to getting the win over Smith. Pro Stock Bike points leader Geno Scali fell in the first round of eliminations for the first time this season. Scali leads Shawn Gann by 174 points. Brown's victory moved him to fourth in the POWERade standings.
For the fourth straight event and sixth time this season, three-time consecutive Pro Stock Bike champion Angelle Savoie was defeated in the opening round of eliminations.
The next NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event is the 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Aug. 27-Sept. 1, at Indianapolis Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind.

BRAINERD, Minn. -- Final finish order (1-16) for professional categories at the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The $1.9 million race is the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:
1. Doug Kalitta; 2. Tony Schumacher; 3. Kenny Bernstein; 4. Larry Dixon; 5. Darrell Russell; 6. Doug Herbert; 7. Scott Palmer; 8. John Smith; 9. Cory McClenathan; 10. Jim Head; 11. Josh Starcher; 12. Scott Weis; 13. David Baca; 14. Joe Hartley; 15. Paul Romine; 16. Bruce Litton.

FUNNY CAR:
1. Gary Densham, Ford Mustang; 2. Tim Wilkerson, Pontiac Firebird; 3. Tony Pedregon, Mustang; 4. Frank Pedregon, Firebird; 5. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus; 6. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Camaro; 7. Whit Bazemore, Stratus; 8. Bob Bode, Firebird; 9. Del Worsham, Firebird; 10. Dean Skuza, Firebird; 11. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird; 12. Johnny Gray, Firebird; 13. Scotty Cannon, Firebird; 14. Phil Burkart, Firebird; 15. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro; 16. John Force, Mustang.

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

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

BRAINERD, Minn. -- Sunday's final results from the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The $1.9 million race is the 16th of 23 in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Doug Kalitta, 4.698 seconds, 311.20 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 4.698 seconds, 304.19 mph.

Funny Car -- Gary Densham, Ford Mustang, 5.009, 298.01 def. Tim Wilkerson, Pontiac Firebird, 5.042, 297.29.

Pro Stock -- Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.917, 200.05 def. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.930, 198.82.

Pro Stock Bike -- Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.336, 179.47 def. John G. Smith, Kawasaki, 7.362, 180.24.

Top Alcohol Dragster -- Alan Bradshaw, 11.385, 49.06 def. David Wells, foul.

Top Alcohol Funny Car -- Jay Payne, Chevy Camaro, 5.715, 252.19 def. Kirk Williams, Pontiac Firebird, 5.877, 244.34.

Competition Eliminator -- Clint Sallee, Dragster, 6.866, 196.99 def. Robert Freeman, Chevy Cavalier, 8.844, 152.35.

Super Stock -- Paul Klein, Chevy Nova, 11.552, 108.39 def. Don Duke, Nova, 10.159, 130.35.

Stock Eliminator -- Lance Line, Ford Mustang, 10.706, 109.01 def. Bill Rink Jr, Pontiac GTO, 12.061, 106.63.

Super Comp -- Bob Noyes, Dragster, 8.907, 158.52 def. Lonnie Grim, Dragster, 8.939, 161.59.

Super Gas -- Darren Erickson, Shelby Cobra, 9.876, 138.43 def. Al Gavlovsky, Ford Roadster, 9.875, 134.71.

BRAINERD, Minn. -- Final round-by-round results from the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- John Smith, 4.949, 277.32 def. Paul Romine, 5.249, 210.34; Doug Herbert, 4.817, 298.01 def. Bruce Litton, 17.388, 56.09; Darrell Russell, 4.717, 312.78 def. Scott Weis, 4.864, 295.98; Scott Palmer, 4.881, 283.79 def. David Baca, 4.893, 293.86; Tony Schumacher, 4.690, 309.49 def. Cory McClenathan, 4.734, 302.96; Kenny Bernstein, 4.662, 313.58 def. Jim Head, 4.797, 307.93; Doug Kalitta, 4.694, 312.13 def. Josh Starcher, 4.829, 300.60; Larry Dixon, 4.682, 319.98 def. Joe Hartley, 4.957, 297.35;
QUARTERFINALS -- Kalitta, 4.733, 312.28 def. Herbert, 5.268, 199.35; Schumacher, 4.740, 307.93 def. Palmer, 5.328, 194.30; Dixon, 4.674, 318.09 def. Smith, 5.350, 229.04; Bernstein, 4.697, 316.15 def. Russell, 4.703, 313.58;
SEMIFINALS -- Kalitta, 4.723, 309.27 def. Bernstein, 4.706, 310.98; Schumacher, 4.669, 310.98 def. Dixon, 4.714, 309.27;
FINAL -- Kalitta, 4.698, 311.20 def. Schumacher, 4.698, 304.19.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Tim Wilkerson, Pontiac Firebird, 5.024, 305.15 def. Scotty Cannon, Firebird, 5.255, 251.81; Bob Bode, Firebird, 5.161, 286.62 def. Johnny Gray, Firebird, 5.201, 287.35; Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Camaro, 5.152, 286.80 def. John Force, Ford Mustang, foul; Whit Bazemore, Dodge Stratus, 5.046, 303.16 def. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 5.188, 279.44; Gary Scelzi, Stratus, 5.693, 178.33 def. Phil Burkart, Firebird, 5.806, 169.70; Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 5.126, 284.69 def. Dean Skuza, Firebird, 5.089, 294.56; Gary Densham, Mustang, 5.030, 303.50 def. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 6.558, 140.52; Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 5.053, 300.46 def. Del Worsham, Firebird, 5.064, 298.67;
QUARTERFINALS -- Wilkerson, 5.050, 301.87 def. Bode, 9.476, 86.10; F. Pedregon, 5.102, 292.58 def. Bazemore, 5.249, 271.79; Densham, 5.081, 294.31 def. Gilbertson, 5.155, 290.44; T. Pedregon, 4.959, 301.87 def. Scelzi, 5.074, 300.53;
SEMIFINALS -- Densham, 5.018, 301.87 def. F. Pedregon, foul; Wilkerson, 5.020, 294.69 def. T. Pedregon, 5.054, 290.82;
FINAL -- Densham, 5.009, 298.01 def. Wilkerson, 5.042, 297.29.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Dave Connolly, Chevy Cavalier, 6.908, 199.40 def. Jim Yates, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.947, 198.79; Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.941, 198.85 def. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.968, 198.82; Larry Morgan, Dodge Neon, 6.958, 198.76 def. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, foul; Troy Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.920, 199.73 def. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.977, 198.61; Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.930, 198.96 def. Gene Wilson, Dodge Stratus, 6.974, 198.99; Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.934, 198.73 def. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 13.859, 55.33; Kurt Johnson, Cavalier, 6.897, 199.88 def. JR Carr, Cavalier, 7.009, 197.74; Greg Anderson, Grand Am, 6.912, 199.85 def. Allen Johnson, Stratus, foul;
QUARTERFINALS -- Lastor, 6.921, 198.99 def. Morgan, 6.959, 198.70; J. Coughlin, 6.940, 199.32 def. T. Coughlin, 6.924, 199.23; Anderson, 6.903, 200.23 def. Krisher, 6.947, 198.85; K. Johnson, 6.917, 199.32 def. Connolly, 6.895, 199.32;
SEMIFINALS -- K. Johnson, 6.924, 199.40 def. J. Coughlin, 6.944, 199.43; Anderson, 6.910, 200.32 def. Lastor, 6.950, 198.93;
FINAL -- Anderson, 6.917, 200.05 def. K. Johnson, 6.930, 198.82.

PRO STOCK BIKE:

ROUND ONE -- Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.366, 179.76 def. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.361, 174.17; Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.382, 185.59 def. Fred Collis, Suzuki, foul; John G. Smith, Kawasaki, 7.447, 177.74 def. Craig Treble, Suzuki, foul; Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.315, 178.21 def. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.539, 175.52; Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.306, 177.46 def. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.349, 178.59; Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.384, 178.50 def. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.351, 181.62; Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.345, 180.62 def. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.309, 178.38; Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.358, 178.99 def. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.291, 180.89;
QUARTERFINALS -- Smith, 7.437, 174.37 def. Johnson, 7.469, 178.40; Brown, 7.368, 175.80 def. Phillips, 7.402, 173.38; Gann, 7.330, 175.84 def. Conner, 7.440, 174.93; Showers, 7.306, 183.02 def. Berry, 7.389, 180.16;
SEMIFINALS -- Smith, 7.380, 179.54 def. Gann, 7.314, 177.56; Brown, 7.379, 177.84 def. Showers, broke;
FINAL -- Brown, 7.336, 179.47 def. Smith, 7.362, 180.24.

BRAINERD, Minn. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA professional categories following the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Larry Dixon, 1,540; 2. Doug Kalitta, 1,269; 3. Darrell Russell, 934; 4. Tony Schumacher, 868; 5. Cory McClenathan, 809; 6. David Baca, 765; 7. John Smith, 738; 8. Doug Herbert, 735; 9. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 630; 10. Brandon Bernstein, 629.

Funny Car

1. Tony Pedregon, 1,283; 2. Whit Bazemore, 1,222; 3. John Force, 1,048; 4. Del Worsham, 976; 5. Gary Densham, 949; 6. Ron Capps, 840; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 812; 8. Gary Scelzi, 776; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 737; 10. Frank Pedregon, 735.

Pro Stock

1. Greg Anderson, 1,454; 2. Kurt Johnson, 1,296; 3. Jeg Coughlin, 1,057; 4. Warren Johnson, 1,012; 5. Allen Johnson, 738; 6. Ron Krisher, 723; 7. Mike Edwards, 682; 8. Scott Geoffrion, 670; 9. Bruce Allen, 589; 10. Greg Stanfield, 550.

Pro Stock Bike

1. Geno Scali, 818; 2. Shawn Gann, 644; 3. Angelle Savoie, 632; 4. Antron Brown, 611; 5. Reggie Showers, 560; 6. Craig Treble, 537; 7. Mike Berry, 507; 8. Andrew Hines, 488; 9. Fred Collis, 486; 10. Karen Stoffer, 467.

DIXON, SCELZI, JOHNSON AND SHOWERS LEAD QUALIFYING AT LUCAS OIL NATIONALS AT BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

BRAINERD, Minn. - Larry Dixon raced to his fourth No. 1 qualifying position of the season Saturday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway and is in position to win his fourth consecutive race.

Gary Scelzi, Kurt Johnson and Reggie Showers also led their respective categories at the $1.9 million race, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

Dixon paced the Top Fuel field when he blasted his Miller Lite dragster to his 23rd career No. 1 qualifying position with a run of 4.638 seconds at 321.42 mph. Dixon, who swept the recent Western Swing (Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif.), can become the third Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to earn four consecutive victories (Scott Kalitta,1994 and Cory McClenathan, 1997).

"The conditions were there in the final session," said Dixon. "There was just enough cloud cover and the temperature was cool enough, so the potential was there to run better than yesterday.

"I'm not thinking about winning four straight. Maybe if we get to the final round then I'll think about it. We've got to win three rounds first. It's going to take a lot of hard work."
Doug Kalitta, who is second in the Top Fuel points standings and trails Dixon by 310 points, qualified second, while defending event champion Kenny Bernstein will start from the third position.

Scelzi clocked a pass of 4.940 at 311.63 in his Oakley Dodge Stratus to claim his second No. 1 qualifying position in the last three events and 35th of his career. Scelzi, who earned his first career Funny Car victory two weeks ago in Sonoma, captured his first No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car competition at Pacific Raceways near Seattle in July.

"I feel really good," said Scelzi. "I'm glad we got down the track this afternoon. You don't like to go out and only get down the track on one out of four runs. We're ready for Sunday. Everybody is upbeat and excited. Coming off that win, we need to make a move in the POWERade points. We can't slip up."

Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon, who is coming off three consecutive first round losses, will start from the eighth position. Whit Bazemore, who trails Pedregon by 44 points, qualified in the No. 3 position. Pedregon's teammate John Force, who is currently third in the points standings, qualified second.

Johnson led Pro Stock qualifying for the first time this season and 22nd of his career by driving his ACDelco Chevy Cavalier to a run of 6.876 at 200.23. Johnson also set the track speed record at 201.01 during qualifying. It is Johnson's first No. 1 qualifying spot since Oct. 2002.

"Greg (Anderson) has been in the way all year," said Johnson. "I played with the carburetors this weekend. We had some problems with the motor at Sonoma and Seattle. We finally got it hitting on all eight cylinders here and it ran good."
Pro Stock points leader Greg Anderson qualified second, while Taylor Lastor will start from the third slot. Jeg Coughlin, who earned his first victory of the season at Infineon Raceway two weeks ago, qualified fourth.

Showers earned his first career No. 1 qualifying position when he rode his PDI Suzuki to a run of 7.231 at 185.03 to lead the Pro Stock Bike order. Showers previous qualifying best was the third position two weeks ago at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma.

"I used to qualify No. 1 in IDBA all the time," said Showers. "This is a whole different ballgame over here. This is the toughest the Pro Stock Bike field has ever been.

Everyone has their programs together. Last night, I wrote a list of wants and one of those wants was to qualify No. 1. Now, I want to win rounds and races. We're feeling good right now."

Category points leader Geno Scali, who has three victories this season, qualified in the No. 5 position, while second place rider Angelle Savoie will start from the third spot.

Final eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

BRAINERD, Minn. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Larry Dixon, 4.638 seconds, 321.42 mph vs. 16. Joe Hartley, 5.018, 282.13; 2. Doug Kalitta, 4.655, 316.01 vs. 15. Josh Starcher, 4.968, 240.77; 3. Kenny Bernstein, 4.685, 310.77 vs. 14. Jim Head, 4.946, 289.26; 4. Tony Schumacher, 4.703, 308.50 vs. 13. Cory McClenathan, 4.885, 297.22; 5. David Baca, 4.709, 303.98 vs. 12. Scott Palmer, 4.861, 289.14; 6. Darrell Russell, 4.716, 312.71 vs. 11. Scott Weis, 4.860, 292.27; 7. Doug Herbert, 4.763, 301.27 vs. 10. Bruce Litton, 4.858, 285.29; 8. John Smith, 4.801, 256.70 vs. 9. Paul Romine, 4.808, 300.93.

Funny Car -- 1. Gary Scelzi, Dodge Stratus, 4.940, 311.99 vs. 16. Phil Burkart, Pontiac Firebird, 5.144, 297.42; 2. John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.944, 310.84 vs. 15. Bob Gilbertson, Chevy Camaro, 5.125, 294.56; 3. Whit Bazemore, Stratus, 4.952, 302.35 vs. 14. Cruz Pedregon, Firebird, 5.121, 291.70; 4. Bob Bode, Firebird, 4.969, 294.63 vs. 13. Johnny Gray, Firebird, 5.104, 299.40; 5. Tim Wilkerson, Firebird, 4.973, 304.53 vs. 12. Scotty Cannon, Firebird, 5.091, 299.80; 6. Dean Skuza, Firebird, 5.018, 297.09 vs. 11. Frank Pedregon, Firebird, 5.081, 289.94; 7. Gary Densham, Mustang, 5.026, 308.00 vs. 10. Tommy Johnson Jr., Camaro, 5.079, 287.11; 8. Tony Pedregon, Mustang, 5.032, 299.00 vs. 9. Del Worsham, Firebird, 5.047, 303.16.

Pro Stock -- 1. Kurt Johnson, Chevy Cavalier, 6.876, 201.01 vs. 16. JR Carr, Cavalier, 6.952, 199.35; 2. Greg Anderson, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.892, 200.95 vs. 15. Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.947, 199.43; 3. Taylor Lastor, Cavalier, 6.904, 200.14 vs. 14. Mark Pawuk, Grand Am, 6.945, 198.35; 4. Jeg Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.908, 200.86 vs. 13. Gene Wilson, Stratus, 6.945, 199.79; 5. Troy Coughlin, Cavalier, 6.911, 200.20 vs. 12. Scott Geoffrion, Ford Escort, 6.941, 199.26; 6. Warren Johnson, Grand Am, 6.911, 200.47 vs. 11. Larry Morgan, Dodge Neon, 6.931, 199.82; 7. Mike Edwards, Grand Am, 6.912, 200.20 vs. 10. Ron Krisher, Cavalier, 6.923, 199.91; 8. Dave Connolly, Cavalier, 6.915, 200.23 vs. 9. Jim Yates, Grand Am, 6.923, 200.14.

Pro Stock Bike -- 1. Reggie Showers, Suzuki, 7.231, 185.03 vs. 16. Joe DeSantis, Suzuki, 7.351, 183.94; 2. Shawn Gann, Suzuki, 7.250, 183.00 vs. 15. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.335, 182.35; 3. Angelle Savoie, Suzuki, 7.255, 181.37 vs. 14. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.333, 181.64; 4. Fred Collis, Suzuki, 7.257, 183.44 vs. 13. Antron Brown, Suzuki, 7.316, 179.37; 5. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.257, 183.05 vs. 12. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.305, 182.85; 6. Craig Treble, Suzuki, 7.267, 181.98 vs. 11. John G. Smith, Kawasaki, 7.304, 182.85; 7. Andrew Hines, Harley-Davidson, 7.276, 186.95 vs. 10. Sean Conner, Suzuki, 7.293, 183.89; 8. GT Tonglet, Harley-Davidson, 7.289, 181.47 vs. 9. Mike Berry, Suzuki, 7.290, 183.07.

ANDERSON HUNGRY FOR HOMETOWN WIN AT LUCAS OIL NATIONALS

BRAINERD, Minn. - Sometimes the hometown guy just can't catch a break. Then there's Greg Anderson. The Duluth, Minn. native has seen the good and bad at his home track, Brainerd International Raceway.

In 2003, he doesn't want good or bad. He wants great.

Anderson has nothing but the highest expectations of himself and the rest of his Vegas General Construction team. Especially when they bring their Chevrolet Cavalier to the starting line at the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Aug. 14-17 at Brainerd International Raceway. Kenny Bernstein, John Force, Jeg Coughlin and Geno Scali are the defending winners in their respective pro categories at the $1.9 million race, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. It is the 10th of 15 events for Pro Stock Bike competitors.

After the first 13 events of the season, Anderson holds the top spot in the POWERade Pro Stock championship point standings. A victory in Brainerd is something he has been working toward for a lifetime.

Minnesota may be known for producing some of the best fishing and outdoor activities, but it is also the place where Anderson started his drag racing career. He has spent his life around cars, tuning them to conquer the quarter-mile track at blazing speeds.

It is a career that almost never happened. After Anderson spent his childhood helping his father run a part-time sportsman program, the family decided it was time to stop racing. So Anderson went to work for a close family friend who competed in the Pro Stock category - John Hagen.

Haden's racing career ended tragically following a crash at the 1983 event in Brainerd.

"I basically was John Hagen's crew chief for four or five years," Anderson said. "He was like a second father to me. He was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I did my dad's house."

The accident sent Anderson packing for home. He went to work for a hometown business, and had nothing to do with drag racing again until 1986. That is the year that Anderson went to Brainerd International Raceway again, this time as a fan. Kurt Johnson, son of Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson spotted him, and before long, he was again employed to tune an NHRA entry.

"Being at Brainerd can be bittersweet for me," Anderson said. "One of my closest friends was killed there and that is always in the back of my mind when I go there. That was absolutely the low point in my life and it took me a couple of years to pull out of that. That track is also the place where my career started again and it is a place where all of my friends and family can come together.

"We want to win that race. It would be a great tribute to John to be in winner's circle at Brainerd."

After experiencing great success working with Warren Johnson, Anderson decided to give driving a whirl. Anderson started driving in 1998, and has since raced at Brainerd three times. He lost in the second round in his first attempt, in 1999. The following season he raced a partial season, opting not to compete at Brainerd. In 2001, he posted a DNQ.

In 2002, however, Anderson went to the finals, earning a runner-up to Jeg Coughlin.
"I'm looking forward to going to Brainerd, being with all of my friends including all of the knuckleheads I grew up with," Anderson said. "I have family members that chase the NHRA all over the country, and finally we get to race at home and show them what we can do. We've run well at the track in the past and now we need to take it one step further and get the win."

Of the 20 different venues on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing schedule, Anderson is quick to rank Brainerd high on his list of favorites.

"When you look at the pecking order, the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis is the top," Anderson said. "But to me, Brainerd is next in line. It's where I grew up. I get to see people that I went to school with and long-time friends of my family. Brainerd is right up there with Indy. We almost won Brainerd last year, so we're going to give it our best to do it this year."

During the offseason, Brainerd made a change to the racing surface that should please the fastest drag racers in the nation. The track doubled its concrete launching pad from the starting line. That is not the only reason why Anderson is pleased to see the event approaching on the schedule.

"They put down a new surface and extended the launching pad which should make it even better and faster," Anderson said. "I'm excited about racing there. But I also just like the atmosphere of that event. There is a huge camping facility. People can bring the entire family for the weekend and there are plenty of things to do surrounding the race. This place is very scenic and it is nice to be able to stay at the track all weekend and know there are lots of activities going on and the people are all laid back and ready to enjoy the most from the event.

"I know we are going to make the most of the event. We are going to the Minnesota Twins game on Thursday and we are going to have a big party with all the friends and family that night. Then it will be time for racing."

Anderson has big plans to enjoy the weekend at Brainerd, but he is the first to admit that he has thoroughly enjoyed the 2003 so far. Anderson has earned five victories in the first 13 events of the season going 31-8 in round wins. His former co-worker, Kurt Johnson, is second in points with four victories and a 30-9 round record.

Anderson's former employer, Warren Johnson, is third with three wins and a 21-9 record.

"I'm having a blast this year," he said. "The best thing about this season is that every race track we go to, we know that we have a great chance of winning. Normally there are just some tracks that we can't run well at. But this year we have not had a bad track yet. We've done well in all kinds of conditions too.

"We're ahead of schedule as far as having a decent handle on this car. It's great when you leave your home and you know that you have a chance of winning the race, and even picking up enough points to distance yourself from the other guys. We're very upbeat our program right now."

BROWN SEEKING BRAINERD VICTORY ARMED WITH NEW SPONSOR

BRAINERD, Minn. - Since 1999 when NHRA Pro Stock Bike rider Antron Brown began winning races, he never waited long to get into winner's circle. In fact, the 10-time national event winner has always earned a victory no later than June in each of his four previous winning seasons.

The 2003 season, however, has been different. Brown has yet to take home a national event trophy this year, but he has a good feeling that is about to change. Just before the recent event in Denver, Brown and his teammate - three-time NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion Angelle Savoie - announced that they had a new sponsor. The U.S. Army and Don Schumacher Racing signed the two-wheel duo to a contract that will keep the black and gold on the side of the bikes through the 2004 season, at least.

Brown said the deal will turn question marks into exclamation points sooner than later.

"If it wasn't for the U.S. Army, we wouldn't have been out here anymore this season," Brown said. "Now we don't have to worry about the budget. Now I can just go racing instead of thinking about how to pay the bills. It's a lot better already. We have a great team in Don Schumacher Racing behind us too."

Brown now has time to think about one of his favorite tracks - Brainerd International Raceway. The track will play host to the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Aug. 14-17. Kenny Bernstein, John Force, Jeg Coughlin and Geno Scali are the defending winners in their respective pro categories at the $1.9 million race, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. It is the 10th of 15 events for Pro Stock Bike competitors.

"I'm looking forward to Brainerd because we've done well there in the past," said Brown, winner of the 2000 and 2001 events. "We have to pull together and do our best. We are capable of going rounds and I think we are going to be all right. I feel more confident knowing that we are going to Brainerd, followed by Indianapolis. They are both good tracks and we have a history of putting up good performance numbers at both of those tracks. This will be a good starting point for us to gain momentum and make a run at the Pro Stock Bike championship."

After the first nine events for the Pro Stock Bike category, Brown is in fourth place in the standings. His teammate is in the No. 2 spot behind points leader Geno Scali. Shawn Gann is holding down third place.

"I've been dying to get back into the chase," Brown said. "I have been watching other racers do well and I remember when we used to go out there and we were the ones to beat," Brown said. "I remember running for a championship. When I go out there now, it has felt like someone was holding me back, like I was strapped down. That is all changing.

"We have some catching up to do and because I am so impatient, I want it all to change now. I want the horsepower and I want the bike to do well. We are putting a lot of hard work and hours into the program and that is going to make a difference soon."

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE: Pro qualifying is scheduled for 2:45 and 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 15 and will continue at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. on Aug. 16. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Aug. 17.

TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. For ticket information call (866) 444-4455. Tickets are also available at nhra.com.

TELEVISION: ESPN2 will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 16. ESPN will televise one hour of early round eliminations coverage at 6 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 17 and ESPN2 will televise 150 minutes of eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 17. NHRA 2Day will air at 11 a.m. (ET) on Aug. 17.

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 22nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the 16th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Professional competitors in four categories earn points leading to 2003 NHRA POWERade championships.

Sportsman competitors in seven categories earn points leading to 2003 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championships.

WHERE: Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minn. Track is located a few miles north of the Brainerd area off Highway 371. The track is located on the east side of the highway.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-17.

PURSE: Cash and contingency awards of more than $1.9 million.

SATURDAY, Aug. 16 -- Sportsman eliminations begin at 9 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, Aug. 17- Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION: Saturday, Aug. 16, ESPN2 will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Aug. 17, ESPN2 will broadcast NHRA 2Day, a 30-minute weekly news magazine show, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Aug. 17, ESPN will televise one hour of early eliminations at 6 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Aug. 17, ESPN2 will televise 150 minutes of final round eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).

2002 EVENT WINNERS: Kenny Bernstein, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin, Pro Stock; Geno Scali, Pro Stock Bike.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Defending NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and the Miller Lite team are in the driver's seat in the race toward the 2003 NHRA POWERade championship. The Indianapolis resident has a 310-point advantage over his closest competitor in the standings, Doug Kalitta. Kalitta has been impressive but has had a hard time cutting into Dixon's lead following the Miller Lite teams three consecutive victories on the famed Western Swing. Last year's event winner, Kenny Bernstein, is trying to regain his winning ways as he finishes out the 2003 season in the Budweiser dragster for his son Brandon. Brandon will remain sidelined until 2004 following the injuries he sustained in a crash at Englishtown, N.J., but recently made his first visit back to the drag strip (Denver) to support the Budweiser team. Current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon and rival Whit Bazemore can feel the pressure being applied by 12-time champion and defending event winner John Force. Force has made his move toward the top of the standings recently, and Brainerd is one of his favorite facilities with 10 career victories there in 11 final round appearances. Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson returns to his native Minnesota with a lead in the POWERade standings and arguably the quickest and most consistent car in the 200-mph category. Anderson will be challenged by friend and former Minnesota resident Kurt Johnson and two-time series champ and the defending event winner Jeg Coughlin, who is coming off his first win of the season and will try and make a second half surge like last year. Geno Scali's only career victory entering the 2003 season was his win at Brainerd last year. The Chicago native has three victories this season and is the leading contender for the 2003 POWERade title. Three-time champion Angelle Savoie won't surrender her crown easily and the Vance & Hines two-bike team is on the verge of putting a Harley-Davidson in the winner's circle for the first time in NHRA history.

FAST FACTS: Defending Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon comes to Brainerd with a 17-1 elimination record in the Miller Lite dragster with four victories in the past five events...Dixon is one victory shy of tying the NHRA record for most Top Fuel wins in one season (nine: Dixon, 2002; Gary Scelzi, 2000) with eight races remaining on the 2003 schedule... He also is one victory away from tying the record for consecutive Top Fuel victories (four)...Dixon, a two time winner at Brainerd (1999, 2001), has amassed a 103-20 record in eliminations, dating back to the 2002 season opener. He has appeared in 25 final rounds in the last 38 races, winning 17 of them and has led the NHRA POWERade point standings following 37 of those 38 races...Current Funny Car points leader Tony Pedregon lost in the first round at all three races that comprise the Western Swing (Denver, Seattle, and Sonoma, Calif.). Last season Pedregon had five first round losses, all occurring in the first 12 races of the season. He lost in the opening round at consecutive races only once (Columbus, Ohio and St. Louis) all year, his last first round losses of the 2002 season....After leading the Funny Car point standings following his win at Phoenix, the second race of the season, Ron Capps has gone 11-13 in elimination rounds, leaving him in sixth place in the standings...Defending Pro Stock Bike champion Angelle Savoie entered the 2002 season with six first round losses in her eight years of NHRA competition. She has five this season, including the last three in a row, nearly doubling her career total.

2003 POINT STANDINGS

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 and Andrew Hines, 455; 9. Fred Collis, 451; 10. Karen Stoffer, 436.

QUOTABLE: Larry Dixon - driver of the Miller Lite dragster who became the fourth driver to sweep the Western Swing (three races on consecutive weekends at Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif.). Dixon won at Seattle and Sonoma for the first time in his career, leaving only two facilities on the circuit (St. Louis and Reading, Pa.) where he has yet to score an event win - "I had never won three in a row before. I think how hard it was for me, but think about the crew guys. I'm really impressed with them. We ran a bunch of rounds (at those three races) and they had to service the car a bunch of times. Plus they have all the setup and breakdown and travel, they definitely earned their keep. I'm amazed at what we've been able to accomplish in the last two years. It was about this time two years ago that we got in this groove. When I'm home and I'm down in the gameroom and I drag all these trophies out it really hits me how special this run has been. My dad raced for a lot of years and only won once. I know there's a lot of racers like that so I know how lucky we are."

Doug Kalitta - driver of the Mac Tools dragster and the leading challenger to Larry Dixon for the 2003 NHRA POWERade Top Fuel title. Dixon and Kalitta have met in the final round this season five times with Dixon winning four of those important matchups, including the first two races of the Western Swing (Denver and Seattle) - "(Dixon and the Miller Lite team) have our number right now. It is frustrating. We went to the finals at three straight events (St. Louis, Denver, Seattle) and won one of them (St. Louis), but we still can't make up much ground in the points because we have lost to Dixon (at two of those events)."

John Force - defending NHRA POWERade Funny Car champion has quickly turned around a dismal 2003 first-half performance, advancing to four straight final rounds, winning twice and moving into third in the POWERade standings - "The last 10 years, my job was to win the championship for my team and my sponsors - Castrol, Ford, Mac Tools, All-Pro/Bumper-to-Bumper, Auto Value, the Action Group (Action Performance Companies, Inc.) and AAA. But now my job is to beat (Whit) Bazemore and (Del) Worsham and Ron Capps and everyone else to help (teammate and current points leader) Tony (Pedregon) win this title for Castrol Syntec. We've got three race cars over (at Force Racing, including Gary Densham's Ford Mustang), but this is one team and when one of us wins the championship, we all win."

Tony Pedregon - driver of the Castrol Syntec Ford Mustang and the NHRA Funny Car points leader suffered a trio of first round losses at Denver, Seattle, and Sonoma, Calif.- "We have a lot of work ahead of us. You look at the season we've had and you'd expect us to have a little bigger cushion than we do (over second place Whit Bazemore in the POWERade point standings). That just shows the quality of racing in the Funny Car class right now. Whit's not going to go away and right behind him is (teammate and boss) John (Frorce) and Del Worsham. Really, anyone who qualifies anymore can take you out. I've said all year long that John was having a few problems but that he would be back in the (points) race before the end of the season. Well, look where he is now. The important thing for us, though, is that we still control our own destiny (in the championship race). We can't worry about what John is doing. All we can do is do our own jobs the best we can. If we do that, everything will work out fine. We had some clutch problems on the Western Swing (which resulted in three consecutive first round losses). There is something there that isn't obvious to (crew chiefs) John Medlen and Dickie Venables). Obviously, we've got to fix it - and soon."

Whit Bazemore -- driver of the Matco Tools Dodge Stratus R/T and a leading contender for the 2003 NHRA POWERade Funny Car championship. Defending Funny Car champ John Force has been making up ground in the standings lately, moving into third place behind current points leader Tony Pedregon, and Bazemore, who is in second - "The key (to winning the title is) to be consistent, go rounds every race. To win the championship you don't necessarily have to win every race, but you do need to go at least to the semis. If you do that regularly you're going to be a strong contender. One one hand that's our goal, on the other we really want to see the winner's circle, so we're going to be trying to put the Matco Tools Dodge in the winner's circle (at every race). Force is making up ground, and he's coming up behind us like a freight train. They won (at Denver and Seattle). Tony's team is stout too. It's just very tough, very tough. There are still eight races left this season. My goal was to leave (Sonoma, Calif.) with the points lead and I'm just very disappointed that it didn't happen. Certain circumstances happened to make that a possibility, such as Tony Pedregon getting beat in the first round. The guy to beat - I've said it from day one - is John Force and John Force (earned) 78 points on us (at Sonoma)."

Gary Scelzi - driver of the Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T, one of three Funny Cars for Schumacher Racing. Scelzi, a three-time Top Fuel champion, won his first career Funny Car race (Sonoma, Calif.), becoming the 13th driver in NHRA history to win in both nitro categories - "(Winning) is the whole reason why I race. I always felt that I could drive anything with four wheels and I felt I could drive it well. I also felt that in the right conditions, with the right people and the right equipment that I could win. That's how it works. It takes a crew chief, it takes a team, it takes a budget and at Schumacher Racing with Oakley and Matco Tools and all the sponsors, that's what we've got. And (winning at Sonoma) is the result of all the right things put together."

Scotty Cannon - driver of the Oakley Pontiac Firebird and one of three Funny Cars competing for Schumacher Racing. The eccentric driver is still seeking his first career NHRA victory and recently took on the title of crew chief, while former crew chief Phil Shuler was named head mechanic. - "We're still trying to find that combination that will work on our Oakley Funny Car. We are still basically a new team this year and we're still learning what it takes to get it right. Making the final call on the tune-up is only about 10 percent of what a crew chief does. There's a lot more that has to be done, and Phil will continue to make those decisions, but it's a change we felt we had to make."

Jeg Coughlin - driver of the Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier and the defending NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champion. Coughlin also is the defending winner of the Brainerd event, one of his category-leading eight victories in 2002, and scored his first win of 2003 at Sonoma, Calif. -- "Our entire team has been working hard to get back into the winner's circle. The guys have been busy in the engine shop improving what we have and working on new things that look promising. Our recent resurgence in performance has given us a nice boost and we are looking forward to having a strong finish for the rest of the year."

Kurt Johnson - driver of the ACDelco Chevy Cavalier and one of the leading contenders for the 2003 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock championship. Johnson has been in a season-long battle for top spot in the POWERade point standings with rival Greg Anderson - "Although you're never happy unless you're in first place, this ACDelco team is far from concerned. There are (eight) races left in the season, and a lot can happen in that time. We have the necessary pieces - it's up to us to put them together. Greg has had things pretty smooth for virtually the entire year. Meanwhile, we've battled through a couple rough stretches, and still (within striking distance) of the points lead. We're overdue for some good luck, and I believe we're about to hit our stride."

Andrew Hines - rider of one of the two Harley-Davidson's for Vance & Hines Racing and made his first career final round appearance recently (Sonoma) -- "I heard the changes they made to the track in Brainerd are great. I can't wait to get the Harleys there. We ran GT's bike there last year and it didn't do so well. So this year we are going to make up for that. In my eyes we're actually ahead of where we thought we would be at this point of the season. We know a win is coming down the road, but it is just a matter of time. Hopefully we can get some good luck in our corner and get back to the finals and win a race."

Tried of just watching races on TV? Why not go? Grand Prix Tours offers over 40 different racing packages to Formula One, NASCAR, CART, IRL and Vintage events.

More NHRA News

Return to Main Checkered Flag News Page

Return to AutoSpeak Home Page