FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER DRIVER DARREN NICHOLSON COMES UP WITH HIS FOURTH WIN OF THE SEASON AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY
Denver, Colo. -Rain couldn't parade on Federal-Mogul Dragster driver Darren Nicholson, of Laguna Hills, Calif. Sunday in the winner's circle.

After achieving his fourth victory this season at the CarQuest Auto Parts Thunder On the Mountain event at Bandimere Speedway Nicholson couldn't have been happier with his win.

Nicholson, who races in the NHRA Pacific Division, in California, Arizona and other western coast states, has been a big winner at several events this year as well as last year. In 1998 he won the U.S. Nationals, NHRA's largest event of the year. So far this year Nicholson has won national events in Houston, Phoenix, and has won now two NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series races.

"Rain can't ruin moments like this," Nicholson said with a grin on his face. "We have a flight in just a few hours and we want to enjoy every moment of this."

The Peen Rite dragster, which is funded by owner Jerry Maddern, competes in what some competitors in Federal-Mogul Dragster call the toughest division due to other drivers who have the ability to finish in the top five nationally. Drivers, like two-time national champion Rick Santos, of San Leandro, Calif. make the division very tough, but with today's victory and a few more national event titles Nicholson could find himself in a good position in the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series national point standings. He is currently ranked fourth in the national points standings but with Sunday's win he will be third right behind Rick Santos and Mike Gunderson, of Middleburg, Fla.

"This is the pace we want to keep running at," Nicholson said. "We keep getting the right combination, and need to keep it."

The following are final results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Bandimere Speedway, the third of six races in the NHRA West Central Division listing driver, city, state, make of car, elapsed time in seconds and miles per hour:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
Round 1

8. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.952, 217.75 def.
1. Larry Traugott (alternate to Mark Kinser), Woodward, Okla., 6.502, 168.09

2. Darren Nicholson, Laguna Hills, Calif., 5.793, 242.19 def.
7. James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.914, 235.17

3. Rob Wendland, Lawrence, Kan., 5.906, 237.52 def.
6. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 6.3155, 164.14

5. Billy Bybee, McLean, Texas, 5.913, 237.78 def.
Mike Strasburg, Lindon Utah (Broke)

Round 2
2. Nicholson, 5.778, 242.13 def. Wendland, 7.370, 121.88
5. Bybee, 5.879, 241.67 def. 8. Hitchman, 6.063, 220.48

Final Round
2. Nicholson, 5.765, 243.24 def. 5. Bybee, 5.866, 239.23

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
Round 1

1. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.989, 239.93 def.
8. Lyle Greenberg, Albuquerque, N.M., '93 Daytona, 6.594, 183.86

2. Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.980, 236.59
def. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '98 Avenger, 6.056, 234.43

3. Jay Payne, Irwindale, Calif., '99 Camaro, 6.111, 233.58 def.
Randy Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 8.855, 95.54

5. Sam Blue, Red Wing, Minn., '97 Achieva, 5.969, 234.19 def.
4. Steve  Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '98 Firebird, 6.035, 235.47

Round 2
1. Moats, 5.876, 240.12 def. 5. Blue, 6.111, 233.10
3. Payne, 6.044, 234.19 def. Chesterman (Broke)

Final Round
1. Moats, 6.043, 234.61 def. 3. Payne, 6.158, 232.01

COMP ELIMINATOR
David Cook Jr., Houston, A/Dragster, 7.192, 189.59 def.
Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., A/EDragster, 7.365, 185.87

SUPER STOCK
Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., GT/IA '98 Firebird, 11.451, 116.30 def.
Kevin Nicks, Golden, Colo, SS/FA '71 Plymouth, 10.911, 123.23

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '71 Challenger, 11.270, 115.50 def.
Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., A/SA '69 Camaro, 11.140, 117.98

SUPER COMP
Sheldon Gecker, Waddell, Ariz., 9.501, 148.73 def.
Greg Carrillo, Phoenix, 9.421, 145.48

SUPER GAS
Kelly Schilling, Fort Collins, Colo., 10.572, 140.82 def.
Greg Carrillo, Phoenix, 10.568, 142.42

SUPER STREET
Doug Young, Grand Junction, Colo., 11.623, 115.48 def.
Kevin Schroeder, Moundridge, Kan., 11.607, 117.40

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARK KINSER LEAVES FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER FIELD AFTER ACCIDENT IN FRIDAY'S QUALIFYING
Denver, Colo.- After breaking both the Bandimere Speedway speed and time records, Federal-Mogul Dragster driver Mark Kinser had to call it quits after an accident broke the front end of his car in Friday's first qualifying session.

Kinser will still receive the bonus award title of Winston Top Qualifier at the Car Quest Big A Auto Parts Thunder on the Mountain event, but cannot compete for the win at this weekend's race.

After an unfortunate accident tore off the front wheels and axle of Kinser's Federal-Mogul Dragster competing at the remainder of the event seemed unlikely. At the end of Saturday's qualifying it became apparent that Kinser would not be returning to fight for another victory in the NHRA West Central Division.

This bad news was all the more unsettling when realizing that the Grimes, Iowa resident had already won two other NHRA West Central events in Brainerd and Topeka at their NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series races. With an additional win at this weekend's event Kinser could have almost been on his way to an NHRA West Central Division championship in Federal-Mogul Dragster.

In Federal-Mogul Funny Car 13-time NHRA West Central Division Federal-Mogul champion Vern Moats, of Des Moines, Iowa took the top qualifying position with a track record-breaking time of 5.912 seconds at a speed of 239.10 miles per hour. Moats is the current points leader in the Federal-Mogul Funny Car category of the NHRA West Central Division and will be going for a 14th championship title.

Moats currently holds the title of most division championship titles ever won.

Eliminations begin Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with Federal-Mogul Funny Car and Dragster sessions starting at Noon. Gates open at 8:30 a.m.

The following are the final qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Bandimere Speedway, the third of six events in the NHRA West Central Division:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Darren Nicholson, Laguna Hills, Calif., 5.751, 244.25 vs.
8. Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 6.005, 231.83
(alternate qualifier moved into number eight position from ninth due to
Mark Kinser's dragster not being able to continue in competition)

2. Rob Wendland, Lawrence, Kan., 5.763, 240.96 vs.
7. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.966, 221.45

3. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 5.783, 242.45 vs.
6. James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 5.901, 234.98

4. Billy Bybee, McLean, Texas, 5.813, 233.94 vs.
5. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.859, 237.96

 --- Did not qualify ---
9.  Gerald Gossman, Garden City, Kan., 6.089, 225.90
10.  Brent DuCray, Grand Junction, Colo., 6.178, 220.96
11.  Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 6.273, 222.93
12.  Suzie Wells, Salt Lake City, 6.328, 213.62
13.  Bruce Bowler, Denver, 6.515, 202.42 

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 

1. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.912, 239.10 vs.
8. Lyle Greenberg, Albuquerque, N.M., 6.279, 222.05

2. Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.940, 235.84 vs.
7. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '98 Avenger, 6.170, 232.01

3. Jay Payne, Irwindale, Calif., '99 Camaro, 6.048, 232.79 vs.
6. Randy Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 6.159, 236.28

4. Steve Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '98 Firebird, 6.069, 234.86 vs.
5. Sam Blue, Red Wing, Minn., '97 Acheiva, 6.070, 234.19 

 --- Did not qualify ---
9. Jett Field, Poactello, Idaho, '97 Avenger, 6.294, 225.56
10. Kurt Prososki, Bellveue, Neb., '96 Daytona, 6.377, 229.88
11. Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '98 Avenger, 7.132, 201.65
12. Dan Southern, Littleton, Colo., '97 Camaro, 7.362, 189.35

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Tom Snyder, Longmont, Colo., A/A '23 Chevrolet, 7.247(-0.583)
2. Charlie Stewart, Arlington, Texas, A/EDragster, 7.300 (-0.540)
3. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., A/EDragster, 7.312 (-0.528)
4. David Cook Jr., Houston, A/Dragster, 7.090 (-0.520) 
5. Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., C/Dragster, 7.675 (-0.515)
6. John Fairleigh, Scott City, Kan., B/A '97 Firebird, 7.857 (-0.513)
7. John Linton, Tonkawa, Okla., C/EDragster, 7.995 (-0.505)
8. Rod Oman, Lakewood, Colo., B/EDragster, 7.604 (-0.496) 
9. Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, B/EDragster, 7.619 (-0.481)
10. Clint Neff, Arvada, Colo., C/Dragster, 7.711 (-0.479)

SUPER STOCK
1. Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., SS/NA '56 Nomad, 12.176 (-1.244)
2. Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., SS/K '66 Chevy II, 11.061 (-1.119)
3. Curtis Dean, Denver, Colo., SS/AM '91 Calis, 9.266 (-1.034)
4. Dave Smith, Kearney, Neb., SS/L '66 Nova, 11.428 (-1.022)
5. Ritch Ahrens, Greeley, Colo., GT/EA '87 Firebird, 10.804 (-1.006)
6. Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., GT/IA '98 Firebird, 11.409 (-0.991)
7. Frank Weaver, Waco, Texas, GT/FA '97 Firebird, 11.030 (-0.940)
8. Gary McGlasson, Cuba, N.M., SS/HA '69 Camaro, 10.811 (-0.939)
9. Tom Cassen, North Platte, Neb., GT/BA '98 Olds, 10.446 (-0.924)
10. Dave Lockridge, Aurora, Colo., SS/GA '67 Nova, 10.799 (-0.901)

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., DT/SA '99 Dakota, 13.290 (-1.260)
2. Fred Rector, Durango, Colo., I/S '72 Nova, 12.268 (-1.212)
3. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '71 Challenger, 11.243 (-1.207)
4. John Gallina, Las Vegas, G/SA '86 Regal, 12.064 (-1.196)
5. Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., A/SA '69 Camaro, 11.081 (-1.099)
6. Kevin Helms, Byers, Colo., B/S '69 Camaro, 11.307 (-1.093)
7. John Cooper, Laporte, Colo., A/SA '67 Fairlane, 11.128 (-1.052)
8. Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., D/SA '67 Mustang, 11.755 (-1.025)
9. John Hladky, Stuart, Neb., G/S '66 Nova, 12.180 (-0.970)
10. Marlin Bogner, Kearney, Neb., B/SA '64 Plymouth, 11.486 (-0.964)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRACK RECORD BREAKING RUN IN FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER COULD END WEEKEND FOR MARK KINSER
Denver, Colo.- Federal-Mogul Dragster drivers Mark Kinser, of Grimes, Iowa, and Darren Nicholson, of Laguna Hills, Calif. broke the track record at the CarQuest Big A Thunder on the Mountain event at Bandimere Speedway (an NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series race) during Friday's qualifying.

During the same pass, which pitted Kinser against Darren Nicholson, the old track record of 5.76 seconds set by David Wells in 1998 fell at the hands of both these drivers during their run. Kinser ran the winning time of 5.726 seconds elapsed time setting the track record, but Nicholson was not far behind, he ran a 5.752 second run that could have well been the record-breaker itself.

Unfortunately for Kinser the winning run came at a heavy price. At the end of the record-breaking run Kinser's dragster was not able to slow down in enough time to avoid running into the sand trap at the end of the track. The dragster had so much speed built up that it went far enough into the sand to get caught in the net which then ripped off the two small front tires of the car, breaking the axle as well. Kinser fortunately walked away from the accident unharmed but his car might not be back for the remainder of the weekend

"There could be a possibility of Kinser fixing his car," NHRA West Central Division Director Rob Parks said about Kinser's accident. "But chances are they'll pack everything up and head on home. It's a real shame to see something like that happen."

Kinser also re-set the track's speed record that was originally 242.58 miles per hour that was set three years ago by Johnny Gray, who now runs a limited schedule in Nitro Funny Car. Kinser readily broke that record with a speed of 247.25 miles per hour.

The racing action continues Saturday at Bandimere Speedway with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. and racing beginning at 9:00 a.m. Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car continue qualifying sessions at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.

The following are the first day qualifying results from the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series event at Bandimere Speedway, the third of six events in the NHRA West Central Division:

FEDERAL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
1. Mark Kinser, Grimes, Iowa, 5.726, 247.25
2. Darren Nicholson, Laguna Hills, Calif., 5.752, 242.91
3. Billy Bybee, Mclean, Texas, 5.813, 233.94
4. Shelly Howard, Tulsa, Okla., 5.892, 238.79
5. Darryl Hitchman, Hanford, Calif., 5.966, 221.45
6. James Thompson, Vernon, Texas, 6.003, 232.91
7. Mike Strasburg, Lindon, Utah, 6.017, 223.43
8. Larry Traugott, Woodward, Okla., 6.023, 230.59
9. Brent DuCray, Grand Junction, Colo., 6.178, 220.96
10. Suzie Wells, Salt Lake City, 6.328, 213.62
11. Bruce Bowler, Denver, 6.823, 186.76
12. Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 7.166, 135.01

FEDERAL-MOGUL FUNNY CAR 
1. Cy Chesterman, Sioux City, Iowa, '99 Firebird, 5.948, 239.68
2. Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '98 Firebird, 5.990, 238.66
3. Jay Payne, Irwindale, Calif., '99 Camaro, 6.048, 232.79
4. Sam Blue, Red Wing, Minn., '97 Acheiva, 6.265, 227.50
5. Kurt Prosoki, Bellveue, Neb., '96 Daytona, 6.377, 229.88
6. Jett Field, Pocatello, Idaho, '97 Avenger, 6.419, 219.29
7. Randy Fleming, Independence, Mo., '99 Trans Am, 6.674, 173.44
8. Steve Addleman, Sioux Falls, S.D., '98 Firebird, 6.785, 232.61
9. Robert Kanenwisher, Conifer, Colo., '98 Avenger, 7.362, 189.67
10. Tate Branch, Artesia, N.M., '98 Avenger, 12.469, 69.15
11. Lyle Greenberg, Alburquerque, N.M., '93 Daytona, 
(DQ, Unable to qualify due to problem with fuel system, will not compete)

COMP ELIMINATOR
1. Tom Snyder, Longmont, Colo., A/A '23 Chevrolet, 7.247(-0.583)
2. Charlie Stewart, Arlington, Texas, A/EDragster, 7.322  (-0.518)
3. David Cook Jr., Houston, A/Dragster, 7.105 (-0.505) 
4. Clint Sallee, Glendive, Mont., C/Dragster, 7.710 (-0.480)
5. Clint Neff, Arvada, Colo., C/Dragster, 7.711 (-0.479)
6. John Fairleigh, Scott City, Kan., B/A '97 Firebird, 7.894 (-0.476)
7. Russ Kelly, Omaha, Neb., A/EDragster, 7.366 (-0.474)
8. Dennis Smiley, Denver City, Texas, B/EDragster, 7.643 (-0.457)
9. Kevin Sutton, Littleton, Colo., C/Dragster, 7.746 (-0.444)
10. Eloy Lucero, Denver, Colo., C/A '95 Mustang, 8.314 (-0.436)

SUPER STOCK
1. Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., SS/NA '56 Nomad, 12.187 (-1.233)
2. Gene Bichlmeier, Norfolk, Neb., SS/K '66 Chevy II, 11.061 (-1.119)
3. Curtis Dean, Denver, Colo., SS/AM '91 Calis, 9.283 (-1.017)
4. Ritch Ahrens, Greeley, Colo., GT/EA '87 Firebird, 10.804 (-1.006)
5. Gary Stinnett, Emporia, Kan., GT/IA '98 Firebird, 11.409 (-0.991)
6. Frank Weaver, Waco, Texas, GT/FA '97 Firebird, 11.030 (-0.940)
7. Gary McGlasson, Cuba, N.M., SS/HA '69 Camaro, 10.811 (-0.939)
8. Dave Lockridge, Aurora, Colo., SS/GA '67 Nova, 10.799 (-0.901)
9. Tom Cassen, North Platte, Neb., GT/BA '98 Olds, 10.470 (-0.900)
10. Abe Loewen, Regina, Can.,SS/DM '98 Pontiac, 10.115 (-0.885)

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1. Steve Couch, Sidney, Neb., DT/SA '99 Dakota, 13.290 (-1.260)
2. Fred Rector, Durango, Colo., I/S '72 Nova, 12.268 (-1.212)
3. John Gallina, Las Vegas, G/SA '86 Regal, 12.064 (-1.196)
4. Chuck Rayburn, Castro Valley, Calif., B/SA '71 Challenger, 11.258 (-1.192)
5. Bobby DeArmond, Gallup, N.M., A/SA '69 Camaro, 11.081 (-1.099)
6. Kevin Helms, Byers, Colo., B/S '69 Camaro, 11.307 (-1.093)
7. John Cooper, Laporte, Colo., A/SA '67 Fairlane, 11.148 (-1.032)
8. Bob Johnson, Aurora, Colo., D/SA '67 Mustang, 11.755 (-1.025)
9. Marlin Bogner, Kearney, Neb., B/SA '64 Plymouth, 11.486 (-0.964)
10. John Irving, Boulder City, Nev., E/SA '71 Dart, 11.979 (-0.961)