NORTHWEST DIVISION Jr. Ignitor to kick off 2002 2002GOLD CROWN SERIES NHRA Division 6 schedule May 25 Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex Ashcroft, B.C. June 15 Lakeview Lakeview, Ore. June 15 Lost Creek Raceway Anaconda, Mont. Are you ready for some ? June 15 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, Alta. June 28 Kent, Wash. We may not have Al and John, but as Hank Williams Jr. says, "It's time to get the party started." June 29 Madras Raceway Park Madras, Ore. We are just days away from welcoming in the 2002 NHRA Northwest Division season, and the July 3 Portland Int'l Raceway Portland, Ore. home office is operating at a fever pitch. We have brought in some new sponsors, programs, July 6 Mission Raceway Mission, B.C. employees, tracks, and, without a doubt, racers. The New crew at Firebird Raceway has made July 13 Bremerton Raceway Bremerton, Wash. nd July 20 M.H.D.R.A. Dragstrip Medicine Hat, Alta. many more improvements and is ready for the 32 running of the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro July 27 Firebird Raceway Boise, Idaho Opener. After a very successful Boise Roadster Show, the New family is ready to roll out the red Aug. 4 North Central Motorsports Park Prince George, B.C. carpet for what should be the best Ignitor ever. I’ve been cooped up in the office for five months Sept. 1Woodburn Dragstrip Woodburn, Ore. and can’t wait to get started. Sept. 15 Coos Bay Int’l Speedway Coos Bay, Ore. The biggest announcement this off-season is that Lucas Oil Products has signed on as the title sponsor for the divisional events, which will be known as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Lucas Oil founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas have signed a three-year deal with NHRA for the SIXTH series. I would like each of you to personally thank them for their support when you see them. Hopefully, they may come to one of our divisional races because their son, Morgan, races in Super Comp with teammate Tom Bayer. Lucas Oil also sponsors the national event at Pacific Raceways; Competition in two categories: the Top Alcohol of Jason Rupert, whom we may see at a couple of Division 6 events; Jr. Dragster Lightning and Jr. Dragster Thunder SENSE and the nitro Funny Car of John Lawson. Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme Racing also NHRA or Castrol GTX 10th Anniversary trophies to each receive sponsorship from Lucas Oil. For all of us, I say thank you to Lucas Oil for its support of category winner with bonus awards presented by host track. March/April2002 NHRA and its racers. The NHRA Division 6 Gold Crown Series events CALL THE DIVISION 6 are conducted solely by the host tracks. THIS IS Mike Rice Another big announcement is the return of the B.C. Bracket Championship. This three-event NOT A POINTS SERIES! The program is OFFICE FOR DETAILS: 502 High St., Suite 205 series will crown champions in Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Snow/Bike. The series will be held designed to promote good, safe, and clean Port Orchard, WA 98366-4716 in conjunction with the Northwest National Open Series events at Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex, Mis- racing with an emphasis on FUN. (360) 874-4579 (360) 874-4579 sion Raceway, and North Central Motorsports Park. Racers must participate at all three events to Fax: (360) 874-4570 be eligible for the championship. E-mail: [email protected] How about a big hand for all the Northwest Division racers who have already tasted success Jerry Valentine this season? Congratulations to Steve Federlin on his first national event win in Pomona (he beat 12525 Willows Road, Suite 134 Mark Hentges in the final). Obviously, the Pat and Bucky show will continue this season as the two th Kirkland, WA 98034 faced off in the final in Pomona; Pat emerged victorious. Mike Ferderer notched his 13 national Tech Line: (425) 821-7868 event victory in Pomona by winning Super Comp. Moving to Phoenix, we saw Chet Vandewater score his first national event win in Super Street. Mark Faul finished as runner-up in Super Stock. Tech Fax: (425) 821-6487 By far, the best start has to go to Eric Waldo. After scoring a runner-up finish in Pomona in Stock, E-mail: [email protected] he sold the car, then won his fifth national event in Phoenix. Once again, the Land of the Leaders showed the nation just how tough we are. Great job, everybody.

We’re still working on many programs but have already secured some contingency sponsor- ship for both the Top Comp and Sportsman Motorcycle classes, bonus money for the Super- category racers, and some extra low-qualifier awards. I hope to make more announcements before or at the Boise event. We will also attempt (read: weather permitting) to have shootout-style pro- grams at each of the seven Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events and a big shootout at Mission featuring the baddest Super Stock Hemi racers from all over North America. The Pro Street cars that made such an impact at three races last year will be featured in an expanded five-race series. They will have stops at Pacific Raceways (LODRS), Mission Raceway (NWNOS), Race City Motorsport Park, Renegade Raceways, and Southern Oregon Dragway (all LODRS). These guys SIXTH SENSE First Class Mail put on one great show; for more information, contact Glen Braid or me. U.S. POSTAGE 502 High St., Suite 205 NHRA Northwest Division Safety Coordinator Louis “Walla Walla” Murray has been ill and is Port Orchard, WA 98366 PAID being treated at the University of Washington Medical Center. Louie is an original member of the SILVERDALE, WA (360) 874-4579 Hurst Safety Safari team and has worked at NHRA events since the early ‘70s. His spirit remains Permit # 16 strong at this time and he will beat this. Anyone wishing to send him their best wishes (no flowers) can do so at the following address: University of Washington Medical Center, c/o Louis Murray - Address correction requested Room 7240, 1959 N.E. Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195. You are in our prayers Louie; we wish you all the best and know you’ll be back with the crew before we know it.

Safety is my number-one concern, so let’s all give another pull on the belts and helmet strap and be prepared for anything. My thanks go out to all of you who make this sport what it is, and I want to see you at the next event. I am having a blast. Remember, don’t hesitate to let me know how things are going (good or bad) or of any concerns or ideas you may have. I’m ready to get this party started. See you in Boise.

Mike Rice NHRA Northwest Division Director

-1- NHRA Northwest NHRA Northwest National Open Series hedulesc May 25-26 Nl’akapxm Eagle Motorplex Ashcroft, B.C. National Open June 29-30 Bremerton Raceway Bremerton, Wash. July 20-21 Mission Raceway Mission, B.C. Series Aug. 3-4 North Central Motorsports Park Prince George, B.C. Aug. 16 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, Alta. While gearing up for the 2002 version of this fast-growing series, we reviewed numerous suggestions and concerns regarding points and procedures. As a result, we have formulated the following proce- dures and guidelines to be instituted for all participants and events of this series (unless otherwise noted): Top Comp news 1. All drivers must have (and use) a valid NHRA permanent number to There are only minor changes for 2002. The first is receive points for the series championship. You can race without an that racers will have eight events to earn points. Race NHRA number (brackets only), but you will not receive points. The City Motorsport Park and The Strip at Las Vegas number must be purchased before eliminations begin. Motor Speedway have been added to the schedule and will count as out-of-division races. The best five of the 2. All NHRA class racers (TC, SC, SG, SST, and Stock/Super Stock eight will be your points total toward the NHRA Northwest Combo) must have a valid NHRA membership and competition Division title. Although Top Comp will continue as a 32-car number to participate. field at all Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, we will return to the use of a “Sportsman” ladder, with No. 1 3. Points from all events count toward the championship. running No. 17, No. 2 versus No. 18, and so on. Another thing to be aware of is that the first round for 4. Racers in Top Comp, Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Snow/Bike Top Comp will be on Saturday at the Mission, Seattle, compete in all six events. and Las Vegas events. Once again in 2002, all Top Comp non-qualifiers will 5. Racers in Jr. Dragster compete in five. (They will not run at the be allowed to enter the Super Pro category at events Bremerton event, but Nl'akapxm Eagle Motorplex will be a dou- where Super Pro is contested. Also note that Super Pro bleheader with events both Saturday and Sunday.) Two classes may be running the first round Saturday afternoon. (Lightning and Thunder) will be contested at each event. All Northwest National Open Series events will be “open” fields, with anyone running quicker than 8.19 quali- 6. Racers in Super Comp, Gas, Street, and Stock/Super Stock fying for eliminations. One special note with regard to the Combo compete in five (no North Central Motorsports Park). Bremerton NWNOS event: This event will be conducted (Top Comp only) as an eighth-mile event. All those 7. Purse will be based on car-count minimums as advertised. Base running quicker than 5.30 seconds will qualify for elim- of 20, 32, or 64 cars required for posted purse(s). inations. Brandon Lundeen and Black Diamond Motorsports, 8. Gambler classes will be open to all competitors. Two classes will (801) 562-5958, will award $100 and a beautiful trophy be run (except at North Central Motorsports Park): Electronic and to the low qualifier at each of the seven Northwest Divi- Non-Electronics. sion Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series races and Las Vegas.

9. Stock and Super Stock record runs will only be available on Sat- urday of event. Friday runs do not count toward records and/or Top Comp contingency qualifying (except at Race City Motorsport Park). No record runs The organizations listed below have posted contingency will be given after eliminations begin on Saturday at Bremerton or money as listed: on Sunday of any event. Win/Runner-up Turbo Technology ...... $100/$50 Honest Performance ...... 50/0 Biondo Racing Products ...... 100/25 All Mega series delay boxes Attention Super Gas competitors Crane Cams ...... 100/50 Roller lifters, camshaft, and rocker arms The Hoerner family has announced that it will award $25 ATI Performance Products ...... 100/50 to the No. 1 qualifier and $100 to the winner in Super Gas Transmission and torque converter at each of the seven Northwest Division Lucas Oil Drag Bruno’s Automotive Products ...... 250/0 Racing Series events in 2002. Torque converter drive unit Olson’s Racing ...... 100/0 In memory of Rod Hoerner Goodyear drive tires J.W. Performance ...... 50/0 The Wheel and Ultra-Bell

-7- -2- J.W. PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSIONS announces a zero-package program for Northwest Division Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street racers J.W. Performance Transmissions will offer a $500 gift certificate to racers in Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street who make a zero-package run [.400 light (.500 for Super Street) and perfect 8.900, 9.900, or 10.900 on same run] during time trials or eliminations. A personalized trophy will also be sent to any racers accomplishing a zero package. To receive the zero package award, racers must display J.W. Performance Transmissions torque converter, Ultra-Bell, Ultra-Case, or valve-body decals. For details, call J.W. Performance Transmissions, (321) 632-6205, ext. 3.

NHRA finalizes deep staging ruling Sportsman Motorcycle spotlight After recommendations from a significant number of Stock Mickey Thompson Tires and Super Stock racers, through information solicited in announces Motorcycle contingency program recent weeks, the NHRA Competition Committee has reaf- firmed its earlier position and elected to prohibit deep stag- Sportsman Motorcycle competitors who race on Mickey ing in those categories for the 2002 season. The ruling took Thompson tires, display Mickey Thompson decals, and win effect at the 2002 Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals. or finish as runner-up will be eligible for contingency awards According to the 2002 NHRA Rulebook, both pre-stage at each of the seven NHRA Northwest Division Lucas Oil and stage lights must be activated to constitute a legal start. Drag Racing Series events. Also, the classes will work under the same “courtesy” stag- Qualifying riders who win will receive a gift certificate ing procedures found in the Super categories. When staging, good for one drive tire. The runner-up will receive a gift cer- both contestants must activate their pre-stage lights before tificate equivalent to half the cost of a drive tire. Runner-up either may advance into the stage beam. The final staging certificates can be combined toward purchase of one tire. motion, using applied power, must be in a forward motion, Certificates may be redeemed at any national event at going from pre-stage to stage. the Mickey Thompson Manufacturers Midway display, the Mickey Thompson warehouse, or at Brian Hudson Racing at Northwest Division events. For more information, call SFI Spec 2.7A clarification Brian Hudson, (509) 586-8066. As stated in the NHRA Rulebook under SFI Spec 2.7A, “A helmet guard of 1”x.058” tubing must be installed all the way Motorsports Unlimited around the roll cage at a height approximately halfway announces low-qualifier bonus between the top of the roll cage and the shoulder hoop(s), but Mike and Ramona Scott of Motorsports Unlimited will not to obstruct vision. This is required for both five- and six- award $100 to the low qualifier at each of the seven North- point cages.” west Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events in 2002. This spec is designed only for dragsters, but SFI is currently For more information, call Mike or Ramona, (253) 539-3980. working on specs for altereds and roadsters. Any first-time cer- tification for rear-engine dragster chassis (9.99 to 7.50 e.t.) or Olson’s Racing recertification of same after Jan. 1, 2003, must meet the SFI posts contingency award 2.7A Spec requirements. Olson’s Racing will award $50 to the Sportsman Motor- cycle winner using Goodyear tires. NHRA Northwest Division chassis inspectors 2002 rules Jerry Valentine (425) 486-5331 If you have not received the 2002 rules for the Northwest North Puget Sound area Division Sportsman Motorcycle program, please contact the Mike Rice (360) 874-4579 Northwest Division office, (360) 874-4579, to request your copy. South Puget Sound and eastern Washington Dave Schaffel (306) 373-8148 2002 NHRA Northwest Division Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Greg Park (604) 530-1994 April 12-14 Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho British Columbia and Northwest Washington May 3-5 Mission Raceway, Mission, B.C. Steve Denbo (360) 693-9295 June 14-16 Pacific Raceways, Kent, Wash. Southwest Washington, Oregon, and Idaho July 12-14 Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, Ore. ------Reminder------Aug. 16-18 Race City Motorsport Park, Calgary, Alta. to all racers wishing to enter the Lucas Oil Northwest Nationals. Entries Aug.must 23-24 be Renegade Raceways, Yakima, Wash. received by the NHRA competition department (2035 Financial Way, Glendora,Sept. 20-21 CA Southern Oregon Dragway, White City, Ore. 91741) no later than June 24 to avoid late charges. No exceptions will be made!

-6- -3- 2002 NHRA MEMBER TRACK EVENT SCHEDULES NHRA Northwest National Open Series Bremerton Raceway Madras Raceway Park Portland Int'l Raceway Featuring the National DRAGSTER Challenge and the NHRA Castrol GTX (360) 674-2280 (541) 475-1958 (503) 626-0579 March April April Jr. Drag Racing League 10th Anniversary Race 31...... Easter Bunny Nationals 7 ...... Test and Tune 3, 10, 17, 24...... Summit Series May 20 ...... Test and Tune 3, 17...... Jrs. Nl’akapxm Eagle Motorplex 4 ...... Mopar Drags 21 ...... 2nd Points Race May Ashcroft, B.C., May 25-26, 2002 12 ...... Mother’s Day Nationals May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29...... Summit Series Race 1 of 6 (also race 1 of 3 in B.C. Bracket Championship Series) June 5...... E.T. Points 1, 15, 29...... Jrs. 1 ...... Chevy Drags 18-19 ...... E.T. Points June Entry Fees (Canadian funds) NHRA Classes Bracket Classes Jr. Dragster Classes 2...... NAPA Championships 25 ...... No Electronics race 5, 19, 26...... Summit Series Event Schedule Car and Driver, $150 Top Comp, STK/SS Super Pro, Pro, (doubleheader/ 16 ...... NW Bracket Shootout June 19 ...... Jrs. Jr. Dragster Combo, SC, SG, SST Sportsman, Snow/Bike points both days) 28-30...... NHRA National Open 1-2 ...... E.T. Points Friday, May 24 $20/day (separate race each day) Lightning and Thunder 15-16 ...... E.T. Points Race City Motorsport Park Parking 2-8 p.m. Gambler Coos Bay Int'l Speedway 30...... E.T. Points (403) 272-7223 Tech 5-8 p.m. $50 (541) 267-4425 April Spectator/Crew Saturday, May 25 $40/weekend April MHDRA Dragstrip 19, 26 ...... Secret Street Tech 8–11 a.m. Camping 14, 18 ...... Test and Tune (403) 548-7061 May Time Trials & Qualifying $10/weekend 26...... Street Legal May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 ...... Secret Street 9 a.m.–6 p.m. May 11...... Street Car Shootout 4 ...... Test and Tune Gambler & Junior Eliminations 11, 12...... E.T. Series June 18-19 ...... Jet Car Show 3 p.m. Cash Purse June 7-9 ...... Bracket Race June Sunday, May 26 (20-car minimum) (if more than 32 entries) (if more than 64 entries) Win, $800 Win, $1,000 Win, $1,200 1, 2, 23...... E.T. Series 22 ...... Jr. Gold Crown 1, 15, 29 ...... Test and Tune Tech 8–11a.m. 21...... Street Legal 7, 14, 21, 28 ...... Secret Street Runner-up, 400 Runner-up, 500 Runner-up, 600 Time Trials & Qualifying Mission Raceway 16 ...... Father’s Day Funny Car Classic Semifinals, 200 Semifinals, 250 Semifinals, 300 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Quarterfinals, 125 Quarterfinals, 150 Firebird Raceway (604) 826-6315 (208) 938-8986 April Renegade Raceways Eliminations 1 p.m. March 27-28...... Super Series/Big Buck Brackets (509) 877-4621 30 ...... Spring Warm-up May August For more information, call Nl’akapxm Eagle Motorplex, (250) 453-9131 April 3-5 ....NHRA LODRS/LORDCO BC Nationals 22-24 ...... NHRA LODRS 12-14 NHRA LODRS/NAPA Auto Parts June Ignitor 22-23 ...... Pro Mod/Pro Street Shootout Saskatchewan Int'l Raceway Bremerton Raceway May (306) 955-3724 Bremerton, Wash., June 29-30, 2002 25-26...... Fox Hunt Nl’akapxm Eagle Motorplex May Races 2 and 3 of a 6-Race Series (250) 453-9131 3, 10, 24 ...... Street Legal Lakeview Dragstrip April 12, 25 ...... Test and Tune Event Schedule Entry Fees (U.S. funds) NHRA Classes Bracket Classes (541) 947-3293 13-14...... Season Opener 25 ...... Season Opener NHRA Car & Driver Top Comp (eighth-mile only), Super Pro, Pro, $200/weekend or $125/day STK/SS Combo, SC, SG, SST Sportsman, Snow/Bike April 20-21 ...... Club Race June Friday, June 28 Bracket Car & Driver 28...... Summit Series May 7, 21 ...... Street Legal $100/weekend or $75/day May 11-12 ...... Speedzone Big Buck Shootout 15 ...... Jet Car Show Parking 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Test and Tune (Friday) 19...... Summit Series 24-26...... NHRA NWNOS 16 ...... Jackpot Racing Tech 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $25 (free with weekend entry) June June Test and Tune 1-5 p.m. Crew and Spectator 2...... Summit Series 8-9...... BC Oldtime Drags Southern Oregon Dragway Saturday, June 29 $10/day 15 ...... Jr. Gold Crown National DRAGSTER 15-16 ...... Summit Series (541) 826-3477 Tech 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Overnight camping Challenge April Time Trials and Qualifying $5 North Central Motorsports Park 13, 26 ...... Test and Tune 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lewistown Raceway (250) 967-4130 May Eliminations 2 p.m. (406) 453-7555 June 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 ...... Friday Night at the Drags Cash Purse Sunday, June 30 NHRA Classes May 8-9 ...... Summit Series 11, 25 ...... Summit E.T. Points Tech 8-11 a.m. (20-car minimum) (if more than 32 entries) (if more than 64 entries) 5...... Summit Series 22-23 ...... CMDRA Bike Drags June Time Trials and Qualifying Win, $800 Win, $1,000 Win, $1,200 25-26 ...... Summit Series/State Points Event 29-30 ...... Summit Series 1-2 ...... Hot Rod Gasser Nationals 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Runner-up, 400 Runner-up, 500 Runner-up, 600 June 7, 21, 28 ...... Friday Night at the Drags Gamblers 3 p.m. Semifinals, 200 Semifinals, 250 Semifinals, 300 9 ...... Summit/State Points Pacific Raceways 14 ...... Medford Cruise Night Quarterfinals, 125 Quarterfinals, 150 Note: No Jrs. at this event 23 ...... Summit/State Points (253) 639-5927 21 ...... Summit E.T. Points Bracket Classes April (20-car minimum) (if more than 32 entries) (if more than 64 entries) Win, $400 Win, $500 Win, $600 Lost Creek Raceway 7, 21 ...... E.T. Racing Series Woodburn Dragstrip Runner-up, 200 Runner-up, 250 Runner-up, 300 (406) 949-3724 27-28 ...... Season Opener/TAFC (503) 982-4461 Semifinals, 100 Semifinals, 125 Semifinals, 150 April May May Quarterfinals, 60 Quarterfinals, 75 27 ...... Test and Tune 11, 18 ...... E.T. Racing Series 4 ...... Battle of Detroit May 31 ...... All High School Drags 18-19 ...... Season Opener/TAFC 18-19 ...... Test and 1st Race June June For more information, call Bremerton Raceway, (360) 674-2280 June 1 ...... All Ford Drags 1 ...... NW VW Bug Run 1-2 ...... Test and 2nd Race 14-16 ...... NHRA LODRS 8-9 ...... Fire & Thunder/TAFC All series events count toward championship For more information on either race, call the Northwest Division 15 ...... Jr. Dragster Gold Crown 22-23 ...... Oldies but Goodies Two Gambler classes: Electronics and non-Electronics Office, (360) 874-4579 16 ...... 3rd Race/State Points 29 ...... Chevy Showdown First-round buyback: $25 (Gambler only) All drivers must have (and use) NHRA permanent number to 29 ...... ND Challenge receive series points 30 ...... 4th Race/State Points Stock and Super Stock record runs only available on Saturday -5- -4-