IHRA: Tight IHRA Top Fuel Battle Continues at Carquest Empire Nationals
4 July 1999
Leicester, NY - Indinapolis' Bruce Litton narrowly leads Don Lampus and Jim Bailey as the IHRA Top Fuel Dragster points battle continues at the CARQUEST Empire Nationals, July 9-11 at New York International Raceway Park, Leicester, NY.Litton, who missed his first Top Fuel final at the IHRA Amalie Oil Summer Nationals, has his Moser Engineering car in the lead, with 340 points, closely followed by Winter Nationals winner, Don Lampus with 282 and Bradenton and Cordova winner Jim Bailey in the Snap-on machine with 274. Also returning to competition is Scardale's Bobby Lagana Jr, who was badly injured when his Top Fuel Dragster left the track at 300 mph during last year's Empire Nationals. The 1999 race marks Bobby's return to active IHRA Top Fuel competition and he looks forward to racing in front of his family, doctors and many fans.
The new track surface at New York International should enable the 6,000 horsepower Top Fueler's to lay down speeds of 300 plus mph. The track was repaved earlier this month and features a new 500 foot concrete launch pad.
The Livingston County track is the only drag racing facility in New York that hosts a national event.
"I'm pretty proud of the facility; it's come a long way over the last 13 years, said Track Owner, Bob Metcalfe. "Livingston County worked with me so I could purchase the facility and I appreciate the support they showed. The future is very bright."
Empire National Champions will also be crowned in Screamin' Eagle Top Fuel Harley, an IHRA-exclusive class populated by nitro-burning, two wheelers, capable of accelerating to 210 mph in little more than a city block, Pro Modified, Pro Stock, Funny Car, Super Eliminator and eight sportsman classes.
Saturday night, the sky above New York International will glow with the traditional "Night Of Fire", a sight and sound spectacular featuring the final rounds of pro qualifying, an outrageous wheelstanding school bus, the fire-breathing 300 mph jet dragsters of Toby Ehrmantraut and Dennis Rolansky, Bob Motz' 20,000 horsepower, 200 mph Jet Kenworth Truck, along with a breathtaking fireworks display.
IHRA continues their commitment to "Family-Friendly" ticket prices at the CARQUEST Empire Nationals. Tickets for Friday's racing are just $20 and include free pit pass and parking. Saturday and Sunday's action is $30, including free pit pass and parking. Children 6-12 are always admitted for $5 and a three-day "Superpass" is available for $60.
"I want IHRA fans to be able to bring their entire family to the CARQUEST Empire Nationals," states IHRA President/General Manager, Bill Bader. "By keeping ticket prices affordable, the entire family can enjoy the races together. I feel that IHRA Snap-on Drag Racing is the best family value in motorsports today.
New York International Raceway Park is located in Leicester, NY, off Rt. 36 on New Road, only an hour from Rochester and Buffalo. For ticket and camping information, call (716) 382-3030.
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