The Southland's Top Import Drag Racers to Compete at NHRA Import Finals in Pomona, Calif.

    POMONA, Calif.--Sept. 24, 2001--The top import drag racers will compete Sept. 28-30 in a head-to-head competition with the best in the country at the Mazda(R) NHRA(R) Import World Finals presented by Toyo Tires(R) located at Pomona Raceway.
    This inaugural season-ending national event will determine the NHRA Summit Import Drag Racing Series champions for their respective classes.
    Import Racing celebrities will be on hand to meet with their fans and sign autographs during this event. Included is this lineup are local Team Toyo(TM) members: Abel Ibarra from Mira Loma, Calif., is battling for the points lead in the Pro Class with his turbocharged, 178-mph Mazda RX-7. Stephan Papadakis hails from nearby Anaheim Hills, Calif. and will be pitting his front wheel drive, 174-mph Honda Civic against hard-charging Christian Rado (Modified Class points leader) and Craig Paisley. Scott Kelley, also from Anaheim Hills, is a front runner with his "Toyo Tires Bullet," a classic 1969 Volkswagen Fastback. Kelley competes in the All Motor Class with impressive 11-second elapsed times against later model import machines.
    Tickets are available for the Mazda NHRA Import World Finals presented by Toyo Tires at the Pomona Fairplex ticket office. A discount coupon valued at $5 off of the admission price can be downloaded off of www.toyo.com. For ticket information, contact 800/884-NHRA, or view their Web site at www.nhraimport.com.