NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Series - Race Notes from Pacific Raceways

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES - NORTHWEST DIVISION
PACIFIC RACEWAYS
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2002

RACE NOTES FROM THE NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES - PACIFIC RACEWAYS

PACIFIC RACEWAY RENOVATIONS

Kent, Wash. - Many of the race fans and 400 plus racers who were in attendance for the first time this season at Pacific Raceways for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, were overwhelmed by the upgrades and changes made to the facilities this year.
Formerly known as Seattle International Raceway, the track changed management this year after former track operator Jim Rockstad, was denied renewal of his lease.  The Fiorito family then took over operations of the track on January 1, 2002. 
 "We began a massive clean-up, starting at the gate and made our way from there," said track owner, Jason Fiorito.  "We'll continue to keep improving this place in order to make this track, a facility that both racers and race fans will enjoy attending."    
Clean-up process at the track has been accompanied by the refurbishing of bathrooms, concessions, and grand stands.  The pit areas have also been improved, as rocks were removed and grass was seeded.
"They used to call it the rock pit," said Northwest Division announcer Steve Wong.  "But now, the racers have been talking all weekend about the improved pit spaces."
	The Fiorito family also added track operator Jay Livingsten and Russell Stevenson to the staff, to add even more credibility to the track and its operations.  
	"Adding Jay and Russell helped Pacific Raceways immediately come out of the box with a knowledgeable staff," said Fiorito.  "This entire staff has really jelled together in a very short amount of time."
	The improvements made to the facility thus far, have made all the racers competing here this weekend look forward to returning in a month's time for the Lucas Oil NHRA Northwest Nationals at the end of July.  
"Jay, Russell, and the Fiorito family is doing a heck of a job in upgrading the facility," said Jason Rupert, driver of the Lucas Oil Icon TV Top Alcohol Funny Car.
Future plans involve separating Pacific Raceway's road coarse from the drag strip.  The track will also be repaved so drivers will be able to race eastwards, versus westwards like they currently are racing.  This way, racers will not have to negotiate the glare of the sun in the afternoons as they drive down the quarter-mile.  
"In a couple years, this will be one of the top facilities on the West Coast," said Centennial Batteries Northwest Energy Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Bucky Austin.  

BORDER WARS: EVENT 1

	Kent, Wash. - The first of five races in the Street Lethal Border Wars Series was held in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Pacific Raceways.
	"We (Division 6) are providing a platform for these Pro Street animals to race and perform," said Northwest Division Director, Mike Rice.  "I'm sure you will enjoy the show."  
	Run on a 7.50 index, Pro Street vehicles must meet all street legal requirements including street tires, exhaust, turn signals, and head lights.
	"I'd like to see Pro Street brought to NHRA as an official class," said Glen Braid, promoter and Pro Street racer.  "People love it and they think its great."
	Thirteen cars were in competition for this weekend's race, with 20 to 25 cars committing to participate in the series thus far.
	Don Murray of White Rock, B.C., defeated Glen Braid in the final as his 7.572 second, 172.08 mph pass earned him the win lights.  
	Event two of five of the Street Lethal Border Wars Series will take place at Mission Raceway Park, in Mission, B.C., July 20-21.  For more information concerning the series, visit www.streetlethal.ca.

SPECIALTY AWARDS

	Kent, Wash. - Sportsman Motorcycle racer Leeland King and crew, earned the award for Best Appearing Crew for this weekend's NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.  Leeland's wife, Kim, owner and operator of Racers Finishing Touch designed and created the team's brand new uniforms that debuted this weekend.  
	Also taking home awards were Jason Rupert of Anaheim, Calif., for Best Engineered Car, for his Lucas Oil Icon TV Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Don Juel of Spokane, Wash., for Best Appearing Car, for his '57 Corvette roadster.  

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