NHRA MEDIA ADVISORY: PRESS LUNCH AND MEDIA DRAG CHALLENGE K&N FILTERS SUPERNATIONALS

M  E  D  I  A    A  D  V  I  S  O  R  Y

 

 WHAT:                    NHRA PRESS LUNCHEON AND MEDIA DRAG CHALLENGE: Four NHRA drivers will be available to preview the 36th annual K&N Filters SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, June 16-19. The $2 million race is the 11th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series in 2005. Media members also will compete for bragging rights on the historic dragstrip during the Media Drag Challenge. Winner and runner-up of the event will receive commemorative plaques. Media members also will be able to race NHRA pro drivers in special grudge matches.

 

 WHEN:                   Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at noon.                      

 

 WHERE:                 Old Bridge Township Raceway Park 

Main tower, suite #305

Englishtown, N.J.

 

 WHO:                      Drivers attending the press luncheon include:

 

● MORGAN LUCAS, driver of the Lucas Oil dragster. Lucas took over the driving duties for the Joe Amato-owned team last year at mid-season following the tragic death of Darrell Russell. An accomplished Top Alcohol Dragster driver, Lucas, 21, made a smooth transition and has advanced to three final rounds since making his pro debut last August. This is his first start at Raceway Park. He is currently fifth in points.

 

● TOMMY JOHNSON JR., driver of the Skoal Chevy Monte Carlo. After winning the season-opening Winternationals, Johnson has posted some solid finishes, including a runner-up finish at Topeka, Kan. two weeks ago. With six career victories, including wins in both Funny Car and Top Fuel, Johnson is one of the sport’s most versatile and talented drivers. He is looking for his first final round appearance at Raceway Park.  

 

● BRANDON BERNSTEIN, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster. The second-generation driver will try to get his first win of the 2005 season and first ever at Raceway Park. After a spectacular crash at this event in his rookie season, Bernstein is ready to put the 2003 mishap and first round loss in 2004 behind him. He has six career wins and is currently sixth in the points order.

 

● ERICA ENDERS, driver of the Cagnazzi Racing Chevy Cobalt. The rookie driver is only the fifth woman to drive a Pro Stock car in NHRA history. The subject of the popular Disney Channel movie “Right on Track,” Enders hopes to become the first woman to win in the 200 mph category. 

 

 NEED A RIDE?      A courtesy shuttle will be provided from the New Brunswick train station (NJ Transit, Northeast Corridor Line) to the racetrack for the luncheon (11:30 a.m. pickup at train station) and then back to the New Brunswick train station (2:30 p.m. drop-off) for those members of the media who need transportation assistance to attend the Press Luncheon and Media Drag Challenge.

 

CONTACT:               If you would like to attend the press luncheon, please RSVP to Anthony Vestal, NHRA Communications, (626) 250-2425, office or (626) 695-6649, cell

 

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