Stevens Jr. qualifies No. 5 in Sonoma

DON SCHUMACHER RACING
2006 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 15 of 23
Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, Calif.
Race Date: July 28-30, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438;
jstropus@earthlink.net

STEVENS JR. QUALIFIES NO. 5 IN SONOMA

SONOMA, Calif. (July 29, 2006) - Richie Stevens Jr. continues to race
towards his first win for Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series Pro Stock class, as he enters Sunday's Fram-Autolite NHRA
Nationals at Infineon Raceway from the No. 5 position.

Stevens recorded a stellar qualifying pass of 6.649 seconds at 207.08 mph in
today's third qualifying session to earn that spot.

It is the eighth time in 15 events in 2006 he has placed the Team
Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T in the top half of the elite 16-car Pro
Stock field.

His other three qualifying passes produced a 6.724/205.72, a 6.692/205.76,
and a 6.689/206.67.

Sunday, he chases that win. "We've got a good car this weekend, and I feel
like we've got a good shot tomorrow. We're going to do the best we can and
try not to make any mistakes," said the New Orleans native.

"Fifth is damned good place to start; we'll take that. That will give us
lane choice. The lanes seem to be pretty equal, but you never know what
might happen with the nitro cars. It's nice to have that in your back
pocket; it makes you feel better on Sunday morning.

"We have things going in the right direction. We got back into the top
10 last weekend, and we have to protect that, then work on moving up
some more. Hopefully we can win tomorrow, and go home off this Western
Swing on a good note."

Stevens matches up against Mike Edwards in the first round of Sunday's
eliminations. He is 1-1 (win-loss) against Edwards this season.

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