NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Friday from Atco Raceway

Racing kicked off today at the Franklin
Trailers, Inc. NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Event at Atco Raceway.
Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo and Top Alcohol Dragster pilot
Aaron Olivarez got out to a quick start both qualifying in the No. 1
position.

           Morganville, New Jersey resident and 10-time Lucas Oil
National Champion Frank Manzo showed his experience clinching the top
qualifying position over Mickey Ferro of Stamford, Conn.  Manzo finished
the day running a pass of 5.660 seconds at 257.87 mph, while Ferro ran a
time of 5.666 seconds at 250.13 mph.

Olivarez of Sandy, Utah, was able to edge out local racer Karen Stalba
of Hammonton, N.J. with a time of 5.432 seconds at 267.64 mph clinching
the top qualifying spot.  Stalba will start Saturday's eliminations in
the No. 2 position after her run of 5.518 seconds at 247.66 mph.

           Comp Eliminator racer Allyn Armstrong of Kingston, N.S.,
qualified first over Vinny Barone of Dix Hills, N.Y.  Armstrong driving
a '72 Opel outran Barone with a pass of 8.891 seconds.

           Williamstown, N.J. resident Brian Oakes qualified in the top
position in Super Stock with a pass of 8.994 seconds.  Oakes edged out
John Armstrong of Kingston, N.S., who drove a '69 Corvette and could not
keep up with Oakes.  Also at the top of the field was another New Jersey
driver Richard Adkins of Willingboro in Stock Eliminator.  Adkins
piloting a '67 Mustang held on to the top spot with a pass of 10.207
seconds and qualified just ahead of Tex Miller of Fayetteville, Pa.

           Gates open on Saturday at 7 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and
Funny Car Eliminations begin at 2 p.m., while qualifying in all other
categories continues throughout the day. Tickets are $20 for adults and
children age 5 and under are Free.  For more information please call the
track at 856-768-2167 or visit www.atcorace.com