Then, watch the second show from Rockingham Dragway featuring Funny Car and Sunoco Pro Stock on May 15 at 5 p.m. This show repeats Monday, May 17, at 3 p.m.

The 34th annual Spring Nationals was held at Rockingham Dragway April 23 - 25, 2004. The Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series returns October 22 - 24 for the 9th annual World Finals.

(Wins in brackets next to name)

Driver/Points

TOP FUEL
Clay Millican(2) 272
Bruce Litton 198
Tim Cullinan 146
Rick Cooper 134
Grant Flowers 115

PRO MODIFIED
Glen Kerunsky(1) 162
Rick Distefano 159
Mike Janis(1) 154
Al Billes 135
Harold Martin 110

FUNNY CAR
Mark Thomas(2) 240
Ronnie Midyette 138
Rob Atchison 137
John Foster 136
Terry McMillen 133

SUNOCO RACE FUELS PRO STOCK
John Montecalvo(2) 240
John Nobile 200
Elijah Morton 157
Pete Berner 136
Rick Jones 116

The Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, part of Clear Channel Entertainment’s
Motor Sports division.

Mike Janis, Lancaster, N.Y., Pro Modified; Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, Funny Car; and John Montecalvo, Center Moriches, N.Y., Sunoco Race Fuels Pro Stock were winners in their respective categories.

Qualified No. 1, Millican faced Bobby Lagana, Jr. in the first round. Millican made the quickest pass of the round, defeating Lagana with a 4.616 ET at 311.34 mph. His second round opponent was Chris Karamesines, who failed to make the round. Millican ran an uncontested 4.806 and then won in the final round against Dunn, who did his burnout and then continued to the end of the track.

Millican made the quickest pass in IHRA history Friday night at 4.550, but failed to back it up to claim the record. The qualified eight-car field was the quickest in IHRA history, with the bump-spot at 4.875-seconds. Millican is now tied with Rickie Smith for the most career IHRA wins at 32.

"It was a good day," said Millican. "Mike (Kloeber, Millican's crew chief) continues to amaze me. This was a big day for us because we were running the new Goodyear tire and we were able to learn a lot."

Dunn, of Wilkesboro, N.C., began the day qualified second, and defeated newcomer Rick Cooper in round one with a 4.773, 306.88. He faced Bruce Litton round two and made a great pass at 4.740, 304.74, but lost to Millican in the final.

Janis, last year's Pro Modified event winner, started the day qualified third and defeated Mike Castellana in round one. He faced Glen Kerunsky round two. Kerunsky won the last race in San Antonio, Texas, but Janis got the best of him here, combining a great reaction time of 0.003 and an ET of 6.198 to take the win. He defeated Rick Distefano in the semifinals to advance to the finals against Billes. Janis won the final round in his seven-year-old car with a 6.274, 227.69.

"We were struggling when we first got here," said Janis. "We tried different transmission ratios, working on the motor all weekend. We were busy down there and we finally found the right combination to get the win."

Billes, qualified fifth, took out Steve Salvadore in round one with a 6.221, 227.11. He then defeated Billy Harper to advance to the semifinals against former world champion Scotty Cannon. Cannon took the early lead off the starting line, but lost traction half track and Billes won the round. He met Janis in the final round, the same match-up here in 2003.

Current Funny Car points leader and multiple-world champion Mark Thomas defeated John Bojec in round one with a 5.866, 237.92 and faced Neale Parker in round two. Thomas had the better reaction time and ran the quarter-mile in 5.892-seconds to take the win. He defeated Terry McMillen to advance to the final round with Chris Foster. Thomas defeated Foster with a 6.043 to take his second consecutive win of the season and second consecutive at this event.

"In all my years racing, even my championship years, I've never won the first two races," said Thomas. "The car is running great and my reaction times have really improved. This start really motivates the team to do well and builds morale.

"All of a sudden, I have the confidence to win again."

Foster won round one to a red-lighting David Ray and took out Chris Sipple round two with a 5.967 ET. He then faced Dan Roman in round three. Roman was unable to make the call, and Foster ran a 6.761 to advance to the final against Thomas.

In Sunoco Pro Stock, No. 3 qualifier Montecalvo, fresh off his win last month in San Antonio, took out Floyd Cheek in round one and a red-lighting Tony Gillig in round two. He went on to face Pete Berner in the semifinal round and cut an amazing 0.006 reaction time and covered the quarter-mile in 6.510-seconds to advance to the final round against John Nobile. The pair met last month at the Texas Nationals, with Montecalvo taking the win. The result today was the same, as Montecalvo ran a 6.522, 212.66 to Nobile's 6.552, 212.23.

"This is absolutely unexplainable," said Montecalvo. "I never dreamed to win two in a row and come out strong like this. I kept drilling it in my head that we had to get a strong start. And I don't think you can start much stronger than this.

"There's no doubt in my mind John (Nobile) is going to win one sometime this season."

Nobile started the day No. 1 qualifier and remained consistent all day. In round one he ran a 6.496 ET to take out Carl Baker. Round two he faced Ron Miller. Nobile recorded a 6.510 to win the round and advanced to the semifinals against Elijah Morton. Morton made a good pass, 6.551, but it wasn't enough to top Nobile's 6.530.

The next event on the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series is the 4th Annual ACDelco Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, Richmond, Va., May 28 - 30.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Sunday's final results from the 34th annual U.S. SportsScene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts & Castrol at Rockingham Dragway. The $1.1 million race is the second of 12 in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Clay Millican, 4.636 seconds, 310.41 mph def. Danny Dunn, broke.

Pro Modified -- Mike Janis, Chevy Corvette, 6.274, 227.69 def. Al Billes, Corvette, 6.364, 223.88.

Funny Car -- Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 6.043, 233.52 def. Chris Foster, Avenger, 7.011, 140.78.

Pro Stock -- John Montecalvo, Chevy Cavalier, 6.522, 212.66 def. John Nobile, Ford Escort, 6.552, 212.23.

Top Sportsman -- David Lambert, Chevy Camaro, 7.356, 155.99 def. Steven Derosa, Chevy Cavalier, 15.153, 93.32.

Top Dragster -- Stanley Albritton, Dragster, 7.263, 179.95 def. Bruce Holland, Dragster, 6.945, 191.59.

Quick Rod -- Chuck Harris Jr, Dragster, 8.888, 164.61 def. Brandon Jolley, Dragster, 8.886, 145.13.

Super Rod -- Glenn Ferguson, Ford Maverick, 9.905, 143.55 def. Greg Slack, Maverick, 9.917, 152.24.

Hot Rod -- John Dustin, Ford Mustang, 10.897, 130.24 def. Steve Corker, Chevy Camaro, 10.876, 128.95.

Super Stock -- Jim Harrington, Chevy Camaro, 9.807, 135.47 def. Stephen Jennings, Camaro, 9.936, 134.23.

Stock -- Jack Zimmerman, Dodge Challenger, 10.546, 123.96 def. Chip Johnson, Chevy Nova, 11.172, 111.67.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Final round-by-round results from the 34th annual U.S. SportsScene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts & Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, the second of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series - TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Chris Karamesines, 5.026, 245.05 def. Tim Cullinan, 6.420, 139.65; Bruce Litton, 4.774, 288.58 def. Josh Starcher, 9.167, 91.05; Danny Dunn, 4.773, 306.88 def. Rick Cooper, 5.516, 183.42; Clay Millican, 4.616, 311.34 def. Bobby Lagana Jr, 12.220, 75.77; SEMIFINALS -- Dunn, 4.740, 304.74 def. Litton, 4.861, 298.87; Millican, 4.806, 256.45 def. Karamesines, broke; FINAL -- Millican, 4.636, 310.41 def. Dunn, broke.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE -- Rick Distefano, Chevy Corvette, 6.171, 228.38 def. Troy Critchley, Willys, 18.112, 44.32; Scotty Cannon, Studebaker, 6.408, 220.58 def. Shannon Jenkins, Chevy Camaro, 13.449, 62.64; Glen Kerunsky, Chevy Bel Air, 6.286, 224.43 def. Zach Barklage, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.433, 226.89; Al Billes, Corvette, 6.221, 227.11 def. Steve Salvadore, Bel Air, 6.294, 224.14; Fred Hahn, Corvette, 6.269, 223.95 def. Pat Moore, Bel Air, 10.229, 76.94; Mike Janis, Corvette, 6.204, 228.34 def. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.288, 222.11; Billy Harper, Dodge Viper, 6.329, 222.18 def. Chip King, Dodge Avenger, 18.542, 43.05; Von Smith, Ford Mustang, 6.235, 226.92 def. Rickie Smith, Corvette, 6.291, 221.34; QUARTERFINALS -- Distefano, 6.185, 227.73 def. V. Smith, 10.317, 79.50; Billes, 6.225, 227.34 def. Harper, broke; Janis, 6.198, 229.27 def. Kerunsky, 9.232, 105.35; Cannon, 6.341, 221.82 def. Hahn, 6.556, 192.38; SEMIFINALS -- Billes, 6.448, 220.33 def. Cannon, 8.202, 111.06; Janis, 6.320, 227.00 def. Distefano, 6.980, 161.50; FINAL -- Janis, 6.274, 227.69 def. Billes, 6.364, 223.88.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Chris Sipple, Chevy Camaro, 6.073, 223.58 def. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 13.506, 58.98; Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 5.866, 237.92 def. John Bojec, Avenger, 6.067, 227.69; Ronnie Midyette, Camaro, 5.935, 237.88 def. John Sullivan, Pontiac Firehawk, 5.972, 226.73; Dan Roman, Firebird, 5.889, 236.67 def. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 5.941, 218.37; Dan Roman, Firebird, 5.889, 236.67 def. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 5.941, 218.37; Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.956, 235.23 def. Melinda Green-King, Avenger, 6.019, 230.80; Terry McMillen, Avenger, 5.892, 235.15 def. Bunny Burkett, Avenger, 6.070, 228.00; Neal Parker, Camaro, 5.907, 233.60 def. Terry Munroe, Firebird, 5.995, 226.05; Chris Foster, Avenger, 6.056, 226.54 def. Dave Ray, Ford Mustang, foul; QUARTERFINALS -- Thomas, 5.892, 236.51 def. Parker, 5.938, 231.79; Roman, 6.208, 194.66 def. Dobbs, 9.136, 78.48; McMillen, 5.862, 235.15 def. Midyette, 5.909, 235.68; Foster, 5.967, 232.59 def. Sipple, 11.672, 71.08; SEMIFINALS -- Thomas, 5.956, 237.21 def. McMillen, 10.244, 75.01; Foster, 6.761, 145.80 def. Roman, broke; FINAL -- Thomas, 6.043, 233.52 def. Foster, 7.011, 140.78.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE -- Ron Miller, Chevy Cavalier, 6.536, 210.34 def. Frank Gugliotta, Ford Escort, 6.546, 212.23; Steve Spiess, Cavalier, 6.505, 212.23 def. Mike Bell, Ford ZX2, foul; Tony Gillig, Ford Mustang, 6.545, 211.39 def. Charlie Peppers, Mustang, 9.311, 99.13; Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.505, 211.79 def. John Konigshofer, Mercury Cougar, 6.580, 210.31; Rick Jones, Dodge Stratus, 6.528, 211.26 def. Richard Penland, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.559, 210.31; John Montecalvo, Cavalier, 6.484, 213.00 def. Floyd Cheek, Mustang, 6.634, 210.80; Pete Berner, Mustang, 6.524, 211.39 def. Larry O'Brien, Stratus, 10.482, 105.00; John Nobile, Escort, 6.496, 213.43 def. Carl Baker, Cougar, 6.643, 201.82; QUARTERFINALS -- Morton, 6.524, 210.90 def. Jones, 11.343, 88.40; Berner, 6.549, 210.47 def. Spiess, 6.532, 212.13; Nobile, 6.510, 212.56 def. Miller, 14.188, 77.34; Montecalvo, 6.505, 213.23 def. Gillig, foul; SEMIFINALS -- Nobile, 6.530, 212.53 def. Morton, 6.551, 211.03; Montecalvo, 6.510, 213.33 def. Berner, 10.339, 80.33; FINAL -- Montecalvo, 6.522, 212.66 def. Nobile, 6.552, 212.23.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Point standings (top 10) for IHRA professional categories following the 34th annual U.S. SportsScene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts & Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, the second of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Clay Millican, 272; 2. Bruce Litton, 198; 3. Tim Cullinan, 146; 4. Rick Cooper, 134; 5. Grant Flowers, 115; 6. (tie) Chris Karamesines, 107; Todd Paton, 107; 8. Bobby Lagana Jr, 104; 9. Danny Dunn, 100; 10. Mark Kinsella, 75.

Pro Modified

1. Glen Kerunsky, 161; 2. Rick Distefano, 159; 3. Mike Janis, 154; 4. Al Billes, 135; 5. Harold Martin, 110; 6. Scotty Cannon, 90; 7. Von Smith, 89; 8. Shannon Jenkins, 86; 9. Steve Vick, 84; 10. Mike Castellana, 79.

Funny Car

1. Mark Thomas, 240; 2. Ronnie Midyette, 138; 3. Rob Atchison, 137; 4. Chris Foster, 136; 5. Terry McMillen, 133; 6. Dan Roman, 88; 7. John Sullivan, 74; 8. (tie) Ray Drew, 55; Neal Parker, 55; 10. Chris Sipple, 46.

Pro Stock

1. John Montecalvo, 240; 2. John Nobile, 200; 3. Elijah Morton, 157; 4. Pete Berner, 136; 5. Rick Jones, 116; 6. Tony Gillig, 111; 7. Brian Gahm, 92; 8. Frank Gugliotta, 87; 9. Steve Spiess, 83; 10. Mike Bell, 65.

Other No. 1 qualifiers include Fred Hahn, West Seneca, N.Y., (Pro Modified); Rob Atchison, London, Ontario, Canada, (Funny Car); and John Nobile, Melville, N.Y. (Sunoco Race Fuels Pro Stock).

In the quickest Top Fuel field in IHRA history, Millican holds the No. 1 spot with his Friday qualifying time of 4.550-seconds. He is trailed by Wilkesboro, North Carolina's Danny Dunn, Bruce Litton and Tim Cullinan. Bobby Lagana, Jr. rounds off the eight-car field with a 4.875.

"Our first qualifying pass today, we were working on some test items and that didn't go quite as we hoped," said Millican after not improving his qualifying time. "But you can't move forward if we don't try things. We are always searching."

Hahn's Friday night time of 6.144, 229.12 held up for the No. 1 Pro Modified spot. Canadian Rick Distefano is second, followed by Mike Janis, Billy Harper and Al Billes. Harold Martin, runner-up at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals last month, failed to make the field, as did reigning world champion Mitch Stott.

"So far the whole weekend has gone excellent," said Hahn. "Yesterday the conditions were great, and actually the pass surprised us. We tested earlier this week and didn't run that well. Those numbers came out of this race track.

"We've had a good race track, good horsepower, and a lot of good people helping us. It all came together. We're thrilled to be in the No. 1 spot. Rockingham has always been really good to us."

In Funny Car Atchison claimed No. 1 with a 5.809-second run Friday night. He was ill Saturday and unable to make either qualifying session, yet held on to the top spot. Mark Thomas is second, Ronnie Midyette third and Dan Roman fourth.

In Sunoco Race Fuels Pro Stock Nobile began the day No. 1 and held maintained the top spot, improving with a 6.520, 213.43. Pete Berner jumped into second followed by John Montecalvo, Rick Jones and Jacksonville, N.C.-native Elijah Morton. Reigning world champion Brian Gahm failed to qualify.

"I'm hungry," said Nobile, who despite 10 final rounds, has never won an IHRA Pro Stock event. "People say you have a monkey on your back, but I have a gorilla. I'm definitely hungry for a win, but I know anything can happen."

Eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m. for the U.S. Sports Scene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway. Final round is scheduled for 5 p.m.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- First-round pairings for professional eliminations Sunday for the 34th annual U.S. SportsScene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts & Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, the second of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday.

Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 4.550 seconds, 317.42 mph vs. 8. Bobby Lagana Jr, 4.875, 305.70; 2. Danny Dunn, 4.610, 310.84 vs. 7. Rick Cooper, 4.860, 278.86; 3. Bruce Litton, 4.715, 306.46 vs. 6. Josh Starcher, 4.846, 292.39; 4. Tim Cullinan, 4.754, 292.52 vs. 5. Chris Karamesines, 4.773, 296.11.

Pro Modified -- 1. Fred Hahn, Chevy Corvette, 6.144, 229.12 vs. 16. Pat Moore, Chevy Bel Air, 6.279, 221.92; 2. Rick Distefano, Corvette, 6.199, 222.11 vs. 15. Troy Critchley, Willys, 6.270, 224.81; 3. Mike Janis, Corvette, 6.200, 226.54 vs. 14. Mike Castellana, Chevy Camaro, 6.264, 223.14; 4. Billy Harper, Dodge Viper, 6.200, 223.32 vs. 13. Chip King, Dodge Avenger, 6.250, 226.51; 5. Al Billes, Corvette, 6.205, 227.04 vs. 12. Steve Salvadore, Bel Air, 6.249, 226.43; 6. Glen Kerunsky, Bel Air, 6.207, 224.96 vs. 11. Zach Barklage, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.242, 229.31; 7. Von Smith, Ford Mustang, 6.208, 227.80 vs. 10. Rickie Smith, Corvette, 6.238, 222.29; 8. Shannon Jenkins, Camaro, 6.216, 225.45 vs. 9. Scotty Cannon, Studebaker, 6.227, 224.96.

Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 5.809, 239.44 vs. 16. Chris Sipple, Chevy Camaro, 6.200, 223.69; 2. Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 5.833, 240.47 vs. 15. John Bojec, Avenger, 6.062, 230.25; 3. Ronnie Midyette, Camaro, 5.841, 240.94 vs. 14. John Sullivan, Pontiac Firehawk, 6.044, 225.48; 4. Dan Roman, Firebird, 5.849, 239.40 vs. 13. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 6.041, 223.21; 5. Larry Dobbs, Chevy Corvette, 5.908, 238.81 vs. 12. Melinda Green-King, Avenger, 6.035, 230.88; 6. Terry McMillen, Avenger, 5.930, 232.91 vs. 11. Bunny Burkett, Avenger, 6.027, 235.31; 7. Neal Parker, Camaro, 5.936, 232.79 vs. 10. Terry Munroe, Firebird, 6.017, 214.08; 8. Dave Ray, Ford Mustang, 5.944, 234.09 vs. 9. Chris Foster, Avenger, 5.993, 235.64.

Pro Stock -- 1. John Nobile, Ford Escort, 6.520, 213.43 vs. 16. Carl Baker, Mercury Cougar, 6.601, 210.70; 2. Pete Berner, Ford Mustang, 6.527, 211.76 vs. 15. Larry O'Brien, Dodge Stratus, 6.593, 209.49; 3. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cavalier, 6.532, 212.66 vs. 14. Floyd Cheek, Mustang, 6.581, 211.10; 4. Rick Jones, Stratus, 6.532, 210.67 vs. 13. Richard Penland, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.578, 210.18; 5. Elijah Morton, Mustang, 6.540, 211.79 vs. 12. John Bartunek, Cavalier, 6.573, 211.99; 6. Tony Gillig, Mustang, 6.558, 211.33 vs. 11. Charlie Peppers, Mustang, 6.571, 210.24; 7. Mike Bell, Ford ZX2, 6.559, 210.80 vs. 10. Steve Spiess, Cavalier, 6.568, 211.93; 8. Ron Miller, Cavalier, 6.562, 210.87 vs. 9. Frank Gugliotta, Escort, 6.564, 212.59.

Other No. 1 qualifiers include Fred Hahn, West Seneca, N.Y., (Pro Modified); Rob Atchison, London, Ontario, Canada, (Funny Car); and John Nobile, Melville, N.Y. (Sunoco Race Fuels Pro Stock).

Millican's No. 1 Top Fuel is the quickest pass in IHRA history. He needs a 4.595 ET to back up the run for the IHRA national record. He also reset the Rockingham Dragway track records. Bruce Litton is in the second spot with Wilkesboro, North Carolina's Danny Dunn and Tim Cullinan third and fourth.

Hahn holds the No. 1 Pro Modified position with a 6.144 ET at 229.12 mph. Canadian Rick Distefano is No. 2, with defending event winner Mike Janis and Al Billes third and fourth.

In Funny Car Atchison claimed No. 1 with a 5.809, 239.44, to hold off current points leader Mark Thomas in the second spot. Defending world champion Atchison was the top qualifier at this event in 2003, however, Thomas, a five-time world champion, went on to win the event. Ronnie Midyette is third followed by Dan Roman and Terry McMillen.

Nobile took the top spot in Pro Stock covering the quarter-mile in 6.529-seconds at 212.03 mph. Holding the second spot is John Montecalvo, who defeated Nobile in the final round one month ago in San Antonio. Pete Berner, 2003 No. 1 qualifier, is third, followed by 2003 event-winner Rick Jones and Ron Miller.

Qualifying resumes Saturday at 1 p.m. for the U.S. Sports Scene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts and Castrol at Rockingham Dragway. The final round of qualifying is scheduled for 6 p.m., with final eliminations Sunday.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. -- Results Friday after qualifying for the 34th annual U.S. SportsScene.com Spring Nationals presented by Advance Auto Parts & Castrol at Rockingham Dragway, second of 12 events in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Clay Millican, 4.550 seconds, 317.42 mph; 2. Bruce Litton, 4.715, 306.46; 3. Danny Dunn, 4.734, 277.37; 4. Tim Cullinan, 4.754, 292.52; 5. Chris Karamesines, 4.773, 296.11; 6. Josh Starcher, 4.846, 292.39; 7. Rick Cooper, 4.860, 278.86; 8. John Sipple, 4.895, 297.75.

Pro Modified -- 1. Fred Hahn, Chevy Corvette, 6.144, 229.12; 2. Rick Distefano, Corvette, 6.199, 217.11; 3. Mike Janis, Corvette, 6.200, 226.54; 4. Al Billes, Corvette, 6.205, 224.36; 5. Glen Kerunsky, Chevy Bel Air, 6.207, 224.96; 6. Von Smith, Ford Mustang, 6.208, 226.62; 7. Shannon Jenkins, Chevy Camaro, 6.216, 225.45; 8. Scotty Cannon, Studebaker, 6.227, 224.96; 9. Chip King, Dodge Avenger, 6.250, 226.51; 10. Steve Salvadore, Bel Air, 6.257, 226.43; 11. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 6.264, 223.14; 12. Rickie Smith, Dodge Viper, 6.269, 220.48; 13. Troy Critchley, Willys, 6.291, 224.81; 14. Paul Athey, Corvette, 6.293, 223.28; 15. Harold Martin, Pontiac Grand Am, 6.296, 222.88; 16. David Roemer, Camaro, 6.304, 219.86.

Funny Car -- 1. Rob Atchison, Pontiac Firebird, 5.809, 239.44; 2. Mark Thomas, Dodge Avenger, 5.833, 240.47; 3. Ronnie Midyette, Chevy Camaro, 5.841, 240.94; 4. Dan Roman, Firebird, 5.849, 239.40; 5. Terry McMillen, Avenger, 5.930, 227.84; 6. Dave Ray, Ford Mustang, 5.944, 234.09; 7. Chris Foster, Avenger, 5.993, 235.64; 8. Bunny Burkett, Avenger, 6.027, 231.99; 9. Jeff Burnett, Firebird, 6.041, 223.21; 10. John Bojec, Avenger, 6.062, 230.25; 11. Neal Parker, Camaro, 6.199, 225.75; 12. Terry Munroe, Firebird, 6.261, 212.06; 13. Chris Sipple, Camaro, 6.263, 185.74; 14. Brian Harvanek, Firebird, 7.369, 208.49.

Pro Stock -- 1. John Nobile, Ford Escort, 6.529, 212.03; 2. John Montecalvo, Chevy Cavalier, 6.532, 211.79; 3. Pete Berner, Ford Mustang, 6.555, 210.11; 4. Rick Jones, Dodge Stratus, 6.573, 210.60; 5. Ron Miller, Cavalier, 6.579, 209.26; 6. Floyd Cheek, Mustang, 6.581, 211.10; 7. John Bartunek, Cavalier, 6.582, 210.93; 8. Mike Bell, Ford ZX2, 6.582, 210.11; 9. Frank Gugliotta, Escort, 6.591, 211.36; 10. Larry O'Brien, Stratus, 6.605, 207.82; 11. Steve Spiess, Cavalier, 6.609, 211.30; 12. Carl Baker, Mercury Cougar, 6.617, 209.01; 13. John Konigshofer, Cougar, 6.632, 208.30; 14. Brian Gahm, Mustang, 6.649, 209.49; 15. Michael Bruno, Cavalier, 6.658, 206.64; 16. Doug Kirk, Mustang, 6.661, 207.59.

This event marks the second race on the 12-event Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, an international drag racing circuit with three events in Canada. (The season-opener was the Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway) Racers enter Rockingham with one race under their belt, competing for the weekend purse and points. The competitor at the end of the season with the most points is crowned world champion.

Three-time Top Fuel World Champion Clay Millican enters this race after a win at the Texas Nationals. Millican, of Drummonds, Tenn., picked up two of his ten wins last season at Rockingham, winning the Spring Nationals and World Finals. In addition to holding the IHRA record for most career Top Fuel wins at 31 (a record formerly held by Don Garlits), Millican is an IHRA world record holder (4.566, 326.63), as well as Rockingham Dragway track record holder (4.566, 316.15).

Bruce Litton heads to Rockingham in a position he is all too familiar with: second place. He has finished runner-up to Millican the last two seasons, and is currently second in the point standings. However, Litton, of Indianapolis, may have other things on his mind. During his semifinal win against Grant Flowers at San Antonio, Litton wrecked after crossing the finish line, destroying his dragster. He was airlifted to the hospital and later released with a minor concussion, but missed his final round appearance against Millican.

Making their Rockingham debut in the Top Fuel category are the Nitro-Injected dragsters. After a decent showing at the Texas Nationals, these competitors look to improve on their programs to running quicker and faster times. Possible entries include Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., Mike Bowers, Dallas, Texas, and Keith Stark, Danville, Ill.

In Pro Modified, Glen Kerunsky, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the points leader after his win at the Texas Nationals from the No. 16 qualifying spot. However, all eyes may be on former six-time world champion Scotty Cannon. The Lyman, S.C.-native returns to IHRA Pro Modified after pursuing a career in Nitro Funny Car with NHRA.

Reigning world champion Mitch Stott returns to Rockingham, hoping to regain his perch at the top of the class. Stott, of Mill Spring, N.C., qualified No. 9 in San Antonio, but lost in the second round to eventual winner Kerunsky. Others to watch for: Mike Janis, Harold Martin, Quain Stott and Shannon Jenkins.

Five-time Funny Car World Champion Mark Thomas, Louisville, Ohio, will be in familiar territory at Rockingham. With his win against reigning world champion Rob Atchison at the Texas Nationals, Thomas finds himself No. 1 in the point standings and carrying the momentum of the class. However, if Thomas wants to leave still with the points lead, he needs to remain focused and cut good reaction times. Atchison, of London, Ontario, has the quickest car in the field by far. Thomas defeated him in the final round with a better reaction time.

In Sunoco Pro Stock, John Montecalvo opened the season with a win in Texas and comes to Rockingham with the points lead. Montecalvo, from Center Moriches, N.Y., will look to repeat at Rockingham, after having one of the quickest and most consistent cars during the opener. Trailing him in the point standings is fellow New Yorker John Nobile. Others to watch: Jacksonville, N.C.-native Elijah Morton, defending world champion Brian Gahm and 2003 event winner Rick Jones.

For media credentials or to schedule interviews, please contact Travis Reynolds, IHRA, at (419) 660-4225 or Steve Earwood, Rockingham Dragway, at (910) 582-3400.

For tickets, call Rockingham Dragway at (910) 582-3400 or check out the race preview at www.ihra.com  or www.rockinghamdragway.com .

In fact, Montecalvo credited his lengthy pre-season test at The Rock for his impressive performance in the season-opening Texas Nationals at San Antonio, an event in which he qualified his Chevy Cavalier on the pole (6.533 seconds), posted top speed of the event (213.57 miles per hour) and won for just the fourth time in his Pro Stock career.

Nevertheless, an affinity for the racetrack is not Montecalvo's only Carolina connection.

"(San Antonio) was the first race we had Jeff and Cindy Dobbins on board," Montecalvo said, "and, with my guys who have been with me for awhile, we've just gelled together like you couldn't believe."

The Dobbinses are Wilmington residents who, before teaming up with Montecalvo, won two times with their own Pro Stock car, most recently at the AC Delco Canadian Nationals last July at Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

"It was a tremendous way to start the year," Montecalvo said of his Texas victory. "It really builds momentum and morale for the team. I think you'll see this Chevy in the winners' circle quite a few times this season."

Ironically, despite his newfound affection for Rockingham Dragway, the 44-year-old Montecalvo never has won a major race at the Carolina track. Twice he reached the final round at the fall race and twice he was disappointed (1999 and 2001). Likewise Dobbins, who was runner-up at the World Finals in 2002.

Despite their quick start Montecalvo and Dobbins know they face an uphill battle in their bid to unseat two-time reigning Hooters Series champion Brian Gahm of Lucasville, Ohio.

That's because Gahm's car and six of the other cars in the current Top 10 are Ford products. In fact, Montecalvo, fellow New Yorker John Bartunek and veteran Steve Spiess of Manhattan, Ill., are the only competitive drivers of bowtie products in a sea of blue ovals.

In addition to Gahm, the Ford contingent includes 1995 series champion Mike Bell of McLeansville, N.C., San Antonio runner-up John Nobile of Melville, N.Y., eight-time IHRA tour winner Robert Patrick of Fredericksburg, Va., two-time winner Tony Gillig of Lake Bluff, Ill., and three-time tour runner-up Elijah Morton of Jacksonville, N.C., who also tested well at The Rock.

The fact is, Ford has maintained a stranglehold on the Pro Stock division for the last nine seasons.

The last time a Ford product DIDN'T win the championship was 1994. Since then, seven different drivers have delivered championships for Dearborn.

Although he lost to Gahm in the first round at San Antonio, Bell might be Montecalvo's biggest obstacle at the Spring Nationals.

A former chassis builder for NHRA Funny Car Champion Raymond Beadle, Bell has made as many laps at Rockingham as anybody on the planet, most of them as a one-time as instructor at a drag racing school. Although he is an accomplished driver, Bell's set-up skills are what set him apart from his rivals.

In addition to Pro Stock, Spring Nationals champions will be crowned in Top Fuel, Pro Modified, Funny Car and seven sportsman categories.

Racing begins with Friday's "Castrol Night of Fire" featuring pro qualifying plus an exhibition performance by Bob Motz and the Original Jet Truck and a fireworks show. Pro qualifying continues at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with final eliminations beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $35 Friday, $40 Saturday and $35 Sunday. Juniors, kids 6-12, are $5 daily. A super ticket good for all three days is available in advance for $85. Reserved seating is $5 additional Friday and Sunday; $10 additional on Saturday. Although parking in the main lot is free with each ticket purchased, VIP parking, which provides vehicle access into the track proper, is available for $20 per day.

"I'm not really thinking about the record right now. I just want to try to focus on everything we have to do in order to win, and hopefully we'll be successful," said Millican.

Millican, starting his fifth season of professional competition, has amassed 31 career IHRA victories. If he is victorious in Rockingham, he will tie Rickie Smith's record of 32 wins to become the winningest IHRA driver in any professional class. The four professional classes include Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Modified, and Sunoco Pro Stock. Smith has a combined 32 wins in Pro Stock and Pro Mod.

Millican will also look to improve upon his Rockingham Dragway track records for both elapsed time (4.566 seconds) and speed (316.15 mph). In 2003, Millican became the first IHRA driver in history to break into the 4.5-second range for the quarter mile pass. His Rockingham Dragway e.t. record is also the IHRA world record.

"I love Rockingham," said Millican. "It has obviously been one of the best tracks for Team Werner because we have been in a lot of final rounds and won a lot of races there. As long as Team Werner stays on the road and delivers the load, we'll all be happy."

In his first race of the season, the IHRA Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Millican earned his 34th career number-one qualifying spot, and went on to claim his 31st career win. He is currently in first place in the 2004 Hooters IHRA Top Fuel point standings.

Team Werner will compete in all 12 IHRA national events this season, while also competing a limited NHRA schedule of at least eight races with Team 104+ Performance Additives.

Millican is a former forklift driver from Drummonds, Tenn., and has loved drag racing his entire life. He got his first racecar at the age of 16, and still goes bracket racing at his hometown track when he has the chance. He is married and has two sons, with whom he enjoys skateboarding and BMX biking.

For more information about Clay Millican, Lehman Racing, and Werner Enterprises, please visit www.lehmanracing.com  or www.werner.com .

Next Race: Rockingham, N.C., April 23 – 25, 2004

(Wins in brackets next to name)

Driver/Points

TOP FUEL

Clay Millican(1) 136

Bruce Litton 104

Todd Paton 92

Grant Flowers 90

Mark Kinsella 75

PRO MODIFIED

Glen Kerunsky(1) 106

Harold Martin 95

Rick Distefano 79

Steve Vick 69

Scotty Cannon 57

FUNNY CAR

Mark Thomas(1) 120

Rob Atchison 101

Ronnie Midyette 79

Terry McMillen 57

John Sullivan 55

SUNOCO RACE FUELS PRO STOCK

John Montecalvo(1) 121

John Nobile 99

Doug Kirk 80

Brian Gahm 77

Rick Jones 58

The Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series, part of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division.

"Just as ACDelco makes parts for all makes and models of automobiles, our ACDelco Fast Fuel program is intended for all racers in all classes," said Scott Mackie, General Manager for ACDelco. "We have gotten to know many of these competitors through our sponsorship of the Richmond and Toronto races, as well as our support of Harold Martin. Not only are they dedicated to the success of our sport, putting in long hours just to get to the track, but many are also loyal ACDelco customers. We see our sponsorship of the ACDelco Fast Fuel program as a way to show our appreciation for their tremendous efforts."

"ACDelco has consistently provided IHRA and our racers with overwhelming support," said IHRA President Bill Bader. "In addition to their sponsorship at two national events and Pro Modified driver Harold Martin, this unique program is a pleasant way to welcome competitors to every event."

Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, ACDelco markets automotive replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM and ACDelco brand names. In addition to the Fast Fuel Program, ACDelco is the primary sponsor of two IHRA national events, the ACDelco Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, Va., and the ACDelco Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park in Toronto, Canada. ACDelco's presence is also visible on the track through their sponsorship of Pro Modified standout Harold Martin.

For more information, visit the ACDelco web site at www.acdelco.com .