MARLOWE TOP FUEL RACING BRINGS "WINNING COMBINATION" TO BRISTOL DRAGWAY

Winston-Salem, N.C., July 29, 2002- As the AHDRA prepares for the big show at Bristol Dragway, August 10th & 11th, the rider entries continue to grow with a few twists in the action.

Mitch Marlowe of Hollywood, FL, announced last week that he will debut a newly formed Top Fuel team at the AHDRA Bristol event featuring his current rider, Sonny Michalowski and reknown, rider for hire, Drums Brancaccio.

Why Drums? "Well I did my homework", commented Marlowe. "Look at this record. 13 Championships, over 80 event wins, that's pretty impressive. His record speaks for itself, he's a good rider."

"Sonny Michalowski has been racing for 30 years, and I think the two are a winning combination", Marlowe continued. "We've got D.J. Johnson tuning both bikes-another winning combination. Hey, I'm out to win championships, not to show and tell."

Brancaccio was plenty happy to discuss the new Top Fuel marriage. The multiple championship rider says he got the call from Marlowe early last week. "I called him back three times to make sure it was for real", the outspoken Nutley, N.J native commented. "I'll be riding a brand new 175 cubic inch Top Fueler from D.J.!

We've been friends (on and off) for 40 years. He knows his stuff. I want to race and I'm good at it! There's not a bike I can't ride. If you don't believe me, bring it on".

Brancaccio is no stranger to race fans-known for his "no fear" quarter mile blasts and says he's ready to put on a show at the upcoming Smith Brother's Harley-Davidson Thunder In the Valley Nationals presented by Southeastern Bonding.

Riders from the U.S. and Canada are scheduled to appear and last week Tak Shigematsu of Japan joined the roster of riders headed to Bristol Dragway. Shigematsu grabbed his first JIMS To Fuel win at AHDRA's Maplegrove, PA race earlier in the season and his Blue Panther H-D mount will be tuned by none other than- D.J. Johnson.

The action gets underway Friday, August 9th at Bristol Dragway, with a special test and tune session for riders, 4-10pm. Qualifying begins Saturday at 10:30am and eliminations start at 12:30pm on Sunday. Gates open both days at 8:00am.

Admission to Bristol Dragway is $35 for the weekend, $20 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free, and H.O.G. members receive a $5 discount at the gate.

Special attractions include a Kick-Start party hosted at Smith Brother's Harley-Davidson on Friday, 5-8pm with JIMS Top Fuel Champion, Steve Moore on hand for autographs.

Saturday evening features live entertainment at Bristol Dragway with "The Smyle Band" and kids 16 and under will enjoy a special pizza party with a live D.J and a visit from AHDRA Junior Dragsters.