DIVISION 3
Cordova Dragway Park
Cordova, Ill., Aug. 1-2, 2008 

Results will be posted as soon as they are available. For detailed results, go to Drag Race Central

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Saturday

CORDOVA, Ill. – Marty Thacker and Kirk Williams took home big wins at this weekend’s NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Showdown presented by Matco Tools. Thacker of Robinson, Ill., used a holeshot along with a 5.438 second pass to take the win over Diana Harker in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. The win stretches Thacker’s lead in the NHRA North Central Division and may have locked up the division championship. Harker hurt the motor on the run but still ran a quicker 5.416 second pass at 260.31 mph.

Williams also won on a holeshot with a 0.019 second reaction time giving his 5.799 second, 250.55 mph run the win over Vern Moats with a lap of 5.702 seconds at 251.91 mph. This is Williams, the 2002 NHRA West Central Division Champion, first win of the season to go along with a runner-up finish at Denver back in June.

Davenport, Iowa, racer Rick Verkler fell one round short in the Ethanol Top Dragster class loosing to JR Lobner of De Soto, Kan., who clocked in at 7.541 seconds at 174.39 mph.

The Comp Eliminator trophy went to Doug Engels of Watertown, S.D., taking out Arnie Martel with a pass of 7.727 seconds at 149.36 mph and the Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman win went to Michael Chitty of Ames, Iowa, in his ’97 Firebird.

A pair of Nebraska racers advanced to the winner’s circle with Don Nichols of Lincoln winning over David Nelson in Super Gas and Jeff Landholm of Oakland winning in Super Street.

Brad Haugaard won in Super Stock out of North Branch, Minn., Jerry Simpson won in Stock Eliminator over Chris Stephenson, and Terry Edwards took the win in Super Comp over Marion, Iowa, racer Jarod Bowman. In the Sportsman Motorcycle class presented by Harley Davidson, Alex Barmettler of Maplewood, Minn., held off Davenport, Iowa, resident Tom Klemme.

West Central Division racers head to Heartland Park Topeka, for the next NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, August 22-23.

The following are the final results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Shootout presented by Matco Tools event at Cordova:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER:
Round 1
1) Diana Harker, Gainesville, Ga., 5.421, 261.88 def.
8) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 16.766, 41.24

2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.525, 262.64 def.
7) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.584, 254.23

3) Jeff Hamelink, Savage, Minn., 5.549, 262.28 def.
6) Dana Stripe, Galesburg, Ill., 5.771, 243.19

5) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.682, 195.76 def.
4) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 13.971, 73.65

Semifinals
Harker, 5.470, 256.50 def. Dreher, broke
Thacker, 5.518, 244.03 def. Hamelink, 5.468, 266.00

Final
Thacker, 5.438, 266.16 def. Harker, 5.416, 260.31

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR:
Round 1
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '08 Mustang, 5.699, 251.63 def.
8) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 6.198, 230.06

3) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '08 Mustang, 5.726, 251.63 def.
6) John Foster,
Davenport, Iowa, '07 Monte Carlo, 6.012, 240.77

4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.821, 243.28 def.
5) Lance Van Hauen,
Reinbeck, Iowa, '05 Firebird, 5.844, 241.20

2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 6.658, 146.88 def.
7) Paul Anderson, Erie, Colo., '07 Charger, 9.147, 98.05

Semifinals
Williams, 6.106, 188.96 def. Snyder, broke
Moats, 5.790, 251.34 def. Bateman, 5.963, 236.67

Final
Williams, 5.799, 250.55 def. Moats, 5.702, 251.91

COMP ELIMINATOR
Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., dragster, D/ED, 7.727, 149.36 def.
Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 11.786, 54.07.

SUPER STOCK
Brad Haugaard, North Branch, Minn., '07 Stratus, GT/EA, 10.314, 128.63 def.
Matt Lund, Bettendorf, Iowa, '90 Camaro, GT/CA, 9.815, 134.20.

STOCK ELIMINATOR
Jerry Simpson, Streator, Ill., '67 Camaro, E/SA, 11.307, 110.76 def.
Chris Stephenson, Brownsburg, Ind., '78 LeBaron, J/SA, 12.361, 105.66.

SUPER STREET
Jeff Landholm, Oakland, Neb., '68 Camaro, 10.950, 140.31 def.
Lane Dicken, Long Grove, Iowa, '01 Beretta, 10.982, 128.40.

SUPER COMP
Terry Edwards, Cameron, Mo., dragster, 8.915, 163.85 def.
Jarod Bowman, Marlon, Iowa, dragster, 8.914, 150.33.

SUPER GAS
Don Nichols, Lincoln, Neb., '68 Camaro, 9.910, 152.18 def.
David Nelson, Randall, Minn., '99 Camaro, 9.895, 151.70.

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
Alex Barmettler, Maplewood, Minn., '78 Kawasaki, 9.396, 136.33 def.
Tom Klemme,
Davenport, Iowa, '77 Kawasaki, 8.793, 139.11.

TOP SPORTSMAN
Michael Chitty, Ames, Iowa, '97 Firebird, 7.756, 172.17 def.
Mark Mabry, W. Frankfort, Ill., '05 Grand Am, 7.201, 188.99.

TOP DRAGSTER
J.R. Lobner, De Soto, Kan., dragster, 7.541, 174.39 def.
Rick Verkler, Davenport, Iowa, dragster, 6.976, 185.23.

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Friday

CORDOVA, Ill. – Jeff Hamelink and Mick Snyder lead opening day qualifying for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Shootout presented by Matco Tools at Cordova Dragway Park.

Hamelink, of Savage, Minn., clicked off a lap of 5.527 seconds at 263.05 mph for the No. 1 spot in Top Alcohol Dragster and both ends of the track record for the class.  On the heals of Hamelink are two former NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division Champions in Marty Thacker of Robinson, Ill., and Dave Hirata of Lowell, Ind.

Snyder out of Demotte, Ind., leads the Top Alcohol Funny Car category running 5.702 seconds at 252.05 mph.  Snyder is coming off a big win in Columbus, Ohio, last week.  Veteran racer and 11-time NHRA Division Champion Vern Moats of Des Moines, Iowa, is in the No. 2 spot with Davenport, Ill., racer John Foster in the fifth spot with a lap of 5.851, 243.72 mph pass.

Bruno Massel of Woodbridge, Ill., jumped to the top spot in Comp Eliminator with a fast lap of 7.298 seconds to lead the field and Scott Parks of Burlingame, Kan., who sits in the No. 2 position in his ’07 Cobalt.

Arnie Martel is the top qualifier in Super Stock out of Tewksbury, Mass., and Charles Blossom of Woodbury, Minn., is No. 1 in Stock.  Tom Meyer of Nebraska sits behind Martel in Super Stock while Sam Hamod is second in Stock.

In the Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman class it was Thomas Stultz leading the way out of Terre Houte, Ind., with a run of 6.719 seconds at 207.88 mph. Tim Kirman of Morris, Ill., and Charley Whittenburg of Spencer, Iowa, are the only other two in the class to dip into the 6-second range running 6.876 seconds and 6.995 seconds respectively.

Canadian Clif Bakx ran 6.274 seconds at 217.39 mph to put himself on top in the Ethanol Top Dragster class followed by Les Feist of Clearwater, Minn., in second.

In Sportsman Motorcycle presented by Harley Davidson, Mike Voss put his Kawasaki on top with a perfect 0.000 second reaction time.  Tom Klemme and Mark Bowser lead a handful of local riders with Klemme of Davenport, Ill., in 6^th and the Moline, Ill., Bowser in 8^th.

In the only eliminations of the day it was Don Nichols taking the win, and his share of the $2,200 Ethanol Shootout purse in his ’68 Camaro.  Nichols knocked off Jeff Cheney in the final round.

Racing continues Saturday at 9 a.m.  Gates open at 8 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragsters and Funny Cars will have a final qualifying session with round 1 of eliminations scheduled for 6 p.m.  Final round eliminations for all classes are scheduled for Saturday night.  Cordova Dragway Park will also host a Bonus Race on Sunday.

Tickets are $22 for adult on Saturday, children 6-12 are just $5 and kids 5 and under are free.  For more information, call 309-654-2110 or visit www.cordovadrag.com.

The following are Friday’s qualifying results at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Summer Showdown presented by Macto Tools event at Cordova Dragway Park:

TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER
1) Jeff Hamelink, Savage, Minn., 5.527 seconds, 263.05 mph
2) Marty Thacker, Robinson, Ill., 5.616, 257.33
3) Dave Hirata, Lowell, Ind., 5.664, 248.71
4) Dana Stripe, Galesburg, Ill., 5.829, 240.72
5) Todd Datweiler, Herscher, Ill., 5.872, 215.93
6) Jared Dreher, Clinton, Ind., 6.121, 224.58
7) Jeff Veale, Hamilton, Ont., 6.131, 231.48
8) Eugene Tumbarello, Denver, Colo., 6.217, 174.87
Not Qualified
9) Edwin Schmeeckle, Gothenburg, Neb., 8.505, 110.98
10) Diana Harker, Gainesville, Ga., 9.247, 112.32
11) Richard Putz, Earlville, Iowa, 11.702, 68.84

TOP ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR
1) Mick Snyder, Demotte, Ind., '08 Mustang, 5.702 seconds, 252.05 mph
2) Vern Moats, Des Moines, Iowa, '08 Mustang, 5.730, 234.17
3) Roger Bateman, Calgary, Alb., '08 Mustang, 5.782, 250.88
4) Kirk Williams, Glenwood, Iowa, '02 Camaro, 5.815, 244.74
5) John Foster, Davenport, Iowa, '07 Monte Carlo, 5.851, 243.72
6) Paul Anderson, Erie, Colo., '07 Charger, 5.931, 244.65
7) Lance Van Hauen, Reinbeck, Iowa, '05 Firebird, 6.043, 234.49
8) Kevin Newburgh, Rock Falls, Ill., '06 Avenger, 6.555, 168.28
Not Qualified
9) Rick Cortino, Wheaton, Ill., '97 Firebird, 6.946, 201.25
10) Wayne Butler, Forest City, Ill., '02 Firebird, 7.952, 114.04
11) Bruce Carlson, Prior Lake, Minn., '97 Firebird, 8.419, 122.48

COMP ELIMINATOR
1) Bruno Massel, Woodbridge, Ill., '07 Cobalt, DD/AT, 7.298 seconds, -0.752 (under index)
2) Scott Parks, Burlingame, Kan., dragster, A/ND, 6.873, -0.627
3) Pat Nahan, St. Cloud, Minn., dragster, E/D, 7.536, -0.624
4) Tom Schmidt, Lindstrom, Minn., '03 S-10, C/T, 8.387, -0.583
5) Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '34 Chevy, B/SR, 7.902, -0.578
6) Doug Engels, Watertown, S.D., dragster, D/ED, 7.431, -0.559
7) Matthew Harris, Nebraska City, Neb., '05 Grand Am, D/A, 7.885, -0.475
8) Mike Farrell, Louisville, Ky., '32 Bantam, A/EA, 7.467, -0.433
9) Jacklyn Gebhardt, Jacksonville, Ill., dragster, A/DA, 6.711, -0.429
10) Bill Riemenapp, La Crosse, Wis., '07 GTO, C/EA, 8.300, -0.400

SUPER STOCK
1) Roy Whittemore, Geneseo, Ill., '88 Mustang, GT/EA, 9.853 seconds, -1.097 (under index)
2) Arnie Martel, Tewksbury, Mass., '08 Cobalt, SS/DM, 8.967, -1.083
3) Tom Meyer, Pierce, Neb., '66 Chevy II, SS/LA, 10.714, -1.036
4) Tony Shaffer, Independence, Mo., '99 Malibu, GT/MA, 11.036, -1.014
5) Don O'Malley, Decatur, Ill., '63 Corvette, SS/JA, 10.318, -0.982
6) Tom Randall, Montgomery, Ill., '02 Cavalier, GT/CA, 9.728, -0.972
7) Ron Taylor, Lincoln, Neb., '57 Chevy, SS/MA, 11.189, -0.961
8) Robert Cruzen, Cleveland, Okla., '02 Cavalier, GT/AA, 9.449, -0.951
9) Travis Sorokie, Saint Cloud, Minn., '85 Camaro, GT/HA, 10.414, -0.936
10) Jeff Town, Paola, Kan., '84 Regal, GT/LA, 10.915, -0.935

STOCK ELIMINATOR
1) Charles Blossom, Woodbury, Minn., '05 Neon, AF/S, 13.024 seconds, -1.126 (under index)
2) Sam Hamod, Hobart, Ind., '90 Formula, I/SA, 11.475, -1.125
3) Marty Buth, Freeport, Ill., '86 Thunderbird, P/SA, 12.700, -1.050
4) Mike Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, H/SA, 11.439, -1.011
5) Jami Jones, Grimes, Iowa, '86 Camaro, G/SA, 11.289, -1.011
6) Paula Cotten, Broken Arrow, Okla., '73 Duster, G/SA, 11.306, -0.994
7) Dirk Olson, LaCrosse, Wis., '69 Nova, B/S, 10.547, -0.953
8) Fred Suiter, Defiance, Mo., '69 Camaro, B/SA, 10.601, -0.949
9) Jerry Stealy, E Moline, Ill., '86 Camaro, G/SA, 11.379, -0.921
10) Rob Turkal, Rapids City, Ill., '80 Camaro, I/S, 11.611, -0.889

TOP SPORTSMAN
1) Tom Stultz, Terre Haute, Ind., '92 Firebird, 6.719 seconds, 207.88 mph
2) Timothy Kirman, Morris, Ill., '01 Grand Am, 6.876, 201.91
3) Charley Whittenburg, Spencer, Iowa, '63 Corvette, 6.995, 199.05
4) Dave Slatten, Fort Collins, Colo., '05 Grand Am, 7.034, 197.31
5) Rick Sojka Sr., Batavia, Ill., '98 Firebird, 7.066, 198.70
6) Jim White, Haysville, Kan., '05 Cavalier, 7.166, 193.60
7) Mark Krupa, Elgin, Ill., '90 Firebird, 7.181, 190.46
8) Mark Mabry, W. Frankfort, Ill., '05 Grand Am, 7.186, 190.14
9) Rich Smith, Wentzville, Mo., '04 Cavalier, 7.271, 188.65
10) Tom Donovan, Olathe, Kan., '02 Mustang, 7.442, 183.59

TOP DRAGSTER
1) Clif Bakx, Grunthal, Manit., dragster, 6.274 seconds, 217.39 mph
2) Les Feist, Clearwater, Minn., dragster, 6.717, 202.55
3) Mark Krupka, Elgin, Ill., dragster, 6.906, 193.49
4) Phil Unruh, McPherson, Kan., dragster, 6.912, 198.58
5) Darin Long, Mitchell, S.D., dragster, 6.926, 193.38
6) Matt Driskell, Wellsville, Kan., dragster, 6.975, 192.52
7) Hank Brown, Muscatime, Iowa, dragster, 7.027, 188.28
8) Brent Camerlinck, Leonardsville, Kan., dragster, 7.064, 187.83
9) Jeremy Siffring, Fremont, Neb., dragster, 7.084, 188.15
10) Tawnya Shank, W. Terre Haute, Ind., dragster, 7.107, 187.00

SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE
1) Mike Voss, Maplewood, Minn., '06 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.000 seconds reaction time
2) Ken Niesen, Brooklyn Park, Minn., '90 Suzuki, SMC, 0.004
3) Jason Clampitt, Lino Lakes, Minn., '93 Harley, ETMX, 0.004
4) Tom Gilligan, Fremont, Neb., '77 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.007
5) Alex Barmettler, Maplewood, Minn., '78 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.011
6) Tom Klemme, Davenport, Iowa, '77 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.014
7) Brian Johnson, Anoka, Minn., '05 Suzuki, ETMX, 0.015
8) Mark Bowser, Moline, Ill., '76 Kawasaki, SMC, 0.023
9) Zachary Schrupp, Mound, Minn., '05 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.023
10) Craig Vogt, Mead, Neb., '73 Kawasaki, ETMX, 0.023

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Preview

CORDOVA, Ill. – Cordova Dragway Park will host the Summer Showdown presented by Matco Tools, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, for two days, August 1 and 2.  The race is the fourth of six in NHRA West Central division competition where drivers in eight categories, including 250 mph Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, vie for points leading to divisional and national championships.  The division’s Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Ethanol Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

Gates at Cordova Dragway Park open at 7 a.m. both days.  Qualifying and time trials kick off Friday at 8 a.m. and continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will have two qualifying runs on Friday, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.  On Saturday, they will have a final qualifying pass at noon.  Eliminations will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the Summer Showdown presented by Matco Tools are $20 Friday and $22 Saturday.  A two-day pass is $37.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Cordova Dragway Park is located 3 miles north of Cordova on Highway Route 84; 10 miles north of I-80 exit No. 1.  For more information call the track, (309) 654-2110, or visit www.CordovaDrag.com. 

NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES: Fact Sheet

WHAT: Summer Showdown presented by Matco Tools, a round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, where drivers earn points leading to divisional and national championships.  Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.  The event is the fourth of six in West Central Division competition. The division’s Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Ethanol Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.

WHERE: Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.  Track is located 3 miles north of Cordova on Highway Route 84;

  10 miles north of I-80 exit No. 1.

WHEN:  Friday and Saturday, August 1-2, 2008.

SCHEDULE: Time trials and qualifying schedule for the Summer Showdown presented by Matco Tools:

FRIDAY, Aug. 1 -- Gates open at 7 a.m.  Qualifying and time trials begin at 8 a.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying sessions are scheduled at 6 and 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Aug. 2 -- Gates open at 7 a.m.  Final qualifying and time trials are scheduled from 8 a.m. to

1 p.m. Final qualifying for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is scheduled at noon. Sportsman categories will begin eliminations at 1 p.m.  Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car will run first round at 6 p.m.

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION/PIT PASS -- $20 Friday, $22 Saturday. A two-day pass is $37.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $5 each day and kids 5 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. For more information please call Cordova Dragway Park, (309) 654-2110, or visit www.CordovaDrag.com.

PURSE: The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors will vie for cash and contingency awards of $220,300, as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $560,000.

2007 EVENT WINNERS: Not contested in ‘07, Top Alcohol Dragster; Not contested in ‘07, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Michael Johnson, Comp Eliminator; Michael Lund, Super Stock; Kevin Haugaard, Stock Eliminator; Jon Medlin, Super Comp; Jarod Bowman, Super Gas; Scott Cowles, Super Street

BONUS PROGRAMS:
 NHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS FUND: a $561,000 point fund from Lucas Oil, which will be shared by 2008 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional champions and national champions.  Divisional awards include $8,500 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions; $3,000 to the champions in both Competition and Super Stock; $2,000 each to the champions in Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.  The seven national champions will share a bonus of $135,000.

 AEROMOTIVE LOW QUALIFIER BONUS: A $3,000 bonus fund paid to the low qualifiers in Comp Eliminator, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator at each of the division’s six races. The best qualifying driver in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock will each get $200 per event, while the best qualifier in Stock Eliminator will get $100 per race.

JEGS ALLSTARS: The best of the best from each of NHRA’s seven divisions will compete for a share of the $100,000 point fund from Jegs High Performance.  The 2009 Jegs Allstars event will culminate a year-long points battle between drivers in each of NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ eight classes.  The top points earner in each category will qualify to represent his/her division at the 2009 Jegs Allstars.  Points are based on in-division races only. 

The winning division’s team will share $20,000 and individual awards include $7,000 each to the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car champions, $6,000 to champions in Comp Eliminator and Super Stock, and $4,500 to the Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street champions.  Runners-up in all categories will earn $2,000 apiece.  Each Allstars competitor will also receive a share of a $20,000 towing fund to get to the event.

Event sponsor, Jegs High Performance, is offering a “double up” bonus to Jegs Allstars participants. 

Any 2009 Jegs Allstars champion who also wins the national event will have his/her Allstars prize doubled.

JERRY HAAS RACE CARS TOP SPORTSMAN SERIES: The Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors

in the West Central division’s Top Sportsman class to earn points toward divisional championships.  The $2,750 champions’ purse posted by Jerry Haas Race Cars will be paid to 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place points finishers.

ETHANOL TOP DRAGSTER SERIES: The Ethanol Top Dragster Series, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in the West Central division’s Top Dragster class to earn points toward divisional championships.  The $3,500 champions’ purse posted by EPIC will be paid to 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place points finishers.

NHRA SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE SERIES presented by HARLEY DAVIDSON: The NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson, run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is an opportunity for competitors in NHRA’s Sportsman Motorcycle class to earn points toward divisional championships.  The $14,000 champions’ purse posted by Harley Davidson will be paid to 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place points finishers in NHRA divisions that host Sportsman Motorcycles.