Salem Pre-Race

            Fayetteville, GA (May 13, 2002) - The 2002 USAR Hooters ProCup Series Northern Division will head into Salem Speedway on Sunday, May 19th for what promises to be an exciting race according to Series driver and short track veteran Richard Hampton. Hampton, from nearby Seymour, Indiana, looks forward to returning to his home track.

            "I live real close to Salem Speedway and I can't wait to get there and race," said Hampton. "The track is one where you will have to be ready and alert the entire race because it is so fast."

            Salem Speedway is a fast .555-mile track located in Salem, Indiana not too far from historic Louisville, Kentucky. The track has recently undergone many improvements for competitors and fans.

            "Since I began running there in the early 70s the new management at the track has done an impressive job improving the facility," Hampton said. "They have put in new suites, grandstands and television-quality lighting. But one thing remains the same - the track."

            Hampton said in a recent interview the track is one that will challenge not only the drivers, but the entire race team.

            "Tires will be an issue at Salem," Hampton said. "The key to winning this race will be who can stay on the lead lap and pit the latest for their last set of tires. If you can do that, you will be fast at the end because cars that are fast early will drop off speed if there cars are not set up right."

            The drivers will be given 10 tires for the race, so tire strategy will be somewhat different for this race compared to other races in the division where most races only allow eight tires per event.

            "The track has done a lot of work on the pit wall and the retaining wall," said Hampton. "But it is still a very dangerous track. Going into turns one and two, you will run a groove up from the bottom, but in turn three there is a dip you will feel as you enter the turn that upsets the car. The speeds we will be running will really get your car upset."

            Hampton also added that cars can get back on the gas earlier in turns three and four and the groove out of turn four makes the track very tight and narrow when you also consider the entrance to pit road.

            "You have to have a good spotter at Salem," said Hampton. "You can't see turn four while you are in turn three because of the high banking at the track. You need to have a good spotter to get you through if there is trouble and everyone will have to use hand signals in the car."

            While the high banking and horsepower created by the Hooters ProCup Series cars will keep the competitors on a high level of concentration, Hampton expects an entertaining race.

            "The cars will be very fast and the fans will see a great show," added Hampton. "We have won races at the speedway and we hope to be in contention for the race on Sunday afternoon."